Hawaii Photo Contest

Gather Your Hawaii Pictures Now!

CIH Ventures LTD has announced a free monthly Hawaii photo contest beginning September 1, 2010.

Share your Aloha experience in paradise and win one of two beautiful photography books entitled Hawaii Dreamscapes Reveled, published by Wizard Publications for your photo submission.

Hawaii is a paradise and now you can view and share this paradise with your friends. These collections of astonishing photographs showcases a land of unmatched beauty and diversity.

Photo Contest Sponsors

CIH Ventures LTD in association with DiscountHawaiiCarRental.com is offering this contest in order to promote Hawaiian tourism and educate the general public of the incomparable beauty of nature in Hawaii.

Contest Prizes Offered

Hawaii Dreamscapes Reveled

“Full-color picture book would make a special gift for anyone who loves the Big Island... Mesmerizing photos splash across the pages.” -- Wanda Adams, Honolulu Advertiser

“Captures the drama and beauty of the Big Island... especially engaging collection of photographs...” -- Honolulu Star Bulletin

This series of books are authored by Andrew Doughty and co-photographed with Leona Boyd and includes a foreword by leading Hawaiian scholar Rubellite Kawena Kinney Johnson.

• Hawaii Dreamscapes Revealed - Big Island

Revisit paradise in Big Island Hawai'i style. Starting from the majestic snow-covered peak of the dormant volcano Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the State of Hawaii and the highest mountain in the world when measured from its base at the bottom of the pacific ocean, to sunsets silhouetting palm trees against an orange speckled ocean. 156 pages containing dazzling scenic photographs. Scenes from John Palmer Parker's cattle ranch, the second largest cattle ranch in the US and the biggest ranch in Hawaii. See Big Island's waterfalls, some of the world's grandest, many of which unfortunately have restricted access due to their locations. Aerial views of delicate fern-covered valleys sandwiched between volcanic peaks. View the fauna of Big Island's tropical rainforests, floating mists elevated two miles into the sky, luminescent lava flows from much closer than what anyone would ever dare to venture due to the searing heat and much more fantastic imagery. Share the experiences of professional photographer artists who were able to venture to places far removed from any beaten path.

• Hawaii Dreamscapes Revealed - Kaua'i

Revisit paradise Kauai style. Starting from the majestic pinnacles of Mount. Kawaikini, the highest point on Kauai and Mount Waialeale, the wettest place on earth, to Kaua'i's surrounding lush coastline's ocean reefs. 156 pages containing dazzling scenic photographs. Enjoy spectacular scenes from within the Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, stand on the barren peak of Mount Waialeale looking down on the surrounding landscapes without getting wet, scuba dive underwater caves, marvel at scenic attractions along the world famous Na Pali Coast, wonder at aerial views of delicate fern-covered valleys sandwiched between volcanic peaks and view the fauna of Kaua'i's tropical rainforests, hike the rugged coastal trails. Share the experiences of professional photographer artists who were able to venture to places far removed from any beaten path.

Hawaii Photo Contest Location

You may view submitted photos taken in Hawaii and submit your entries at
http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/photographs.shtml.

Two winners will be selected on a monthly bases. No purchase is required and there is no advertising to interrupt your viewing pleasure.

Tags: Hawaii Photos, Hawaii Photo Contest, Hawaii Dreamscapes Revealed, Big Island, Kauai, Andrew Doughty, car, rental

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Maui Zip Line Tours

Just Live offers 3 Zip Line Tours.

1. Zipline TreeTop Tour - An amazing zipline canopy experience that combines zipping high above the treetops with unique and exciting bridge walks. Enjoy 7 zipline runs (up to 800’ in length!) and 5 bridge crossings as you soar through the canopy of Kauai’s silent giants, a grove of 200 foot tall Norfolk pine trees. Gliding 60 - 80 feet above the ground you will be able to experience life from a bird’s eye view. Come explore and have the ride of a lifetime. Once you are up in the trees you stay in the trees! Fly through the forest over pine, mango, eucalyptus, bamboo, and native plant and bird life. Mountain views are outstanding! Ecology narratives included. This thrilling and impressive tree top tour is sure to be etched in your memory forever. 3 hours. Ages 9 & up. 70 – 265 lbs.

2. Wikiwiki Zip Tour - Wikiwiki Zip Tour The Wikiwiki (‘quick’ in Hawaiian) Zip Tour is exciting, beautiful and a shorter version of our Zipline Treetop Tour. Enjoy 3 zipline runs and 3 bridge crossings. 2 out of the 3 zips are over 700’ long! Launching from atop old sugar cane fields you will zip past eucalyptus and bamboo landing high in an amazing Norfolk pine forest. Mountain views are incredible! Ecology narratives included. If you want a great zipline tour but don’t have much time the Wikiwiki Zip Tour is perfect. 2 hours. Ages 9 & up. 70 – 265 lbs.

3. Zipline Eco-Adventure - 3 Ziplines! 3 Bridges! Rappelling! Monster Swing! Rock Wall Climbing! Kauai’s most unique and thrilling eco-adventure tour is packed with adventure and adrenaline. The Zipline Eco-Adventure combines the Wikiwiki Zip Tour with 3 exhilarating activities. After the fantastic Wikiwiki Zip Tour you go Rappelling in 150’ tall Norfolk Pine trees.You can choose to rappel from a 50’ platform or a 100’ platform! Get ready for the ride of your life on our 60’ Monster Swing and conquer the 60’ Rock Climbing Wall. All of this while enjoying the beauty and magic of the forest and mountain scenery around you. If you love heart-pounding adventure this tour is for you. All activities on this adventure tour are optional. However, we encourage and challenge you to embrace the adventure and experience them all. 4 hours. Ages 9 & up. 70 – 250 lbs.

http://www.justlive.org/zipecotours.html

 

Skyline Eco Adventures offers 2 Zip Line Tours

Haleakala Skyline Tour - The Haleakala Skyline Tour, located on Maui, Hawaii is Skyline Eco-Adventures original zipline tour and the first zipline adventure to open in the United States. Located on the slopes of Maui's world famous Haleakala volcano, just minutes from the entrance to Haleakala National Park, this tour is a perfect activity to include on any visit to beautiful upcountry Maui, and will be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. The Haleakala Skyline Tour combines five picturesque zipline crossings and an Indiana Jones style swinging bridge through a towering forest in upcountry Maui. Learn about Hawaii's environmental riches, and Maui's long ranching history as you fly through the trees on this one-of-a-kind adventure. Each zipline crossing gets longer and more exciting as guests progress through the tour, so that by the end even more timid guests are whooping and hollering on the thrilling zipline that finishes the adventure. A great excursion that is just over an hour from Maui's South Shore where Kihei, Wailea, and Makena Resorts are located – the Haleakala Skyline tour is just about fifteen minutes from upcountry Maui’s paniolo town of Makawao. Come experience the fun and excitement of Maui's original zipline adventure at the Haleakala Skyline Tour!

Ka'anapali Skyline Adventure - The Kaanapali Skyline Adventure, located on Maui, Hawaii is an incredible eight zipline adventure that is conveniently located just minutes from Maui’s popular Kaanapali Resort area. This tour meets at our Kaanapali retail location, which is just outside Maui's historic Lahaina town and the hotel areas of Kaanapali, Kahana, and Kapalua. Guests are shuttled from Skyline's retail store into the rugged valleys of Mount Kahalawai (the West Maui Mountains), via one of Skyline's exciting off-road vehicles. From the tour site guests have sweeping views of West Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, and the Pacific Ocean creates the perfect backdrop for each of the Kaanapali zipline crossings. Zipping high above a mountain stream, and over two different valleys, visitors experience the excitement of seeing an otherwise inaccessible area of Hawaii and soaring high above it! A delicious breakfast or lunch is served on the edge of a 1000 ft. valley overlook, providing vistas of disarming beauty. Overlooking Maui's historic Lahaina town on the right and with incredible views of the West Maui Mountains highest point Pu'u Kukui - on the left, photo opportunities abound. Following the meal, guests move on to the second half of the tour with four more adventurous ziplines. The Kaanapali Skyline Adventure lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including all eight exciting zipline crossings, rugged off road shuttle ride, and meal served at the Skyline's private valley-edge location. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind family adventure on Maui, you have found it!

http://www.zipline.com/

 

• Big Island Hawaii Zip Line Tours
• Kauai Zip Line Tours

 

Tags: Maui Zip Line Tours, Zip Line Tours, zipline adventure, adventure tours, zipline, rental

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Kauai Zip Line Tours

Princeville Ranch Zip and Dip Tour offers a series of 9 ziplines covering a suspension bridge spanning a waterfall lasting around 4 1/2 hours. A delicious picnic is included consisting of grilled chicken breast or veggie wrap, potato chips and a cookie while you enjoy an hour at a hidden swimming hole where you can swim, jump or just float around on inner tubes. The final zipline “King Kong" is an adventure all on its own! First you walk up a ramp to a 26-foot high tower. Next you are ziplining for 1,200 feet, racing your partner side-by-side or maybe even holding hands! Princeville Ranch also offers a shorter Zip Express Tour lasting around 3 hours that consists of the last part of the Zip and Dip ziplines.

Participants must be 12 years or older. 80–280 lbs.; good physical condition with NO recent injury or surgery to feet, ankles, knees, hips or back. No expectant mothers. Hiking is rated moderate and is just over one mile.

http://adventureskauai.com/zipline.html

 

Kauai Backcountry Zipline Adventures offers 7 ziplines descending one mountainside near Lihue.

You will begin with a fun and informative scenic ride in a four wheel drive adventure vehicle. Along the way, your certified guide will share interesting information on island history, culture, flora and fauna. When you arrive at the first zipline, you’ll receive a thorough briefing, preparing you to soar over tropical forests, streams and jungles rich with magnificent scenery! You’ll zoom down the mountainside, sailing along on a series of seven ziplines, as you make your way to the valley floor below. End your zip with a delicious picnic lunch in a bamboo grove and a refreshing swim. Relax, bask in the sun, or just soak in our natural swimming pool. Take one last dip in the water before heading back to home base! Truly an incredible journey which will leave you with vacation memories of a lifetime. The experience lasts about 3 1/2 hours.

Participants must be 12 years or older and weigh 100-250 lb. Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights, or with back, hip or knee problems. Women in first trimester pregnancy may participate with written physician approval.

http://www.kauaibackcountry.com/zipline.html

 

Kipu Falls Zipline Safari - The Kipu Falls Zipline Safari offered by Outfitters Kauai is an all day Kauai adventure at Kipu Ranch! Your day your day will include Kauai kayaking, wagon riding, Kauai zip lining (optional), trekking *Kauai Hiking), canoeing and a deli-style picnic. Three thrilling 800-foot ziplines over waterfalls and rainforests. State-of-the-art equipment make for a 100% safe "extreme" experience.

http://www.kauaiziplinetour.com/kipu-falls.htm

 

Zipline Trek Nui Loa offers a gigantic 1800 foot long tandem zipline
adventure. Soar. Glide. Fly. Feel the absolute exhilaration of soaring over the jungle treetops on our thrilling ziplines—each unique and distinctly different from the others! In Hawaiian, “Nui Loa” means “big,” “long,” and “a lot.” That describes our newest zipline adventure perfectly! Enjoy the pristine beauty of the Kipu Ranch as you zip above lush valleys and tumbling waterfalls. Take in the spectacular sights from a series of suspension bridges and aerial walkways. Step back in time as you hike through footpaths and irrigation tunnels, made by ranch paniolos (cowboys) more than 75 years ago!

You must weigh less than 275lbs in order to fit into the safety harness. The minimum age requirement is seven years of age.

http://www.outfitterskauai.com/zipline-trek-nui-loa.html

• Big Island Hawaii Zip Line Tours
• Maui Zip Line Tours

 

Tags: Kauai Zip Line Tours, Kauai ziplines, Zip Line Tours, zipline adventure, adventure tours, zipline, car, rental

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Big Island Hawaii Zip Line Tours

Big Island Eco Tours offers a zip line canopy tour lasting 3 - 4 hours consisting of 8 ziplines, 2 bridges (1 wooden, 1 suspension), 3 waterfalls and a cantilevered lanai called the “Mac Nut Hut” overlooking a 32’ waterfall on the beautiful North Kohala Coast.

Participants must weigh between 80 – 270 lbs. The tour is restricted for people with heart conditions, recent bone or joint injuries and pregnant women.

You are transported to your launching point from the Big Island Eco Tours' base yard in Hawi in a high mobility all-terrain six-wheel drive Swiss Army Pinzgauer up along the North Kohala mountainside for a 30 minute off-road safari. The first zip line, the Keiki line 200 feet long, is designed as an introductory zip line to assist you in getting accustomed to the "feel of flying". Three more ziplines will take you the “Mac Nut Hut”, a cantilevered pavilion that overlooks a 32’ waterfall. Here you will sit back and talk about your adventure while cracking fresh macadamia nuts and eating locally made baked goods and organic fruits. The last two ziplines are certain to take your breath away with views of a waterfall, Kohala Lighthouse, and Maui in the distance. The longest zipline being an amazing 1100 feet long.

http://www.bigislandecoadventures.com/

• Kauai Zip Line Tours
• Maui Zip Line Tours

Tags: Big Island Hawaii Zip Line Tours, Big Island Zip Line Tours, Zip Line Tours, Big Island zipline, zipline adventure, adventure tours, zipline, car, rental

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Hawaii Zip Line Tours

A Hawaii zip line adventure will have you soaring and flying like a bird above a landscape of scenic rain forest, an exhilarating memory of scenery that can't be viewed from the ground for the whole family that will last a lifetime. Zip-line Tours, sometimes called Canopy Tours when suspended above a forested area, have recently become a very popular vacation activity.

A zip line is a inclined cable hanging between the launching and termination platforms from which riders are suspended by a harness attached to a pulley. You may have seen a demonstration on television from coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics, This zip line was suspended in downtown Vancouver Canada, it proved to be so popular that the ride was extended for some period after the Olympics were over.

In Hawaii it is as close as you can get to being a bird flying across the top and through the jungle with little physical exertion under the guidance of certified professionals. Zip line tours are available on the Big Island Hawaii, Kauai and Maui.

The zip lines constructed by eco-tour companies are high above scenic areas and are safety inspected to the highest standards set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). All safety
equipment is provided on site.

I recommend wearing long pants and shoes suitable for hiking, rain gear (just in case it is not provided by the tour company) also take along your swimsuit as most tours include an opportunity to swim in a secluded pool during which time a picnic lunch is served. You don't want to forget your camera either, just make sure you secure it to your person and it doesn't dangle while riding the zipline. Anything that falls from your person while riding the zipline will be difficult if not impossible to retrieve.

Hawaii Zip Line Tour Operators

• Big Island Hawaii Zip Line Tours
• Kauai Zip Line Tours
• Maui Zip Line Tours

Zip Line Videos

This adventure was shot on the island of Kauai through the Wai'ahi Canyon. Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dby1O5Baag4

The longest zip line on Maui's Skyline Eco-Adventures Haleakala zip line course. Yah, I screamed like a girl! Woooeeee! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMBoJCaxAZY

Brian & Donna's 2006 Hawaiian Vacation Maui ZipLine Tour http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBmKnU3EJhM

First person view of Kauai, Hawaii Zip-line Tour http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjRIbfPP7LA

An exhilarating personal view of the Zip Line adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii. This extreme ride will leave you breathless - and wanting more... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07dpte9xJS4

 

Tags: Hawaii Zip Line Tours, Zip Line Tours, zipline adventure, adventure tours, zipline, zip line video, zipline video, car, rental

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Hawaii Car Insurance Requirements

Insurance coverage is not part and parcel of your Hawaii car rental rate.

The car rental companies instead offer protection plans that are differ somewhat from the conventional insurance plans offered by standard insurance companies. The plans offered by the rental companies are very expensive when compared with your automobile insurance per diem at home.

We suggest that you try to provide your own coverage through a third party for reasons of cost and you will know in advance what level of liability coverage you will have. The rental companies' protection plans offered are similar though they vary slightly in price and coverage additionally not all plans are offered by all car rental companies.

When you go to pick up your rental the location will offer you various types of protection plans. These are optional services that you do not need to agree to in order to rent the vehicle. You may decline their offers by initialing your rejection on your contract.

Hawaii Car Insurance Requirements/Limits

Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability: Minimum coverage limits by law are: $20,000 per person injured in any one accident and, $40,000 for all persons injured in any one accident; $10,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.

Car Rental Company Protection Plans

• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW/CDW) – The rental company agrees to waive claims in regards to vehicle damage or loss as long as you have not violated the rental agreement. Generally the rates for the Loss Damage Waiver plan ranges from $20 to $30 per day depending on the limits of coverage included in the plan.
• Liability Insurance (SLI/ALI) – This plan limits your liability in regards to third party injury or property damage claims. Rates vary around the $12 to $15 per day and again the amount of coverage varies between companies.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection – This covers you in the event that you get hit by someone who doesn’t have the necessary insurance coverage on their vehicle. This plan is often bundled with the Personal Protection Plan.
• Personal Protection/ Accident Plan - Provides certain medical, death and dismemberment benefits to the driver and passengers in your rental car and certain benefits for loss or damage to many of personal effects your whether you're in or out of your rental vehicle.  Rates are around $5 per day

Third Party Sources for Car Rental Insurance

• Your current automobile insurance coverage may already cover rental vehicles when they are driven by you. Because the limits of the coverage are those stated in your policy please check with your insurance supplier. If rental vehicles are not covered they may have add-on plans covering rental vehicles or may offer general travel insurance plans covering all sorts of liabilities encountered while traveling.
• Most Gold and Platinum credit cards include some collision insurance coverage for rental cars when the card is used to pay for the rental. Check with your credit card supplier to find the coverage provided.
• Many Automobile Clubs offer travel coverage plans as well.

Tags: Hawaii car insurance, car insurance, insurance, car, rental

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Christmas in Hawaii

Christmas is special in Hawaii and honored in traditional Aloha Spirit.

Modern Hawaiian Christmas traditions are influenced by the Ancient Hawaiian New Year festival Makahiki. During this period Nov-Feb tribal wars were taboo and people ceased working to attend religious ceremonies and pay tribute to their chief or aliʻi. All the rest of the time was devoted to sports, feasting, dancing and generally just having a good time. In 1856, Alexander Liholiho (King Kamehameha IV) declared December 25 to be his kingdom’s national day of Thanksgiving.

Hawaii receives and displays the year's first shipments of Christmas trees. You will also see decorated palm trees and Santa and his elves in aloha shirts. A Hawaiian Christmas Dinner is often a community luau with a kalua roast pig and Xmas leis with flavors of candy, fruitcake, sushi, lumpia, tamales alongside turkey alongside the roasted pork.

Today, there’s no bigger Christmas celebration than "Honolulu City Lights," a favorite holiday spectacle put on by the City & County of Honolulu. Held at Honolulu Hale (City Hall), "Honolulu City Lights" features a 50-foot Norfolk pine Christmas tree, elaborate Christmas tree and wreath exhibits, giant Yuletide displays and live entertainment.

Hawaiian greetings during the Christmas and New Year's Day Holidays

• Merry Christmas - Mele Kalikimaka
• Happy New Year - Hau'oli Makahiki Hou
• Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou
• Angel - Anela
• Candy - Kanake
• Christmas Eve - Ahiahi Kalikimaka
• Christmas Tree - La’au Kalikimaka
• Elf - Menehune
• Garland - Lei
• Gift - Makana
• God - Akua
• Holly - Kawa’u
• Jesus Christ- Iesu Kristo
• Joy, Happy - Hau’oli
• Love - Aloha
• Mistletoe - Kaumahana
• Ornament - Wehi
• Peace - Malu
• Reindeer - Leinekia
• Santa Claus - Kanakaloka
• Snow - Hau Kea
• Snowball - Popohau
• Snowflake - Hau puehuehu
• Star - Hoku
• Wreath - Lei
  

Mahalo Nui Loa - Thank you very much.

If you are going to be enjoying your Christmas Holidays in Hawaii and want a cheap rate on your car rental now is the time to make your reservation, time is running out.

Dec 15 to Dec 31 is one of Hawaiian tourism's busiest periods. Hawaii car rental rates may already seem high but they will only increase as availability becomes increasingly scarcer. The vehicle categories most affected are the vans and SUVs which are already in short supply.

Discount rates saving you as much as 70% are still available at http://www.DiscountHawaiiCarRental.com/rates.shtml

Tags: Christmas in Hawaii, Hawaiian Christmas, Makahiki, Honolulu City Lights, car, rental

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Hawaii Car Rental Video

Discount Hawaii Car Rental. 1-800-292-1930 The absolute best rates for rental cars in Hawaii.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdWn5fZocS0

Special Introductory Fare Honolulu Hi Oneway $149

Alaska Airlines is offering special introductory fares on its new daily nonstop service between Bellingham, Wash., and Honolulu, beginning Jan. 7, 2011.

Fares for the flights start at $149 each way for tickets purchased by Aug. 17, 2010, for travel from Jan. 7 through March 10, 2011. The airline is also offering four-night Alaska Airlines Vacations packages, including airfare and hotel, starting at $549 per person.

Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 17, 2010, for travel from Jan. 7, 2011, through March 10, 2011. Fares are not available on the following blackout dates: from Bellingham to Honolulu, Feb. 16-21, 2011; from Honolulu to Bellingham, Feb. 24 through March 1, 2011.

Flights are available for booking today at www.alaskaair.com or by calling 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522 or TTY/TDD line 1-800-392-0228).

Tags: Hawaii flights, Bellingham, Honolulu

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