Hawaii Vacation Gifts by Double Brush-Hawaiian Gifts & Blog

Travel Green-New Vacation Guidebooks Show You How

With more and more people becoming aware of how their individual choices can impact our planet in positive or negative ways, a new genre of ethical and responsible travel guides have been published. The following is a sampling of the new green travel guidebooks.

"Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime," Lonely Planet

It charts 82 trips and highlights the "responsible travel credentials" of each one, such as yurt stays in Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains, a village walk and home-stay in India's Kumaon region and a canoeing-camping trip to view hippos on Zambia's Zambezi River. It also touts destinations that have environmental attractions but are not in immediate danger of being overly exploited, usually because they're remote.

"Frommer's Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan 2008," Frommer's Travel Guides

It includes a section on ecotourism that refers readers to two groups, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and Tread Lightly, that address the ethics of swimming with marine mammals. The book also provides information on visiting protected areas, such as the Rio Lagartos and Celestun refuges, both of which feature flamingos.

"25 Ultimate Experiences: Ethical Travel," Rough Guides

It describes 25 trips that minimize visitors' effect on the environment while helping local communities, including a zero-impact luxury ski camp in the Swiss Alps consisting of white-canvas geodesic domes and a beach lodge near Mozambique's Guludo village that employs 55 locals who will eventually run the resort. There's also advice on ethical clothes shopping, volunteering abroad and cultural sensitivity.

"Green Travel: The World's Best Eco-Lodges & Earth-Friendly Hotels," Fodor's Travel (April 2008)

It details eco-destinations in six regions of the world: North America and the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Explore ethical travel dilemmas such as renting a car, giving money to beggars and visiting countries ruled by repressive governments.

For more information see Guidebooks Show Travelers How to Go Green.

Free Maui Travel Vacation Planner Mailed to You!

If you are planning or dreaming about a Hawaii vacation to the beautiful island of Maui (recently voted the best island in the Pacific), surf on over to Visit Maui for a free Maui travel vacation planner.

It is full of beautiful color photographs of Maui, along with lots of information on resorts, hotels, condo, and vacation rentals. There is also a comprehensive listing of activities, dining, shopping, and much more.

You can request a free Maui vacation travel planner online or use their toll free phone number listed on the site. Although all of this information is also on their "Visit Maui" site, it is nice to have a physical publication that you can hold and curl up with over a nice cup of Kona coffee.

You can trust this organization and the information it contains because it is from the official visitors site for Maui County (Lanai, Maui, Molokai), which is part of the Hawaii Visitors Bureau.

Maui Voted the Best Island in the Pacific

If you heard of the saying "Maui no ka oi" meaning Maui is the best, it is because many people feel that it is true.

More than 28,000 people voted this year in the Conde Nast Traveler magazine reader's choice awards, and chose Maui as the top island in the Pacific, followed by Kauai ( both in Hawaii), and the Great Barrier Reef Islands in Australia placed third.

The magazine announced the awards in its November issue, available Oct. 25 on newsstands. The 20th annual Readers' Choice Awards are gleaned from what the editors describe as "the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences, the Readers' Choice Survey, second in size only to the U.S. Census."

Along with many other destinations in the Pacific Rim, Hawaii's popularity has increased over the years and now merits its own "Hawaiian Resorts" category.

The top three spots in the Hawaiian Resorts category went to Four Seasons properties: Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island, and the Four Seasons Lanai at Koele, Lana'i.

If you have been to Maui before, please share with other readers via a comment, on what makes Maui the best to you.

Destination Weddings and Familymoons to Hawaii

Having a destination wedding and or familymoon to Hawaii is a modern concept that is becoming increasingly popular.

Numerous daily flights around the country have made it convenient to travel; so many couples are opting for more exotic locations than what their immediate area can offer.

With a destination wedding, you invite your family and guests to share a romantic location which most times is also your honeymoon location. Your location can be anywhere you like--did I just hear the word "Maui"? (Maui is the number one destination for Hawaii honeymooners.)

Typically your guests and family will fly out for a week or weekend to attend your wedding ceremony and reception. If they stay while you are on your honeymoon, it becomes a familymoon. A familymoon is also when the bride and groom bring their children from previous marriages to their honeymoon. Many couples reason that they do not want their children to feel excluded and want to start their marriage together as a new family.

Destination wedding are personal and usually smaller in number since many of the guests pay their own airfare and accommodations. Bridal couples like limiting their special event to close family and friends as it gives them quality time to truly celebrate together.

Another great plus is that a destination wedding can cost less than a large traditional wedding, and with far less planning! Many Hawaii resorts offer package deals for your ceremony, reception, and honeymoon, complete with your own personal wedding coordinator. If you are expecting a large guest count, check with your hotel and airline carrier for group discounts.

Our company Double Brush has over a decade of experience assisting bridal couples with their Hawaiian wedding favors, Hawaiian wedding gifts, Hawaiian flowers and leis, and Hawaiian gift baskets. We have shipped these items directly to the wedding coordinator at resorts on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island and the mainland (also to people's homes and condos). Many brides have thanked us as it saves them time and worry when everything is there and ready at their wedding destination.

Please feel free to contact us for more information; we would be happy to assist you in any way possible.

Buy the Best Sunscreen Protection BEFORE You Visit Hawaii

Buy the best sunscreen protection before you visit Hawaii on your Hawaii vacation. What is the BEST sunscreen protection? Today that is a difficult question to answer.

Yesterday the Food and Drug Administration proposed to implement sweeping new standards for sunscreen, including a new labeling system for UVA rays.

Now, for the first time, the US health agency is proposing sunscreen standards to include the level of protection they provide from the Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays which are linked to skin cancer (melanoma), wrinkles and skin aging.

"For more than 30 years, consumers have been able to identify the level of UVB protection provided by sunscreens using only sunburn protection factor or SPF values," said FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach.

"Under today's proposal, consumers will also now know the level of UVA protection in sunscreens, which will help them make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their children against the harmful effects of the sun."

The FDA proposals won't take effect until 2009, so for now consumers will be responsible for protecting themselves from sunburns and worst.

To do this, make sure your sunscreen contains these protective ingredients, known to protect in the UVA range.

oxybenzone, abobenzone, zinc and titanium dioxide

For more infomation see FDA Proposes New Guidelines for Sunscreens.

"Go Visit Hawaii" published an excellent post on 7 tips to avoid getting a sunburn.

If you find a great sunscreen brand, please share it with the rest of us by posting a comment!

Take Your Pet to Hawaii Like Paris and Oprah Do

Paris Hilton and Oprah Winfrey are known to love their pet dogs and travel everywhere with them -- even to Hawaii.

It is not as easy as buying a ticket for you and your pet and showing up at the airport. First you need to know the rules and regulations for pet travel on your chosen airline carrier; second, you need to follow the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Laws or Hawaii Pet Quarantine Laws which happen to be VERY strict.

The reason the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Laws are so strict is that Hawaii is rabies-free, and the state wants to keep it that way. There are serious health problems for people and animals associated with the introduction and spread of rabies.

For decades all animals coming to Hawaii had to be quarantined for months regardless of how healthy they were. Today, pets can still be quarantined for up to 120 days, but now there is also a speedy "5 Day Or Less Program" for animals that meet a very strict criteria of having their rabies vaccinations, microchip, blood test, and other required documents.

Chapter 4-29 Hawaii Administrative Rules, governs the importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores into Hawaii. This law states that dogs and cats meeting specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may qualify for 5-day–or-less quarantine program, which has a provision for direct release at Honolulu International Airport after inspection. (See “Checklist For 5-Day-Or-Less Program” for details.)

Furthermore, the law requires dogs and cats not meeting all of the specific 5-Day-Or-Less program requirements to be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival In Hawaii. (See “Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Information Brochure” for details on 120-day quarantine.)

A few years ago after the 5 Day or Less Program became law, I remembered seeing our Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle on the local television news. She said she had just received a call from Oprah Winfrey congratulating her on passing the law, and that Oprah told her she would be visiting Hawaii more often.

Oprah Winfrey really meant it and now has a reason to visit Hawaii more often. Oprah has built a beautiful home retreat in Maui.

You may be interested in reading our related posts:
Take Your Whole Family on Vacation -- Pets Included

The Most Popular Dog Names in Hawaii

Discover the Truth About Kauai

We all know that Hawaii is beautiful, but on a chain of islands in the middle of the Pacific, it is also a fragile environment that deserves everyone's respect and care.

In our Hawaii blog we tell you about the wonderful things to do and see in Hawaii, but you can also trust us to tell you the not so pretty truth about what is going on in Hawaii as well.

I saw this news story You Tube Video Shows Kauai in Bad Light on our Hawaii local news last night. (They use a video system called Internet Broadcasting which doesn't work with my mac and browsers.)

The video shows an accurate portrayal of the problems going on in Kauai, while it is still being marketed as paradise. Traffic gridlock, rampant over-development, historic Hawaiian cultural sites being paved over, and an aged infrastructure that cannot handle all of the activity -- for example fecal matter has polluted many of the beaches making them unsafe and unsightly.

I went to YouTube.com for myself to check it out. I was impressed that in one month's time this 5 minute video has already been viewed over 18,000 times!

Sadly a video like this could be made for all the islands, especially the Big Island -- where I live, and Maui.

Go to youtube.com and type in "discover kauai" to see for yourself, especially if you are planning to vacation there.

Get Out of the Heat Wave -- Come stay in Hawaii 50% off!

The heat wave across the mainland United States is not predicted to go away anytime soon. If you can afford it and have the time, come cool off and chill out by visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. DestinationVillas.com, an online directory of vacation rental by owner homes, announced that it would celebrate the Top 10 Resort Award by offering 3 free nights on any 7-night July stay at select Hawaii vacation rental property listings.

This listing looks like a particularly great deal:

Hawaii Vista Waikoloa Rentals from only $889.00 for 7 nights accommodations -- plus the additional 3 nights free so ten nights total!

Use our handy Kayak search box in our blog's side bar to conveniently check out the top online airline deals all at one time.

I found out about this Hawaii vacation deal from a blog I like to read called Go Visit Hawaii. For more information visit her post Big Island Vacation Rental Sale.

Hawaii Superferry Cost Often More than Flying

The long anticipated arrival of the Hawaii Superferry has not even started service yet, but prices have already gone up 30.8 percent due to a tacked on fuel surcharge.

The Superferry marketing execs are trying to push the total new experience of traveling by water, and being able to bring your own vehicle or bulky items, but unless you are planning on staying on a different island for a week, it is probably cheaper, and a whole lot faster to travel by air.

Read more info on the Hawaii Superferry's fuel surcharge.

Visit the Hawaii Superferry Site for reservations and complete information.

Read our previous post on the Hawaii Superferry Service.

Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines Won’t Leave You Stranded

Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines, the two main inter-island carriers in Hawaii, are the best in the nation when it comes to handling passenger stranding incidents.

This is according to the Coalition for An Airline Passenger Bill of Rights, a consumer group that studies excessive delays and wants mandatory reporting by airlines when passengers are trapped in planes for hours while waiting for take off.

Although Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines both received a report card grade of "A", American Airlines (the world's largest airline), United Airlines, and US Airways all received an overall grade of "F".

See more details about the 2007 airlines report card and the Coalition for An Airline Passenger Bill of Rights.

Hawaii Superferry is Almost Here

People in the islands are getting very excited about the Hawaii Superferry which will begin service late this summer. There has never been a ferry service inter-island like this before.

I pictured a big uninteresting ship with rows of plank like seating (sort of like the one I was on to see the Statue of Liberty years ago) but it is anything but that. The superferry's interior is so luxurious. There are several types of seating areas, and the seats look plush and comfortable, more like airline seats. The inside of the ship looks like a nice hotel lounge or lobby. There will also be a keiki (children) area for the kids to play.

The ship is currently being built in Mobile, Alabama and will get to Hawaii via the Panama Canal, with a short stop in Los Angeles to refuel. After that daily service from Honolulu, O'ahu to Kahului, Maui begins, and service 6 days a week from Honolulu, O'ahu to Nawiliwili, Kauai begins. One way passage will take approximately 3 hours from either island.

Service to the Big Island of Hawaii will not begin till 2009 after a second ferry is added. And as my luck would have it, they will only be going to Kona, and NEVER plan on stopping in Hilo, the reason being it would take too long to go around the island to get to the east side. As it is, from Honolulu to Kona will take 4 1/2 hours.

At least we would be able to pack up our car, drive to Kona, and then drive right onto the ferry with all of our bags, omiyage gifts, and ice chest packed with food. That would be difficult to do if you were flying, which up till now has been pretty much the only option. Also, you don't have to rent a car when you get to another island if you bring your own.

To make reservations, see the picture gallery, routes, ticket prices and everything you want or need to know about the superferry, visit their site HawaiiSuperFerry.com

Of course you won't find any negative information about the superferry on their site. But just to let you know, there has and continues to be opposition to the superferry with regards to environmental concerns such as not disturbing the humpback whales during the season when they come to Hawaii to rest and give birth.

So, are you for or against the Hawaii Superferry and do you plan to use it? Please leave your comments below.

A True Maui Girl at Heart

She wasn't born on Maui, but since her honeymoon, she and her husband have been to Maui over 20 times! Maui Girl will personally tell you how they have a great time on a budget by staying in condos -- she tells you where they like to stay and why -- where to eat at restaurants and where to shop if dining in, and the myriad of activities available to explore Maui. Her writing is equal to the beautiful photographs of Maui that she shares.

Read her complete post on Maui, The Valley Isle

Have fun browsing through our best Maui Activities available, and reserve online or by phone. Activities have complete descriptions with photographs and real customer ratings for each activity.

Virtual Reality Hawaii Panorama Photographs

This is the most amazing site with hundreds of panorama photographs with a 360 degree view of popular and secret places in Hawaii. The virtual reality is like you are standing in one of your most favorite spots in Hawaii, and can see in front, left, right and behind where you are standing...all by moving your computer mouse over the picture!

This is just a quick (not complete) run down of places you can visit on each island.

Big Island Virtual Tour

Hamakua Coast (5)

World Botanical garden (7)

Akaka Falls (7)

Hawaii Botanical Garden (8)

Hilo Side (9)

Hawaii Volcanoes (17)

Kalapana Trail (7)

South Shore (8)

Place of Refuge (9)

Kona Coast (10)

Kona Coast 2 (10)

Coffee tour (10)

Kailua Kona (14)

Waikoloa Hilton (6)

Puukohola Heiau (5)

Kohala Area (14)

Mauna Kea (13)

Kaumana cave (5)

Maui Virtual Tour

Haleakala Crater 1 (12)

Haleakala Crater 2 (11)

Upcountry to Hana (15)

East - Hana to Kipahulu (8)

Twin Falls (4)

South Maui (15)

Maalea to Kaanapali (14)

Kaanapali, Kahalukoa (10)

Lahaina City (9)

Central Maui (7)

Tropical Plantation (5)

Iao Valley (9)

Kauai Virtual Tour

North Shore (14 )

North Shore cont. (11 )

Kilauea Lighthouse (6 )

Limahuli Garden (8 )

East Side (17 )

East Side cont. (11 )

South Shore (16)

Tropical garden (5 )

Russian Fort (4 )

West with Waimea VR (21)

Oahu Virtual Tour

North Shore(30)

South Shore (26)

Windward Coast 26)

Leeward Coast (13)

Metro Area (29)

Waikiki (67)

Diamond head (8)

Koko Head area (33)

Makapu Lighthouse (7)

Sea Life Park (10)

Bishop Museum (12)

Pearl Harbor (19)

Foster Botanical garden (8)

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden (7)

Koko Crater Botanical Garden (14)

Lyon Arboretum (9)

Olomana Garden (4)

Ala Moana Center (6)

Ko-Olina Resort Marina (10)

Maunawili Trail (8)

Lantern Floating Hawaii(11)

Aloha Tower(5)

Kualoa Ranch (13)

Polynesian C.C.(27)

Chinatown (11)

Honolulu Downtown (15)

My_Ryang-Sa (13)

Punchbowl Memorial(11)

Ualakaa Park(19)

Object VR (4)

There are also virtual tours of Lanai and Molokai.

Dream, re-live or share memories of your favorite places in Hawaii with someone by visiting Virtual Tour of Hawaii.