Hawaiian Islands – Best places to go shopping

by mytravelconsultant | October 30, 2019 11:36 am | Destinations

Hawaiian Islands – Best places to go shopping

One of the reasons I always recommond Hawaiian Airlines as the best way to fly to Hawaii from Australia, is the amazing luggage allowance of 60kg. BUT where are the best places to go shopping to help you fill up that empty suitcase? Below are 5 places you need to have on your shopping list!

Waikele Premium Outlets
If you love big brands but not the big price tags, Waikele is your dream shopping destination. Head here for Kate Spade, Tommy Hillfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren and more.

Ala Moana Center
Allow at least half a day to make the most of Ala Moana Center, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open air mall. With a dedicated Disney shop, this is a great place to shop for kid’s presents

Ross Dress for Less
This is possibly The Hawaiian Island’s best kept secret if you are a thrifty shopper. With clothes for men, women and children ranging across underwear, swimwear, footwear and everything in between, the low prices are thrilling.

International Market Place
This open air shopping centre has just had a major upgrade and now features a huge range of dining outlets, including fine dining, as well as over 100 stores. Conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki, it’s easy to pop in and out of.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Held every Saturday morning, there are over 400 stalls selling bric-a-brac, second hand items, handmade jewellery, arts and crafts and plenty more. This is a perfect place to pick up a ukulele, eat some food truck specialties and fossick through the range of treasures on offer.

Contact Leesa from itravel on the Sunshine Coast on [email protected] OR on 07 3556 7659 to book your Hawaii Holiday!

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Thinking of visiting the Hawaiian Islands – here are 5 ways to boost your well being in Hawaii

by mytravelconsultant | October 23, 2019 12:36 pm | Destinations

Thinking of visiting the Hawaiian Islands – here are 5 ways to boost your well being in Hawaii

Did you know that The Hawaiian Islands are renowned for being a healing hotspot? Some people claim that the energy from the volcanoes gives the islands their special powers, while others maintain that the volcanic soil mean that the produce is bursting with nutrients.

Either way, The Hawaiian Islands are a great place to retreat, recharge and revitalise. Here are five things to check out if you’re keen to boost your wellbeing.

Hula
Hula is not just a pretty dance form. Hula has a much deeper symbolic connection to the ancient traditions of the Hawaiian people and their relationship with the earth, land and sea. There are two main forms of hula – Hula Kahiko (before Western contact) and Hula ‘Auana (after Western contact accompanied by instruments like ukeleles and guitars). Check out a hula class to learn about the meaning behind the movements.

Organic farms
The Hawaiian Islands are home to a number of organic farms that grow a wide variety of fruits, nuts and vegetables, including the pohole fern, macadamias, tomatoes, salad greens, onions, bananas, pawpaws and pineapples. Stock up on fresh produce while you learn about organic farming techniques and local Hawaiian staples like ‘ulu’ (breadfruit) and taro.

Lomi Lomi
There’s massage and then there’s Lomi Lomi. This massage technique goes beyond the physical realm and delves into the spirit world. During a Lomi Lomi massage, the practitioner will call upon your ancestors to bring you the healing you need, whether it be for your heart, mind or spirit.

Hawaiian chanting
Hawaiian chants – also known as ‘olis’ – are often using in welcome ceremonies to bless the people present. There are four types of olis, all of which have a storytelling element. They are are genealogies, tales of powerful chiefs, stories of the beauty of various lands, and expressions of love to woo a potential lover. Think of olis like poems that have a sound healing component.

Hoʻoponopono meditation and prayer
Hoʻoponopono is a Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. The Hawaiian word translates into English simply as correction. There are lots of meditation retreats in The Hawaiian Islands that offer guidance in this type of meditation to help you heal from emotional wounds.

Contact Leesa from itravel on the Sunshine Coast on [email protected] OR on 07 3556 7659 to BOOK your ULTIMATE Hawaiian holiday!

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What are the 5 best family activities in Hawaii?

by mytravelconsultant | June 21, 2019 5:19 am | Destinations

What are the 5 best family activities in Hawaii?

Hawai’i is the ultimate family destination because it has activities to delight everyone from tots to teens. Here are five family-friendly activities to create lasting memories.

Outrigger canoe lesson at Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Make like Moana and learn to sail a traditional outrigger canoe off the beach in Waikiki. An added bonus is the vantage point looking back towards land and up towards Diamond Head, and also the fact that the water is really warm if you fall in!

Swim with the manta rays at Keahou Bay, Big Island
This is pure magic. Head out on a snorkelling tour where you look down as mantas swoop gracefully around beneath you, or simply hang out at the bar at Sheraton Keahou Bay and watch as these giant rays come in for their evening snack of plankton.

Snorkel with green sea turtles at Haunama Bay, Oahu
Sometimes there are so many turtles that they actually bump into you in the water! They live on the beach and in the bay here so you are guaranteed to see these gentle creatures, up close and personal.

A day at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Oahu
Want to understand more about Polynesian Culture and attend a traditional luau? Take your ‘ohana’ – the Hawaiian word for family – up to the Polynesian Cultural Centre and spend the day learning about everything from fishing practices, to tattooing and hula.

Stop at a shave ice stand
Most kids go a little crazy for icecream and shave ice is no exception. With flavours like lilikoi (passionfruit) and the addition of things like macadamia icecream and condensed milk, you can go really traditional or – do what most kids do – and go big on the RAINBOW. It’s a lot sugar but it’s also a lot of fun.

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Hawaiian Islands – Moloka’i

by mytravelconsultant | May 2, 2019 1:06 pm | Destinations

Hawaiian Islands – Moloka’i

Most people are familiar with the three main islands of Hawaii; Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (or the Big Island) as holiday destinations. BUT did you know there are other islands within the Hawaiian Islands group that you should definately have on your holiday bucket list?

MOLOKA’I

Far from the glitz and glamour of the neighbouring islands, Moloka’i offers a totally unique experience. With none of the traffic lights, shopping malls and hustle and bustle of bit city life, the island’s rich untouched scenery, historic culture and authentic beauty sine through. AND there is always a friendly local to remind you to ‘slow down’ and take it all in.

While taking it easy is highly recommended, there are also plenty of things to do and adventures to be had. Take a step back in time and visit the only post office that lets you post-a-nut to a friend, discover the island’s diverse culture with a visit to the farmer’s markets or venture into Kaunakakai town and pick up a local souvenir.

The towering coconut trees, welcoming people and stunning landscape make Moloka’i one of the best-kept Hawaiian island secrets.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES

Barrier Reef: Snorkel the pristine stretch of reef is the longest among the Hawaiian Islands and a natural aquarium brimming with sea life and corals.
Molokai Sea Cliffs: See the emerald-hued cliffs of Molokai are the tallest of their kind in the world. They are best viewed from Pala’au State Park.
Hālawa Beach: Relax on the secluded Hālawa Beach, swimming, whale spotting and
taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding Hālawa Valley.
Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm: Learn how to crack Hawaii’s favourite nut at this local farm. You can also try freshly-shelled samples or macadamia blossom honey.
Post A Coconut: Want to send your loved one a souvenir? The Hoolehua post office
provides free coconuts to decorate and post – no packaging required.

WHERE TO EAT

Kanemitsu’s Bakery: A cosy bakery and cafe serving breakfast, lunch and fresh pastries.
Kamo’i Snack and Go: Part ice cream parlour, part lolly store, this sweet stop will give you a sugar rush. Try island flavoured treats like sweet potato ice cream.
Maka’s Korner: This cute and casual spot dishes out plate lunches, burgers, salads and
daily specials, with lots of fresh outdoor seating.

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Leesa Mills - Travel Manager - itravel - Sunshine Coast Queensland