Hilo is usually thought of as simply a sleepy little town that gets way too much rain.  And, as the wettest city in the US, its a reputation that is rather fitting, however, there is more to Hilo than just rain.  (Hey, they’ve got a Wal-Mart and Target!)  And, while few give Hilo more than a passing thought as a convenient place to base their visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ( just a 30 mile drive away), there is more to see and do in Hilo than just drive thru.

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

The ‘Imiloa facilities were completed in 2005 and opened on February 20, 2006, on the campus of the University of Hawaii’s Hilo Campus.  This 40,000 square foot exhibit and planetarium complex is identifiable by its distinctive triple cone feature and situated on the slope above Hilo Bay.

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

The architectural design, directed by architect Mel Choy, M5 Architecture, features three titanium-covered cones, representing the volcanoes of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai.  The cones provide a distinctive and highly visible landmark, easily seen by visitors arriving by air and driving into Hilo from almost any direction.

The vision behind the building of this facility was to blend ancient Hawaiian cultural traditions and the latest astronomical research being conducted at the 13 observatories that populate the summit of Mauna Kea.  In addition, the award-winning landscaping includes over 50 native species of plants that represent four different micro-zones.  ‘Imiloa’s overall focus is educational and aimed primarily at school kids, so you’ll find a number of interactive exhibits placed throughout the exhibit area.

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s planetarium dome is 52’ in diameter and features 120 uni-directional seats.   The planetarium houses the world’s first 3D stereoscopic digital full dome planetarium system.  Stereoscopic full dome images are created using four cinema-quality Sony SXRD™ digital projectors  and a cluster of 18 specialized computers running DigitalSky 2 visualization software.  The resolution of the system is 4096×4096 or roughly 4 times that of HDTV.  Audiences wear special, stereoscopic glasses which are specially etched, to provide the full 3D effect.

‘Imiloa has produced its first 3D program, Awesome Light: Discoveries from the Telescopes on Mauna Kea, and is producing two additional Awesome Light shows which share new astronomy findings with audiences.  This system is even used by astronomers from some of the observatories on Mauna Kea, allowing them to visualize the astronomical data collected at the summit.

A nice feature you might also enjoy is the on-site restaurant, the ‘Imiloa Sky Garden Restaurant.  The main feature of the restaurant is the panoramic view of Hilo Bay.  They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.   Some Hilo residents even bring visiting friends and relatives here for a leisurely breakfast and to enjoy the view.  The dinner menu includes a buffet, except for Sundays.

Breakfast & Lunch Hours
Tuesday – Sunday: 7 AM – 4 PM
Dinner Hours
Thursday – Sunday: 5 PM – 8:30 PM

Here’s a tip for you.  Plan on arriving early to avoid the tour groups that start to arrive just about lunch time.

‘Imiloa General Admission

Well, for those of you in Honolulu, here are your choices for haunting events.

Haunted Lagoon

You can take a 30 minute canoe ride through the Haunted Lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center (Laie), where the Laie lady searches for her son, and will surely get your blood pressure up.  New for 2011 is a haunted house that you can go through as a sort of warm up before taking your canoe ride.

They also offer “keiki rides” which leaves at 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30 pm, if you have young ones with you.  The main difference is that the keiki canoes have a lost warrior that rides along to protect them from evil spirits, while adults are left to fend for themselves. Its a good idea if you purchase your tickets in advance.

Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for children (Fast pass – $40/$35). Kama’aina pricing and various discounts are available as well. Prices do not include the standard entry to the rest of the PCC.  The Haunted Lagoon runs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays between Sept. 30th and Oct 23rd;  Monday – Saturday from October 24th through Halloween night. Canoes start at 6:30pm (Fast Pass times: 7:00, 7:30, 8:30.)

Haunted Lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Haunted Plantation

In its 6th year, Haunted Plantation (Wahiawa), rated #6 on the Top 10 Haunted Houses in USA for 2011 @www.tophaunts.com.   According to the Haunted Plantation official website, they will be open for 9 nights this year (Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 28 thru the 31st, and have added 5 nights of Haunted Hawaii Ghost Stories (the website was not specific on dates).

General ticketing for the Haunted Plantation is $13 or $20 for the FastPass.  (No children under 13 and those 16 and younger must have adult supervision.)   Gates open at 7:00 pm till 11:30 pm, unless attendance is heavy, then gates may close earlier.

Ticket price for the Haunted Hawaii Ghost Stories is $10, with two tours available at 7:00 and 8:30 pm.  Each tour is limited to 30 attendees, so you should call to make reservations in advance.  (808)677-0110.  Children under 16 must have adult supervision.

Here is their official 2011 Trailer for The Haunted Plantation:

The Haunted Plantation, Wahiawa, Oahu

Nightmares Live

For those not wanting to make a drive, you can attend the Nightmare Live Haunted Attraction at their new location, Dole Cannery (801 Dillingham Blvd). Nightmares Live is a gigantic haunted house maze with professional special effects, lighting, movie props, and authentic costumes. (Same designers used by Universal Studios).  Tickets cost $13 or get a FastPass for $20.  While there are no age restrictions, it is suggested that the experience may be a little too intense for those under 13.

You can purchase tickets beginning at 6:30 pm till 11:30 pm and doors open from 7:00 pm till midnight.  If you have any questions, they ask you to email them at nightmareslive@gmail.com.   Dates of operation are Oct. 1, 7, 8, 14 thru 31st.

 WARNING:  Standard warnings apply for all haunted houses; individuals with health problems, heart problems, pregnant, claustrophobic, or history of seizures, should not enter.  These haunted houses all use strobe lights, which can lead to a seizure event.  Also strongly suggested those with breathing problems and asthma should not attend due to the smoke used.

More Hawaii Distillers

In recent posts, I covered the micro-breweries and brewery of Hawaii, as well as, the wine makers and rum distillers in the islands.  I thought I had covered all the spirit-makers in Hawaii, but much to my dismay, I find that I overlooked two categories completely!    So, this post is to address my oversight.  All of  them are award-winning distillers who use Hawaiian grown sources for the making of their products.

Included is the only coffee liqueur in-the-world that is 100% coffee based and not diluted or flavored by vanilla, chocolate or some other additives.  What makes this an even better product is that its made of 100% Kona Coffee extract!  Truly, purely the best!

There are also three distillers who make vodkas on Maui and Oahu.  You will find organic sources vodka, as well as flavored vodkas that feature the fruits of Hawaii, including one made from Maui Gold pineapples.  They source their water from the volcanically filtered aquifers below the islands to desalinated, purified waters taken from the cold depths of the waters off the Big Island of Hawaii.

Kona Gold Coffee Liqueur

Aloha Distillers, who makes Kona Gold Coffee Liqueur, was overlooked in my recent search for breweries, wineries, and distillers in the islands.   Kona Gold is the only coffee liqueur made from 100% coffee extract and if that isn’t special enough, it happens to be made of 100% Kona Coffee extract!

Liqueurs like the widely known Kahlua brand, are made from a blend of coffee extract and additives such as vanilla and chocolate to give it a richer, smoother flavor.  This is because most liqueurs are made with marginal coffee beans that produce an extract too weak and without sufficient flavor to stand on its own.

Fortunately, the people at Aloha Distillers know a good thing when they have it.  Start with the best, don’t dilute it with any additives, and you’ll end up with the best.  Robert Plotkin, the President of the National Bar & Restaurant Association, and author of numerous books including the 4th edition of the Bartender’s Companion wrote:  “Kona Gold is the only coffee liqueur in the world made from certified 100% coffee beans, and contains no other additives such as chocolate and vanilla.  You will be wowed at the vivacious flavor of the Hawaiian coffee liqueur.”

Hawaii’s Vodka Distillers

Located in Kahului, Maui, Ocean Vodka is an 80 Proof vodka made from organic sugar cane and desalinated, purified water from a depth of 3000 feet in the waters off the Big Island of Hawaii.

Also located on Maui, is the Haliimaile Distilling Company, which makes Pau Maui Vodka.  What makes Pau Maui Vodka so distinctive is that they are made using Maui Gold Pineapples!  Island 808 makes five different flavored vodkas: Pineapple, Mango, Coconut, Lychee, POG – Pineapple, Orange, Guava; plus their triple-distilled pineapple-based vodka, but unlike their pineapple flavored vodka, there is no pineapple taste to it.  Both are made by the LeVecke Corporation.

Pau Maui Vodka is made and bottled on Maui, while Island 808 is triple-distilled in Hawaii, and then blended and bottled in California, so I guess you could say its only semi-made in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Vodka is made by Island Distillers in Honolulu.  Made from sugar cane alcohol and blended with *naturally lava rock filtered water, its Honolulu’s only vodka distillery.  In addition, they also make a Coconut Hawaiian Vodka.  Both are made in very limited runs and availability is very limited.

*Owner, Dave Flintstone, from Hawaiian Vodka was kind enough to comment on this post with the following clarification:  “Not only is Hawaiian Vodka made with naturally lava filtered water, the actual vodka itself is lava filtered through crushed lava from the Big Island. This is a proprietary process that took years to develop, and it results in an ultra smooth, delicious vodka that is uniquely Hawaiian and unlike any other.”   My thanks to Dave.

In Summary

So, there you have it, gives a new meaning to the phrase,  “Spirit of Aloha!”   The greatest majority of the brewers, distillers, and wineries in Hawaii are less than 10 years old and only a handful are older than 20 years old.  Its nice to see that all but one, focuses on making the most of Hawaii’s natural resources and produce.  Besides, what better way is there to distinguish yourself from all the brands that have a strangle hold on the market, than to carve out your own little niche to exist in.   Something that I can appreciate and share with them.

Aulani Disney Resort Opens Today!

Since 2008, Disney has been developing their latest property on the shores of Ko Olina Lagoons in western Oahu.  Here are some highlights about the resort:

• Sits on 21 acres
• 460 Disney Vacation Club Villas, including 21 Grand Villas
• 359 hotel rooms, including 16 suites
• 4 restaurants
• 2 lounges
• 10 recreation facilities
• 18,000-square-foot spa with 15 treatment rooms and fitness center
• 4 whirlpool spas

Visit their website and view your way thru their video presentations, as I did and I think you’ll be impressed and anxious to check it out in person.

Their standard rooms include:

• 2 queen-size beds or 1 king-size bed with queen-size sleeper sofa
• bathroom
• Sleep up to 4 Guests
• 382 square feet

A quick check of their room rates, show that they start around $342, taxes included.  Ocean view rooms run $513/night or you can go with their partial ocean view Parlor Suites for $5,922/night.  Obviously, not a destination for the budget conscious traveler, but for those who can afford the experience, it will not disappoint.  More than just a resort…its a Disney Resort!

Grove Farm, owner of the property, has closed access to the  popular waterfall area.  In the past 5 years, there have been five deaths of visitors to the falls.  In addition, Grove Farm faces several lawsuits stemming from these accidents.  There has been a tour that that included a stop at Kipu Falls and that was the only “legal” access to the area.  Whether this tour will now be discontinued was not mentioned.

So, to the dismay of many locals who have used the pool below the falls for swimming for years, Grove Farm announced it is installing a metal fence and denying further access to the public.  While the property has always been posted with “No Trespassing” signs, neither the public nor Grove Farm has stopped using it.

Reports indicate that the majority of the five people who died, were killed after jumping from the top of the falls into the pool below and drowned while swimming back to shore.  While on the one hand, I do not want to seem insensitive to their family’s loss, I also don’t feel it is appropriate to file a lawsuit against Grove Farm for their deaths.

You know, it wasn’t all that long ago when the “common sense” defense would have kept many of these types of lawsuits from ever going to court.  Have you noticed that more and more, common sense seems to be vanishing?   When was it decided that we should not be held accountable for our own mistakes and poor judgement?

Personally, I think the fall down this slippery slope all began with the McDonald’s hot coffee decision.  You know, the case where the lady spilled hot coffee on herself and then won a lawsuit against McDonald’s for selling her the coffee!   Now, it would be one thing to say that she was burned because the lid was not put on properly…I have run across that myself, but this was a case of the coffee being “hot”.

That also explains why you can’t buy a cup of coffee these days without warnings all over the cup letting you know, “Warning: Contents Hot!”  I’m sure warnings were printed on products long before that incident, but I swear some of the warnings are a matter of erring on the side of stupidity.  (Do not use an electric hair-dryer while taking a shower!  Really???)

This whole situation has also brought the question of liability to those who write guidebooks and what their role might be when advertising and/or promoting dangerous sites.  There are a few guidebooks on Hawaii that consistently point out ways to get around No Trespassing signs and fences.  While in general, I think it would be difficult to hold guidebook authors liable for doing their job, which is pointing out places to see and go, I do think that they go too far when they start to encourage people to ignore trespassing signs and safety concerns.

As an author of this blog and a website, it is my conscious decision not to promote any activity that may be dangerous.  Most of my posts include a warning/caution regarding sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and water.  I also indicate whether or not there are normally currents that make a particular location a poor choice for swimming.  And, where applicable, also indicate that some beaches are seasonally affected by wave heights and that in all conditions, to use your best judgement in deciding whether you should go swimming or not.

Of course, I know I could get myself in trouble assuming that people have “good judgement” to use and that their judgement is sufficient to make the right choice.  In any event, I believe that everyone must ultimately be responsible for making their own decisions.   I have commented before, that I have seen people blatantly ignore warning signs at the Volcanoes National Park and venture beyond the barriers at Halemaumau Crater to stand on what was obviously a fractured portion of the rim.   I think they would have received very little sympathy from anyone around if that section had broken off and they had fallen in.

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Hawaiian Rum Distilled on Maui and Kauai

As a follow-up to my article on the breweries found in the islands, I thought I’d check to see what other spirits are made locally.  I have previously blogged about the two wineries found in the state, Tedeschi Winery on Maui and Volcano Winery on the Big Island.  The twenty-first century has seen two distilleries begin operations in Hawaii that make rum.

Haleakala Distillers

While the first batches of rum were produced in 2003, they were not considered good enough to market.  After a few trial and error runs and making a few adjustments, including adding a custom water filtration system, their rum got better and better.  Today, Haleakala Distillers makes an award winning dark rum which you can find in many stores throughout the islands and on the mainland.

Winner of Gold Medal, 2009 and Silver Medal, 2008 at the International Rum Festivals held in Ybor City, FL.    Bottled and sold under the simple names of Maui Dark Rum and Maui Gold Rum, they are made from 100% Maui natural ingredients.  This craft distillery is located on the grounds of Haleakala Ranch and as of this writing, tours were not available.

In 2009, they made their first batch of authentic Okolehao.  What is Okolehao?  Its a spirit made primarily from the root of the ti-plant and sugar.  The ti plant stores sugar in its roots, which can be used to ferment alcohol, and the roots keep growing. Enormous roots weighing several hundred pounds can be found under old plants.  Real Okolehao probably hasn’t been made for 40 years or more.  It’s  80 proof or 40% alcohol content.  Made in limited runs, availability is very limited.

The Koloa Rum Company

Yet another award winning distillery has opened in recent years on the island of Kauai.  Established in 2008, the Koloa Rum Company distilled and bottled its first run of rum in September of 2009.  And, Koloa’s Dark Rum was awarded a Gold Medal at the Rum Renaissance Festival in May, 2010.  They currently make four different rums:  Kauai White, Kauai Gold, Kauai Dark, and Kauai Spice Rums.

Principal production operations are located in Kalaheo on the grounds of the Kukui Brand facilities.  (Kukui Brand is a familiar brand of island jams, jellies, and syrups.)  The Koloa Rum Company’s  Tasting Room & Store is located on the grounds of the historic Kilohana Plantation near Lihue.  You can contact them at (808)246-8900 or www.koloarum.com.

In Summary

So, now you’ve got the rundown on the alcoholic manufacturing scene in Hawaii.  There are two wineries, five microbreweries and one  brewery, and two distilleries operating (legally) in the state.  Even as little as ten years ago, you would have gotten a different result…no distilleries and one or two different microbreweries were operating then.

Update (8/30/11):  Since this post was written, I have learned that I had completely overlooked distilleries that manufacture vodka and Kona Gold Coffee Liqueur!   I have written a post covering these five additional distilleries.

Hawaii’s Breweries

Kona Brewing Company

As of the time of this writing, there are five micro-breweries to be found in the islands.  Probably the most well known of the lot is the Kona Brewing Company and their signature Longboard beer, located in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island.  You can even find their beer at a few retailers on the mainland, as far away as North Carolina, actually.

If you’re looking for a break from all the beach activities, take an afternoon break and tour this small brewery located just a few blocks from Kailua Bay on Kuakini Highway.

Waimea Brewing Company

The status of the Waimea Brewing Company is somewhat nebulous at this time as it seems that they are potentially looking to relocate their operation from the grounds of Aston’s Waimea Plantation Cottages to Port Allen, Kauai.  Ownership has changed recently and reviews have been mixed.  So, if you have any information to share, it would be greatly appreciated and we’ll all be kept up to date.    Their biggest claim to fame is that they are the undisputed westernmost brewery in the US!

The Maui Brewing Company

The Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina, Maui, has been in operation since 2005.  (The MBC was previously known as Fish and Games Brewing.)  You can find limited distribution in nine western states: HI, CA, OR, WA, ID, CO, TX, AZ and NV.   You’ll find it tucked away in the Kahana Gateway Center on Honoapiilani Highway.  Once again, reviews are mixed on this pub/brewery for both service and food quality, buts it the only one on Maui.

Gordon Biersch

Located in the Aloha Tower Marketplace on the Honolulu Harbor, Gordon Biersch is Hawaii’s first brewpub.  They brew German beers in the German tradition, so if you’re looking for a “Hawaiian” touch like many of the other breweries serve, you’re in for a disappointment.  On the other hand, they do have an excellent reputation for a good beer.   What I found most interesting is that you can view their entire menu online and everything is priced…except for the beers!

Sam Choy’s Big Aloha Brewing Company

Finally, there’s Sam Choy’s Big Aloha Brewing Company located at his Honolulu restaurant at 580 N. Nimitz Hwy.  Monthly Brewer’s dinners are held in the private dining room to educate patrons on food and beer pairing.

Update: As of the summer of 2012, Aloha Brewing Company has moved out of Sam Choy’s and into their own space…next to Sam Choy’s!  That’s right, doubling their size, but staying close to home.  The food on their menu will come from Sam Choy’s kitchen; that’s how close they will remain. 

The Aloha Brewing Co., brewpub officially opened on June 20 with Aloha Beer’s fresh brews on tap: the Aloha Lager, Aloha Red, Aloha Dark, Aloha IPA, Aloha Blonde, Steam Ship Lager and Kiawe Honey Porter.

Hawaii Nui Brewing

Now, I have to admit, their story gets a little confusing.  Here’s the nuts and bolts of it as I can figure out.   Hawaii Nui Brewing, LLC,  is the parent company of Mehana Brewing.  Mehana Brewing has been operating in Hilo for four generations and became part of Hawaii Nui Brewing in 2009.  The biggest benefit to Mehana Brewing appears to be the increase in capacity that has come with this merger.

The brewery and tasting room are located at 275 E. Kawili Street and while you are invited to stop in to sample the beer, tours of the brewery need to be arranged in advance.  (Not sure which sign you’ll see on the building, Mehana or Hawaii Nui.) You can reach them at (808)934-8211.  To give you some idea of just how “local” this brewery is, they run a Monday Night Football Special…52 weeks a year!   You can refill their refillable “growler” (64 oz. bottle) for $8 for most ales or lagers or $9 for the Hapa Brown Ale and Hawaiian Crow Porter, all day Mondays.

So, there you have it!  The 5 micro-breweries and the Hawaii Nui Brewery of Hawaii.  So, you can find some local brews on Kauai (1), Maui (1), Oahu (2), and the Big Island (2).  Just remember, somebody has to volunteer to be the designated driver…in my group, that’s usually me.

Anyone remember “Primo”?

Decades ago, the first Hawaiian brewery opened in 1900 and the Honolulu Brewing and Malting Company brewed “Primo Beer” up until 1960.  The building was refurbished in 1996 with the intent of turning it into a retirement center, but an error in sealant material used on the wood floors left the building with a permanent stink which makes the building uninhabitable.  The building still stands at 533 Queen Street, but remains closed to the public.

So, if you’re up to the challenge of checking out Hawaii’s micro-breweries, it may take more time you might have imagined.

PRESS RELEASE: Skyline Eco-Adventures, Akaka Falls Zipline Course
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Announcing Skyline Eco Adventures Akaka Falls Zipline Course – on the Big Island of Hawaii
Honomu, Hawaii – June, 20, 2011 Skyline Eco Adventures (www.zipline.com) is proud to
announce the opening of its newest zipline course. Located below Akaka Falls, the first US zipline
company continues to lead the industry in adventure, safety, and innovation with the completion
of its Big Island zipline tour.

Skyline Akaka Falls is the only zipline tour in the World where guests can zip on a line that stretches well over ½ mile and soars directly above a private 250 foot waterfall. The 6 line, 2.5 hour tour flies guests over lush ravines backdropped by dramatic ocean and mountain views on the famed Hamakua coast.

Father and daughter team, Scott and Megan Boren, own and operate the new Big Island zipline
course that is the first franchise for Skyline Eco Adventures which opened in 2002 on Maui as
America’s first commercial zipline tour.

“When we first saw this incredible waterfall, we wanted to do what no one else has done and zip
not beside, but right over it,” remembers Scott.

Skyline helps set the industry standards for safety, through its active involvement in multiple
industry committees and groups. The company has safely conducted nearly 2 million customer
zipline crossings at its multiple zipline tour locations, making it the United States’ most experienced
zipline operator. Skyline Akaka Falls utilizes Patent-Pending zipline equipment, designed by Skyline
Eco-Adventures’ Technology Division to exceed all industry safety standards. The tour guides are
fun, knowledgable, and complete over a month long training program before leading tours.

Skyline is a carbon neutral company, a proud member of 1% for the Planet, and strives not only
to inspire awe for the natural wonder of Hawaii, but also to educate guests about Hawaii’s unique
history and culture, while making significant contributions to environmental and cultural
preservation efforts throughout Hawaii.

“The course has something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced zipper or not. Each line
is unique and exciting in its own way. And the last line over the waterfall will take everyone’s breath
away,” smiled Megan.

For tours, media, or questions, call 808-878-8400 or visit www.zipline.com.
Contact:
Bonnie Blair
bblair@zipline.com

NOTE:  According to their website, the zipline goes over a 250′ private waterfall, NOT Akaka Falls, although they insist on marketing this zipline as the “Akaka Falls Skyline Adventure”.