The Savvy Tourist

Orbitz Weekly Specials!

Just a quick reminder to check out the Orbitz weekly specials that are posted in the left sidebar. These are some incredible deals and you won't want to miss them. They change all the time and some will be expiring very soon so don't delay.

 

A New Twist on an Old Tradition

For as long as cruise ships have been traveling around the islands of Hawaii, passengers have thrown their leis overboard while sailing away, symbolizing their hopes to return someday. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa has given that tradition a new twist by establishing a pohaku (stone) where departing guests can leave their leis. Located between the beach and lagoon near Tidepools Restaurant and facing the waterfall, the pohaku bears a plaque encouraging guests to drape a garland of flowers as a remembrance of their stay. Each lei contributes to the cycle of beauty at the resort as it turns into compost for landscaping long after the original flowers have gone. What a beautiful way to serve a tradition and to keep it going for years to come.

Music of the Islands - The Spirit of Aloha

Did you know that Hawaiian music is now a category at the Grammy Awards?  Me neither. Anyway, it is becoming more and more popular and rightfully so. For all of you sophisticated and savvy tourists who might be looking to take in some warm and authentic tunes while vacationing in Hawaii, here are some great hot spots that the "locals" decided to share with us. (I still have connections).

• The Halekulani Hotel's House Without A Key continues to preserve one of the favored traditions of the original Halekulani Hotel - Hawaiian music and hula performed by two former Miss Hawaii under the century old Kiawe tree, fabulous cocktails, and memorable sunsets. You can also enjoy the sounds of the steel guitar by Pa'ahana and Pokelo.
• Every Friday night at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa you can enjoy the King's Jubilee - a celebration of Hawaii's royal past, along with a fireworks display and relaxing kanikapila with Olomana at the Paradise Lounge, a favorite local band.
• Set on the docks of Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai, Kona Brewing Co. offers local entertainment by Naluhoe, Boogie and Friends and Grammy Award winner Ledward Ka'apana.
• The first Friday of each month, you can head down to the Hawaii State Art Museum in Downtown Honolulu's art district for a "Live On The Lawn" free concert featuring some of Hawaii's best entertainers from 5pm till 9pm.
• Hawaii Romance Festival  from May 2-11, 2008 celebrates all genre of music. This 10 day festival includes a Hawaiian Music night with Hawaii's Music Ambassador, Amy Hanaiali'i, and the Matt Catingub Orchestra
• Annual Ukulele Festival is held on July 27, 2008 this year at Kapiolani Park Bandstand. This free concert showcases the finest ukulele players, along with national celebrities, Hawaii's top entertainers and an ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students.

"kanikapila" - the Hawaiian way of bringing music, food and "talk story" together

Travel Specials and Updates

Does this cold winter weather have you dreaming of warmer climates? Well, check out my Travel Specials page where Pleasant Holidays  has teamed up with Marriott Resorts  to offer you some great deals for travel to Hawaii, and Palace Resorts  has some great incentives for traveling to Mexico (like you need incentives).

Just a heads up - I am starting a series of posts on Sydney, Australia. My husband has been spending some time there for work and has some fabulous pictures to show off. Having never been there myself (but planning to go soon), I would love some input from my loyal Aussie bloggers as to things to do in Sydney or great places to stay and eat. So, keep an eye out for my upcoming "Disoriented Down Under" series. Here's a sample of hubby's photographic prowess.........

And here is the biggie.......I finally released my Disney blog this week for public consumption. Keep in mind, we are still under construction, but please stop by and visit Mickey and Me...........A Love Story!
I currently have Jay over at Dat Money working on a cool banner for Mickey. Jay is running a fabulous special for the month of January and does some really great work. Check him out!!