living in Kauai question

question
i would like to ask you about the parts of kauai that i cant
find over the computer i am going there in a while and
planing to stay, i was wondering if it is a good place
to live or is it better to visit? if you would be kind
enough to answer that would be very helpful thank you.

answer
Only you can really answer that question. It's a great place to live for some, and some don't like it at all. I like it for some reasons (great weather, gorgeous scenery and views, ocean and water sports, not crowded) and don't like it for others (poor schools, too far away from anywhere, nothing for the youngest kids to do). If you have any more specific questions, feel free to email me. Lisa

lanai ferry tour?

question
I plan to take the ferry from Maui to Lanai for a short visit to Lanai, just for the afternoon. We will be coming to Maui by Cruise ship and I don't want an expensive shore excursion from the ship that last all day. Can we just explore a few hours?
When I arrive there by ferry, is there transportation in to Lanai City or any other short tours around this island.
Or is it best to rent our own transportation, like a jeep, for just a few hours exploring.

answer
Ok, it seems there is a very nice beach with good snorkeling within walking distance of where the ferry drops you off, so that is an option. The only taxi service on the island also sends a shuttle down to meet the ferry so you could probably get into Lanai city or maybe the other hotel that way, although it doesn't seem like they go anywhere else. If you wanted to go anywhere else you probably will need to rent a car or take the guided 4 wheel drive tour the expeditions people offer. I checked the prices and they really are reasonable for the island - although they seem high, that's how it is on Lanai. good luck! Lisa

International Marketplace not to be torn down, renovated or changed for now

For all those who have written me concernedly asking about the renovation or closing of the International Marketplace in Waikiki on Oahu - well, the owner has put off even making a decision, much less actually doing anything, for another two months at least. If it is renovated, it may stay outdoor and open-air - that is what the owner wants to meet the requests of both shop owners and visitors. I'll let you know as soon as I know.

traditions

question
My friend and her husband often visited Hawaii. It was their favorite place to visit. On *******, her husband passed away. To mark the one year anniversary of his passing, I wanted to do something special for my friend. Do you know of any Hawaiian traditions or gift that I may give to my friend to let her know that I remember and I care?

Thank you for any assistance you may have to offer.

answer
May I suggest ordering a flower lei she could place on his grave, if she visits one, or if she doesn't, order a collectible (nut, seed, or shell) lei for her to hang at the house or in a 'special remembering place'.
Do a search for 'order flower lei' or 'order nut lei'.

hop from Kauai to Maui

question
I was wondering if you knew of an easy and cheap way to hop from kuaui to maui? can you do it by boat or only plane? Thanks, megan

answer
At present, you can only go by plane. If Hawaiian and Aloha's prices look daunting and you dont' mind a propeller plane, check Island Air to see if their prices are any better.

We may have a super ferry come in for Hawaii island to island boat travel, but not until at least 2007.

Lisa