Saying Aloha to 2016!

My final visit to my beloved islands for 2016 took me to beautiful O'ahu! It was my first love, and I think will always be my true favorite! Some people might be surprised by that statement. But if you know and learn from this special place, it might become your favorite too!

My "second home" is the always welcoming Hyatt Regency Waikiki!  I have stayed there for many years.  It is the perfect location, big comfortable rooms, fabulous views, and lots of dining choices there and nearby.  But I return first and foremost because of the people!  From the front desk staff, reservations managers, sales team (especially them!), and of course my Regency Club ohana (family)!  There is something very special about hearing; "Welcome home Teri!", mahalo Mark Omori for always making me feel welcome, special, and important!

One of my first visits was with a very dear friend I have known for years! She is brilliant at what she does~ and she does that for The Modern Hotel in Waikiki. My services at DreamCatcher include special attention to details. I have been successful in delivering these requests and wonderful surprises because of these incredible people I call my ohana in Honolulu! My guests are always "VIPs", and it's thanks to my passion, and continued relationships with these amazing people in my industry! Mahalo nui~ thanks so much Joy Tomita!

From here it was time to head to the "north shore"!  O'ahu is one of the most beautiful of the islands! Many people are sadly unaware, or misinformed of this fact!  But it is far more than the city, far more than the famous beach!  On O'ahu I learned the true meaning and understanding of "aloha".  The peace, love, and sense of place that I feel when I am on O'ahu is undeniable.  Making sure my guests are in a place, or at an event, so they too can get a sense of this special feeling... is something I work very hard to make happen!  It is a way of life, a state of mind, and something I am honored to continue to learn and practice.

Back in the Waikiki resort area of Honolulu; we of course visited many of our favorite hotels, always making sure to know about what is new and exciting.  Another important activity always on my schedule is dining! The city of Honolulu is home to so many amazing chefs!  Each with so many wonderful offerings. There is of course the very famous "Duke's", at the Outrigger Waikiki. One I never miss, right at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, is their signature restaurant~ "Japengo".  But I have always been particularly attracted to the many delicious choices at Roy's!  Chef Roy Yamaguchi has recently started a new venture in Hawai'i, and he calls these new restaurants; "Eating House 1849"! One of the newest locations has opened recently in the all new International Marketplace in Waikiki, and you must try it!

One of my final stops on my schedule of "Cannot Leave Waikiki Before Seeing"... the historic and special Westin Moana Surfrider. But really it was for and because of this very special lady~ my little sis~ Shannon! I have known this exceptional person for lots and lots of years! Returning to Waikiki without some "talk story" time with her would be just horrific! She represents this original hotel on Waikiki Beach with amazing energy and passion! Shannon is dedicated to making sure all the people she works with are happy, and leave with many special memories!

Looking back at 2016; I am over-all grateful, and honored to be able to continue doing what I love for a living.  But also eager and hopeful for all that I am still going to learn!  My priority has always been, and will always be... the best possible experience for every one of my guests!  I want to continue in 2017 to learn, and share all that I can with the people I work with planning great vacations.

Most of all; I want to position myself and business as your #1 choice for planning the best vacation experiences!  Always making sure that each of my guests know they are important, special, and their requests are my priority! That the service they receive at DreamCatcher is more complete, personal, and thought driven!

Happy New Year~ and here's hoping I hear from you in 2017!

November on Hawai'i

Aloha!

At the end of October, and into the first half of November I made my home on Hawai'i. It was for so many years referred to as "The Big Island".  But in recent years the Hawai'i Visitors Bureau has encouraged us all to respectfully call this island by it's true and correct name... Hawai'i!

It is one of the most diverse of all the islands with 11 of the 13 climatic zones on Earth found here! It's the only island where you could snow ski in the morning, and surf away the afternoon!  You can hike in the rain forests, or ride horseback over the rolling foothills! It is by far the most interesting and strikingly beautiful island, and yet the least well known!

My visit was quite different this time, as I stayed with friends, and combined my own work with some house sitting!  But it was truly a relaxing experience, and I felt like a "local".

I started this visit by checking off one of my own "bucket list" items!  We went to the Hilo side (east side) of this island to board the "Lava Boat", and see the Kilauea lava flowing into the ocean! This volcano has been flowing actively for many, many years.  But I have never seen this level of activity in all my years, and it was breath-taking! This is without a doubt, one of the most jaw-dropping experiences ever! It's a bit on the "pricey side".  But I would do it again in a heartbeat!

My first resort visit was the always gorgeous and very special... Four Seasons Hualalai. There is simply nothing to compare this place too. It is in a class all it's own.  The service is at a level that other resorts strive to achieve.  The rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed. The dining is spectacular, and the location is simply perfect!  I am proud to work directly with this resort, and all of my guests are definitely VIPs!

Another favorite of mine was my next stop... the Fairmont Orchid!  Located in the Mauna Lani Resort area, this experience never disappoints! My favorite choice for my guests is the "Gold Floor". This exclusive club on the 6th floor offers extra special services and amenities! From your arrival you know you are a welcomed special guest!  You and your luggage are taken directly from curbside to the sixth floor for a private check-in with the amazing folks of the concierge lounge.  You are from that point forward always referred to by name, and they provide you with anything you need and want! Staying at the Fairmont Orchid is something that should be on your "bucket list"!

Another spot I never miss on my visit to Hawai'i is the little town of Hawi! Located about 45 minutes north of the Kohala Coast.  This quaint little village will keep you intrigued all day!  From the "original" statue of King Kamehameha the Great, to the many little restaurants and shops. It's definitely worth the drive to explore this gem!

I love Hawai'i... but my love for Hawai'i Island has easily tripled in the past few years!  The history and the "sense of place" are very strong here. This is the island where the Great King Kamehameha was born and raised. It is the home to the powerful Madame Pele, and her Kilauea volcano!  At the same time; this is where the very famous and much loved "Kona coffee" is grown too!

This island is very- very big!  But I say; all the more reason to plan the experience you want, by using the expertise of a Certified Master Hawai'i Island Specialist! (That would be me of course!)

Just the opinions of this Professional Travel Consultant~ Aloha!