Hawaii Island 2017

Aloha from Hawaii Island... or as some still call it~ The Big Island!

Hawaii is the largest of the island chain and the youngest (hence the nickname), and comes with some very powerful history.  This is where King Kamehameha the Great was born in 1758. He was raised in the northwest area, or Kohala Coast of Hawaii. One of my favorite towns in the area is Hawi, and is also home to the original statue of Kamehameha I.

On this visit I stayed in the Waikoloa resort area, at an all new resort for me, the Kings Land Grand Vacation Club by Hilton. I was truly pleased, and impressed with the service levels I encountered at this very large resort. They have 25 buildings, and it's a bit over-whelming at first! There are no ocean views.  But the mountain and golf views are stunning! For me what makes up for any short comings is always the service! I received daily housekeeping, and this staff was exceptional! My one bedroom unit was beautifully equipped, and I entered from a bright, wide interior hallway (One of my hot buttons!) In the lobby there were always at least one (often two) concierge staff to great me, and it made me feel very welcomed and safe!

I visited several resorts on this trip in the Kohala and Kona areas, as well as, over on the east coast in Hilo Town. As someone who returns to this island every year (at least once), I was most impressed and surprised by the changes in Hilo!

On my day on the east side, I visited the Hilo Hawaiian and the all new Grand Naniloa a Doubletree Hotel. The Hilo Hawaiian still looks great after a very thorough renovation a few years ago, and they have plans to completely renovate the lobby, including floors! It's a very pleasant hotel, with wonderful staff, and spectacular views of Hilo Bay!

But the big surprise was the Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton! This hotel has amazing history, as it's been in place since it's original grand opening in 1939!  The hotel has undergone a 30-million dollar transformation! Everyone connected to the resort is so very proud, and with high hopes for the future! I spent a good amount of time here, and enjoyed lunch at the newly opened "Hula Hulas" restaurant. The food was excellent, and the views were stunning! This place makes a few days stay in Hilo Town well worth it! 

Back on the Kohala Coast, I made a visit to Mauna Kea Resort, which is perfection. I stopped by the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. Big news here they will be doing a complete remodel and renovation starting in October 2018!  I could not leave the island with out a visit at the Fairmont Orchid. Which is truly one of my favorites; in particular they offer the "Fairmont Gold Floor". An exclusive concierge floor with amazing lounge, food offerings through out the day, and the most attentive five star concierge services any where!

I did want to give special attention to the current goings on at the Hapuna Prince Resort though! This is a great resort, on a spectacular beach, with stunning views! However right now and for a few months to come, it's a hot mess! Some companies will try and tell you the resort is being "renovated". Wow, I think that is the understatement of the year! This resort is being "transformed", and when it reopens (tentative dates are the end of February) it will be the Westin Hapuna, and it will be amazing! When I was there in November; only one wing was open, the lobby was gutted and blocked off.  The pool is not swim-able, as they are adding another just above it. Also there are no restaurants or food outlets, and you need travel some to eat. As a Certified Master Hawaii Specialist; I would not offer this resort to anyone right now.  But come March, a totally perfect choice!

One of my very favorite resorts in Hawaii is the truly special Four Seasons Hualalai! I always look forward to my visit, and I never want to leave it!  The rooms and suites are beautiful, and the resort is a self-contained haven. On a spectacular beach, a world class golf course, three award winning restaurants, not to mention the exclusive "private dining", and of course room service! Very well known for the spa, and the extra perk of having very private "outdoor" showers in all ground floor rooms! No five star resort fulfills every wish- of every guest- like this one always does. I love this destination, and always know my guests will have the perfect Big Island experience here!

Hawaii Island ~ The Big Island; what ever you call it, you need to visit this place soon!  From the birth place of a king, to dining experiences extraordinaire! There is much more to explore and do then most people have time for in one visit.  But it's one of the reasons I adore this destination... it will call you back many times! It sure does that for me!

P.S.  Many of you know this place as the home of Madame Pele~ and the Kilauea Volcano!  As of late November (and the publishing of this blog), it seems Madame Pele decided to take a break! After years of endless, constant, often very heavy lava flow, it has stopped. The very popular flow into the ocean has halted. Although the upper fields and lava lake are still active. So the very fun and exciting "lava boats", are currently not available for you to enjoy. (Hopefully one day again soon!)

Disneyland Memories and Magical Moments

Hey there, hi there, ho there!

Okay, so I may be dating myself with that intro! But I am in fact a Disney Kid, and always will be! I wanted to share my recent Disneyland experience, but also wanted to make sure that you knew about "the magic" that truly exists there!

So many people that I talk to have what I call the "it's just Disneyland" attitude. They feel like if they have been there a few times, that they already know all you need to plan a visit. I would like to share a few of my experiences, and some of my "Disney Expertise", to hopefully change that way of thinking!

My visit started by checking into the wonderful and very "Disne~fied", Disneyland Hotel! With Disney touches from the entrance, to the front desk, the grounds, to the hotel hallways and rooms!

My first amazing experience was the "World of Color Dessert Party". This is a VIP event in the California Adventure Park that should not be missed! It does have an extra cost. But I found every minute of it to have been worth! No waiting, standing, and pushing hours before the show starts! But in fact high-tables and directors chairs. We were escorted to this exclusive area, then settled in and were served a stunning plate. Several beautiful (and oh so tasty) desserts, along with fresh fruits and cheeses. All were served along with our choice of "adult beverages", or soft drinks, or water, coffee and teas! It made for a relaxing and fun evening, not to mention the best "seats" in the house to see this breathtaking nighttime spectacular!

The next evening was an all new event at Disneyland, it's the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge! Located just above the Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland. This very relaxing and intimate experience also starts with some wonderful Disney treats! Along with unlimited soft drinks, water, teas and coffee. The "secret" to this special place, is that it is also a great location to watch the fireworks! (I do need to mention; this is of course providing the fireworks are being presented that evening!) But for me the high-light was having Mickey and Minnie come by for a visit and pictures! The Disney kid in me was ecstatic, because I did not have to share them with any "actual kids"!(Children are of course welcome in the Skyline Lounge. That evening there were in fact only two.)

Then on my final evening at Disneyland I had reserved the very special; "Blue Bayou and Fantasmic Dinner and Show Package"! Now in my opinion as a huge Disney fan, and Master Disney Specialist... this is the ONLY way to see this show! The evening starts with a great dinner at the Blue Bayou (famous for being the restaurant inside the "Pirates of the Caribbean".) Then at the end of dinner you receive very cool "retro design" cushion, for the very special viewing area. These are of course yours to keep! A bit later I made my way to the waiting area, and then was escorted "front and center" to watch this "all new" presentation! Now "Fantasmic" has been around for a while. But went "dark" in January of 2016, as Disneyland began the construction of "Stars Wars; Galaxy's Edge". The new version (brought back in July 2017) is even bigger and better than ever before! So having this exclusive viewing area made the experience all that much better! Plus; the first showing of Fantasmic is referred to as a "2~fer". Because moments after the show ends, the Disneyland fireworks begin, and this location is ideal for viewing!

Now after years of visiting and planning Disney vacations, it never surprises me when I experience what we call a "magical moment". It comes in many different ways, and some people (sadly) will miss theirs. On this trip for me it happened one afternoon on Main Street USA. I was having some troubles, and had received some assistance from a Cast Member at the "Tiki Room". I only got as far as Main Street, and my difficulties continued. Then suddenly that Cast Member from the Tiki Room was standing in front of me, asking if I was okay and could he help. Now for those of you who know Disney well, this young man had left his "area" (this is not done at Disney!) to help me! I was so impressed, and scared for him at the same time! But he assured me he had received permission to come and help. He truly made me feel special, and let me know that someone cared!

I will never get tired or bored with Disneyland, and manage to find that "magic" with every visit! It truly is a special place, and I hope that Walt Disney is smiling on this park still today!

Summer Fun~ It Does Not Have to Be Over!

Summer time... it's a special time when memories are made, families and friends come together! Copious amounts of bar-b-que happen, and backyards are filled with laughter! But just because it's August, does not mean it has to end just yet!

In the travel business, it's the best time of the year to go on vacation almost anywhere in the world! The weather is pretty great (with the exception of a few places), and the crowds have all but disappeared.

Another very important fact to consider; this time is called "shoulder season". Travel costs are now half what they were even a month ago! Plus travel and tour companies always start promoting their very best values and specials! So not only do you "pay less", you get more! It's always been one of my favorite times to plan vacations for my guests. Because it's also much easier for me to get even more perks for everyone!

Now this is not to be confused with something we used to call "last minute deals"! This is a topic I still hear people talk about, and I believe it deserves mention in this post. This practice is no longer the rule, it is in fact a rare exception! The airlines figured it out a long time ago, and that is why you almost never see airfare go down within thirty days of travel! The cruise lines were the largest offenders of this tactic, until they realized they were causing far more trouble, than revenue! Travelers today are much more savvy, and because of the internet more willing to wait! The problem was the ships were not filling up, because everyone was waiting! Then the cruise lines would issue these insanely low fares, but not enough travelers were able to take advantage of them. (Not a lot of folks are able to drop their lives, family, and work, and leave in a week!) But the real issues came up when folks who had booked their cruise a year and six months in advance, found out about these low fares from fellow travelers who had paid half the amount! People were not happy! The cruise lines had such dissatisfaction to deal with they "officially announced" last year they would no longer be issuing "last minute deals"!

One of my personal favorites (besides Hawaii of course!) are the Disney Theme Parks! Although it is still very humid in Florida for some people, the benefits often out-weigh the heat! The crowds have definitely lightened, making it so much easier to do all your favorite things with out standing in line for hours! It also becomes possible to now get dining reservations at the most "impossible" locations! (That would be "Be Our Guest" and "Cinderella's Royal Table", to name just two!) At the same time in Disneyland; the weather is perfect, many of the schools are back in session, and the parks are getting ready for the holidays! This transition time does mean that some of the attractions are "closed for refurbishment". But the casual atmosphere, and the absence of lines an hour and longer, makes it all worth while!

My final thoughts would be on my passion, my heart, the place I love most in the world... Hawai'i! In my mind, it's the perfect destination all year round! The average temperature is about 82 degrees, and very little humidity, except in July and August. With more and more travelers looking for more "experience" related travel, Hawai'i is actually being viewed as an entirely new destination! The culture and history of Hawai'i is amazing and wonderful! I myself continue to study and learn even after a lifetime of visits! I believe that once you get passed the hotels, beaches, and luau, this is when you discover the real beauty and essence of the islands I love so much! I think it is also when people discover that each of the islands are very different. Each island has something unique and wonderful to share, and it's why repeat visits become a part of your life! (They sure did for me!)

There is no denying this industry I love so much, has changed dramatically in the past ten years. But my passion for travel, and planning vacations has only become stronger! The more I learn, the more I want to share it with my guests!

I hope your summer has been fun and filled with memories! I look forward to hearing from you soon to plan your perfect "vacation experience"!

May on Kauai!

Aloha from the beautiful "Garden Isle"... Kauai!

This island has been a second home for me for many years. I never get tired of it, and I always find something new and exciting to experience and share! Kauai is the oldest of the island chain, millions
of years old in fact! But with age comes beauty, and lots of beaches!

I was very excited to stay at a new resort in Poipu called the Koloa Landing Resort & Spa. Now this is a resort I have been to, and visited, and sent guests to stay. But had not yet had the pleasure of staying there myself. I guess "technically" it's not a brand new resort, it opened a few years ago. But the resort was just completed this year. The finished product is even better than I imagined!

The Koloa Landing has studios, one, two, three, and even four bedroom condo units. They are beautifully appointed, air conditioned (a treat as far as condos on Kauai), and so comfortable you will not want to leave! Plus this self-contained resort now has an amazing restaurant, The Holoholo Grill by Sam Choy! The service is extraordinary, and the food outstanding! I ate there twice, and was completely impressed both times!  You may also enjoy the lovely and intimate "Spa at Koloa Landing". If you want to grab a coffee, or a quick sandwich the "Marketplace" is open for you 24/7!

With this visit and this blog post, I really wanted to emphasize "experience". Visiting Hawaii should be special, and memorable.  It is a destination with a "sense of place". The islands are old and have tremendous history, and the culture of it's people. Though it may be a "part" of the United States, the "aloha spirit" is strong, and tells you this place is unique. When you travel to the islands, you will want to learn and experience some of this place and it's culture for yourself. Just booking a flight and reserving a hotel is not enough anymore! Kauai in particular, has much to share, and sites found no where else in Hawaii!

One of Kauai's most famous spots, once declared by Mark Twain himself as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"!  This beautiful canyon is found in the north part of the island in Koke'e State Park. You must experience this amazing site from a helicopter, I have myself on three occasions!  But if they are not your thing; an easy drive, north of Poipu, and a right in Waimea Town will get you there too! This park is also the best way to see the famous Kalalau Valley. This is my own shot from 2011, as on my stop this visit the lookout was "in the clouds"!

My connection to these islands is very strong.  But to Kauai it is also in my heart!  I owned a condo in Princeville (North Shore) for years, I spent my honeymoon here in 1994! I have watched this island go through one of the worst storms in history! Yet even today I am in awe of the beauty, and humbled by the power of aloha you will experience here. This is one place for sure in Hawaii, where you will want to learn more, experience more, and return again!

With the years of history and connections, and personal experiences, I hope you will consider planning your next visit with DreamCatcher Vacations.  I create each and every visit on a personal basis, customized by your wish list, no detail forgotten! I hope to be planning your visit soon!

A Very Exciting and "New" Experience... in San Francisco!

Happy spring time everyone!

In this blog I wanted to share a very new experience for me, and not one you might expect to hear me talk about! This past weekend I was a part of a very special group with "Adventures by Disney"! You know that Disney is one of my favorite things in the world (second only to Hawai'i!). But this division of Disney is not well known by a lot of folks. I want to change that today!

We spent our time together in the beautiful "City by the Bay" ~ San Francisco, CA. Now I'm a California girl, and have visited this city my whole life! I want to let you know (especially those Californians like me) on this adventure I saw San Francisco in a whole new and exciting way! I did learn things, and saw things that I had never been a part of before this trip!

Our time together started at our hotel, right on California Street, the Omni Hotel. This is a great location in the financial district, and really easy to get to for those driving in like me! We met each other (a group of about 25), and most important~ our "Adventure Guides"! Both Stephanie and Doug were warm, friendly, and had so much information to share! There was never a dull moment, and I was always eager to hear their stories through out the day!

Now this trip was very different from the regular itinerary, as it was designed for those of us in the Travel Industry to get better acquainted with "Adventures by Disney". But normally it is a fabulous four day experience in the city and the Napa Valley. The perfect "long weekend" bonding time for any family!

We boarded our motor coach and headed to the "Palace of Fine Arts". An iconic location that I have driven by myself many times! It was past time to stop and explore, and what a wonderful place it is too! Then we were off to the Golden Gate Bridge. But to stop and see it from the viewing spot, was again a worth while moment that I had denied my entire life! There were several more stops before lunch, and each one was all new for me. I was amazed at how little I actually knew about "my city"!

We had an outstanding lunch at "M.Y. China" downtown (I highly recommend it), before heading to the Presidio and Lucas Films! This "campus" is where all the creative work is done; all the Star Wars movies, etc., have come from this special place! I wish we could have seen even more. But what they do is so "top secret", they are not even allowed in each other's offices!

We ended our touring at the amazing "Disney Family Museum", just two blocks from Lucas Films. This very special place was a labor of love from Diane Disney Miller. She was Walt Disney's older daughter. It starts at the beginning; from Walt's childhood, to his time in the war, his move to California, and ends in Disneyland. This is a place I have visited before. But seeing it "with" Disney, gave everything a new meaning! Not the least of which was they stayed open late just for us!

We ended our time together with another fabulous meal! But I may have enjoyed the company by then even more than the food! These adventures are so much more than a "tour". The stories, the moments, the information from the Adventure Guides, all priceless! This vacation for you and your family includes, well, absolutely everything! Sure lots of "tour companies" include the necessities. But the "experience" on these tours with the Adventure Guides is simply unlike any others! You truly feel like a "VIP", and do have access to places that honestly, only Disney could offer!

These tours take you to other amazing and wonderful destinations in the United States. But also to Asia, South America, Europe, Africa and more! Another very exciting fact; they also offer tours for "adults only"! So although the family was in mind first. Disney did not forget those "empty-nesters", and couples wanting to have a special experience on their own!

I am completely impressed, and simply can not say enough about this vacation. If you have been thinking about something different, something very special for your family... this is it! Adventures by Disney may not be the first thing people think of when you say Disney. But once you have experienced this vacation it will be!

Travel Planning for 2017

Aloha and Welcome to 2017~ and some travel planning tips and ideas!

We all have things going on in our lives, I am no exception! The fact that my first blog post is only now appearing is proof of that! But my #1 most important piece advice and tip to you... plan in advance! The further in advance the better!

We used to say that a full year was the best choice. I think that in today's market for most times of the year that six to eight months is fine. However if you are traveling during any high seasons, or holidays then you absolutely should be thinking a year in advance!  The number one time of year that this rule is applicable is of course the Christmas/New Year holiday. This starts around mid December, and runs through around the 10th of January. The other times of year this applies; Thanksgiving, Spring Break (Easter; two weeks before, and two weeks after), and of course summer. Those traditional months from June through the end of August do still apply in most parts of the country!

Once your time frame is chosen, the dates are of course very important!  But whenever possible you need to be flexible. Many people have the idea that a specific "day of the week" is always going to be less money.  Wrong! It's all about "availability" my friends!  As some people know; airline scheduling and routes, are released by the airlines 331 days in advance.  It used to be, that was when they offered their very lowest fares! Unfortunately that is not always the case today. This is one of those really important reasons to work with a Travel Expert... because we know if the fare currently offered is a good one, or if it is still a bit high!

Then there is of course the endless debate over "packages" vs. booking each component separately. This is a topic I am very passionate about!  It is now, and always has been~ packages!  But I believe in this because your vacation experience should be all about, and so much more than... the total! When you work with a vacation planning expert, it is our job to make the entire time feel stress-free, easy, and seamless for you!  "Life happens, when you try and make plans!" It's always been one of my favorite sayings!  If you work with an expert; and the morning of your departure someone becomes ill, and unable to travel. All you do is make one call, or send one text, and all the details are taken care of for you!  If you have done this yourself, and booked airline, car, hotel, and activities separately?  Think about it!

So now the "basics" have been planned. Maybe you have been to this destination before, and maybe you have not!  This topic is another of my "hot buttons"!  You simply can not research, and ask the internet for information you do not know anything about!  This is my favorite part of vacation planning for my guests, or as I say; "This is when my services and expertise really kick-in!" I am able to recommend and advise all of my guests on all there is to see and do. I help with the "logistics"; how to get from point A to point B, and how long it takes to get there!  I am able to share personal experiences, because I have been there, and done that myself!  If I have not visited your vacation destination recently, I have associates and other Travel Professionals in my network that have!  We all share our knowledge, so our guests get the very best always!

In the end... the only thing that really matters, the only thing that you will remember, is the "experience" after you got there!  The memories (hopefully great ones), and the fun! The cost will no longer (big or small) be what you are thinking about. It will be about the amazing things you did, and saw while on that vacation! We believe sincerely; that no amount of money saved will have been worth it, if you do not have a great time!

The next time you are thinking about a vacation, please contact a Travel Expert! Because we know that the fun and excitement should begin from that first contact!