| Ho'okipa ( ho o kipa) is the complete giving of hospitality.
TMG Hawaii applies this value with the quality of service
we provide that is inherently given from the desire to please others in
a manner which far exceeds expectations.
We listen
We anticipate
We deliver
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Island Minutes
To assist you with your pre-planning process, here are some important industry updates:
Hawai'i
Mauna Lani Resort has been named the "Best Eco-Friendly Hotel & Eco-Tourism Destination"
by Conde Nast magazine. This Big Island resort was the only US property
to be named. From the resort's solar energy innovations, golf course
water system and drought resistant grasses, to the green sea turtle
program, this resort has always practiced malama'aina, Hawaiian phrase for responsible stewardship of the land.
Kona
International Airport launched a $2.8 million upgrade project in March
that will result in covered terminal walkways among other improvements.
The
increase in air traffic at Kona International Airport, combined with
the increased security demands of the post-9/11 world, make
this upgrade particularly important. The Master Planning Team is
charged with meeting these challenges, while preserving and enhancing
the unique atmosphere of Kona International Airport, which is often
described as "inviting," tropical," and "laid back." The makeover is slated for wrap-up in December.
Kauai
Kamokila
Hawaiian Village is a unique eco-tourist experience. Kamokila is
a HISTORICAL SITE of an authentic Hawaiian village. It is
snuggled in by the World Renown FERN GROTTO, SECRET FALLS and the
OPAEKA'A WATERFALL, on the Wailua River. It was first restored in
1979. Artifacts found include medicine rocks, birthing stones,
bell stones, foundations of houses and petroglyphs.
Outrigger canoe rides, hiking, swimming, picnicing, and Hawaiian arts and crafts are offered to visitors.
Maui
Mick Fleetwood,
A Hawaii resident and co-founder of the legendary super group Fleetwood
Mac, has assembled some of Hawaii's top performers for, "The Mick
Fleetwood Island Rumours Band". The band serves up classic Fleetwood
Mac songs along with other rock'n roll favorites and traditional
Hawaiian tunes. The show has turned into an overwhelming hit
with corporate audiences looking for headline talent but still seeking
an authentic island experience.
Oahu - Haleiwa, North Shore
The popular Flavormania Exotic Gourmet Ice Cream
store has become one of the key places to visit on Oahu's North
Shore. Hawaii has so many wonderful fruits to add to the already
popular homemade ingredients of Flavormania's recipes. Some of the
special flavors offered at the Haleiwa store include "Kohala Macadamia
Nut" and "Lilikoi (Passion fruit) Cheese Cake.
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| The Champman Stick |
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What is a
Champman Stick? Just ask Michael Kollwitz who has been playing the
Chapman Stick since 1976. "It is a string instrument played with both
hands, simultaneously playing both bass and melody parts
independently". Michael's music is best described as a
relaxing blend of jazz and blues with a Hawaiian flavor. Michael has
played many venues in Hawaii as well as all over the Westen US. If you
are looking for a local musician for your Maui program, Michael
fits the bill. | |
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May - June 2008 Volume 11, Issue 1 |
May 1st is Lei Day in Hawaii
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Lei Day celebrates Hawaiian culture throughout the islands with
lei-making competitions, traditional dances, chants, songs, handcrafts,
food vendors and other activities. On
May 1, Lei Day is celebrated on all of the Hawaiian islands. A popular
event with both residents and tourists, it's one flower lovers won't
want to miss.
History
The celebration got its start in the
late 1920s when an islander named Don Blanding decided that Hawaii
ought to celebrate the lei on a special day each year. In 1929, Lei Day
was made an official holiday and has continued annually except during
the World War II years. The 2008 celebration will be the 81st.
Festivities on Oahu
On
Oahu, the best place to capture the flavor of the day is at Queen
Kapi'olani Park in Honolulu, where the main festivities take place each
year. Since the park is in Waikiki, it's within walking distance of
many hotels.
Other Islands' Observance
In Lihue the Kauai' Museum will host artisians
displaying their hand crafts. Downtown Hilo on the Big Island will
be the setting for lei-making competitions and a queen competition. Lei
making will be demonstrated at the Old Dole Building on Lanai May 3rd.
Even if you don't go to one of the island celebrations but are in
Hawaii on May 1, you won't look completely dressed unless you wear a
lei. it won't be hard to find one. |
| Madame Pele shows off her power with quite a show for visitors |
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 First,
Kīlauea's 25-year ongoing eruption resumed in February from a fissure
in the upslope area of Pu'u Kahauale'a Natural Area Reserve, after a
brief hiatus. Then lava reached the ocean in early March, inspiring
local officials to open a lava-viewing area in Kalapana, along Puna's
coastal area, much to the delight of visitors and residents.
On
March 19, a small but historic gas explosion at Halema'uma'u crater
rocked the summit of Kīlauea - the first time since 1924. Scientists
later discovered traces of lava from the explosion, and plumes of white
ash continue to drift upward from the crater. To "summit" up, there's
never been a better time for mesmerizing sight-seeing at Hawai'i
Volcanoes National Park and the Kalapana lava viewing area. |
| More great dining experiences in Honolulu |
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Because
of the diverse culture of this island, ethnic restaurants have always
been popular with locals and visitors. There are some relatively new
restaurants that expand Oahu's dining experience. 'Elua Restaurant & Wine Bar -
'Elua in Hawaiian means "Two". Twosomes are the "Elua signature;two
well-known chefs,two unique cooking styles,two menus. 'Eula's cuisine
features the best of Hawaii's produce and seafood. Diners get to choose
from Chef Donato Loperfido's Italian menu or Chef Philippe Padovani's
French menu. Dinner at 'Eula means making some choices - but
there's no way to go wrong!
Taormina Sicilian Cuisine at the Waikiki Beach Walk - Chef
Aki Yamamoto was inspired by authentic recipes from the kitchens of
Sicily's seaside town of Taormina he visited last year.
Featuring upscale Sicilian cuisine for lunch and dinner, Chef Yamamoto
pairs fresh pastas with the highest quality seafood and meats. Fresh
vegetables, lightly grilled fish, and lamb seasoned with herbs offer
diners a healthy range of options. The restaurant boasts a wine
selection of more than 125 wines, including Hawai'i's most diverse
offering of Italian wines.
Kaiwa- Husband and wife team Isamu and Motoko Kubota are
the masterminds behind this stylish and modern Japanese restaurant.
Kaiwa's menu is full of Japanese dishes that use locally grown
ingredients and authentic Japanese cooking techniques. Some menu items
include artistic presentations such as Maguro Blossom Carpaccio (thin
petals of fresh ahi arranged as a delectable flower encased in a
kabocha-tomato ratatouille with shiso balsamic vinaigrette.)
Chai's Island Bistro
- Chai Chaowasaree is the owner of this award winning restaurant and is
recognized as one of the best chefs in Hawaii. Fresh local ingredients
are used to prepare each meal such as Kona Lobster, organic Big
Island baby greens, and Waianae escargot. Chef Chai combines the fresh
local seafood, meats, herbs and vegetables into an unforgetable dining
experience.
We can create an awesome dine-around event for your next Oahu program.
Contact Wendy Ottinger at 877.472.6522 or wottinger@tmghawaiiltd.com |
| Sailing Traditional Hawaiian Canoes |
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Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures on Maui was selected as one of the top 10 Hawaiian Adventures by FORBES TRAVELER.
Grab
that paddle, heft that line, and cast off aboard the Hina, a
traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe run by Sage Spalding. The design of
the boat is historically accurate and part of the adventure is learning
native Hawaiian sailing and navigation techniques. Naturally, the
panoramic vistas of West Maui and Lanai make this voyage as pleasurable
as it is educational. "We don't have an engine so we are totally
reliant on ourselves, the wind and the conditions. It's pretty much
exactly the way the ancient Hawaiians sailed and people dig that," says
Spalding.
Let us incorporate this great activity into your sponsored activity selections for your next Maui program. Call Wendy for details, she has first hand experience riding the waves on this great sailing canoe. 877.472.6522
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KAHO`OLAWE ISLAND |
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We have been asked many times about the island off the Wailea,
Maui coastline behind Molokini Crater. It's Kaho'olawe (Ka ho o la we)!
Sunrise shining on Kaho'olawe
The Island of Kaho'olawe is
the smallest of the eight major Hawaiian Islands, and lies six miles
southwest of Maui. At its farthest points, Kaho'olawe is 11 miles long
and 7 miles wide, roughly 28,800 acres total (45 square miles). The
highest point on the island, Moaulanui, is 1477 feet above sea level.
Steep cliffs border the southern and eastern coastlines of the island.
Its north and west facing sides are more gradually sloped, with a
coastline of beaches and bays.
In
ancient times Kaho'olawe was called Kanaloa for the god of the ocean
and the foundations of the earth. It was a place where kahuna and
navigators were trained and it played an important role in early
Pacific migrations. Beginning
in the 19th century and through 1988, feral goats and sheep overgrazed
Kaho'olawe, eliminating the plant cover and causing massive soil
erosion. At the start of World War II, Kaho'olawe was taken by the U.S.
military for use as a target and training area. A 1953 Executive Order
placed the island under the Secretary of the Navy with the assurance
that it would be restored to a "habitable condition" when no longer
needed for naval purposes. Efforts to return the island to the people of Hawaii started as soon as it was taken for military purposes. The Protect Kaho'olawe Ohana
led the public protest to end the bombing and return the island.
The Ohana carried out a series of occupations of the island beginning
in 1976 which brought national attention to the movement.
Today,
Kaho'olawe serves as a foundation for the revitalization of Hawaiian
cultural practices, and provides an unique opportunity for restoration
on an island-wide level. | |
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