Forget paradise, Hawaii could be the next space tourism destination

by Brenda Yun Feb 13th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Although it would still be a heavy price to pay, space flights could leave from Hawaii as soon as 2011. My good family friend, Jim Crisafulli, a member of the State Office Aerospace Development committee, suggests space tourism could be an added appeal to Hawaii's important tourism industry.

According to a local (KHON2) news report, space tourism involves a spaceship that will take off from Earth and take passenger up to 62 miles in space. You will not only experience weightlessness, but you will arrive at your desired destination in record time. It will take less than an hour to get to Japan from Hawaii and a little over an hour to get to California.

For now, the price for a ticket such as this will cost over $100,000, but by 2015 we might see reasonable ($5000/ticket) prices. The cost could easily make up for the awesome experience of being in space -- as well as the extreme cut in time for travel to other destinations in the world.

Before this becomes a reality, Hawaii must apply for a space port license from the FAA. While other state have already processed such applications, Hawaii has the added appeal of being a paradise in itself.

Before you don that space suit and pay that hefty price tag, know that you will need to undergo a week-long space travel orientation -- but that too is not such a grim idea, as between lessons you can sip on lava flows and mai tais on Waikiki Beach. Sounds like fun. Lend me the money and I'll be the first to try it!

Hawaiian Airlines in ticket agreements with Air France, Virgin Blue

The Pacific Business News reports:

Hawaiian Airlines has signed interline electronic ticketing agreements with Air France and Virgin Blue of Australia.

The agreements will give travelers seamless flight connections, Hawaiian Airlines said.

Air France and Virgin Blue customers will be able to buy one e-ticket, check in once at their originating departure airport, get boarding passes and get their luggage at the final destination.

“As Hawaiian continues to reach out to more international travelers, these agreements will make the journey to Hawaii much easier for our customers,” said Rick Peterson, vice president of marketing and sales at Hawaiian Airlines, in a statement.

The interline e-tickets for Hawaiian and Air France or Virgin Blue customers are now being issued.

A new state-funded website provides information on vog concentrated areas around the Big Island. Vog levels—from “good” to “hazardous"—are tracked via color-coded warnings. The dreaded maroon-colored “hazardous” warning level of vog is a rarity—unless, of course, you're standing on the edge of one of Kilauea's active vents.

Interisland airways has the best view of the volcano!

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Once on Oahu allow us to take you on the adventure of a lifetime!

Hawaii #7 rated best value to vacation in 2009

New York Times says Hawaii travel value-laden in 2009

by: Chris Bailey


New York Times picks Hawaii We’re almost a month into 2009. There’s a sense of cautious optimism as we move ahead. In the travel world, however, things seem a bit dour.

Still, affordable travel to Hawaii shouldn’t be a fantasy. The New York Times’ made that point evident by including Hawaii near the top of its list of the Top 44 Places to Go in 2009. The list features a variety of culturally diverse and economically friendly destinations, ranging from Berlin to the Galapagos Islands.

Hawaii landed at No. 7, receiving high marks for value, particularly appealing to vacationing families and frugal travelers.

A bulk of the Times’ Hawaii write-up focuses on the recent reopening of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. The “Pink Palace” is commemorating its original 1927 opening by offering a special one-night rate of $19.27 for a minimum four-night stay, proving that luxury isn’t impossible in these tough economic times.

If that offer doesn’t appeal to you, the article points to great travel packages via Hawaii.com.

For more great deals may we suggest the official Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau (HVCB) website, as featured in our Affordable Hawaii feature in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue, currently on newsstands. The HVCB works with Hawaii’s resorts and wholesalers to bring travelers the most current deals. Click here to check it out for yourself.

Ohia Lehua

In Hawaii there is a common tree in the forest called the Ohia tree, which is important in Hawaiian culture. It bears beautiful flowers called Lehua blossoms. There is a legend associated with Ohia tree and it's blossoms. During a recent tour some of the passengers remarked how beautiful a blossom was on this old gnarly tree. Our guide then explained the following legend:.

The Legend of Ohia and Lehua

One day Madam Pele, the goddess of the volcano, met a handsome young man named Ohia. She desired to have him as her sweetheart. He confessed that he already was in love with another young girl, Lehua. This enraged Pele and she used her magical powers to transform the young man into the ugly Ohia tree. Lehua was terribly sad and pleaded with Pele to return the young man back to his human form. Pele refused so Lehua begged the gods to help her to be reunited with Ohia. Instead of changing Ohia back to a human, the gods transformed Lehua into a lovely red blossom to adorn the Ohia tree. Now when anyone picks a Lehua blossom, it will rain because the lovers have been separated.

Happy New Year

Hawaii is by far the best place outside of New York City to celebrate the New Year!

Our new president elect is here enjoying the great weather, the wonderful fireworks displays along with the Ahi a traditional meal served sashimi style!

Interisland airways wishes you the very best 2009 with happy and safe journeys!

Power outage on Oahu has no effect on Interisland Airways

While the Honolulu Airport terminal turned into chaos Interisland Airways flew its Chartered VIP flight to Maui with no interruption of service.

The Hollywood VIP was on Oahu when the Power Outage occurred. Therefore, with the island shut down he and his family decided to return to his vacation hideaway on the island of Maui. Just one of the many benefits of a chartered flight - your crew is always in place to take you where you need to go!

Prompt reliable service with no delays!

Interisland Airways - The Beauty Remains to be Seen...