Helpful Tips for Travel to the Hawaiian Islands

Here are a few tips to ensure a great trip to Hawaii:

*  Reconfirm your flight, seat assignment and frequent-flyer number with the airline 24 hours before departure;

* You must present legal photo identification upon check-in in order to receive you boarding pass.  Passengers without boarding passes will not be allowed through the security checkpoint;

*  You should consider using the curbside porter service to expedite check-in, if available;

*  You should keep check-in bags fit and trim, and under the airlines’ maximum weight allowance. Call the airline for weight and quantity restrictions;

*  Excess luggage may trigger additional fees from the airlines, and in some cases, may not be allowed on the plane at all;

* Be sure to pack photo film in carry-on bags. The equipment that screens check-in luggage can be hazardous to undeveloped film;

* Do not pack food and beverages into check-in luggage;

* Do not bring gifts pre-wrapped.  The baggage screeners may need to examine them;

*  Upon check out of your hotel, be sure to check with the Hotel Concierge or Front Desk how much time you should give yourself to drive to the airport.  Allow sufficient time to drop off your car;

* Upon your return flight to the U.S. Mainland, plan on sending your check-in luggage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) baggage inspection station before you head for the ticket counter. USDA regulates the export of flowers, fruit and other plant materials from Hawaii.

Bringing Fruit Home
USDA regulations do not allow un-inspected fruits, flowers and other plant material to leave Hawaii. But if you would really like to take some home, the easiest way is to place an order in advance from one of the several companies that will select, pack, and deliver produce to the airport. These pre-ordered products (including pineapples, papaya, onions, macadamia nuts and protea flowers) are pre-inspected and cleared for shipment out of state.

For more travel tips and information contact

The Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or

call Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

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Upcountry Maui - No Snorkel Shops & Tourist Traps

Last week I shut down my computer, turned off the office lights and joined my friend from the mainland in exploring Maui - my island home.

I am “lucky I live Hawaii” and need to take advantage of all the sights and beauty the island has to offer. I have lived here 20 years and still have not seen/done everything.

We began our adventure by heading “upcountry” - up Haleakala Crater to enjoy the beauty of the rolling hills, cows & horses as well as the small towns of Makawao and Paia.

After cruising around - (I tell people just drive up the hill and try to get lost - its an island, the road goes in a circle! ) we planned our trip to dine at the Kula Lodge Restaurant. On the weekends the Kula Lodge Garden Terrace features a wood fired oven baking some of the best pizza on the island. Be sure to sit outside in the garden where the views of the entire west side of Maui are spectacular!

Kula Lodge is a small, rustic & romantic hideaway that was built in the 1940’s as a private residence. Kula Lodge and Restaurant hugs the mountainside and blends with the astonishing ambience of Upcountry Maui.

The area on Maui known as Kula is the undiscovered Maui, like an unexpected gift that is a joy to open for the adventurous traveler willing to get off the beach and explore the island. You won’t find tourist traps or snorkel shops. Instead you will find a peaceful and relaxing area of Maui where the Protea flowers are absolutely huge, there is virtually no traffic and life moves at a slow pace.

Kula Lodge also features the Curtis Wilson Cost Art Gallery as well as Kula Marketplace which is filled with local crafts, locally grown vegetables and home made gifts. Plan on spending a few relaxing hours meandering around the destination known as Kula Lodge. The ultimate treat would be to stay overnight at Kula Lodge. Five rustic chalets are available for rent and are a great starting point to begin your journey to the sunrise at Haleakala National Park or end your roadtrip after visiting Hana or Maui’s Ulupalakua Winery.

Call the TravelGal at 800 644-6659 for more details.

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