Chasing Lava
Charging through five-foot swells, soaked by waves while clinging to the rail of a 34-foot boat, you realize that seeing lava flow into the ocean isn’t for wimps. “This is not your powder-puff boat ride,” says Capt. Shane Turpin. “It’s…
Tourism
Editor's Note: Rebuilding the Crystal Ball on Economic Forecasts
Think you have a tough job? Try being an economist. Every November, economists around the world issue their forecasts of the coming year. There is always a huge range of opinions: One American economist may suggest U.S. GDP will rise…
Tourism Carries "Sub-Par" Hawaii Economy
It’s simple, really: Everyone in Hawaii needs to give a hearty round of applause to tourism for lifting us out of the recession. Thank you for an estimated $13.9 billion in visitor spending during 2012 (that’s a record) from 7.8…
Ecotourism on Hawaii Island
Rob Pacheco walks up to what looks like an immense empty bathtub amid a desolate volcanic landscape dotted by ohia lehua and pukeawe trees. “This is my favorite place,” he says, pointing to the ancient Kaupulehu Crater, which descends hundreds…
Aulani Timeshare
When you buy a stake in Aulani, the Disney resort at Ko Olina, you can enjoy your week there every year or use your points to stay at one of Disney’s other resorts.…
Kailua seeks balance
It’s a hot Thursday and state Rep. Chris Lee is sitting in traffic trying to get out of Lanikai, his home neighborhood in Kailua. It’s 2:30 p.m., and Kailua and Lanikai beaches are still full of people, but cars trying…
Filming Movies in Hawaii boosts economic impact and tourism
Drop by Hanalei’s Tahiti Nui on what should be a slow weeknight and you will quickly understand what movie-making means to the local economy. The family-owned restaurant and bar, affectionately called “Da Nui” by locals, was packed and buzzing with…
SpeediShuttle Changes Travelers’ Habits
SpeediShuttle is on the move, expanding its Oahu service, transferring its headquarters from Maui to Honolulu, adding a frequent-rider program and persuading many people to change their travel habits on the four main islands. One of those people is Bill…
