Airfare Wars Over Hawaii ?

Unless you have a friend with a boat, the only way to travel between the main 6 islands of Hawaii is by air. For many years, Hawaiian residents would enjoy low fares to fly between islands, but then a couple of years ago Mahalo Airlines went broke and prices on the remaining 2 main airlines, Hawaiian and Aloha, went through the roof with round trip fares near $160. Local people had to stop visiting family like they had done in the past and school field trips to other islands all but ceased completely. Lately the picture is changing and we now have 3 new small companies that are putting pressure on the "big two" for intersland business. Island Air and Pacific Wings have been at it for a while now, but a new "upstart" simply named "GO!" has everyone scrambling. They are owned by Mesa Air from the US Midwest and have simple buy & fly fares of $39. Needless to say, this is a welcome event for folks who live in Hawaii.

The Original Mai Tai from Hawaii . . .

This is considered the authentic original Mai Tai recipe from the "Mai Tai" Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. The original Mai Tai was created in 1944 and brought to Hawaii in 1953 and first served at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. INGREDIENTS: * 1 oz. Dark Rum * 1 oz Light Rum * 1 oz Orange Curacao * 2 oz Orange Juice * 1/2 oz Lime Juice * Dash Orgeat * Dash Simple syrup (red bar syrup) PREPARATION: Combine all of the ingredients in the order listed in a wide base glass over crushed ice. Attempt to "float" the ingredients lightly on top of each other and then make one simple stir with a swizzle stick when complete. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge slit to fit over edge of glass. Spear a cocktail cherry with a toothpick umbrella and stick into the pineapple. Float an orchid blossom (or similar) and a sprig of mint.

Back to the boats . . .

In our newsletter last August (2005) we reported about the plans for a new high speed interisland ferry called the "Super Ferry" or the "H4-project" that planned to begin service in 2007 between Maui & Honolulu. They then will expand to other islands later. We checked their web site this week and it looks like they are still on the way and plan to sail in mid 2007.

Christmas Plans in August - Yes

As we try to get the kids ready to go back to school and finish the last summer swimming lesson, it is hard to think about Christmas plans, but for Hawaii Christmas, the time is now. August is about the last month to book Hawaii Christmas reservations where you are not looking at accelerated prices and oversold airlines. We have Hawaii packages "ready-to-go" that you can book now with a $100.00 deposit and pay the balance 30 days before departure. A sampling our packages may be viewed on our AATPA - Pleasant Holidays booking engine. This will give you an idea of cost and list hotels that still have rooms. <www.AATPA.com/phh> Then give us a call to hold space for you. 800-975-2992

Hawaii Interest:
Are you on the mainland and wonder what's going on back in the islands? . . .

Here are few ways to stay in touch:

Newspapers Online:
Oahu: The Honolulu Advertiser http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/
Oahu: Honolulu Star Bulletin http://starbulletin.com/
Maui: The Maui News: http://www.mauinews.com/
Kauai: Garden Island News: http://www.kauaiworld.com
Big Island, Kona: West Hawaii Today: http://www.westhawaiitoday.com
Radio Online:
Oahu: Radio KHNL: http://www.khnl.com
Big Island, Hilo: Radio KPUA: http://www.kpua.net

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Mahalo,
Bud, Sue, Christine, Nell, Katie, Marv, Mike, Ken, Reine, Bettie, Laurie and staff