Aloha from Hawaii September 22, 2008
Big Island Lava Eruption and more........
 Enjoy these pictures soaring above live volcanic activity on the Big Island of Hawaii. For those who want the ultimate in lava viewing, taking a helicopter FIRST THING in the AM (my flight was 7am) is the best. By taking an early morning flight you are one step ahead of the VOG and the weather that builds up almost everyday on the Big Island. As you can see here there is much more to enjoy than just lava with amazing views of the Hamakua Coast (east coast) and beyond. It was a pristine morning and we could see Maui clearly, looking right into Halekaala Crater. These photos were taken in late August 2008.
When you consider the Big Island for part or all of your vacation, you might consider the affordability of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. It has a great beach, which is a treat on the Big Island.
If you are looking for more luxurious accommodations, the Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani has much in store for you in the way of delightful dining and 1st class service, nesting turtles on the shore, a great beach for swimming and kayaking (and turtle viewing) and so much more. Since the Big Island of Hawaii is known to be ‘more Hawaiian’ in many ways, the resorts pride themselves on offering a variety of cultural experiences to enrich your stay.
We’ve been celebrating Birthdays at McCoy Travel. Mike Brown’s birthday was celebrated at the Fairmont Kealani Resort & Spa in Waliea, Maui. “Ko’s Restaurant” treated the McCoy Team for Mike Brown’s birthday and we had nothing but praises for the eclectic and finely tuned Hawaiian regional cuisine that we experienced. From Ahi on the Rocks (you sear your own Ahi on a hot stone) to other mouth watering dishes, we were smitten with every course that was presented to us Lori Evans also had a birthday and we enjoyed a weekend at the Sheraton Maui Resort. This is one of Maui’s most unique properties sprawling on a 23 acre parcel, low rise and the best beach and snorkeling in Kaanapali (Black Rock). Opening soon is their new Spa which is going to be a VERY welcome addition to this wonderful property.
Be sure to stay tuned to more of our Hawaii and world. We are here to be your partners in exceptional travel planning. There are many values to be enjoyed. Don’t hesitate to call us at your earliest convenience to enjoy great experiences.
Fondest Alohas,
Melissa
Ps.. Come back often, okay? :) Upcoming: Princeville and Kokee, Kauai; Melissa’s Birthday on the Big Island, the McCoy Team visits the Westin Maui Resort & Spa and Lahaina for Halloween.
Oh.. And watch for Bora Bora and Fiji coming soon! And Western Samoa dreaming (great photos/video from my birthday last year that you will really enjoy).
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Aloha from Hawaii August 25, 2008
This column is more about where are the McCoy Travel Staff! No doubt I get around more than my staff, but we all have something great to add to this new column on a regular basis. Such as, Faye Bartlett just enjoyed a lunch and re-introduction to the unique and delightful Kona Village. Hawaii’s ONLY thatched huts, there are reasons you would love to stay there if you only had someone to talk to that would explain the details about the resort experience and help you figure out if it is a good choice for your next vacation to Hawaii. Recently Faye has also stayed at the Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani Resort & Spa and the Waikoloa Marriott Resort & Spa.
My recent resort visits include, The Outrigger Reef Resort (Waikiki), The Moana Surfrider Resort & Spa, the “W” Resort, Waikiki. Waikiki and Honolulu offer Hawaii’s finest music opportunities (of course it has most of Hawaii’s population). One Friday night we delighted in Chai’s Bistro at the Aloha Tower Marketplace with some of Honolulu’s most mouth watering dishes and the melodious sounds of the duo “HAPA”, then as life’s smorgy would have it, a block party in Chinatown with a live bluegrass band that kept our toes tapping. Next it was Hank’s Bar with it’s “local to the max” feel and Waimanalo Hawaiian music inviting smiles from the animated and “eclectic” bar goers (grooving to the tunes of Halawa). Hank himself invited us upstairs to Honolulu’s most HIP Jazz Club, Dragon Upstairs. A secret venue, where else can you find a place to stand up and sing your favorite Frank Sinatra song while the pianist plays piano with one hand and a trumpet with the other? There is always something happening in Honolulu and Waikiki if you like music, food, festivities and some stunning views and natural experiences.
A few weeks ago I was really fortunate to experience the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, the Westin Princeville Ocean Villas and an enchanting evening at the Princeville Resort (soon to close and be refit to open as a St. Regis experience in early summer 2009). For those of us who grew up singing “Once Enchanted Evening” and “Bali Hai is calling”, there is hardly a view as stunning and romantic as that from this gorgeous resort. The Park Hyatt Kauai (in Poipu) sits at the end of the road, surrounded by the magic of south shore of Kauai, Mahalepu Beach, Ha Upu Mountain range and the wild beauty that Kauai is so known for. While I was on Kauai I was tempted to be a “tourist” and signed up for adventure on a Zip Line trip with Outfitters Kauai (where Raiders of the Lost Arc was filmed) and then an ATV experience in the Kipa area (where dinosaurs tromped the rolling meadows in the movie Jurassic Park).
Since this is my FIRST “Where is Melissa McCoy”. Come back to this link over the next few days to enjoy pictures, video and much more.
Mahalo for visiting
Melissa |
