At peace with the world... O'ahu in September!

Aloha~

I return to the Mainland this time with mixed feelings.  Each time it seems returning is more difficult, and the 'aloha spirit' stays strong.  My passion for these islands grows bigger every visit.  But always I ask... who will I share this with, who will listen, who will hear me?

Today's travelers like to fancy themselves experts because of a few visits and the internet.  I suppose that I will make a few people angry with that statement.  But if they would only listen, hear what I know, accept what I have learned.  My focus is, and always has been to share.  Share the aloha, share the experiences, share the knowledge.  To be allowed to use these things to help make every person I work with experience Hawaii, get to know Hawaii, understand Hawaii.  Not just go~ stay at 'some' hotel, go to 'a' beach, eat at some luau.  But to see, feel, taste, and love Hawaii in a bigger, more true way.

Okay... my passion and appreciation for these beautiful islands may be too much for some people. But I think most smart travelers today do not just want to plan the 'cheapest trip".  They do really want more than just a ticket, hotel, and time served!  I believe that people truly want to experience something special, unique, and beautiful to bring home and share with their friends and family! They still value the "bragging rights"!  Those experiences are 'here' for the asking!  Special adventures, unique sites, exclusive experiences should come from an expert.

Let me share a perfect example; we spent the day with some very special people, caretakers (if you will) of a sacred place on O'ahu... the He'eia Fish Pond. This water meant for growing fish and feeding these people, combined with the valley above, are rich with over 800 years of story.  We began with a prayer and welcome, asking for the blessing to enter.  This request was repeated again in the valley later that day.  We learned how the ancient people of Hawaii harvested these fish for the people of this valley to eat.  How they combined this bounty with that from the valley above.  How they shared and traded plenty of their own, for that from other valleys.  It was a day of appreciation, learning, and respect.

 

The valley above the He'eia Fish Pond



Now most visitors, even those who have 'been there and done that', would have driven right past this amazing place!  This is what I mean by allowing an expert to share (and plan) truly unique and special experiences for you!

The theme of this trip was actually... food!  We did start in this spectacular and beautiful place.  But we also shared some pretty amazing 'cuisine', with some very famous and very talented chefs!  I won't bore you with a name dropping list.  But instead want to share another truly special and exclusive experience.  His name is Peter Foster, his company is called "Memoirs".  Peter is a phenomenal chef, who has chosen to share his talents in a very different way!  First and very important to him; he works only with local fisherman and farmers, to insure his food is super fresh, and that he knows where is comes from every day!  He then plans your menu, with your preferences of course.  Then for the completely amazing finale... you dine literally where ever you wish!  Chef Peter brings the food, the fine china, and the experience to you!  At a beautiful beach, at your condo, at a hidden plateau in the mountains... where ever you wish!  If you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday, anything ... there simply could not be a more spectacular way to do it!

I hope one day to really find a way to share my passion, my love, my aloha with everyone.  It's hard to put into words sometimes how special these islands are, and what they really mean.  But it is my hope to reach some, with each blog and photo, a little at a time!

With warmest aloha... a few thoughts from this Travel Professional!

Disney in June!

Hey there everyone!

Wow... June flew by and my time was spent with Disney!  First I was a special invited guest to the 'world premier special event' for the grand opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street at Disney's California Adventure Park!  Then four days later; off again to Florida for a special invitation to the first ever "EarMarked" Masters Education Program at Walt Disney World!  Whew!

My time at Disneyland was absolutely star studded and truly spectacular!  As a guest of Disney's Grand Californian, I was as close as you can get to the excitement going on in the park!  As a long time 'lover' of all things Disney... I believe they really have it just right this time!  That special feeling you get entering Main Street, USA, is now what happens when you enter Disney's California Adventure Park!  From the new entrance in the 'art deco' style, to the gorgeous Carthay Circle Theater at the end of the street!  Disney takes you back to Walt's first days in Hollywood!  The entertainment, the 'red trolley', even the police officers!  All this will get you ready for the many new experiences ahead!

Cars Land... straight from the movie, and Route 66!  Stroll down the street with "Mater" and "Lightening McQueen".  Visit Flo's V-8 Drive In, or Ramone's Body Art!  But the "E-Ticket" ride at the end of that stroll, "Radiator Springs Racers", may be the best ride ever!  This special new land fits right in, and you will wonder why they didn't have it there all along!  I must admit; getting to meet and chat with "Larry the Cable Guy" (voice of Mater), and Cheech Marin (voice of Ramone)... sort of added to that excitement!

After a fun packed three days, only four days back at my desk, and I was flying off to Orlando!  This time as a "masters" student, to learn and experience things I had never before!  Now some would think that impossible after all my visits to Walt Disney World!  But the magic, and excitement just never ends with Disney!  From a private boat on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon for the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom.  To the ride-along experience at the Richard Petty Raceway!  From a special "Chef" escorted tour of the fabulous "Victoria and Albert's" at Disney's Grand Floridian.  To the over the top dining event at the California Grill, at the top of Disney's Contemporary Resort!  We learned more and experienced even more, and it left me with so much more Disney to share!

No matter how many times you have been to these special parks... you will always find something new and exciting to see for the first time!  Just more reasons why you should always plan your Disney Vacations with an "Authorized Disney Vacation Planner"!

My Disney thoughts... from this Travel Professional.

MAUI in May!

Aloha Everyone!

So I'm a little behind on this month's posting... so very sorry!  But I have recently returned from the island of Maui!

My visit began in beautiful Makena, the southern most resort area of Maui.  I stayed at the Makena Beach Resort (formerly the Maui Prince).  For those of you who may have once long ago been a guest here- you need to go back!  If you have never considered south Maui, you should!  Maui has become very crowded and this is one area where you can truly relax and enjoy a gorgeous beach! (With out sharing it with too many other people!)  The new owners have really spent some money- and time, making this resort better than ever before!  Like all the best Hawaiian resorts, the employees here have been here for years!  They love their resort, and are so very proud of it... and it shows! BIG hugs and mahalo to Cindi and Dean for making this stay possible!

I also spent an amazing afternoon with my good friends at the spectacular Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea! They too have spent some money- and it shows!  Besides that this 'all suite' resort has refurbished all the rooms.  They have completely re-created their signature restaurant... Ko.  The service is outstanding, and the food rivals any fine restaurant I have been to- period!  But the open setting feels comfortable, and yet the decor makes you feel like you are in a fine dining establishment.

After much too short a visit in south Maui, I moved to my favorite condo resort- the Honua Kai in Kaanapali.  My ohana took such good care of me there, putting me in one of their beautiful two-bedroom units with an ocean view- absolutely stunning!  When I was there at the resort I experienced the awesome Aina Market just off the lobby.  Wonderful food, and perfect for a quick on the go breakfast, to a great 'in room' dinner at your own private dining table!  Then there was of course... "Duke's".  Yes the very same famous restaurant from Waikiki has opened at this location and it's perfect!  They are beachfront with all your favorites still on the menu!  The "cream cheese/crab/mac nut wontons" with plum sauce for dipping, still my all time favorite! My warmest mahalo nui lui to David and Maryanne!

I had quite the adventure on Monday, when I left early in the morning for my drive to beautiful Hana!  Now the famous 'road' I must admit, is a lot more fun when you don't have a schedule to keep!  But the drive is still very special, as it takes you back in time, and through the most gorgeous part of this island!  My visit was at the Travaasa Hana (formerly know as Hotel Hana Maui) and I was really eager to see this resort again!  I am happy to report the spirit of aloha really lives strong here in Hana- and they are so proud of this little gem of a resort!  When you are truly ready to 'un-plug', relax, and explore Maui the way it used to be- this is where you should go!

Now I also visited the absolutely gorgeous and peaceful Ritz Carlton Kapalua, the Hyatt Regency Kaanapali, and ALL of the Starwood Resorts during this visit.  Each one perfect- for their own reasons- for the right persons!  But this is exactly why... you need to work with an expert!  ALL resorts are not created equal, and it's not always about the cost! You should never trust your hard earned dollars, and time to the internet!  The single most valuable 'savings', is avoiding a bad choice!

I leave you today with one of my most favorite sayings; ..."No amount of money you saved up front, will have been worth it!  If it's not really what you wanted!"  Make sure you are getting what you want for your vacation- ask an expert!  It doesn't cost you more, and in the end may save your vacation!

Just my thoughts today- from this Travel Professional!

Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line

Magic Happens!

Hello Everyone~ I have just returned from an amazing adventure at Walt Disney World, and as a special guest aboard the brand new Disney Fantasy! My trip began with my stay at Disney's Coronado Springs. A bit of a departure for me (I'm a five star kinda girl!), as it is one of Disney's "moderate" resorts. But I wanted to give it a try, as they completed a big renovation last year. The new look is very nice, and I was gifted a room in their all new "concierge wing"! Not only did this place me as close to the lobby and restaurants as you get! But I had access to the new concierge lounge, a new service being offered for the first time at the moderate resorts! The lounge was beautiful. But what really made it special... the people that worked there! I started and ended my days there- and loved it!

While exploring the parks this year- my mission- dining experiences! My very first day at Disney's Animal Kingdom, I had dinner at "Yak & Yeti". Loved the location and the atmosphere, and the food was right up my ally! A cross over Asian- Mongolian type of tastes, and really good! Next day at the Magic Kingdom, breakfast in the castle with Cinderella! Now this I had done before- but so glad to try it again! They have now gone to a short menu, with your choice for breakfast! It was excellent and the Princesses- gorgeous as always! Later that day- the "Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue", a personal favorite that I swear gets better each time! The ribs are outstanding, and I am weak for that cornbread! Then - well- don't get me started on the strawberry shortcake! Next day at Epcot, a newer restaurant I was eager to try- Via Napoli! Wow- I mean the authenticity, the food, the service- just incredible! The cast members are all of course from Italy, particularly the Naples area, and what a treat! The food was simply outstanding! That was really worth the slightly extra cost for that day! My next adventure in food took me to another new one for me at Disney's Hollywood Studios- the Sci-Fi Drive-In. Absolutely a treat! From the 'cheesy' old science fiction movies running, to the tables- inside the 50's convertibles facing the screen! I loved it, and the food was very tasty! On my last dining adventure I went to the Kadani Village, the new condos at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Downstairs facing the 'savannah' is the restaurant... Sanaa. I had a table by the window, just in time to see the dinnertime for the animals! I enjoyed the atmosphere, the animals, and the food immensely! I would do it again!

Our conference began the next day, lots of excitement and learning! Then on Friday we left Walt Disney World for Port Canaveral and the Disney Fantasy! I was privileged to also be on board last year for the 'inaugural' for her sister the Disney Dream! These are magnificent ships, and Disney is (and should be) very proud! We had a very special sailing that enabled us to enjoy days at sea, as well as, the ever popular Disney's Castaway Cay. Their private island in the Bahamas. The dining is fabulous, and I especially loved what has happened in The Animator's Palette! Very special, the interaction is amazing, and the service of course always top shelf! But the gorgeous and spectacular Remy and Palo... not to be missed! Both are very private, smaller, more intimate dining experiences- for the adults! They are both simply perfection, with service above and beyond!

My time in Florida was 'magical', and I was reminded of the volume of space and distance while walking, and walking at the four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World! But even more so; I felt re-affirmed, knowing this is why I am an "Authorized Disney Vacation Planner". Whether you have been there before- or even more so if never- you need to be planning this trip with an expert! Disney is forever changing and re-inventing itself. Let an expert, and one who has been at Walt Disney World every year for many years, make your trip special. At DreamCatcher I have always said; ..."where perfect planning creates the vacation of your dreams!" So appropriate and descriptive of planning a Walt Disney World Vacation.

Some thoughts from this Travel Professional!

O'ahu... "The Gathering Place"

Aloha~

The 'spirit of aloha' runs strong and clear on this beautiful island. I have an even stronger sense of place, and respect for the culture then ever before after this visit!

Unlike most of my visits to O'ahu, this time I stayed in the resort area known as Ko'olina. My very good friend and sister Leslie Darga and her husband Jim, had reserved a lovely condo there for the entire month! I was the lucky girl asked to come and stay with them for a while! I eagerly accepted their generous invitation, and the planning began!

We shared a very special afternoon with a dear friend, and now Director of Sales of The Modern Hotel, Ms. Joy Tomita. This is a very special hotel! I would describe it as 'boutique' in size. But with all the luxuries and amenities of many of the bigger, more well known resort hotels. The rooms are exquisite, spacious, and the location is perfect! The crowd there is younger. But this sophisticated hotel is comfortable, while providing spectacular service!

Our next visit was the all new Hyatt Place. This location is right in the heart of it all! Just off Kalakaua Avenue, this entirely rebuilt tower offers the very best! The rooms are big, beautifully decorated, and have all the perks of the other bigger hotels. The second tower is not yet finished. But the pool deck between them is complete. All guests receive a deluxe continental breakfast every day, with two hot dishes included to choose from at the buffet! Most important to me; the people there were wonderful, friendly, and eager to smile and help!

But with out a doubt the high-light of this visit was our very special day with our sister and friend Stacey Alford and her associate from the O'ahu Visitors Bureau- Kainoa Daines. I had met Kainoa before, and was eager to accept his invitation to a few very exclusive and special places. Our day began early at the Royal Mausoleum, just off the Pali Highway. Behind the beautiful gates, the final resting place of Hawaii's "Ali'i", the royals of the Hawaiian Islands. I was very surprised and quite unaware of this very special place, and honored to be allowed this visit. From the family of the Kamehameha line to the 'elected royals' of the Kalakaua line. The stories and information Kainoa shared were priceless! From here we went to the summer home of Queen Emma, a stop that should be on all visitors 'to do' list. We then went to the second oldest church in Hawaii, The Church at Kawaiaha'o. We were honored to spend some time learning of the history of this very important place from the "Kahu" Pastor Curt. He was so proud, and so informative of the history and current events surrounding this very old church. It's a great part of the history of Hawaii, and right in the center of Honolulu. This place too is a must see on every visitors itinerary.

After so many years, and so many visits, I continue to be amazed and educated by these islands of Hawaii. The people, the culture, the history... it's just so much more then beaches and trade winds!

With warmest aloha... a hui hou O'ahu!

Just a few thoughts from this Travel Professional.