5 Things to Do on an Oahu Honeymoon

Have you recently selected Oahu as the destination for your upcoming honeymoon? If so, congratulations! You are sure to have the honeymoon of your dreams. Oahu is filled with beauty, romance, fun, and anything else that the heart desires.

1 – Stay at an Oahu Beach House Rental

When it comes to vacations, many travelers automatically think of hotels and vacation resorts. While Oahu is filled with great hotels and vacation resorts, you will want to take the time to examine Oahu vacation rentals, namely a private beach house rental.

Oahu beach house rentals are perfect for honeymoons. Why? For starters, the beach. The beaches of Hawaii are known for being beautiful and romantic. What could be better than waking up to that beauty and romance every morning of your honeymoon? Whether you are staying right along the beach or simply just have a good view of it, romance will be in the air!

It is also important to touch on privacy. When you stay at an Oahu beach house rental, you and your new spouse should be on the only tourists onsite. This means that you can come and go as you please and show your love for each other without having to worry about offending or disrupting other tourists.

2 – Visit Lanikai Beach

As previously stated, the beaches of Oahu are known for their beauty and their romance. One beach that you will want to stop by is that of Lanikai Beach. Lanikai Beach is perfect for those on honeymoons, like yourself, as it is off the beaten path. Although it is increasing in popularity among tourists, it is still referred to as a hidden treasure.

As for why Lanikai Beach isn’t overcrowded, it is due to being located in a residential area. There are, however, multiple public access points for you to use. Once you arrive at the beach, you won’t find any restroom or lifeguards, but you will find paradise. Just a few of the activities that you can enjoy at this beach include swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, and sunbathing.

If you opt to stay at a nearby Oahu beach house rental, you can make it in time for the morning sunrise, which will astound you.

3 – Kayak to Mokulua and Mokumanu

In keeping with visiting Lanikai Beach, if you decide to stay at an Oahu beach house rental nearby, you should have the opportunity to kayak to the nearby twin islands. These islands are known as Mokulua and Mokumanu. All you have to do is visit Lanikai Beach, view them from the coast and you will automatically want to make the trip.

Kayaking can not only be fun, but romantic as well, especially when you reach the destination. The twin islands of Mokulua and Mokumanu are bird sanctuaries. Kayak rental stations are located nearby.

4 – Visit Shark’s Cove

Snorkeling, as previously stated, is an activity that is perfect for honeymoons. Not only can it be fun and exciting, but it can also be romantic. One of the best destinations for snorkeling on the island of Oahu is that of Sharks Cove, which is located on the North Shore. Here, you will find a reef, which is home to a vast array of wildlife. All of which you can see up close and personal.

Reef sharks are commonly seen in the area. Although regarded as relatively harmless, it is still wise to use your best judgment. Speaking of best judgment, keep a close eye on the water. It is recommended that you do not enter the water here during the winter months, as it can be fierce and dangerous.

5 – Visit the Iolani Palace

On your honeymoon, you want to feel like royalty. What better way to get the process started than to see how royalty lived? You can do so by visiting the Iolani Palace. According to its website, it is “the only official state residence of royalty in all of the United States.” Guided tours are available daily, the Palace gift shop is a must visit, and you may find free concerts on Fridays.

As an important reminder, there is so much for you to do and see while on a Hawaiian honeymoon. The above mentioned activities and attractions are just to help you get started.

Great Winter Getaways

Winter is quickly approaching. In just a few weeks Christmas will be here and you know that means freezing cold weather and piles of fluffy snow. While this may sound appealing for the holidays, itâ??s nothing but misery there after. So why not take a great vacation this winter season? There are plenty of places wonderful places you can go to get out of the cold, or if you really do enjoy it, there are plenty of places where you can take advantage of the snowy weather. Check out my list of fabulous winter getaways.

1. Quebec City. Once it begins to snow, this city becomes a truly magical place. The list of winter activities is endless. You can go tobogganing, dog sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. The Stoneham Mountain is just twenty minutes out of the city. Itâ??s best to visit during the months of January and February when the Winter Carnival begins. Youâ??ll find an enormous ice castle, plenty of music and dancing, as well as ice sculptures and great cultural experiences.

2. Hawaii. If youâ??re looking for a hot, romantic getaway this winter then you better head to Hawaii. Itâ??s the number one honeymoon destination in the U.S. because of its vast beautiful landscapes and ideal weather. Youâ??ll be surrounded by exotic tropical flowers and the beaches are immaculately kept. You can also enjoy plenty of water sports and mouth-watering local delicacies.

3. Las Vegas. If youâ??re looking for a crazy time this winter, then head to Vegas! During the month of January itâ??s much less crowded so youâ??ll be able to get great deals on flights and hotel accommodations. In Las Vegas youâ??ll be able to gamble in the most fabulous casinos, attend unbelievable shows and concerts, shop until you drop, lounge on a patio furniture set by the pool and eat like a king.

Donâ??t be a victim of the winter blues this year. Plan a great winter getaway and youâ??ll be pumped and ready for when spring hits in mid March. The days will just fly by once you get back home.

Jack Johnson Tickets – Jack Johnson to Play Mile High Music Festival While on Tour

Everyone’s favorite surfer-turned-musician Jack Johnson is touring in support of his fifth studio album To the Sea this summer, and Pollstar.com reported that he will make a stop at Denver, Colorado’s Mile High Music Festival while on the road. The festival takes place at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Aug. 14 and 15 and will see Johnson co-headlining with the Dave Matthews Band. Johnson and the Steve Miller Band will lead the bill for the first day of the event—which will also feature performances by artists like Phoenix, Keller Williams, Donavon Frankenreiter and others—while DMB will perform along with My Morning Jacket, Weezer, Atmosphere and more on the second and final day of the Mile High Music Festival.

The follow-up to his 2008 platinum-selling album Sleep Through the Static, To the Sea will arrive via Johnson’s own Brushfire Records on June 1. According to the official Universal Republic Records site, the album was co-produced by Johnson and his bandmates Merlo Podlewski (bass), Zach Gill (keyboard) and Adam Topol (drums) with Johnson’s longtime engineer Robert Carranza. Johnson recorded To the Sea at his pair of solar-powered studios: The Mango Tree in his native Hawaii and the Solar Powered Plastic Plant in Los Angeles. “You and Your Heart,” the lead single off To the Sea, arrived on April 3 and features the mellow-minded artist singing the chorus, “But you and your heart / Shouldn’t feel so apart / You can choose what you take / Why you gotta break and make it feel so hard.”

Before he embarks on his summer road trip, Johnson will host the Kokua Festival in Honolulu, Hawaii on April 23 and 24. According to Johnson’s official website, the Kokua Hawai’i Foundation supports environmental education in the communities and schools of Hawaii and the festival is its biggest fundraiser of the year. Johnson’s tour in support of To the Sea will officially launch from Berlin, Germany on June 16, after which point he will stop in European cities like Amsterdam, Netherlands; Paris, France; Cornwall, England; Somerset, England (at the Glastonbury Festival); London, England; and Roskilde, Denmark (for the Roskilde Festival) through early July.

With fellow Brushfire Records’ artists in tow, Johnson will bring his tour to North America starting with a July 9 show in Hartford, Conn. Head to <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.stubhub.com/”>StubHub.com</a> for <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.stubhub.com/jack-johnson-tickets/”>Jack Johnson tickets</a> to see him perform songs like “You and Your Heart” in cities like Camden, N.J.; New York, N.Y.; Virginia Beach, Va.; Toronto, Ontario; Clarkston, Mich.; Commerce City, Colo.; Bonner Springs, Kan.; Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Ga.; Raleigh, N.C.; Tampa, Fla.; Berkeley, Calif.; Santa Barbara, Calif. and more through October 2010.

According to Johnson’s official site, Brushfire artist G. Love will remain on the road with Johnson throughout the summer, performing a special acoustic set before Johnson’s headlining set in July and August. ALO will open all shows while Zee Avi will perform before Johnson during West Coast shows this summer. The trek will see Johnson collaborating with over 150 community groups as part of his All At Once Community, his social action networks. The 2010 All At Once campaign focuses on supporting Sustainable Local Food Systems and Plastic-Free Initiatives.

Returning to the stage for 2010, earth friendly surfer Jack Johnson’s aptly named To the Sea is helping the sea, the land and the air in the first environmentally friendly world tour. Kicking off the tour in July, he’ll close out in October in his former stomping ground, Santa Barbara. The June release will mark his fifth studio effort, an effort that has Johnson producing with band members Merlo Podlewski, Zach Gill and Adam Topol. If you haven’t seen this professional surfer turned contemporary rock star perform live, check out http://www.stubhub.com/, where you’ll surely find <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.stubhub.com/jack-johnson-tickets/”>Jack Johnson tickets</a> today.

A longtime environmentalist, Johnson finds that consciously living aware of the environment is synonymous with breathing. Since growing up on Oahu’s North Shore, Johnson always been a born lover of Mother Nature’s powerful ways and can’t image life without them. Now he’s doing something proactive about protecting it â?? from donating 100% of tour proceeds to the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation to creating the Kokua Festival in Hawaii. The latter is an environmentally friendly get-together that raises awareness and funds for his foundation.

“Once we started doing this fest in Hawaii, [we started] learning ways we could lessen the negative impact of a show by using biodiesel, water stations, recycling bins, all the little things you could do to lessen the negative impact,” Johnson said to MTV. “And then started to see how you could expand on the positive impact by having local nonprofit groups at every venue you play, so as the people from that town are coming to the shows.”

A former professional surfer, Johnson turned to music when a near fatal surfing accident left him daunted. Luckily, he’d been studying film while at the University of California, Santa Barbara and his first video led to a showcase of skills as director and songwriter. Thicker Than Water was released in 2000 and partnered Johnson with friends Chris Malloy and Emmett Malloy that showcased Johnson’s directorial abilities as well as several self-penned tunes. That year Surfer Magazine honored the video with its top prize of Video of the Year, allowing the guys to create the second film The September Sessions.

It wasn’t long before Johnson’s music piqued the interest of fellow melodic indie star G. Love & Special Sauce, who ended up covering Johnson’s September Sessions since for their ’99 album. Brushfire Fairytales appeared in 2001 and featured Ben Harper; the set went platinum, and after a year of touring he produced the next album On and On. The surfer-folk vibe stayed true through Johnson’s third effort as well; In Between Dreams was released in 2005 and recorded at the Mango Tree Studio in Hawaii.

While he might have been an underground star following In Between Dreams, it was the fourth album â?? Sing A Long and Lullabies for the Film Curious George â?? that put him into the mainstream market. Sure, surfers and Southern Californians knew who Johnson was, but when the film soundtrack debuted it made him a megastar. Sing A Long went on to sell 140,000 copies in its first week alone and helped to maintain Johnson’s well mannered attitude and soul surfer vibe.

 

 

 

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Jack Johnson Tickets – ‘To the Sea’ Out in June

Hawaiian singer/songwriter Jack Johnson always manages to make his listeners mellow out. How could you not be relaxed after listening to his signature brand of soft acoustic guitar tunes and breezy, carefree lyrics? If you’ve been feeling the stress of everyday life and need a little pick me up, mark your calendars for the month of June, which signals the release of Jack Johnson’s new studio album To the Sea.

Following the same pattern as his prior releases, Johnson’s latest set To the Sea is packed full of groovy beats and ballads that will seriously inspire you to chill out. Johnson will be supporting the forthcoming record with a summer and fall tour, so visit http://www.stubhub.com and purchase your own pair of <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.stubhub.com/jack-johnson-tickets/”>Jack Johnson tickets</a> today!

Johnson’s upcoming tour is set to start in July and will continue to run through mid-October. He starts things off in Hartford, Conn. and will wind his way around the country before closing up the tour in Santa Barbara this fall from Oct. 13 to 14.

To the Sea’s first single is a fun tune called “You and Your Heart” and has been already receiving a fair amount of play on radio stations around the country. The track is funky, smooth and characteristically Johnson style. Although it is just a tiny glimpse into the musical content on To the Sea, fans are already getting excited about the entire track list.

Beachside tunes got a little more mainstream with the arrival of Jack Johnson. The “surfer dude” from Hawaii had his hopes pinned on a professional career riding the waves, but an unfortunate accident put an end to his ambitions. Instead, Johnson looked elsewhere and found an outlet for his creativity with film and music. Now he’s a huge star in the music industry, selling out stadiums and seeing his singles shoot to the top of the Billboard charts.

Jack Johnson’s debut album Brushfire Fairytales was released in 2001 and almost immediately attracted worldwide attention. The album featured poetic and charming compositions like “Flake,” “Bubble Toes” and “Fortunate Fool” and definitely gave a glimpse into what fans could expect from the songwriter on future releases.

Johnson wasted no time in the following years, releasing several full-length albums like On and On, In Between Dreams and Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies For the Film Curious George. His 2008 album Sleep through the Static had a more melancholy feel to it, especially with tracks such as “All At Once,” “Angel” and the disc’s title track. After its release Johnson toured extensively throughout Europe with concert footage captured for a subsequent CD/DVD release, En Concert.

Little time has elapsed since En Concert, but Johnson is never one to waste away. This summer get ready for his latest release and country-wide tour that will surely take him to a city near you. Get ready to let all of your cares slide away and groove along to some of Jack Johnson’s latest beats. Be sure to get your tickets from StubHub.

Top Deals & Destinations of the Week!

I would usually put this one last – but it is so good, I have to make sure all eyes see it. If anyone has tried to travel over the holidays, you know the prices can double/triple during our days off! However, Funjet is offering flights from 9, yes 9 roundtrip to the Caribbean during the Holiday season – and that is just the beginning of these amazing deals. Yes, I’m a total Caribbean bum. The warm salty air, the miles and miles of sand that give way to some of the most gorgeous turquoise water anywhere is enough motivation than I need. That image coupled with the fact that its now cheaper then ever before to go, makes the Caribbean the bonus destination this week! Fly into the Caribbean and stay for 3 nights during this Holiday Sale for 9 and you save 0 per person! You say you want added value? Alright, how about bring the kiddies along and they will stay, play and eat free! You have to love the Holidays!

Now that I got the holiday excitement out of the way, here are the best deals and destinations of the week!

Hawaii.  Although this might sound like an automatic for most people, it must fall on any list of places to go. Comprised of hundreds of islands spread over 1500 miles, the state of Hawaii has been a sod after spot for families, honeymooners and everyone else looking to enjoy its acclimate weather and its lush beaches, not to mention their bewildering gold, red, green and black sands. With breast cancer awareness month upon us, you can battle two issues with one preverbal stone.  You can visit the amazing island of Oahu for 5 nights including air for 9, while helping out a very important cause.  The “Travel Pink, Travel Oahu” makes donations to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Travel during this time will save you close to 0; as oppose to traveling there during the high season.

Australia. Fall asleep on the plan and wake up in this beautiful and diverse English speaking country With its over 2.9 million square miles of land, this country is filled with history, underwater treasures and, for the nature lover, some of the most amazing creatures to ever roam the wild. If you’re a wine lover, or one that occasionally enjoys a nice glass, Australia, with its average temperature of 67F (19C), has some of the world’s best Chardonnay. Take a journey through the extraordinary history and architecture of the Iconic Sydney Opera House. With dimensions of 605 feet long and about 388 feet wide, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has held some of the most sought after venues in the world. Constructed in 3 stages, this structure holds 5 different venues that make up the main performance facilities; The Concert Hall, The Opera Theatre, The Drama Theatre, The Playhouse and the Studio. If Australia is your idea of a true getaway, and with all there is to experience you are not alone, then take advantage of this terrific offer. Air and a 6 night stay, with a tour of this amazing attraction is yours for 99. This rate is for travel from Los Angeles, usually with advertising if you are traveling from any where but the place they give you the price for, the price goes way up – but in this case, the reason this deal is so amazing and much more affordable than in the past, is because there is only a 0 flight add-on regardless of where your origin in the United States!

Affordable Cruising w/ Low Deposits. With the dollar these days, a lot of our dreams of visiting exotic destinations like Europe/South America/Alaska may be put off for years later, “when things get better”. However, the cruise lines are very aware of our economic situation and are making our way around the Globe more affordable. Princess Cruises, one of the most respected names in the Cruise industry has is offering rates as low as 6/nt. Pick a place on the globe, Denmark, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Alaska and my personal favorite St. Petersburg, Russia are all well within your reach. Princess is offering a worldwide sale including coupon booklets for the cruise that will certainly save you money on board. The best part is if you want to plan ahead and reserve the space for 2009 plus take advantage of the deep discounts now, you only have to give a 0 deposit. If you have not cruised before, I can tell you the deposits are usually much higher! Plus they guarantee these low prices – so you don’t have to think that the price may get lower later. Many of the sailings are offering cabin upgrades and other amenities. A new look at an old way of spending your vacation is what you might be looking for, and Princess Cruises makes your search a little less congested.

Jamaica. As Jack Frost is getting ready to nip on your nose, what better way to fight back then heading to the Caribbean? The need for Hot Chocolate as an anti-freeze is absolutely not needed here; and proper footwear while on the beach is no required. I have been to Jamaica six times- I guess I like it there. Lately, I hear some negative talk, fear in some cities – however these are not the places the tourists frequent and the myths should be squashed. Jamaica has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen, and truly gives you that “island, I am way from it all” feeling. Jamaica is known for its all inclusives, where you never have to leave the resort except for a dip in the ocean and perhaps an excursion to hear some reggae. The deals to Jamaica – especially these all inclusive resorts are outstanding. One deal I found with Air Jamaica Vacations is with The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort. Relax to the sounds of Calypso music for 3 magical nights at the All-Inclusive Montego Bay resort. That’s right; everything is included for your vacation. Not convinced yet of this great deal…well, how about round trip airfare, two checked bags free (can you believe that they are charging to your luggage!), transfers and use of land and water sports and entertainment. Also, flying Air Jamaica has been one of the best airline experiences I have ever had. Got kids? Bring them along with you. Not only do you save up to a whopping 60% off, your kids get to stay free! I’m sure that Mr. Frost will be waiting for you when you get back, but nothing like prolonging the inevitable!

Fiji.  Yes the South Pacific has been on my table of places to go for quite some time now. I have found deals to this side of the world, I never thought could exist. Go to sleep on the plane – wake up in paradise. The Republic of the Fiji Islands is an island nation in the South Pacific.  East of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and Tuvalu to the south, it occupies about 322 islands.  One spot in Fiji that I have paid close attention too is Nadi.  The third largest conurbation in Fiji, it is located on the western side of the main island. The scuba, snorkeling is outstanding — the color of the water is like no other, and the culture, interesting and colorful – yes, you are really on the other side of the world. You can take ferries to the Mamanuca Group of islands along with experiencing the mud-flat beaches.  Other exciting sites to take in are the Waqadra Botanical Gardens and the Sleeping Giant Gardens, which house Raymond Burr’s magnificent orchid collection.  If Europe and Hawaii have become the everyday talk as to where your vacation travels will lead you, this might be a nice change; and with prices starting at 9 per person including air to Nadi, you can start telling your friends “I’m finally going to the South Pacific!”

Ghent Film Festival, IEBA Honors Chubby Checker, Content and Communications World, Viennale 2009, ShowEast, Highlight October Events

MIPCOM, in Cannes through October 9, is the global content event for creating, co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing entertainment content across all platforms, that provides the key decision-makers in the TV, film, digital and audiovisual content, production and distribution industry with a market conference and networking forum to discover future trends and trade content rights on a global level. The New School Office of Career Development in conjunction with The Office of Alumni Relations, New School for Drama, New School for Jazz and Contemporary Studies, Mannes College and others, presents “Careers in Performing Arts,” an Alumni Panel and networking event, at its campus in Greenwich Village, on October 6. The Ghent Film Festival (Flanders International Film Festival-Ghent) in Ghent, first established in 1974 as a student’s festival, is now recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (IFFPA) as a competitive festival primarily geared towards the “impact of music on film”. The festival organizes film music concerts, giving composers of film scores a platform to showcase from. The official CD Release Party for Kyoko Oyobe (www.myspace.com/kyokooyobe) Jazz Trio, recorded live at Smalls Jazz Club, happens October 8 in New York, and features Kyoko Oyobe, piano Michael O’Brien, bass Clifford Barbaro, drums, Saul Rubin, guitar. A subsequent jazz recital happens at Fat Cat Jazz Club, in Greenwich Village, on October 15.

The Chicago International Film Festival, October 8-21, will have an opening night cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres, and after the festival starts you can listen to experienced film composers, musicians, and directors break down the process of finding collaborators, sourcing new and existing music, and producing the perfect harmony between sound and image at the panel “Score! Music on Film”. ` International Entertainment Buyers Association, founded in 1970 as a non-profit trade organization for talent buyers, concert promoters, agents, managers, artists and other related entertainment professionals, starts its 2009 conference in Downtown Nashville, October 11-13. Among slated events IEBA will honor the iconic Chubby Checker who had the number 1 song of the sixties, “The Twist,” which topped the charts at number1 twice. Content and Communications World is the fall conference and exhibition for media and communications technology, opening in New York for two days on October 14. CCW features three events in one location – HD World, SATCON, and IP Media Expo. The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) was started with a mandate for the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film, and at this year’s event in Honolulu will host an all day event to honor award winning TV program LOST, which is shot on the island of Oahu with the Vision in Film Award. BlogWorld and New Media Expo 2009, October 15-17 in Las Vegas, is for any Blogger, Podcaster, Vlogger, Internet TV or Radio Broadcaster, Social Media expert or producer of any other form of new media content to attend and extend their expertise with strategies, tools and techniques.

Film, Stage and ShowBiz Expo happens this year in Los Angeles for one day, on October 17. On site at the Expo, Disney Theatrical Group and Telsey + Company will be holding casting calls for major Broadway musical productions. During this year’s 2009 Digital Hollywood Fall, October 19-22 in Santa Monica, some special events will include: Executive Round Table and Cocktail Event; VIP Content Rights Dinner; Digital Hollywood Finance Dinner; a VIP Breakfast Briefing; and End-of-Day Poolside Reception. During Vienna based Viennale 2009, running October 22 through November 4, directors and actors will join the celebratory opening in the Gartenbaukino, with a number of other film guests, such as Tilda Swinton, to whom the Viennale dedicates a Tribute this year. The festival will close with the Austrian premier of the latest film of the brothers Ethan and Joel Coen: A Serious Man. Cinema exhibition professionals come to Nielsen Film Group’s ShowEast in Orlando, October 26-29, for film screenings of major studio and independent feature films slated for holiday release, as well as product reel presentations, special events with Hollywood actors, educational seminars and to find the latest products, services and technologies at the trade show. The Urban Individualists (www.theurbanindividualists.org) close out their year of art showcases with two shows in the month, first with a Brooklyn opening October 23 of ‘Heaven and Hall’, showing works exploring theological themes by male members of the collective, including Paul Deo (www.myspace.com/pauldeo). They open again on October 31 in Manhattan’s upper west side with ‘Masquerade – False Faces’ a multimedia exhibition which includes masks and other art works. Both events feature live music, poetry readings, refreshments, and are free and open to the public.

The above events are only a sample of what is fully listed. Complete details are on the “Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events” page. Video and podcast versions of this news summary are also available at popular video sites around the Web like MySpace, YouTube, Daily Motion, as well as on The Actor’s Checklist podcast blog. Follow the posting of the news summary on Twitter at: twitter.com/actorschecklist. This month on the video news summary you will again see a dynamic array of artists in performance of film and music. Last month featured German pop (with a little hip hop) performer, Lando van Herzog; Urban Rap artist Guerilla X in his new film, ‘Kiss of a Bullet’; comedy in the form of parody rap skits from Filmhawk. These videos are now available on the Free Home Video Showcase which now serves as an archive for all past video presentations but without the audio news narration. The Actor’s Checklist is proud announce the return of the photo gallery which you can visit to upload valuable head shots or other photos of your choice, create profiles, and use your pictures or others found on the gallery as ecards which you can email to friends and associates with messages.

Your Kailua Kona Vacation

Hawaii’s Big Island is filled with supremely satisfying sights, but none is quite equal to Kailua Kona. Nestled at the bottom of Hualalai volcano and tucked along the picturesque shoreline of Kailua Bay, this stretch of vacationing heaven is just what you need to replenish your energy and recharge your soul.

Not to be confused with Kailua of Oahu, Kailua Kona is an attractive locale sometimes referred to only as Kona. If you can keep all of that straight (it’s really not too hard), you’ll be free to discover everything offered here, and we promise it’ll be worth it.

Start out by exploring the main street, Ali’i Drive, where you’ll get a taste for the history of this region as a playground for kings and later on, a site for sea fishing and missionary work. Modern conveniences now add to the flavor, so be assured that you’ll see plenty of grocery stores, shopping opportunities, and restaurants. The Ali’i Gardens Marketplace is the location for all the Hawaiian arts and crafts, Kona coffee, and fresh produce that you’ll want to sample while you’re here, so make some time to soak it all in.

Kailua Pier is a must-see in order to gain a true perspective of your surroundings. Watch the sunset from your perch on the seawall, or charter a boat for some angling in what are supposedly some of the best game-fishing waters around. In fact, every summer this is the site of the International Billfish Competition, so grab a rod and reel if this is your kind of thing.

From the pier, you might have caught a glimpse of an interesting landmark; further investigation will reveal to you that this is King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, a place that is available for a closer look. Head over there to see the well-restored religious site that now exists on the grounds of the hotel and is open to the public on a daily basis. Historical walking tours will reveal to you the secrets of this worshipping site and explain the significance of the tall statues. Luaus are also held nearby, so make this the spot to uncover Hawaii’s authentic past.

If you’d like a calm beach to enjoy some leisurely activities upon, look no further than Kamakahonu Beach right next door. Go for a swim, rent some snorkel gear, or guide a canoe down the sandy slope and into the waves for an adventurous tour of the shoreline. Shallow waters and soft sand make for great conditions for all sorts of activities, but don’t be surprised if you end up sitting back for a long-overdue snooze in the sun. Bring the sunscreen and a towel, and the rest will take care of itself.

If your rest amps you up for a bit more historical sightseeing, then you’ll want to check out Hulihe’s Palace just down the road. Built in 1838 by Governor John Kuakini, this long-ago vacation home now operates as a museum. The interior has been restored to its original state, and several artifacts are under display. Free monthly concerts are also held here, so it’s really quite the place to continue to educate yourself about Hawaii while having fun as well.

To round out what is looking to be a distinctive vacation, be sure to plant yourself in the kind of lodgings that will increase your pleasure factor rather than bring it down. You might not realize it, but this cozy area of the Big Island is packed with vacation rentals that range from luxury condos to romantic, beach side villas. Choosing a rental property over a hotel usually means that you’ll have access to a greater supply of amenities and probably a bit more privacy, so it’s worth looking into.

Whatever you decide to do, you’ll surely be enjoying yourself in Kailua Kona. Improve your knowledge of Hawaiian history, stroll the beach with some delicious shaved ice in hand, or reconnect with that special someone as you recline on your lanai while the sun goes down. This is the kind of escape you’ve probably been dreaming about, so get the planning process started today.

Go online to check out all the Kailua Kona Vacation Rental options, and prepare to say goodbye to the mainland for a few precious, rejuvenating days.

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Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations!

When my husband and I were first engaged, we decided to visit the Hawaiian Islands for our honeymoon and, simply put, our dreams came true! With miles of sandy beaches, balmy breezes, hiking trails, snorkeling trips and breath taking sunsets, it is easy to see why Hawaii is among the top ten honeymoon destinations and a favorite for romantic vacations!

Don’t be afraid of “island hopping” and moving around; spend a night in Hana and a few in Kaanapali or on Kauai. All the islands offer something different, so take the time to carefully plan and you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Many on line activity planning services offer free travel guides or books for each island and the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau can be a great source of information.

Before you start planning, talk to your partner and decide what type of honeymoon vacation you are each imagining. Are you an adventurous, outdoorsy couple or do you prefer sitting back on your private lanai, sipping mai tais with your sweetheart? Are you looking for a resort with all the amenities or would you prefer the seclusion of a beachfront home? Do you want lots of nightlife or is a honeymoon beach vacation the right thing for you?

A list of the most popular honeymoon destinations would not be complete without including Maui. The South and West shores include the resorts of Kaanapali and Wailea as well as a number of more budget-friendly condo-tels with easy beach access, driving is easy and there is just so much to do! There are a number of “couple friendly” snorkel and sunset sailing tours departing from Lahaina and Maalaea daily, theater shows, rainforest hikes with waterfalls and a surprising number of quiet little hideaways for such a popular place! Maui has even become one of the top destination wedding locations in the world, playing host to over 10,000 weddings annually. With a good wedding planner to put together your details, finding the perfect photographer, musician, wedding flowers and secret spot can be easy and fun; web based coordinators like the staff at A Dream Wedding in Paradise can even help you combine your Maui wedding (or vow renewal; hey, we’re talking ROMANCE here!), reception and honeymoon travel into one easy package.

Oahu is also among the list of popular honeymoon destinations and lures couples looking for great shopping, clubs, concerts and shows. Waikiki Beach has become a landmark and is a great place for couples to try surf lessons, parasailing and sunset sailing. Some of the best Hawaiian luaus and dinner cruises in the state are on Oahu and most offer the luxury of round-trip transportation; no need to worry about driving, share a toast with your love as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean and enjoy! Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve were among our favorites and the Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-do activity on this island.

Kauai was a great choice for us and is the most popular wedding//honeymoon destination, after Maui. This is not the place for travelers looking for night life; only a few luaus and restaurants. It is a MUST for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. The surfing at Hanalei Bay is always a real treat and the setting is just so picture-postcard perfect! Snorkeling is not great from shore on this island and a number of boats will take you along the Na Pali Coast; adventurous couples should look into the rafting trips. These tend to be geared more toward adults and couples, with few (or no) children. The beach landings are on completely secluded slips of sand and usually include a romantic little picnic beside the sea. There are more zipline courses here than on any island, golf, horseback rides to hidden waterfall pools, off-road and ATV tours and so much more to do, we could have filled another week and still not seen it all.

We found the Big Island to be very romantic but very BIG. This would be one island I would recommend staying in multiple hotels on. Our two days in the village of Volcano (about 45 miles from Hilo) were the most romantic of our honeymoon. After hiking in the Volcanoes National Park during the day, we joined a night hike to view the lava flows; the only way to get a better view is a helicopter flight. A visit to the summit of Mauna Kea is equally breathtaking; remember, we want to create memories together on this trip! Most of the organized activities on the island are based in Kailua-Kona and this where the most affordable hotels are found. Hilo is a quiet little town and fun to visit but does not offer as much for the romantic get away, although there are some great hidden waterfalls and gardens. The resorts at Waikoloa promise the ultimate in luxury with stellar ocean and sunset views, quiet beaches, poolside massages for couples and a number of intimate dining options.

From my experience, Hawaii should be among the list of top honeymoon vacations. There is so much for the newly married couple to enjoy that this may well become a destination of choice for all your anniversaries to come!

Resources:

https://www.hawaiiactive.com/html/ha-hawaii-travel-guide.html

http://www.adreamweddinginparadise.com/

http://www.hvcb.org/

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Moon in Aries & Mars in Gemini Square to Saturn in Virgo & Moon Moseys into Taurus on Tuesday (August 10-11, 2009) Hawaiian Tropical Storm

The Hurricane Felicia heading for Hawaii has been downgraded to a tropical storm. There is still emergency- preparedness to anticipate possible changes and for expected flush floods and heavy rains. As a member of the CERT Community Emergency Response Team I have been privy of the concerted efforts of volunteers and government agencies to be prepared for the worst. I must say I am pretty impressed with it! Considering the disaster of the non-organization for Katrina and the experience of Hurricane Iniki hitting Kauai ’92 I think we are well prepared as much as possible.

With the hopefully not devastating effects of Felicia we can consider this a practice run and wake-up call for individual preparedness! I am a strong believer of preparing for the worst and praying for the best. We in Hawaii always have the potential of Hurricanes coming our way as well as earth crust activities around the islands which can result in smaller or bigger earth quakes.

I don’t know about the challenges you might have to face where you live but I believe in any case it is smart to have some kind of emergency set-up. That means extra water, food, batteries, a transistor radio and medications.

The Aries Moon

The astrology of the day is not pointing specifically at any big events. The Aries Moon will be helpful for taking initiative if needed. It will give us inner strength and the willingness to step up to the plate with leadership skills.

Mars in Gemini Square to Saturn in Virgo

The tendency of Mars is to be too impulsive and going overboard will be hold in constraint with Saturn. If we are willing to apply ourselves, to listen and learn, we will be supported by finding the right way and channel for our energy. That is always Saturn’s promise to help you to find a form and appropriate expression for different areas of your life, depending which other personal planet and aspect is touched. Saturn stands for clarity, crystallization, consolidation and organizational leadership. The shadow site is anxiety and fear; blockages in our way. If we are willing to face our fears and feel them we are ready to move on to the clarity and take appropriate action.

Moon Moseys into Taurus on Tuesday: Calming the Spirit

Taurus is the most solid earth sign, relates to the reality of what we can touch and feel with out senses. The Moon in Taurus will help us to feel more grounded after the Aries Moon. This is good for us here in Hawaii after the excitement and upheaval of the storm. We can take stock in an organized way and action where it is needed.

Suggestion for the Day

One of my teachers Ananda Giri has said that one of the highest frequencies and states of consciousness we can have is the state of gratefulness! It does make a lot of sense to me. When I am grateful I am focusing my mind onto what is good and abundant in my life. By doing that I am raising my level of energy and am more connected with my true inner self and the divine nature. I will be more in tune and tapped into that source energy and attracting more of the good stuff into my life! And… it does feel good!!

So why don’t you sit down with that famous journal of yours, I hope I have already convinced you to regularly use, and choose to point your consciousness into the direction of appreciation and gratefulness. You can either let it freely flow through you what you are all grateful for in your life or you can focus onto different areas and work your way through looking at the areas of your family, relationship, friends, work, health, wealth, and living situation.

I feel truly grateful for all the good people here in Hawaii working hard all week to make it as safe as possible for the greater good of all of us. I am grateful to be part of the group of volunteers who are willing to give from themselves for others. I am grateful that the worst of a hurricane is not happening and pray that all will be safe!

I am also sending my prayers and blessings to all people in the world and in China, who are facing hardship and disaster right now.

If you enjoyed my astrological insights and pointers, I invite you to come and visit my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog http://www.jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/ where I discuss the universal, astrological forces and inspire you to use them wisely for a successful and joyful life.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Astrologer, Jeweler and Author