Daily Archives: March 20th, 2009
Napili Kai’s Notable Discount
Posted in Maui news
How tough are times on Maui? For the first time in the resort's history, Napili Kai is offering a fifth-night-free special during the peak summer season. Air/hotel or hotel/car combinations from wholesalers such as Pleasant Holidays, Hawaii World, et al., still tend to offer better rates than buying individual components.
When going to Maui with a baby visit Baby Beach near Lahaina
Posted in Maui news
Even though the hotel beach had a nice cove and the waves were not too large, sudden swells made it too dangerous to leave a your child in the shallow water for any period of time. It was also windy for large part of the day and a bit chilly for the young ones. Baby beach to the rescue ...
Girl Scouts introduce new Maui Wowie cookies
Posted in Maui news
Okay, not really. But with cookie sales way down, the Girl Scouts need to come up with a new money-making strategy. Maybe put a little something extra in each box -- and give these special orders a special name, like Maui Wowies. And I have the perfect celebrity pitch man, Michael Phelps.
Demolishing the old
Posted in Maui news
Demolition Superintendent Zak Shinall uses a hose to keep the dust down Thursday as excavator operator Gilbert Kahaleauki smashes the concrete of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Founders Court.
The demolition signaled the start of a $12.8 million construction project to build the Yokouchi Family Pavilion and Courtyard.
‘Obama effect’ on tourism: Giving with one hand, taking away with other
Posted in Maui news
KAHULUI - When it comes to promoting tourism to Hawaii, President Barack Obama gives with one hand, but he takes away with the other.
At a presentation by the Hawaii Tourism Authority on Thursday, Caroline Anderson, who coordinates marketing in Europe, said the "Obama effect" has been positive.
"Europeans are now seeing it as politically correct to travel to the U.S.
Research group predicts deeper, longer recession
Posted in Maui news
The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization has revised downward its economic forecast for the islands.
In its annual update issued today, UHERO says, "A much deeper and longer recession is now expected."
It predicts a further drop of 5 percent in visitor arrivals, on top of the 10 percent drop last year. It expects visitor business to remain flat through 2010.
Few opponents turn out to see exit
Posted in Maui news
KAHULUI - As Hawaii Superferry's Alakai left Kahului Harbor for what likely could be the last time Thursday morning, a lone tug sprayed two streams of water into the air in a traditional seafaring aloha.
The vessel's rear observation deck was laden with passengers and Superferry employees, whose camera flashes could be seen as the controversial high-speed ferry exited the harbor about 11:20 a.m.
Superferry seeks greener pastures
Posted in Maui news
KAHULUI - Hawaii Superferry will look worldwide to charter its vessel, while waiting to see if and when the state is willing to accept the controversial ferry back into its harbors, said Tom Fargo, the company's president and chief executive officer.
Fargo spoke briefly Thursday, and in mostly general terms, to reporters about the future of Superferry.