Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Hawaii for the Holidays


During my flight from Honolulu, I read an article in People, "On location with Hawaii Five O - A guide to some fave Aloha State tourist spots from the producer of the CBS Hit."

Executive Produce Alex Kurtzman recommended three "must see destinations":


1.  Aloha Tower, http://www.alohatower.com/

On screen:  The Aloha Tower was featured in a recent chase scene.

History:  It is the original marketplace for incoming cruise and cargo ships.

Tourist Attraction:  Perhaps a few tourists from the cruise ships walk over to the Aloha Tower, but I don't know many locals who do (although Hawaii Five O held a casting call at the marketplace).  Most tourists stay in hotels on Waikiki Beach without cars.  The Aloha Tower is a long walk.

Alternate shopping:  The best place for tourists to shop for Hawaiian items is Hilo Hattie's.  There are a few smaller stores near Waikiki Beach and tourists can take its shuttle bus to the larger store on Nimitz Avenue (between the docks and airport).


2.  Diamond Head Crater, http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/.

On Screen:  It is a distinctive landmark in almost any production filmed in Hawaii.  

Tourist Attraction:  Yes, it is worth the visit to hike up the crater walls and overlook the Pacific Ocean.

3.  Surfing school.  The article hints that one surfing school will be featured in future episodes.  But let's talk about a surfing school connected to romance books - Ty Gurney's Surf School.   Ty advised Jane Porter when she researched her book, Flirting with Forty.  Jane posted her own Hawaii favorites on website.

Jane Porter and Diamond Head

In honor of Hawaii, I am giving away Hawaii Gift Set to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about a special place near your home that you would recommend to tourists;

2.  Make sure I know how to contact you - send your email to sos.america@yahoo.com.

3.  Comments will be open through Friday, December 17 for the giveaway.  I will mail the gift set on Monday, December 20 from Hawaii.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Kim in Florida

19 comments:

  1. Hi Kim Hope all is well with you & your family.
    If I ever go to Hawaii I would enjoy the more obscure spots I am not big on the big tourist spot.
    Love to clime that Crater though that would be so awesome.
    If I picked a special spot it would have to be Point Pelee Its beautiful In the spring Summer and AMAZING in the Fall.
    you can read about it here http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pelee/index.aspx Might not be everyone cup of Tea I just love being that close to Nature.
    Have a wonderful Day.

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  2. I would recommend heading to the Empire State building and then some shopping at Macy's. I would also tell them to visit Magnolia's bakery for some great cupcakes.

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  3. I would recommend Cantigny.

    http://www.cantigny.org/

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  4. Shore Acres State Park and Botanical Gardens. Right now they are having(yearly event) a Festival of Lights. They have over 250,000 Christmas lights up.

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  5. Hawaii is such a beautiful place - I wish I could live there! My aunt and uncle did for a few years and loved it, but then they had to move to California (because of a job) before I could fly out there and visit them =/

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  6. In State College there isn't much to do except go to the university...LOL. however, Hershey is only about a two hour's drive away and you know what that means..chocolate world!!

    Emily

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  7. I would recomend the "Hay House" in Macon. This time of yr they have Christmas trees decorated from Countries from around the world and it is so beautiful. They also have tea parties for children.
    Also recomend "Callaway Gardens" near Columbus. They have several acres decorated for Christmas and carts/vans to take you through the gardens. There are lights everywere and the gardens are beautiful.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  8. I live in a little town in Missouri. The places I would recommend would be Jesse James Farm and Watkins Mill State Park. They are both close to where I live and they are interesting places.

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  9. Well I live outside of Orlando, Florida. What isn't there for people to love. We are the tourist capital of the world. Though I would recommend a trip to the Cape Canaveral to see the Kennedy Space Center. It's something different from all of the theme parks.

    iqb99@yahoo.com

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  10. Well, I'm about 20 minutes from Hershey, Pa. but the place I recommend it Gettysburg, Pa.

    loretta
    lbcanton@verizon.net

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  11. I suggest visiting campus it is beautiful

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  12. Hi Kim,
    I'd have to suggest a small Historical town in Chester New Jersey. On Main Street there are house after house from the 1800's and are now Antique stores. This is the quaintest village I've been too. There are carolers during the Christmas season and there's hot cider and pastries for anyone passing. And don't forget the great pieces and prices. I love it.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750@aol.com

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  13. I live in Crawfordville fla. and I like the St. Marks Refudge, its a really neat place and the little town St.Marks have a few good places to eat fresh fish.

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  14. don't know many that would come to indiana for a vacation but i think some would like to see notre dame campus or maybe drive down to indy and see the colts + downtown.

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  15. Hi, since I live in Hawaii-the USS ARIZONA is one of the best places to visit!! Being a Navy wife is also holds a place in my heart. Thanks a service member past and present that you are safe at home!
    Teresa

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  16. Happy Holidays Jane! I just opened your cute Christmas card a few minutes ago! I live in Indiana, so no beaches or anything, but fall can be very pretty with all the trees and covered bridges. Bloomington Indiana, home of Indiana University is a beautiful town with a great downtown area!

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  17. Pennsylvania is rather dull, but that doesn't mean we can't have our fun! In State College, I definitely recommend going down to campus. All the historical buildings and little shops and bookstores are located there :) Then visit the Penn State Arboretum. It is absolutely beautiful!

    Stephanie

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  18. Indeed Gettysburg historical is beautiful. I suggest everyone try it out!

    Izzy

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  19. The islands' enchanting beauty and warm hospitality make it a perfect holiday destination. Whether it's relaxing on pristine beaches or exploring lush landscapes, Hawaii offers an unforgettable experience. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season in this tropical paradise!

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