Staycation: 4 Great Ways to Stay and Play
Look no further than your own backyard to plan your next vacation. Whether you’re after family fun or a romantic getaway, your trip begins right here in the Aloha State. Check out these great ideas and stay and play the island way.
1. Enjoy Hawaii’s best luau.
You already know that Oahu’s Paradise Cove is the home of Hawaii’s best luau. There’s no need to wait for a visit from Mainlanders to enjoy beachside tropical cocktails, delicious food, Hawaiian games and arts and crafts. After a Shower of Flowers, join the Hukilau on the Beach to learn the net fishing techniques of Old Hawaii. Observe a recreation of a Royal Court Procession and learn about underground oven cooking at the Imu Ceremony. End with a traditional Hawaiian feast and be entertained with the traditional dancing of Hawaii and Polynesia as you sit back and enjoy the Paradise Cove Extravaganza. Paradise Cove offers three luau packages. Learn more about each at paradisecovehawaii.com. Call 808-842-5911 for Kamaaina rates.
Your Free Gift Awaits
When you rent a car from Budget, you automatically receive a free gift at a variety of great restaurants, shops and attractions across the Islands. And the best part is, you don’t have to do a thing. Budget has free gift coupons waiting for you when you pick up your keys. Budget features seven locations across Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
2. Take a tasting tour
Napa Valley has its grapes, but Hawaii has its own specialty crop known for smooth flavors and bold finishes. Kona coffee beans are a rare commodity grown only in North and South Kona. It’s an easy go! flight to the Big Island to tour the small, boutique farms’ orchards, watch the steps from roasting to grinding, and sample the nuances of beans grown in different areas. At The Kona Coffee Living History Farm, you’ll walk back into time with historic buildings, macadamia nut and coffee orchards, hands-on keiki activities, and costumed guides depicting the life of workers and families from 1920 through 1945. Learn more at konahistorical.org.
3. Kayak to a sacred place.
Take the family on a guided tour of Kauai’s Wailua River. The tour includes a gentle paddle down the river and an easy hike through lush, tropical forest. Both end at beautiful Sacred Falls, a remote bridal-veil waterfall that tumbles into a cool pool perfect for swimming. Once you reach the falls, enjoy a deli picnic lunch “poolside” and take a dip before heading home. This 5-hour round-trip adventure offers families the chance to learn about one of Hawaii’s few navigable rivers on our state’s oldest island. Learn more at kayakkauai.com. And, take advantage of 15 percent off for the guided Sacred Falls tour only when booked online. Use coupon code KVBEBLAST.
Interisland Travel Made Easy
No matter where your Interisland adventure takes you, go!Mokulele airlines will get you there. go!Mokulele offers more than 40 flights daily to Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, Kona and Hilo – more options at low fares that make it easy and convenient for kamaaina to travel. Plus, for each paid segment you fly, you’ll receive 500 go! miles, regardless of flight distance. For every 5,000 miles you accumulate, you’ll earn a one-way Interisland coach ticket to any destination go! serves. Learn more at iflygo.com.
4. See it all from behind the wheel.
Sometimes there’s no better way to see Hawaii than with the top down and sunglasses on. Whether you’re vacationing Interisland or just taking off for the day, consider an upgrade from your usual A-to-B vehicle to a dream machine. Rent a convertible, a Jeep or maybe even a zippy sports car from Budget to take you through Upcountry Maui, over the Hana Highway, along the Kona Coast, into Waimea Canyon or around east Oahu via Kalanianaole Highway from Waikiki to Kailua. Wherever you go, take the time to stop at the favorite local eateries, roadside stands or the lookout point you might normally breeze right by. Visit budget.com for reservation information.
