Hawaii Wise

Giant Turtle Sighting

This is one of the biggest Hawaiian sea turtles I have ever seen:

The game of survival for the great Green Sea Turtle has just
recently changed for the worst. Less than two hundred years ago
the Hawaiian’s hunted Green Sea Turtles for their meat and shell.
Then came the proverbial and literal “white man” who pillaged
the islands for many resources including the Green Sea Turtles,
which almost lead to a complete extinction. Then scientists and
activists motivated the politicians in the 1970’s to pass strict
protection laws for the sea turtles and ever since we have seen an
incredible increase in their numbers and ultimately it has been
a great success, against the odds, story. Today there is something
much more sinister at work on these great creatures. It’s a little
known virus called Fibropapilloma, or for short FP.
It’s hard to accept that the great sea turtle, who has survived
since the age of the dinosaurs, survived the ice age, and survived
the humans, could face annihilation from such a banal
cause. How could this be? And the alarming thing is that it was
first detected in the Hawaiian Green Sea turtles but now it has
been found in almost all species of sea turtles. In the words of
Osha Gray Davidson, “for creatures that have existed for more
than a hundred million years, extinction, that black hole of
evolution, is a real possibility”

War of the water rages on in Hawaii

Hawaii is not the first place you think of when the word "activism" comes to mind. Nevertheless there is a David and Goliath struggle in the islands of Aloha. In short, the promoters of the Hawaii Superferry have deep pockets and friends in power. Recently elected representatives decided to push the Superferry forward amidst protests from the outer islands and the Hawaii supreme court call for a environmental impact report. Why no environmental impact report? Most people feel that there must be something the Superferry wants to hide to not provided a simple environmental impact report. In addition, it sets a poor precedence for other companies planing to operate in Hawaii's waters.

is there any hope for "David?" It is difficult to say although the issue is more complicated then just two opposing parties. For example, the other day I was in a shop on Oahu and was talking with the clerk about the Superferry and  if he had heard the latest turn of events. I was somewhat surprised (although in hindsight I shouldn't have been) that he had very little concern for the outer island protesters and felt overall that the Superferry was a good thing. the simple gist of what he felt was the masses on Oahu want the Superferry so they can get to the pristine places on the outer islands. How long will they continue to be pristine if the masses have their way only time will tell. Yet, is it fair to keep it difficult and expensive to get to the outer islands so only the rich can visit when there could be a alternative so the average joe can visit as well. Certainly there are many questions to ask and very few clear cut answers. here is a site that discusses some of these issues:
superferry issues

Hawaii vacations can be SCARRY if your in Maui

If you are on Maui during Halloween you may be pleasantly surprised to find that Lahaina "rocks". Maybe you'll just be surprised. Either way Lahaina turns into a veritable bacchanal of  tropical delight. A mini mardi gra with lapping waves and coconuts falling. Hopefully you didn't forget to pack your costume. You did! No problem you can go as a tourist and blend wonderfully. So if you are in Maui or near Maui today get down to Lahaina for some crazy crazy...did I mention CRAZY times.

Don't mess with mother nature when in Hawaii

This is the most terrifying video footage I have ever seen. It is a testament to the power in and around the waters  of Hawaii. In this case both in and out of the water, over trees, and far away. Apparently the kite surfer who went through this almost died but miraculously kept his wits about him and managed to fly his kite down safely after soaring over shoreline trees. What happens in Hawaii is the winds and the surf can increase in intensity rather quickly and catch you off guard. I guess the only lesson to be learned here is be aware and don't ever take mother nature for granted, she might just decide to toss you over some trees for a little "pauhona"  fun.

Feel the power of Hawaii Stock

A picture tells a 1000 words...or was it a picture tells a 100 words? Well either way there is a new way to tell watever story you want with amazing Hawaii stock images. With the ever growing presence of "micro stock" sites across the internet finding good images for your Hawaii focused web site, newsletter, video, or collateral is getting easier and easier. Check out some of these unbelievable shots of the pounding surf (mostly taken in Hawaii) all for relatively cheap royalty free prices. Spice up your next advertising plan with some striking island images.

Kauai Helicopter offers new Eco Tour!

Safari Helicopters has offered a new eco tour on Kauai. This is the first eco tour offered by any helicopter tour in Hawaii as far as I am aware. This is important because we live in a time where conservation of wild spaces is paramount. The tour takes people into Kauai's wild interior for a experience that is very unique from the traditional tourism industry. In many ways this is the "tip of the ice berg" for the new ecotourism trend that is sweeping the country. What is particularly exceptional about this tour is that part of the money that is generated from this tour goes back into preservation of the local ecosystem. For more into please visit:Safari Helicopters New Eco Tour and if you are coming to Kauai be sure to book the tour early as space is limited.

Superferry Comes to Hawaii

Some people are calling the superferry the stupidferry because the benefits don't seem to be worth the problems. The Hawaii superferry is touted to be a great inexpensive way to transport yourself and your vehicle from one island to the next. On the surface this seems pretty good, only most locals don't think so and this is why: The first is that most folks on the outer islands feel that there is already a infrastructure problem with docks and roads. For example Kauai already has a big traffic problem surrounding the Lihue harbor area and going in either direction south or east. Secondly people feel it will be another vehicle for drugs and crime to easily go between the islands without the natural security barrier of having to fly. In addition scientists feel it is yet another vehicle for transporting invasive species between the islands. Thirdly most people feel it will mostly benefit the military and big business. The military has struck a deal with the superferry to transport its vehicles. Don't they have a big enough budget already to fund there own vehicle transport? Lastly people feel that the superferry is bad for sea-life. Apparently Whales have been killed and other sea creatures are unable to get out of the way of this fast behemoth. Many people are outraged that a environmental impact report was never made. Why was this not done? Whatever your opinion on the superferry, it is set to go in a matter of days, so now only time will tell.

Honolulu Zoo

When in Honolulu do not forget to visit the zoo. Everything is happening at the zoo...if you are a kid. Even for adults, there are many exhibits of local flora and fauna that is very interesting. The Honolulu Zoo is located on the far end of the Waikiki Strip near the aquarium. We take our kids there everytime we are in Waikiki and would reccomend it to anyone traveling with children.

The Lazy Guide To Seeing The Napali Coast on Kauai

Most people think that the only way to see the famous Napali Coast on Kauai is by helicopter, boat or hiking, well that is true for the most part but there is another way. One way to see one of the most famous valleys of the Napali Coast is to drive up to Kokee to the Kalalau lookout. You will be rewarded with this incredible view as if you were in a helicopter looking down into Kalalau Valley. True you can not see the entire Napali Coast like you can from a helicopter or a boat but it is one way to see a little bit for free.

Play With Dolphins in Hawaii !!!!

Dolphin Quest Hawaii brings people and dolphins face-to-face through fun, interactive dolphin encounters. Experience the thrill of meeting the extraordinary dolphins in any one of our encounter programs. A Dolphin Quest experience is fun for the young and young at heart! Call us today or visit our Web site to make a reservation. For more info check out video: Dolphin Quest Hawaii