Big Island Hawaii Ironman 2011 Discounts

Big Island Hawaii Ironman 2011

2011 Rohto Ironman

The 2011 Rohto Ironman will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2011 and will consist of a 1.2-mile swim at Hapuna Beach State Park, a 56-mile bike to Hawi and back to Mauna Lani Resort, and a 13.1-mile run entirely within the resort grounds. Around 1,600 athletes from all over the world are expected to enter this year.

Discount Ironman Accommodations - Book Early and Save

The Fairmont Orchid, in addition to being a sponsor is offering athletes traveling to the Big Island for the Rohto Ironman 70.3 Hawaii advantage of a very special book early and save promotion. Great room rates will still be available after December 31, 2010, but to take advantage of the resort credit, room reservations must be confirmed prior to December 31, 2010.

Book a minimum of 4 consecutive room nights under the Ironman group block and receive a $100 resort credit! This offer is valid for reservations confirmed prior to December 31, 2010 and may not be used in conjunction with any other promotions, discounts or offers and must be blocked under the Rohto Ironman Rate booked through passkey located at: resweb.passkey.com/go/ironman2011 or by calling The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii at 800-441-1414 and ask for the Rohto Ironman 70.3 Hawaii rate code: IMHIX.

Discount Ironman Car Rental Rates

Avoid the outrageous car rental rates that will be in effect once we get closer to the event date. Ensure your Discount Ironman Rates by booking early. Convenient car rental locations are located at the Kona and Hilo International Airports providing for airport pickup and return. For those lucky enough to enjoy a few extra days in Honolulu, there are car rental locations located at the Honolulu International Airport and in the Waikiki Resort area where shuttle services are provided to all the Waikiki Resorts and Hotels. The discount car rental rates are not limited to race participants and are open to all.

www.DiscountHawaiiCarRental.com Home Page

Hawaii Opihi - The Fish of Death

Hawaii Opihi - The Fish of Death

A Opihi gatherer was overpowered by rough surf just off of north Molokai.(1)

Opohi (Hawaiian Limpet(2)) is a highly prized traditional Hawaiian delicacy. They inhabit Hawaii's intertidal and shallow sub tidal shores where they cling to the rocks, this is where the surf is roughest. Native Hawaiians call the Opihi “the fish of death” because so many people were swept out to sea while trying to pry it off the rocks.

There are 3 edible species(3) of the 5 species(4) found on the Hawaiian islands. State fishing regulations allow collecting of limpets, provided that their shell diameter is at least 1.25 inches or that the diameter of the shellfish's foot is 1/2 inch.

The Opihi is now itself endangered due to overharvesting and environmental impacts(5) and harvesters now have to venture further into the most rugged areas.

One of the few places you can try Opihi is at Helena's Hawaiian Food in Honolulu(6)

Scientists fear that the largest and most prized species of the hardy opihi may be extinct on O'ahu.

Mauna Kea's Keck Finds Exoplanet in Goldilocks Zone

The W.M. Keck Observatory on the Big Island Hawaii has been observing the red dwarf star Gliese 581 for 11 years and yesterday R. Paul Butler of the Carnegie Institution of Washington announced that they discovered the first exoplanet, a planet outside our Solar System, inhabiting the Goldilocks Zone of a star. The Goldilocks Zone is an habitable area neither too hot or cold for liquid water to exist and therefore may be able to sustain life within the confines of our understanding of biological systems. The presence of water could not be confirmed given our current technological limitations.

The Gliese 581 solar system differs greatly from our own in that the star is much smaller and much colder and the newly discovered planet, Gliese 581 G, is 3 to 4 times larger than earth. In addition the system is about twice as old as our solar system.

To visit the Mauna Kea Observatory itself I would recommend a commercial tour or limit your excursion to the Visitor Information Station of the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy at the 9,000-foot level on the Mauna Kea access road. Standard rental vehicles cannot cope with the steep, unpaved road that extends beyond the Visitor Information Station and the major national car rental companies prohibit off-road use. Avis and Budget also restrict Saddle Road which leads to the paved road at Mile 28 that winds its way up to the lower slopes of Mauna Kea to the Visitor Information Station.

Mauna Kea Links

Visiting Mauna Kea Observatories - http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/visiting.shtml

Licensed Mauna Kea Commercial Tour Operators - http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/permitted_tours.html

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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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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