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Hawaii is known for many things; it’s gorgeous sunsets, majestic rainbows, enchanting rain forests and steaming volcanoes just to name a few. There is also a love of culture among the native Hawaiians living there. One of the lesser known details of Hawaii might be its abundance of coffee farms with Kona coffee being one of the rarer commodities.

A visit to Hawaii can be as typical or as diverse as you want it to be. You can make your way through the rainforest or visit a coffee plantation. Renting a house in an off-the-beaten path part of Hawaii is a great way to experience the culture better. If you’ve never been to Hawaii or are just planning to revisit sometime soon, here are a few ideas of what happens in Hawaii.

 
Ironman

 
In the late 1970s, the Iron Man Triathlon was conceived. It was a way to combine the most rigorous endurance races in categories of swimming, running, and bicycling. Recently in October, thousands of athletes competed in the triathlon with hundreds of thousands in prize money awarded.
For more photos and info on the Iron Man, check it out here: Iron Man

 
Coffee & Chocolate

 
What’s better than coffee and chocolate? Coffee and chocolate in Hawaii is the answer. On October 21, 2016, there will be a coffee and chocolate festival held in Kauai. There will be music performances, presentations, and silent auctions. Don’t forget the best part of all: coffee and chocolate samplings and workshops.

 
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

 
If you’re not a coffee and chocolate connoisseurs, no worries, you can have your fun with food and wine instead. On October 22, 2016 you can take part in one of the most well-known and well-loved – not to mention long-awaited for- events of the year.
The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival has seven world-renowned chefs serving a six-course meal, and it’s held in Hawaii. It doesn’t get much better than that.

 
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival Urban Luau

 
What’s a trip to Hawaii if you don’t visit a luau or taste the traditional foods from one? At the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, you can try different renditions of traditional and contemporary luau foods.

 
Happening October 26th, 2016, you can get a taste of old versus new and compare and contrast as you decide for yourself who made it best in the world of traditional Hawaiian luau food.

Made in Maui Festival
Held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului – the perfect spot for this event – the Made in Maui Festival offers the best of everything made in Maui. From fashion shows to product demos and with tons of arts, crafts and collectibles, you’re sure to go home with just the right souvenir or something special for yourself.

Flying used to be a bit simpler a few short years ago; book a ticket, hop on a plane and off you go. Now with so much competition throughout the airline industry, flying right has become a challenge. There are airfare wars, frequent flyer programs, even credit card miles you need to compare and contrast – all just to get the best deal you possibly can.

There are so many little tips and tricks on how to get you where you want to go and save some much-needed cash on the way. Here are a few top tips on how to fly right.

 
Buy a One-Way Ticket

 
When it comes to buying a one-way ticket, you really have to do your due diligence. Some fares on a one-way basis can be astronomical. However, if you do your research, you might just wind up ahead of the game. Domestic one-way fares are typically more competitive. Because of major competition, the bigger carriers may be coming around the corner with joining the competition. In order to snare more business away from the cheaper carriers, the larger ones need to stay competitive. It can’t hurt to do the research; while it may take some time, like all good endeavors it could save you some bucks.

 
Consider a Layover

 
While no traveler is really keen on purposely taking a layover, there may be some additional savings in considering to do so. Consider the time involved in the layover and how much money you would save and then make your decision accordingly. It’s worth looking into anyhow.

 
Keep Your Options Open

If you are considering a layover, don’t make it the last one of the night; you want to be sure there are plenty of options open and available to you. You don’t want to get a great deal on a layover and find yourself in a position where the flight is cancelled and you are seeking overnight accommodations. Keep your options open; consider a flight during midday.

 
Keep an Open Mind for Smaller Airports

While larger airports can handle and accommodate more traffic and busier schedules, you might like to try on a medium-size airport on for size. There may be more one-on-one service if there is a delay or some other issue and you may find the service that much better. Big airports are not for everyone.

 
Rest Assured

 
When it comes to peace of mind and travel, there’s no better way to feel protected than to invest in some travel insurance. Travel insurance, when researched and bought properly, will help tremendously if something should go wrong. It may cost a little more but the peace of mind is well worth the price.

 
Research before you Fly

 
If you truly are a frequent flyer, it does pay to do your research when it comes to the right credit card. Some credit cards offer discounts and advantages like free checked baggage and early boarding accommodations.
For more tips on how to fly right, check out THIS ARTICLE from USA Today.

While summer may be nearing an end in the rest of the states, it’s always paradise in Hawaii. If you’ve not made it there yet or are heading that way, you are lucky indeed. There’s always plenty to do and see in Hawaii.

 
With it’s multitude of islands, there are just as many activities to do and sights to see. Your Hawaii experience can be as traditional and touristy as you’d like or cultural and original as you desire.

 
Dukes Ocean Fest is the Place to Be

 
If you haven’t had enough swimming from watching the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, you can catch the wave in Hawaii during August at Duke’s Ocean Fest. Duke’s Ocean Fest takes place every August in honor of amazing swimmer and local, Duke Kahanamoku. Also known as the ambassador of aloha, Duke won several gold medals himself during the early to mid-1900s.

 
This annual event is a week’s long celebration of festivities. If you can think of the water sport, the festival probably hosts it:

 
• Swimming
• Surfing
• Paddle boarding
• Beach volleyball

 
If all that Olympic watching got you in the mood to hit the surf, then Duke’s Ocean Fest is the place to be.

 
5th Annual Festival of Aloha

 
On August 28th at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, the 5th Annual Festival of Aloha takes place. Hotel guests and visitors alike are welcome to join in the fun and festivities of the day.

 
If you enjoy traditional Hawaiian music along with hula performances and traditional Hawaiian foods like huli huli pig, this all-day festival is the place to be. With plenty of arts and crafts vendors, there’s something here for everyone.

 
Places to Stay

 
When you are done eating, drinking and playing, you’ll need a nice place to rest your head. Here are a few:

 
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
The name of this venue says it all. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the ocean, this tropical resort and spa will pamper and soothe you in every way. From the luxurious accomodations to the exquisite natural beauty, there’s nothing missing here. This first-rate venue has fine dining, a luxury spa, plenty of activities along with championship golf and a stunning view to leave a lasting impression.

Sometimes when traveling, you want to see the sights; all of them. Other times, you just want to feel as though you escaped the world for a few moments in time and get away from it all. This is why little-known and well-loved vacation destinations are important to explore.
Life is hectic and busy enough; your vacation doesn’t always have to be. Sure, it’s great to get away and see all the popular tourist traps. This offers you the opportunity to chat with your friends and even with strangers at a party about those well-loved, and well-known, destinations.
However, it’s nice to know there are still some secret, hidden gems to uncover, discover and explore. Here are a few.

 
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island

 
If a lovely seaside village loaded with charm and history with plenty of sunshine right in the middle of paradise is your idea of an off-the-beaten-path locale, then Kailua-Kona is the place for you. Located just a few minutes from Kona International Airport, Kailua-Kona is real gem of a find. It is steeped in culture and history while incorporating some reasonable accommodations, fun shopping, and plenty of eats to satisfy just about any taste bud. There’s also a sacred temple rebuilt by King Kamehameha representing a National Landmark. Kailua-Kona is different from the other hot spots in Hawaii, as it maintains its small fishing village appeal but accommodates those who wish to stop in for a while and visit.

 
Outer-banks, North Carolina

 
Beaches are great during summer town; the crowds there and the traffic on the way are not so wonderful. That’s the great benefit of visiting the outer-banks in North Carolina. You get to visit some beautiful shores without being bombarded with crowds, noise, and traffic.
The Outer Banks offer you a haven with miles of sandy beachfront and surf to play in. You can indulge in all things sea and surf, but also be taken aback by the natural settings from wildlife doing their thing to the thriving maritime forest.
Whether you take a chance at throwing in your reel, visiting a historic landmark or lighthouse, or just enjoying the peaceful, quiet and serene settings, the Outer Banks in North Carolina may be your new best-kept secret.

 
La Push, Washington

 
As exquisitely beautiful as it is, La Push, Washington may be equally considered secluded. Picturesque, dramatic, beautiful, and relaxing are just a few words to describe La Push Beach. Since it’s not overly-crowded, it can still be considered a best-kept secret.
It’s secluded, off-the-beaten-path and the perfect locale to truly get away from it all. Whether you are camping, hiking or listening to the waves crash against the shore, La Push is the epitome of the great escape.

The idea of taking a vacation is different for everyone; some think of an adventurous mountain climb while others envision a tropical locale. Sometimes, however, you truly need to define the meaning of “getting away from it all.” There are the tourist trap areas every traveler visits and then there are a small handful of gems you’ll never regret visiting.
Whatever your idea of an ideal vacation spot is, here are a few must-see vacation destinations you should try to visit before 2016 is over.

 
Bora Bora
Have you ever desired to go someplace far, far away and maybe even said to your loved ones you want to go to a remote island where no one can find you? Surround yourself by a luxurious lagoon or hover over the aqua blue waters in your overwater bungalow.
It doesn’t get any more peaceful and relaxing than this, or any more remote.

 
The Secrets of Hawaii
When it comes to the secrets of Hawaii, it doesn’t get any more secret than this – Secret Island. This secret spot is located on the East side of Oahu and the only chance you have of seeing it, is to book a visit through a tour.
Makalawena Beach has whiter than white sugar-sand beaches and sparkling blue waters. There’s also plenty of hidden coves to make this even more of a secret secluded spot than the rest.
Pa’ako Cove will make you feel like you are a million miles away from reality. Also known as Secret Cove, this tiny stretch of sand is as cozy as it gets. Don’t let the smaller size fool you though, what it has missing in size it makes up in exquisite beauty.
Polihua beach is special in its own right. The only way to get there is by off-roading it. While droves of tourists visit the more popular Waikiki spots, you can have your own little slice of heaven almost all to yourself.

 
The Amalfi Coast
When it comes to exotic and exquisite locales, Amalfi Coast fits the bill. Whether you want to explore the beauty of the Amalfi Coast by water or by road, the photo opportunities are endless. Any trip to Italy, of course, is a must-see destination, but the Amalfi Coast should be tops on the list.

In a world full of technology moving faster than the speed of light, it might be difficult to keep up, especially when it comes to our cars. We might want to learn the latest and greatest tech tips and have the newest toys, but at the same time yearn for that far-away feeling of a good old-fashioned Sunday drive.

 
Well, in Hawaii you can have your drive and enjoy it too. When most people think of Hawaii, they think of the inviting blue ocean, highest of cliffs and simmering volcanoes just to name a few. Then there are the mutli-colored beaches from white sand to black.
There are hundreds of places throughout the United States to go for a leisurely drive, but Hawaii has to be one of a kind. Driving through the twists and turns on Hawaii’s ancient roads has to be one of the best kept secrets yet most memorable road trips one can savor.

 
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse

 
What better way to start a road trip than with a short but powerfully memorable hike on a lighthouse trail? Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail won’t disappoint anyone. This scenic shoreline is enough to make you forget all the cares in the world.
With a dryer and hotter climate, you may want to start your drive earlier on in the morning to bask in the scenic views and then head to the trail. There’s not much coverage on this magnificent trail, leaving you open to view some of the most breathtaking sights that will leave you speechless:

 
• Hike up the trail to arrive at the most magnificent plateau for viewing indescribable sights.
• Stop along the way to breathe in the sights of the colossal coastline
• Wait for the opportunity to view the ocean with hopes of seeing your first humpback whale. Any time after May up until November is prime spotting time.
• Spy the sight of the lighthouse itself as you take it in from a distance
• Splash in a tide pool and check that one off your bucket list

 
Waimanalo Bay

 
Enjoy an awesome drive winding your way through the town of Waimanalo on your way. If the thought of stopping at a seaside café and basking in the Hawaiian sun while your every sight takes in the senses of Hawaii’s natural beauties, then this drive will delight you indeed.

 
• Stop at a café along the way
• Fully live into an off-the-beaten path Hawaiian experience
• Be in awe of the miles of white sand beach that stretch out before you like a baby’s blanket
• Splash in the pristine turquoise blue waters

 
It’s easy to forget technology exists in these jaw-dropping locales; however, you never know when cars and technology meet up in the Hawaiian isles.

 
Interested in reading more? Check out the opinions of THIS ARTICLE on utilizing Hawaii’s roads to test out Google’s autonomous cars.

What do you think of when you think of traveling for Memorial Day weekend? Loads of traffic and congestion, hiked airfares and questioning what were you thinking traveling on the busiest day of the year probably come to mind. However, times have changed and the way people travel has changed as well.

 
Memorial Day travel no longer has to be expensive or congested. As a matter of fact, you can get a great deal throughout the summer if you do your homework and your research.

 
Think Big – Big Island, That Is

 
Most people think of a small road trip somewhere reasonably close to home. If you think big, like in the Big Island of Hawaii, however, you may be surprised at how much more you will get for your money.

 
Of course, you more than likely won’t simply go to Hawaii for a weekend, but if you book now and plan smart, a trip to the Big Island may be just around the corner for you and your family this summer.

 
More than two dozen resorts throughout the islands are dropping rates substantially. According to certain sources, these rates are dropping upwards of 40% to jump start the season. What better way to celebrate the unofficial start of summer than to book a package deal to one of the exquisite islands of Hawaii.

Pay Homage at a Memorial Site

 
If you are heading to Hawaii this long weekend, what better way to celebrate Memorial Day than to pay homage at a memorial site. On any day of the year, the USS Arizona Memorial site is the busiest attraction in Hawaii. That is understandably so;
it marks the beginning of World War II on that fateful day on December 7, 1941. Not only were lives lost there, but hundreds of thousands more were lost during the war. If you are heading to Hawaii and plan to visit, plan ahead.

 
• Get in touch with the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center ahead of time
• Speak with your local travel agent for tips and advice
• Contact the hotel you are staying with to get tips on ways to get there, ticket information, visitor hours and special memorial services throughout the weekend

 
Remember and Honor All

 
While there, don’t forget to visit the other sites as you silently pay homage to those lost:

• Battleship Missouri – better known as “Mighty Mo” the last American battleship ever made
• The “First Avenger” – the USS Bowfin – thousands of artifacts and memorabilia on display
• Pacific Aviation Museum – take a shuttle to visit this historic landmark in the middle of Pearl Harbor and take a step back into aviation history and time

 
If you can’t make it to Hawaii this Memorial Day, who says you can’t plan your next trip during this extended holiday weekend.

Every soon-to-be traveler thinks traveling is great; that is, until they have to shop, plan, prepare and pack. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into a good trip and a good trip doesn’t come about without great planning. Thankfully, we live in a day and age where technology is being recreated at the speed of light. Every day, there’s a new gadget, accessory, gizmo or app. Even better, these technologies change the way we travel.
If you’re planning your next weekend road trip this spring or even working on your summer vacation plans, don’t forget to take along some of these useful travel apps. They’ll make your trip light as a summer breeze.

 
Depending on where you’re traveling some of these are great right in your own backyard while others will come in handy when traveling internationally.

 
Google Translate
When you find yourself in need of an urgent phrase while traveling abroad, that book you brought along may be of no use and just take too long. Google translate will translate in dozens of languages the exact phrase you need to use.

 
Skype
What’s great about skype is that it’s easy enough to use and what’s even better is that it’s free. You can chat with family or friends back home without worrying about your cell phone usage going through the roof.

 
Gas Buddy
Back in the day, one of the biggest topics of conversations when traveling was to talk about the prices of gas in other states. Now, you don’t have to wonder about it, you can find the most reasonable gas in town by city or zip code. Check out the stations nearest you and find the best price per gallon while traveling.

 
City Mapper
If you’re like most travelers, you don’t always want to use a real map or stop and ask for directions; the GPS will get you there just fine. If you’re really like most travelers, the GPS has gotten you lost on more than one occasion. This handy app will help you find your way through major cities getting you from Point A to Point B in the fastest route possible. If you’re not in the mood for the scenic route, you can travel the straightest path.

 
Iexit
Have you ever drove past an exit only to realize that the food place you were looking for the last few exits was right off the service road? By that point, it’s too late. But with iexit, you can check and see which gas station, favorite store or eatery is at that exit. You don’t have to get off and drive around – some more. You can find out which service is at which exit and have your pick of your favorite places to stop.

 
TripIt
You don’t have to carry around a file folder of all your confirmation emails with TripIt. This app helps you to organize and stay organized when traveling by creating a handy listing of all your trip details from car rentals to airline confirmations.
These are just a few apps that can help you travel happy with apps. Here’s a bunch more to save you time and save you some money:

It seems as though every time you turn around these days, there’s something new in the auto industry. And it’s not just a new concept car or model that’s new either. It’s technology, safety, and innovation all competing for the spotlight at the same time. It wasn’t too long ago that these new trends were just idle chatter, but now they all seem to be becoming reality all at once. No sooner than one idea comes out, the next, biggest and more improved version of that idea is “coming soon.” Here are a few trends on what’s safe, what’s smart, and what’s new in the auto industry.

 
What’s Safe?
A decade or two ago, all you really needed to worry about when it came to safety was how well the seatbelts worked, the safety crash tests, and how many air bags you had to consider. Nowadays, privacy and security are also at risk. With connectivity advances in technology and hackers being in the news more often, it’s enough to make you want to start walking or taking out your bike.
Thankfully, regulators are always seeking to ask the question on how safe is the public with this new innovation or that new technology? One such example takes place in Oakland, California. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission will host an event known as the Connected Car Hackathon during early April. Automatic Labs, Inc. is also on board the project.
In hopes of encouraging safer driving ethics, the event will invite those who participate to build a better mouse trap (or in this case, build better technology for safe driving practices). The event seeks to draw in experts in the field such as developers and programmers, just to name a few, in order to come up with solutions for safer driving tools and technology.

 
Is it a Hacker’s Paradise?
Recent research is showing just how welcoming it is for a hacker to invade your car. Like a magician with a quick slight of hand, it’s getting easier to hack a key fob and get into your vehicle. While some people collect coins, hackers are busy collecting signals to gain access to your car. Cars from Audi to Toyota have been impacted by these hackers.
Thankfully the research shows the problem areas and the manufacturers can then address what’s next in safety.

 
What’s Smart?
A group of 20 automakers is seeking to make everything on four wheels safer than before with a safety system known as Automatic Emergency Braking in all cars. Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is on board with everything safe when it comes to cars, it’s good to know they are on the driver’s side when it comes to moving safety technology through the pipes more quickly.
Manufacturers and safety regulators both seek to make seat belts, air bags, and even more advanced future technology like Lane Keep Assist, (helping get the car back to where it needs to be) safer than ever before.
Picture a future too where the use of infrared systems can detect a deer in headlights, so to speak, in dark conditions where the human eye may not be able to see it until it’s too late.

 
What’s New?
While the majority of visitors to the New York Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center this week are there to see the new concept cars and what’s next on four wheels, there’s also something else that’s new in safety.
Unfortunately, in recent years’ police officers have been killed while sitting in their vehicles. The New York Police Department is exploring new technology in safety. Armored panels and bullet resistant glass for patrol cars are two of those new safety technologies being tested. With an advance in technology like this, the police can feel safer as they go about the business of keeping the public safe, as well.

Travel has certainly changed from a few short years ago. Technology has made traveling much easier and much more competitive at the same time. With the abundance of apps at our fingertips from checking flight information for us to getting updates about everything, travel is a breeze.

Even where and how you stay, such as companies like HomeAway and Airbnb make staying anywhere from a spare bedroom in someone’s home to a treehouse in Puerto Rico an adventure. However, just like some old wives’ tales, there are some myths surrounding travel that have stayed around, as well.

Travel is for Jetsetters Only

When you think of travel, do you sigh and say, “Someday” or do you create an action plan to make it happen? If you are like most average people, you make ends meet, pay the bills, and there’s not always a lot left over for things like travel.

Travel today, however, has made leaps and bounds in offering competitive rates and different ways to save money.

Hopper – Hopper is a great little app that will not only save you money, but do the work for you. This handy tool will sort through daily prices on airline flights and give you the best data on when to buy those tickets to Hawaii you’ve been waiting on.

Hotel Tonight – If you need a reservation in a hurry, Hotel Tonight is a great app. This app will help you find lodging at the last minute, but even better yet, it will help you score some real last-minute discounts as well.

With so much competition and so many companies offering travel discounts, travel is doable and affordable.

It’s Not Safe to Travel

With the events around the world being as dismal as they have been as of late, many people think it’s not safe to travel. However, this may not be the case. With security heightened, it might be just as safe as ever to travel.

It might take a few more action steps before traveling to ensure a safer and smoother journey. For example, making certain you have all your information and paperwork updated and ready to go such as passports, cell service, and contact information of embassies. An app such as the Smart Traveler app will keep you in touch with travel alerts, U.S. embassy locations and so much more. Purchasing travel insurance is also another safeguard you may wish to consider.

Those Airline Miles Don’t Really Add Up

Many travelers go on vacation year after year because they’ve racked up enough miles on their credit cards. It takes time and effort to figure out, but just like anything else that takes time and effort, it may just be worth your while to give it a try.

Plenty of travelers find themselves scoring tickets for free by exploring the world of airline credit card miles. You never know, if you play your “cards” right, you may be one of them.

Baby Boomers Have a Tough Time Traveling

Some people might think that the Baby Boomer Generation, also known as the Sandwich Generation have a tough time traveling because they are busy taking care of elders and children at the same time. However, there is a new travel trend called “Multi-generational Travel.”

Multi-generational families are enjoying treks to Alaska and tropical vacations to Hawaii. With careful planning and the help of tour guides and facilities, all three generations are able to share the travel experience today.

It’s not Worth the Hassle

New research is showing the science behind happiness lies not within the purchasing of more material possessions, but rather in life experiences. Travel is always an experience. Sure, it’s a lot of work to plan, shop, and pack for, but in the end, the experience will create memories to last a lifetime and give you conservation topics for years to come.

Travel makes you happy, for the most part. Sure, there are always those stories about that one trip where everything didn’t go according to plan, but at the end of the day you still have something to talk and laugh about.

Just like anything else, travel is an experience. You can either buy into the myths or invest in having a good experience.

If you’re looking to travel and explore Hawaii, be sure to get a Free Online Vehicle Quote to take your car with you for the most convenient vacation possible.