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State of Hawaii Safe Travels Program to End March 25

March 3, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

If you have been postponing your Hawaiian vacation due to travel restrictions, now is the time to change your mind. We are very excited to announce that the state’s Safe Travels program for domestic travelers will end on March 25, 2022. That means that starting March 26, travelers to Hawaii will no longer have to submit proofs of vaccination, negative COVID test results, or waste their precious vacation time on quarantines.

Here is the excerpt from Hawaii Tribune-Herald that broke the news this week:

“Hawaii’s Safe Travels program will end March 25, announced Gov. David Ige today.

With new daily COVID-19 cases continuing to decline statewide, Ige said at a news conference today that domestic travelers to Hawaii will no longer need to submit proof of vaccination or negative COVID test results to avoid being quarantined upon arrival.

Ige advised travelers that the current Safe Travels requirements will remain in place until the end of March 25. In addition, restrictions on international travel will remain in place for the time being.

Ige also announced that county and state employees would no longer be subject to vaccination or testing requirements after March 25.

On the other hand, Ige said that the state’s indoor mask mandate will remain in place until at least March 25 and may continue beyond that date, depending on guidance from health experts.”

Hawaii airport security line

Hawaii is still one of the safest states in the country when it comes to COVID-19 and beyond, and our authorities remain careful about the island’s safety.

Here is what John De Fries, Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO, had to say about the announcement: “Safe Travels is one part of a multi-layer approach to COVID safety. The program played a key role in keeping Hawaii’s residents safe before vaccinations were widely available and during the surges we’ve seen through this pandemic. Bringing the Safe Travels program to a close reflects the progress we have made as a state, and Governor Ige’s decision is a good balance of maintaining reasonable health precautions while reopening our society and economy.”

Additionally, Big Island’s Mayor Mitch Roth repealed the county’s COVID-19 Emergency Rules, which mainly consisted of limiting people’s gathering sizes in public places.

What does that mean for the Big Island? That life will finally return to normal, and our local economy will grow again. With gathering size limits removed, restaurants can operate at their full capacity, corporate conventions and events will return, and you will be able to attend local shows, festivals, and championships, which are so much fun for so many people. That is not to mention that with tourism being a major industry in the state, amount of visitors coming to the island directly affects the local economy and the livelihoods of many families here on the island, so we welcome you back, dear guests!

Get your swimsuits ready and book your tickets now! The paradise awaits.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Big Island’s Best Golf Courses

February 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Golf may not first come to mind when you think of Hawaii; however, you might be surprised to know that some of the most world-renowned golf courses are located here. There are 75 golf courses in Hawaii, 17 on the Big Island, and 11 of those are along the ever sunny Kohala Coast, within about 20 miles of each other, and surrounded by some of the most spectacular ocean views on the planet.

If you are a golfer staying in one of the Kohala Coast resorts (Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, Hapuna, or Mauna Kea), you may as well welcome yourself to a golfer’s paradise. Many courses here are created by famous golf course designers and present a lot of fun and challenges for professionals and beginners alike. This blog post features the best Kohala Coast golf courses for you to enjoy while on your Hawaiian vacation.

Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf

Waikoloa Beach Resort is situated in the heart of the Kohala Coast and boasts not one but three world-class golf courses. Home of “Hawaii’s Premiere 27-Hole Golf Experience,” Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf is comprised of the Beach Nine, Lakes Nine, and Kings’ Nine. It presents a unique opportunity for golfers to design their own golf experience.

Beach Nine
The Beach Nine is a must-play, featuring generous landing areas from the tee boxes and large greens surrounded by low-lipped bunkers to reward the social golfer. Skilled and avid players can be aggressive and be rewarded with multiple birdie opportunities. Hole #6 is the highlight of this loop. This par-five plays on an emerald ribbon of fairway between black lava fields down to the ocean then takes a hard dogleg-left to a putting surfaced ringed by swaying palm trees and backed by Pacific waves, creating one of the most beautiful and memorable holes in Hawaii.

Lakes Nine
The Lakes Nine winds its way through the heart of the resort, taking its name from the bodies of water that come into play on five of the nine holes. This classic resort-style layout, part of the original Beach Course built back in 1980, will not beat you up with length, but does require strategic shots to avoid lava and water trouble. The lava beds in this resort area created some natural elevation changes incorporated into the design. Hole #8 is a fun and scenic par-three hole with water carry to reach the receptive green and a towering wall of lava as a backdrop.

Kings’ Nine
The Kings’ Nine provides an entirely different playing experience. A Scottish links-style layout, the Kings’ Nine features wide fairways and broader views of Mauna Kea in the background. Native grasses and pot bunkers add a degree of drama and strategy to shot-making. The signature hole on this loop is #5, a risk/reward par-four of only 277 yards. Better players might consider going for the green, but trouble lurks left and short in the form of a fairway-long sand bunker and massive lava boulders – a truly memorable hole on a truly great course.

Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf Course Lakes Nine

Many of our vacation rental properties are located in Waikoloa Beach Resort, right on the above-mentioned golf courses! Fantastic golf course views, perfect location, special discounts, and quality accommodations will contribute to every golfer’s dream vacation. Browse our vacation rentals for details.

Mauna Kea Golf Course

Located along the rugged coast of Mauna Kea Resort, this historic award-winning, 18-hole championship golf course has set the standard for Hawaii golf for generations. Created in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. on what was once a barren black lava field, today’s lush fairways tumble across seaside cliffs with unfolding ocean and coastal views. Elevated, undulating greens and prevailing coastal winds demand accuracy, while an epic over-the-ocean 3rd hole guarantees an unforgettable day of play.

Modern improvements to Mauna Kea Golf Course by the original designer’s son, Rees Jones, have kept the original character intact while opening up challenging, memorable play on the Big Island of Hawaii to all player levels.

Learn more about the course and booking tee times here if you are up to the challenge.

Hapuna Golf Course

The Hapuna Golf Course is a stunning 18-hole oceanfront course that is a part of the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, which also happens to be a part of Mauna Kea Resort. The course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and opened to the public in 1992. It has a total yardage of 6,875, a slope rating of 136, and a USPGA rating of 73.3. The signature holes on this stunning course are the 3rd, 9th, and 18th holes.

The Hapuna Golf Course has a driving range, putting greens, and practice bunkers for you to sharpen your strokes before you start on your first official round. There are also locker rooms and shower facilities for your convenience and a full-service pro shop that supplies everything you need for your first round of golf. The pro shop stocks golf clubs, shoes, and other memorabilia. The Hapuna Course also allows public guests to play on the course. The course hosts several tournaments and is regarded as Hawaii’s best-kept secret.

Mauna Lani Golf Course

Mauna Lani Resort is located in-between Waikoloa Beach and Hapuna resorts and, you guessed it, has two beautiful golf courses with breathtaking ocean views.

The South Course is an iconic championship ocean course that has challenged golf legends including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Lee Trevino. It snakes through the stark, rugged a’a lava of the prehistoric Kaniku lava flow. This challenging 18 hole course offers the golfer a panorama of mountain and ocean views. It is also home to No. 15, one of the world’s most photographed over-the-water golf course holes. In addition, it was the host venue for the annual Senior Skins Game from 1990 – 2000.

The North Course offers a quintessential Hawaiian golf experience characterized by rolling terrain, lava rock, and Kiawe forests. A 230-acre protected archaeological district lies on the northern boundary of the golf course. No.17, a par three tucked into a natural lava amphitheater, is the resort’s signature hole and a favorite “I was here” photo spot. This course has become one of the most popular tournament venues on the Island.

Golfers at Hapuna Golf Course

The best thing is that all of these golf courses are located within just a few minutes’ ride from each other, so you can try most of them, if not all, during a single trip! So enjoy time together with family and friends, making fun memories, getting out in the Hawaiian sunshine, and taking in some of the most beautiful scenery nature can offer. Let time escape you as you golf across Big Island’s best golf courses with those you care about.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Planning to Spend Valentine’s Day on the Big Island? Flowers, Chocolate, and Stars, the Island Way

February 4, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you are probably already thinking, “What should I give my sweetheart to make it special?” Though flowers and chocolate sound benign and over-used, we didn’t mean a trivial red box with candies and a rose bouquet that you find in your local supermarket when we put these words in our headline. If you want to spend your Valentine’s Day on the Big Island, read on because we are going to share a few fun ways to do it that you and your partner are sure to remember!

Instead of a few flowers, you can give millions, instead of a box of chocolate – the whole chocolate factory, or instead of a few stars which you can see from your balcony – the entire galaxy! Everything is indeed big on the Big Island. Here are a few ideas on spending Valentine’s Day that will make your experience unforgettable.

Tour a Chocolate Factory and Taste Artisanal Hawaiian Chocolate

Did you know that Hawaii is the only state growing cacao in the US? Not only that! On the Big Island, you will find several cacao farms and factories making artisanal, 100% Hawaiian grown and made chocolate.

We recommend visiting the Original Hawaiian Chocolate farm and factory located on the slopes of Hualalai Mountain in Kona. They were the first to grow, hand-pick, sun-dry, and process only 100% Hawaiian-grown cocoa beans, non-blended to assure purity and quality. The results are delicious milk, dark, and criollo chocolates of distinctive texture and taste.

Original Hawaiian Chocolate plumerias

You can book a guided plantation tour and enjoy a scenic walk of the cacao orchard, learn about the chocolate-making process – from growing the trees to molding each handmade bar, and, of course, sample their delicious chocolates. The cost is $25 per person, $10 for children aged 6-12, and children under 5 are free. You can find more information about booking a tour here.

Tour Hawaiian Vanilla Farm and Enjoy Vanilla Experience Luncheon

Cacao is not the only exotic crop grown here. The Big Island is also home to the Hawaiian Vanilla Co., a family-owned and operated farm that was the first commercial vanilla grower in the US.

The company offers Vanilla Experience farm tours and Vanilla Experience Luncheon featuring gourmet, vanilla-inspired dishes from the farm’s Vanilla Kitchen. And, yes, you guessed it, every dish on the menu comes with vanilla, even the savory ones, and they are delicious!

Vanilla Experience Luncheon

You can also visit the gift shop that offers the highest quality vanilla beans, extracts, and other products. Click here for more information about the farm and booking a tour and luncheon.

Visit The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden

This one-of-a-kind tropical garden attracts photographers, gardeners, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world. It offers over a mile of trails lined with thousands of rare and endangered flora from all parts of the globe. It is a magical place where paths and bridges guide you over mountain-fed streams and waterfalls into awe-inspiring views of Onomea Bay along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

It has a wealth of exotic plants and flowers which you likely have never seen before in your life. You can spend hours walking the trails and looking at amazing Lobster Claws, rare kinds of orchids, and giant bromeliads. They even have a cannon-ball tree brought from India and the black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri), which, when in bloom, is quite a rare sight. Make sure to bring your camera with you to capture all this fantastic beauty. Click here to learn more.

Stars from Mauna Kea Summit

Enjoy Sunset and Stargazing from Mauna Kea

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the prime spots on earth for stargazing. You will be amazed at how close and clear the stars appear. It’s a very romantic thing. The best place to do it is the Mauna Kea Summit. Start by watching a beautiful sunset from the top of the mountain, then come down to the Visitor Center level for stargazing. Provided the sky is clear, this will be one of the most striking scenes you’ll ever see in your life. The sky appears white from the countless numbers of stars, and you can even see a swoop of the Milky Way, which is quite stunning. For information on booking a tour (highly recommended), click here.

Unique experiences like those mentioned above create long-lasting memories, deepen our connections with loved ones, and strengthen our relationships. Unfortunately, in our overly-commercialized world, we are pre-conditioned to think in material terms and put more value on tangible things than they deserve. This Valentine’s Day, let us remind ourselves that it is not really about the date and gifts; it is about appreciating those we love and being appreciated by them.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Art in Hawaii – Big Island’s best talents revealed

January 21, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Why do we love art so much? Art sets the mood, art inspires, art evokes emotions, art provokes thought, art brings up memories, art compels. The list goes on. Here, in Hawaii, where we are surrounded by beauty in nature, art can capture the things and places we love and help them reside in our homes as well as our hearts.

Hawaii is not only a tropical paradise for vacationers but also a paradise for a myriad of artists finding inspiration in the islands’ breathtaking beauty. Around the Big Island, artists in every media create works almost as dramatic and diverse as the island itself—from walk-into-the-scene realism to stunning volcano photography, ocean-inspired glass, exciting abstracts, fantasy, vintage graphics, native wood carvings, and so much more.

Kai Indigo by Christian Enns

When we talk about art in a tourism-oriented community, you may think about this made-for-sale turtle and dolphin artwork that you often see in tourist shopping centers and markets. However, this is not the art we are talking about here. Instead, this blog post covers the artists with one thing in common – talent. You will be surprised how many talented and inspired artists found their creative heaven on the island and the quality of their work that even the most sophisticated art lover will appreciate.

Christian Enns

Christian is an established and well-known artist on the island, mostly recognized for his Plein-air landscapes and local neighborhood scenes. He transforms his experiences into his work by shifting and exaggerating colors, creating a visual excitement reflective of eternity–the mysteries of life and nature unfolded. However, there is a different side of Christian’s talent that not many have seen – his mesmerizing abstract and psychedelic paintings. You can find Christian’s artwork in Tiffany’s Arts Agency, at the newly-opened Gupton Gallery, in Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel, his studio, or on his website.

Infinity by Christian Enns

Mary Spears

Mary’s work has been featured in numerous shows in the state of Hawaii. Active art instructor, she teaches at the Four Seasons Hualalai as the artist-in-residence at Ke’olu. Her artwork is in private and public collections, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Chicago Lighthouse, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the Fairmont Wailea, and Kaiser Permanente. She’s been a resident of Hawaii since 1989. More of her work may be seen at the Gallery of Great Things in Waimea, Tiffany’s Art Agency in Hawi, her studio in Waimea, or her website.

Koi Meditation by Mary Spears

Kathy Long

Nearly everyone living in Hawaii has seen at least one of Kathy’s masterfully executed drawings reproduced in countless publications. She finds her inspiration in Hawaiian culture and, mainly, Hawaiian people.

“It’s the people who are creating the renaissance of the Hawaiian culture that truly inspire me. I hope that by documenting this moment in time, their culture and stories will live on,” says Kathy.

You can see her artwork in the Dreams of Paradise gallery in Hilo, Gallery of Great Things in Waimea, Volcano Art Center, or on her website.

Halau Sisters by Kathy Long

Patrick Louis Rankin

This is the name you may not have heard before, but worth mentioning here. Not so widely known, yet established and talented painter, Patrick works strictly in oil and watercolor, but the subject matter varies. His subjects range from still life to people and landscape.

These days Patrick works on larger scale paintings in abstract expressionism using a palette knife and rags and whatever tool is lying around to create a certain feeling. His chosen style or process is open until he begins to construct a painting. Every painting is a challenge, trying to solve a puzzle and magic when it is solved.

He and his wife opened their own gallery in North Kohala, allowing him to show his different talents and have access to his clients, which are growing in number.

You can learn more about the artist and his work on his website or visit his gallery in Kapaau.

The Shape of Things by Patrick Louis Rankin

Amy Markham

In our view, Amy is a largely unknown but very talented Big Island artist. Her style varies from abstraction and Cubism to Plein air and figurative art. Here is what she says about herself in her own words:
“As a child, my grandfather patiently taught me basic perspective, composition, and figure drawing. At school, I was introduced to traditional styles, applications, disciplines, and art history. I enrolled in Oriental Brushwork at Kauai Community College, later completing my studies at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, earning dual Bachelor of Art degrees (Fine Art, & Cultural Anthropology, Asia-Pacifica studies)). Abstraction & Cubism are painting expressions where I explore movement, depth, atmosphere. Another important style for me is en Plein Aire… It attempts to capture the elusive light & nuances of outdoor subjects. Lively, economical brushwork executed ala prima makes this style unexpectedly challenging and fascinating. I also work figuratively, drawing and painting from live models.”

You can see Amy’s artwork in her profile here.

Maiden Voyage by Amy Markham

These are just a few artists from the ocean of Big Island’s talent, but there are so many more whose work you can see in local galleries and exhibits in fine hotels and resorts. Unfortunately, many galleries had to close their doors during the pandemic or move entirely online, but here are a few worth visiting if you are looking for quality art or artifacts.

Tiffany’sTiffany’s Art Agency
Hawi, Big Island – by appointment or online

Harbor Gallery
Kawaihae Shopping Center, Kawaihae, Big Island

Genesis Gallery Hawaii
Queens’ Marketplace and Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort, Big Island

Lava Light Galleries
Queens’ Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort, Big Island

Firehouse Gallery by Waimea Arts Council
Waimea, Big Island

Energy of the Ocean by Christian Enns

Who are your favorite artists or art galleries on the Big Island? Let us know in the comments.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

This Important New Year’s Resolution Often Gets Overlooked

January 6, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Aloha and Happy New Year!

It is the beginning of the new year, which is usually the time when we make our new year’s resolutions. With health and wellness being in primary focus for the last two years, it is common for us to set up goals like improving our diets, losing some weight, or exercising more. These are all great, no doubt about that, but one important resolution that can significantly increase your overall well-being often gets overlooked: taking more vacations!

According to statistics, Americans only use 50% of vacation time allotted to them and are one of the most over-worked nations in the world. While pursuing higher productivity can bring more income, it takes a high toll on other parts of our lives like health, relationships, and, ironically, productivity! So, why are vacations so important? We explore it in this blog post.

Benefits of Vacationing

Vacations improve physical health

We all know by now that chronic stress can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems associated with a so-called metabolic syndrome. Taking regular vacations could help reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome – a cluster of health issues including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These symptoms raise the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In one study, researchers found that those who vacationed more frequently were less likely to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Notably, the risk went down by a quarter with each additional vacation taken. Overall, people who take more yearly vacations are less likely to die from any cause, including heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.

Magic Sands Beach

Vacations improve mental health and help reduce stress

Chronic exposure to stress can also alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety and depression. When you take a vacation, feelings of calm arise and relieve stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn’t if it were still under pressure. Taking time off helps reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments they associate with anxiety.

Vacations increase mindfulness

Another benefit of changing your environment and breaking the routine is that it makes you feel more present and stimulated. One study has shown that meditation and vacations appear to have overlapping effects. The report found that both meditation exercises and vacationing were associated with higher levels of well-being and increased mindfulness.

Vacations boost happiness

Research shows planning a vacation can boost your happiness. Some people experience an elevated mood up to eight weeks before the trip.

Vacations increase mental motivation and creativity

Many who return from vacation are more focused and productive. Studies have found that chronic stress can make it difficult to achieve certain tasks and cause memory problems. Taking time off can be like getting a tune-up for the brain, improving your mental health and cognition. Additionally, when our brains are exposed to new languages, new sights, new sounds, and new cultures, it revitalizes our minds and boosts our creativity in the long run.

Vacations improve sleep

Lack of sleep is a common complaint – often stemming from the fact that we have too much on our minds. Researchers say that time off from work can help interrupt the habits that disrupt sleep, like working late into the night or checking your cell phone before bed. Another reason your sleep improves while on holiday and extends after your return is that a new bed helps you dissociate from your negative sleep patterns back home.

Vacations improve relationships

Spending time enjoying life with family and loved ones can keep relationships strong. One study found that women who took vacations were more satisfied with their marriages, and we all know the saying: Happy wife, happy life! In addition, vacations create opportunities for families and couples alike to really be present for each other, bond and spend quality time together.

Vacations decrease burnout and increase the payout

Employees who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts.

Research has found that workers who take more vacation time consistently receive better scores on their end-of-the-year performance reviews. The boost is nearly 10 percent! Compared to workers who didn’t take time off, vacationers also tend to be happier with their jobs and stick around long-term.

Golfer at Hapuna Golf Course

Vacations Can Make You a Better Boss

Vacation benefits are not only reserved for employees. Bosses need them more than anyone else. Nearly 85 percent of executives surveyed for a study said that they had canceled a vacation because they couldn’t get away from work. In the long term, this kind of behavior hurts the company. When bosses take time off, they return with more creativity and can think about the company’s future more clearly.

We hope that we inspired you and motivated you to start planning your next vacation now! But if you are still having thoughts like “I just can’t take any time off work now” or “Vacations are too expensive,” think about how much you, your family, and, yes, your work will benefit from it.

Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and sometimes you just have to recharge your batteries. And the more you put in, the more you have to give to others. So, say hello to a healthier, happier, and more productive life, and book your tickets now!

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!