VIRTUAL ALOHA ARCHIVE

July 2002
Issue #39

Easy Access to Surface Lava Flows on the Big Island
Since May 2002 the appearance of surface flows at Volcanoes National Park has increased with flows now so accessible that with only a 20 minute hike at the end of Chain of Craters Road you’ll get within arms length away from lava cascades and slow-moving pahoehoe flows. Although the Pu’u o’o vent has been erupting continuously since 1983 the lava typically flows underground through lava tubes to where it pours into the ocean. The huge steam cloud produced when the hot lava enters the sea can be seen for miles all of the time. A helicopter tour of Volcanoes National Park will give you an amazing perspective of the surface lava flows as well as access to spectacular views into lava caldrons and lava fields and into skylights where you can see red hot lava streaming through lava tubes towards the ocean. If you would like to observe this awesome display of nature up close please do so safely. It is very important to stay on the marked trails to prevent wondering into areas where the hardened lava crust is thin and there is molten lava flowing beneath. Molten lava averages 2,000ºF/1,100ºC and there is no surviving if you fall in. The steam cloud produced by the molten lava flowing into the sea is hazardous to your health to breath because it contains hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide, and fine particles of glass. If the concentration becomes heavy in the cloud the access road may be closed. Persons with breathing and heart difficulties, asthmatics, pregnant women, infants, and young children are especially at health risk from the steam cloud but everyone should avoid breathing these fumes. In case of shifting winds we recommend bringing along a cloth or bandana for each person to breathe through but avoid getting mist or steam in the eyes by facing away from or avoiding the steam cloud. Due to the increase in lava flow Volcanoes National Park is reporting visitor numbers have doubled so be sure make reservations for car rentals, bus tours, guided tours, or helicopter tour well in advance. Also, keep in mind with the increase in visitors to the Big Island you may find may other popular activities booking up quickly.  To enjoy a mental vacation to Hawaii ’s Volcano National Park visit www.alohafriendshawaii.com/Volcanopark.html and for island specific activity suggestions to make your dream Hawaiian vacation a reality visit www.alohafriendshawaii.com

Swimming with Dolphins
Spinner Dolphins can be seen swimming and jumping off the shores of all Hawaiian Islands . In Captain Cook Bay on the Big Island wild dolphins can be seen on a daily basis about 7am . If you are a good swimmer and would like to swim with wild dolphins you can enter the bay and meet up with the dolphins by swimming across the bay towards the large statue memorial to Captain Cook. When the dolphins arrive please do not feed or touch them. It is safest to keep your hands down by your side. Dolphins are intelligent and curious creatures. They will investigate you and swim along with you. To get the most of your adventure it is best to have a snorkel, mask, fins, and a disposable waterproof camera. Captain Cook Bay is about 20-minute ride from the Kailua-Kona area and can be easily located on any island map.
For a guaranteed dolphin experience there are several dolphin research projects around the island that offer sessions where you get into the water with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, learn to command them with hand signals, learn interesting information about them, and even touch them! Dolphin encounters are offered on the island of Oahu at Sea Life Park and at Dolphin Quest/Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel as well as on the Big Island at Dolphin Quest/Hilton Waikoloa Hotel. For more details on these and other island specific Hawaii adventure suggestions visit www.alohafriendshawaii.com

CREATE AN AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN LUAU ANYWHERE!
Luaus are fun for birthday/anniversary parties, promotion/retirement parties, family reunions, company picnics, block parties, bridal/baby showers, or just when a few good friends get together. For lots of great decorating tips, tasty recipes, and fun Hawaii theme game ideas visit www.alohafriendsluau.com and have a party that everyone will enjoy! There are even instructions for creating an underground imu pit to cook your feast like the ancient Hawaiians did! Another fun option is to host a Hawaiian Theme Cookie Decorating Contest with suggestions and cookie cutters featured at www.alohafriends.com/HIcookiecutter.html 
Getting married? Check out our tips on creating a Hawaii theme wedding anywhere at  www.alohafriends.com/Hawaii_wedding.html 
Planning to host a Christmas in April party? Check out our NEW tips on creating a Hawaiian theme Christmas luau at www.alohafriendsluau.com/christmas.html 

Planning a Wedding in Paradise  
The Hawaiian Islands are a romantic setting with breathtaking landscapes that are ideal for pledging your eternal love. If you would like to get married or renew your wedding vows while in paradise with a little preparation before your arrival you can make the wedding of your dreams a reality. It is best make reservations for as much of your wedding as possible prior to your arrival. The toughest things to decide are where to hold the ceremony and what to wear. Popular traditional locations are in a church, on the beach, or in a botanical garden. Popular non-traditional locations are on top of Diamond Head , scuba diving, sky diving, or at a private waterfall. Traditional formal wedding attire of a gown for the bride and tuxedo for the groom are popular for church weddings. For beach and garden weddings many couples choose to wear Aloha attire of an Aloha print dress for the bride and an Aloha Shirt and slacks or shorts for the groom. Hiking boots, a wet suit, or a flight suit may be part of a non traditional wedding depending on the location chosen. In most weddings in Hawaii brides, grooms, as well as their wedding attendants wear neck leis made from fresh flowers, braided ti leaves, and/or Maile vines. Brides also commonly wear a ‘Haku’ head lei of fresh flowers and some wear fresh flower wrist or ankle leis. Pretty much it’s up to the Bride and Groom on how to have your wedding in Hawaii . There is only one rule on having a wedding in Hawaii , do what will make you the happiest on your special day and create a lifetime of wonderful memories! If you plan ahead you can make your dream Hawaiian wedding come true.
There is no waiting period to obtain a marriage license. You must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid drivers license, photo id, or passport as proof of identification. A marriage license is $50 and is good for 30 days. The ceremony must be performed by an officiate licensed by the State of Hawaii . Same sex marriages are not legal in Hawaii but some wedding officiates will perform a commitment ceremony which is like a wedding but is not legally binding. Visit our “Romance in Hawaii ” page at http://www.alohafriendshawaii.com/romance.html for more romance, engagement, and wedding suggestions for Hawaii visitors.

Hawaiian Vacation with Children
The new Disney full length cartoon movie “Lilo & Stitch” is set on the island of Kauai . Many children are being introduced to the Hawaiian Islands and are telling their parents they want to go to Hawaii . Hawaii is a place enjoyed by people of ALL ages, even the very young enjoy the amazing qualities Hawaii offers. When vacationing with children in Hawaii we recommend including several nature walks on your itinerary. There are many trails options on all islands that will take your through lush rainforest or along pristine beaches. Other great things about nature walks are you can set your own pace, you are exposed to spectacular scenery, they are typically free, and will help your kids release energy so they can relax. Encourage children’s curiosity while keeping them and the environment safe. Explore interesting things you encounter on your adventures with a one finger gentle touch. Have the kids feel what things like lush moss, moist bark, odd shaped rocks, and textured leaves feels like. Be prepared on your adventures by bringing items like water, snacks, tissue paper, band aids and a whistle.
The key to having a quality family experience is to explain to your child or children what they can expect to experience in Hawaii . Ask them what they think about your plans. Show them pictures of Hawaii on the internet or in travel books to familiarize them with what they will see and do. Tell them what it will be like to fly in an airplane and how long your flight is. Let them know they will be safe and will have fun. Once in the islands explain to your child what they are seeing, what’s going on around them, and make them part of your conversation. A great way to enjoy time together on road trips and on hikes is to sing songs or play a game where you pick something for them to seek along the roadside or trail. When they find it they get to pick the next item to look for. For more suggestions on island adventures kids enjoy and other tips on vacationing in Hawaii with children visit www.alohafriendshawaii.com/keiki.html

Want to Move to Hawaii ?
Living in Hawaii can be paradise everyday but there are many things to consider before packing your bags and buying a one way plane ticket. Although it’s hard to imagine anyone not wanting to live in Hawaii, some who move to the islands without visiting first or have no choice in the move (like military) find that Hawaii is not for them. One of the hardest parts of moving to Hawaii is being so far from friends and family. Homesickness can become unbearable when you are 2,000+ miles from your loved ones! Another major consideration is that the cost of living in Hawaii can be quite a bit more expensive then where you moved from. We have been told it compares with the major cities like San Francisco and New York City .  The island of Oahu is the most populated and is more expensive to rent or buy a house/apartment than the other islands. Outer-island housing is less expensive but there are fewer job opportunities. Almost all consumer items are shipped into the islands which add to the cost. Everything is shipped into Honolulu Harbor then on to other islands. Oahu ’s grocery stores seem to be less expensive and offer a larger selection of items than the outer island stores we have checked out. There are wholesale clubs like Sam’s and Costco/Priceclub in the islands which makes food even more affordable if you have the space to store it. It DOES take a lot of effort to maintain a decent life style in the islands. Tourism is Hawaii ’s major industry and a lot of tourism jobs are only part time paying workers minimum wage. Many of these workers rely on tips and work several jobs to make ends meet.
Hawaii is an amazing place to live if you enjoy experiencing different world cultures, exploring unique ecosystems, enjoying ocean activities, warm weather year round, and being surrounded by beautiful scenery. Although to live in Hawaii costs more than most places the quality of life we are able to enjoy is worth it. There is no other place in the world like Hawaii ! Some of the things that we find make the Hawaiian islands exceptional to live in: The Aloha Spirit expressed by many island residents…The exposure to interesting people and cultures from around the world…Hawaiian traditions like leis and aloha wear incorporated into everyday life…Hearing many languages spoken intertwined with English during everyday conversation…Low violent crime…Lots of options on how to enjoy “free time”…Rare plants and animals found only in Hawaii’s unique ecosystems…All of the waterfalls and rainbows!
We have created an online resource to make it easier for those who are dreaming of moving to Hawaii . With the resource you can compare the cost of living of where you live now and Hawaii, acquire moving cost estimates, research Hawaii public and private schools and colleges, find a job, find place to live, find car, find out how to ship and register your car, apply for a Hawaii drivers license, register to vote in Hawaii, find out how to apply for a US work Visa.  Visit www.alohafriendshawaii.com/movetoHawaii.html to make your dream of moving to Hawaii a reality. Enjoy a mental vacation to Hawaii anytime using our Hawaii photo gallery at www.alohafriendsphotos.com

WOW YOUR SOMEONE SPECIAL WITH SWEET FRESH HAWAIIAN PINEAPPLES!
For Birthdays, Anniversaries, Luaus, and other special occasions uniquely express your Aloha (love) for someone special with ono (delicious) fresh pineapples from Hawaii . These sweet island treats bring big smiles and are available to be shipped anywhere within the USA . To view fresh Hawaiian pineapple options as well as other pineapple island treasures visit our Pineapple Lovers page at www.alohafriends.com/pineapples.html or to view over 200 other treats and treasures from Hawaii visit our Island Gift Shop at www.alohafriends.com/products.html 

DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know it is now illegal to smoke in restaurants on the island of Oahu ?
Effective July 1, 2002 a smoking ban went into effect for restaurants on the island of Oahu . Restaurants who also have bars can allow smoking in the bar area only if the bar has a separate ventilation system and has a floor to ceiling wall separating the bar from the restaurant area. Fines for violating the smoking ban are $100 for the first offense to $500 for the next two offenses. The island of Maui is now considering implementing the same ban since the implementation on Oahu has gone smoothly. For more Hawaii travel tips to make the most of your time in paradise visit www.alohafriendshawaii.com/tips.html

Just Ask
I hear you can see a rainbow in Hawaii every day. Is this true and do you know why they happen so much in Hawaii ?
 If it is sprinkling and sunny out at the same time that is when a rainbow is visible. Depending on the position of the sun and how much rain is falling, the rainbow may appear as a partial rainbow, a full sky rainbow, a really fat rainbow with wide bands of color, and even a double rainbow where two rainbows appear at the same time. A rainbow forms when raindrops falling through the air separate white sunlight into a spectrum. It is seen usually in the sky opposite to the sun and also in the spray from waterfalls. When the sunlight enters a raindrop it is refracted, or bent, and reflected from the back surface of the drop in such a way that the viewer sees light appear as a spectrum of colors! The colors can be seen, however, only when the angle of reflection between the sun, the drop of water, and the observer's line of vision is between 40° and 42°. We also see a lot of double rainbows in Hawaii . In a double rainbow the brightest or primary rainbow the colors are arranged with the red outside. Then above the first rainbow is a secondary bow, in which the colors are arranged in reverse order. This bow is dimmer because of a double reflection within the drops. Because rains almost daily in the mountain range areas of each island it is probably safe to say that a rainbow can be seen every day somewhere in the Hawaiian Islands . 

Do you have a question about anything related to Hawaii ? We are sure other Virtual Aloha subscribers are staying up nights wondering the same thing. Get it off your mind and just ask us! Submit your Just Ask question to islandtips@aol.com

 
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VIRTUAL ALOHA ARCHIVE
Check out more useful Hawaii tips and interesting articles about Hawaii in past issues of Virtual Aloha. Visit the Virtual Aloha Archive at http://www.alohafriendshawaii.com/Enews_Archive.html

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(C) Kim and Mike Crinella/A Friend in the Islands. No reprints without acknowledgement from the publisher that the article(s) are written by Mike and Kim Crinella, A Friend in the Islands at www.alohafriends.com

Disclaimer : Our activity suggestions, tips, and Enews articles are based on our experiences and research. The information contained within this site and our Enews letter "Virtual Aloha" is meant to be a guide for anyone who wants to learn more about the islands and for visitors to explore what kinds of activities are available prior to arrival. Prices are listed to use as a guide to help determine what fits in each visitors budget and are subject to change by the activity provider. We are NOT affiliated with any activity provider and do NOT make any money from activity providers our suggestions! We are concerned with the quality of our suggestions and welcome positive and negative feedback about the activities. We, Mike and Kim Crinella, and our company, "A Friend in the Islands", will not be held responsible for any accidents, loss of property, or any other misfortunes associated with activities who's information is provided. 
This page was created by and is maintained by Mike & Kim Crinella. All information, graphics, and photos contained in this web site are property of Mike & Kim Crinella. Reuse of anything for commercial purposes requires credit be given to Mike & Kim Crinella and  A Friend in the Islands at www.alohafriends.com

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