Who is “See The South Pacific.com?”

Aloha and mahalo for visiting my website!

My name is Teresa Nelle, I am a Travel Agent with 20 years of experience and I am passionate about assisting my Clients with their travel requests to exotic and unique destinations. I love to travel and when I work with a Client, I feel like I am planning my own personal holiday - its fun and exciting - then I love to hear about how their trip was when they return!

I am the Owner of Luxury Hideaways which is affiliated with Park Avenue Travel, a Virtuoso Agency. I have lived on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii for 20 years so obviously I am a Hawaii Specialist! I love living here and enjoy sharing my “kama’aiana” knowledge with my Clients! I have traveled extensively thru the South Pacific, having visiting the Fiji Islands 5 times as well as Australia & New Zealand. I have also sent many Clients to the Cook Islands, Samoa and as well as the islands of Tahiti.

HAWAII LESSON: Kama’aina is the Hawaiian language word for long-term resident of the Hawaiian Islands. It derives from the words ‘kama’, meaning ‘child’, and ‘aina’, meaning ‘land’.

The South Pacific is at the top of my list of travel destinations. I hope you enjoy visiting this site and do return to keep up with whats new and happening. Please also visit www.LuxuryHideaways.net.  On both sites you will find happy love letters from my past Clients.  I also have www.OnlyCruisesTravel.com highlighting small ship cruises around the world.

Luxury Hideaways is rated A+ by Better Business Bureau! (the highest rating available) I am also accredited with the Fiji Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Visitors Bureau, Australia Visitors Bureau as well as the Italian Visitors Bureau.

Last year I spent a month in Europe where I fell in love with the city of Rome, enjoyed a private walking tour of all things Rome (which I highly recommend), visited the ancient site of Pompeii with a Tour Guide from the Archeological Society of Pompeii as well as cruised the Mediterranean on a Windstar cruises, (which is a small cruise ship company) and visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre. Feel free to contact me about European travel as I just sent a family to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain where they had their own private balconey in the shade!

My life motto is a wonderful saying by Mark Twain:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

See you in paradise!

Teresa Nelle
Your Friend in the Islands
800 644-6659  - Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net
Fiji Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Visitors Bureau, Australia Visitors Bureau, Italy Visitors Bureau

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Teresa is very knowledgeable in travel thru-out the South Pacific

Bula bula and aloha,
I received a wonderful recommendation from my past Clients and wanted to share with you:

Dear Teresa,
I’ve written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.

“My wife and I hired Teresa at the recommendation of our friends who had previously used her services. She was very professional and personable. She provided us with vacation options that met our budget and our wishes. Since our trip to the Fiji Islands, we have used her services for a trip to Maui, Hawaii. Teresa is very knowledgeable of the travel destinations in the South Pacific and Hawaii. We have had zero issues with her work and the travel documents she provides. I don’t always use a travel agent however when I do, it’s always Teresa.”
Service Category: Travel Agent
Year first hired: 2007 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

NOTE: Matt & his wife celebrated their honeymoon on the private island of Matamanoa Island, located in the Fiji Islands.

Matamanoa Island is a lovely little island, extremely affordable, beautiful white sand beaches and caters to just 20 couples in beachfront bures (cottages). [Read more]

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FIRST ANNUAL MAUI BREWERS FESTIVAL!

This is the way to raise funds on Maui! I am getting ready for this event - but how do you accessorize for a brew fest?!

We are meeting the Maui Brewing Company in Kahana and taking a 45 minute bus ride to the festival on the lawn of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center from 2:30 - 6:30 today 30/May 2009.

Featuring Entertainment by:
Island Rumours Band featuring Rick Vito! Also: Erin Smith & the Throwdowns, Off Tomorrow, and the Celtic Tigers. MC: kawikaveeka of 92.5 and giveaways galore! Must be 21 years & older.

A total of (23) Brewers will be serving (46) Beers from Hawaii, the US Mainland and from around the globe as well as a host of food tents and offerings.

The festival is presented by Kona Brewing Company, a new “Maui-Calls” style event to highlight the food n’ brews of the Pacific. Its not too late to join us and of this inaugural fun event to help the MACC celebrate its 15th Anniversary! Call 808 242-show for more information - see ya there!

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Receive $500.00 in Airfare Credit when you Travel to the South Pacific!

I’ve been out shopping for you and have found an incredible deal! - Receive $500.00 in Airfare Credit when you Travel to the South Pacific! Of course there is some small print but its really “manini” (small in Hawaiian). You just need to stay 5 nights and a participating hotel, but the good news is, alot of hotels are participating!

This offer applies to travel to Tahiti, Fiji, Australia or New Zealand. We can customize your itineray and just work within the airlines boundries and we are good to go! [Read more]

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The Royal Lahaina Resort boasts the only oceanfront cottages…

My Clients have been asking me for a getaway in Hawaii where guests can reside in separate cottages reminiscent of Hawaii’s Plantation era. Finally, there is a resort for you. The Royal Lahaina Resort is set amdist 27 oceanfront acres located along the quiet half-mile stretch of Kaanapali Beach, just north of Black Rock.

The Royal Lahaina Resort is one of the oldest resorts on the island. In the last 2 years the resort has been refurbished to enhance its island flavor. In the process they held onto the “old style” resort feel everyone is craving for - the authentic Hawaiian experience. This intimate Hawaii Resort features traditional Hawaiian ambiance, award-winning Hawaiian hospitality and five-star service.

The Royal Lahaina Resort boasts the only oceanfront cottages attached to a resort on the west side of Maui. Their premier oceanfront cottage is set off to the side for the ultimate in privacy, is a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom home with private pool and your very own waterfall! Notice - they’re even blessed with rainbows!

Guests can select from Garden and Oceanfront cottage rooms, or one- and two-bedroom cottages which feature complete kitchenettes. The cottages sleep up to 6 people and are very affordable. This is an exciting new/old property where you’ll be able to find me as they also have a fantastic schedule of island style music and festivities. For more info, please contact me at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@LuxuryHideaways…kick back, relax, no worries, you’re at the Royal Lahaina Resort.

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Travel free with your American Express Points!

I have great news for you! Book your next vacation and Pay with Points!
Use points to travel where you want, when you want! Pay for all or part of your American Express Vacations package using Membership Rewards points. Or simply use your points to upgrade your vacation package.

American Express Vacations destinations:

* Canada
* Caribbean
* Central and South America
* Dubai
* Eastern Mediterranean
* Europe
* Hawaii
* Mexico
* South Africa
* South Pacific
* USA

Call us today at 800 644-6659 or email at Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net to Pay with Points and book your next vacation.

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Sail the Islands of Aloha in Style!

Are you searching for a private yacht charter, where you have a Captain and Crew eager to indulge your wishes? You need to experience the yacht cruise called the Island Star. Based out of Maalaea Harbor, the Island Star is a sleek 57′ Columbia sailing yacht complete with a full galley and Chef onboard to cater to you.

Your day at sea will be customized to whatever you’d like to do for the day, a little sailing, a little snorkeling, fishing and/or scuba diving, a little champagne, no worries.

The Island Star reserves private charters only - so you choose the guest you want onboard.

The minimum charter is 2 hours, however I would suggest at least a 4 hour charter so you will have time to relax and enjoy the scenery while sailing in between the islands of Lanai, Molokai and Maui. The Island Star is Coast Guard certified to carry 28 passengers however, they recommend no more than 20 for comfort around the deck.

[Read more]

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Hawaii - What is the difference between the islands?

Oahu: is home to Honolulu and the world-famous Waikiki Beach. 95% of the people that live in Hawaii, live on Oahu. Famous Waikiki has a lively nightlife and great shopping. Days can be spent either relaxing on the beach or surfing the huge waves on Oahu’s North Shore.

Visitors may like to take the opportunity to visit the Iolani Palace - A Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, `Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs–King Kalakaua, who built the Palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani. During the monarchy period, the Palace was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawai`i.

Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial - the final resting place for many of the battleship’s 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. The Memorial commemorates the site where World War II began for the United States. Experience history through the national memorial’s program tour, museum, and wayside exhibits.

Maui: is the Valley Isle of white-sand beaches and breathtaking vistas. Maui is the island to visit for the vacation of your dreams. On Maui you can experience the “real” Hawaii, go on a heart pounding adventure, or simply relax on the beach.

Our favorite time of year to visit is between November and March when the Humpback whales make their way to Maui to birth their calves and are frequently sighted offshore enjoying the warm Maui waters.

Hawaii: is referred to as the Big Island to distinguish it from the state of Hawaii. As its name suggests, it is the largest of Hawaii’s islands - in fact, it’s twice the size of all the other islands put together. The Big Island has it all - fiery volcanoes and sparkling waterfalls, black-lava deserts and snow-capped mountain peaks, tropical rainforests and miles of golden, black and even green sand beaches. This tranquil island is renowned for its beautiful exotic flowers, especially orchids. Its been described as looking like the inside of a barbeque pit on one side and a tropical rainforest on the other side.

Kauai: is known as the Garden Island and offers a landscape of luscious shades of green. Formed by one central volcano, the sheer height of the mountain means that the peak experiences excellent rainfall and the island has a number of picturesque rivers.

On any list of the world’s most spectacular islands, Kauai ranks right up there with Bora Bora, Huahine, and Rarotonga, you don’t just go to Kauai, you absorb it with every sense. Kauai may get more than its fair share of tropical downpours, but that’s what makes it so lush and green, and creates an abundance of rainbows.

Molokai: More secluded and less developed than Hawaii’s other islands, Molokai calls itself “the friendly isle.” It’s best known for its former lepers’ colony, now Kalaupapa National Historical Park. The remote park can be reached by hiking, on muleback, or in a small plane.

Those who drive Molokai’s coastal highway encounter St. Joseph’s church and tropical gardens, ancient temples and fishponds, a rainforest, and scenic waterfalls.

Lanai: Get away from it all on Lanai. There’s no public transport on this tiny island, but you can rent a four-wheeler and drive 100 miles of paved and unpaved roads, past uncrowded beaches and pastoral terrain. Despite its size, Lanai offers a large variety of activities, including hiking through ancient ruins, horseback riding, shooting clays, golf, sampling traditional Hawaiian fare, and snorkeling in waters where spinner dolphins frolic. The island is a multifaceted place that’s so much more than a luxury resort. The traveler who comes to discover the island’s natural wonders, local lifestyle, and other inherent joys is bound to have the most genuine island experience.

Kahoolawe: Is an island that was used as bombing practice until recently. At this time there are local volunteer groups traveling to the island to plant vegetation and restore plant life to the island.

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OMG! There was a 40 ton Whale below my kayak today!!

Our favorite guests, the humpback whales travel from Alaska to Hawaii every winter to have their young. The Islands of Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokai make a bowl with depths of only 300 feet creating a perfect environment for the birthing of the calves.

Our morning began by meeting Kaleo and his 5 yr old son Kahi at Olowalu Beach for a 3 hour guided tour of whale watching. There were 8 of us all together. Kaleo works for Maui Kayaks, he is extremely personable and very well versed in Maui geography, history, culture and sealife. Combined with his knowledge is a true enthusiasm for his job - he really loves coming to “the office” every day! Kaleo is a single Dad so Kahi tags along with him - this is Kahis’ daycare. He is the sweetest little boy, just sits up on the bow of the kayak looking out for the whales.

As we are waiting for Kaleo to get the kayaks ready, the sun was rising and about a dozen turtles were popping their heads up out of the water checking us out on the beach. Meanwhile we could see whales off in the distance breaching and blowing.

The water was as clear as glass, every shade of blue you can imagine and the colors of the coral spectacular.

The whales played cat and mouse with us for the first 2 hours and then they decided to come and visit us. Oh my gosh - they would swim under our kayaks, we could see the white outline of their tails but there wouldn’t be a ripple in the water. Then in a moments notice they would pop out of the water.

Next time you visit Hawaii - you must try kayaking with Maui Kayaks! The whales visit the Hawaiian islands between Thanksgiving and Easter holiday!

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Maui Prince Resort

My sister, daughter and I have returned from our week at the Maui Prince Resort - All was great!
1. The upgraded room to a suite was fantastic! Thank you for getting this for us.
2. Thank you for the $25.00 credit at the resort.
3. We received champagne and choc covered strawberries for my daughter’s law school graduation achievment ~ Thanks for alerting them.
4. We took the snorkel trip that leaves from the Maui Prince and it was wonderful! Saw turtles, eel and dolphins as well as the fish and coral.
5. Took the all day trip to Hana through temptation tours at it was very beautiful and interesting.
6. Went to the Luau at the Marriott.
7. Went to Longhis for dinner
8. Went to Nicks Fishmarket for dinner at the Kealani Resort.
9. I drove us to Iao Needle, Mama’s Fishhouse and Paia (town before Mama’s Fishhouse)
10. We lounged at the pool, I went to yoga, and we swam in the ocean every day.
Thank you so very much! Jennifer and family

If you are looking for a holiday that offers peace and tranquility, then I invite you to escape to this secluded beachfront resort in Makena and enjoy well-appointed oceanview rooms, pristine golf courses and gracious island hospitality. You’ll find glorious white sand beaches, phenomenal tennis, golf courses and endless water-sports. Plus, fabulous dining and all the peace and privacy you desire.

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