It’s been over three years since Dan and Jen recorded an episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

In late May of this year, they met up at Disney-world to explore all things Hawaiian and Polynesian at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center and Animal Kingdom.

The first part of the podcast they update everyone on Dan’s health, and Jen’s take on being a Mom.

Then, it was off to explore Epcot Center.

Dan guess they were at the park fro about 30 minutes before Jen spotted something she guessed may have been, at the very least, tropical. And luckily, it had booze! Here is a video of Jen and Dan finding, and downing a Kahlúa-tini Iced Coffee.

Day two we focused on Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There wasn’t a lot of tropical action going on at Animal Kingdom, other than a few plants.

The final day consisted of them visiting the Magic Kingdom. There is quite a bit of Hawaiian and Polynesian influence at the Magic Kingdom. Dan and Jen go over everything they could find related to Hawaii.

They ended their Disney Hawaiian experience doing something EVERY Hawaiian fan should do – visit Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Dan and Jen explored the grounds of this resort, ended up getting kind of tipsy splitting a drink Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace.

Jen and Dan’s excellent adventure ended with Jen preforming a hula dance on stage!

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This episode we catch up, discuss Dan’s health and map out the future of the show.

The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 52 for Tuesday December 17th 2013.  Today is the big day!  Jennifer will debut the signature drink of the Hawaii Travel Podcast, the Molokini!  We’ll also announce the winner of the Germaine’s Luau contest.  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

GERMAINE’S CONTEST WINNER

Rachelle won the contest.  She will get two passes to the too good to miss luau, Germaine’s Luau

 The question was:

Name the dish that is a layered meal consisting of hot rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy?

 ANSWER:  Loco Moco

KO OLINA KIDS IDEAS

Michelle and Alan emailed in…

Dear Dan and Jennifer-

We are traveling to Oahu in April with our kids and are looking for a few unique ideas to do with them.  Any thoughts?  PS  We will be staying in the Ko Olina area.

-Michelle and Alan. Austin TX

Two fun suggestions:

• Stars Above Hawaii
• iTrampoline

ANNOUNCING THE MOLOKINI!

Our own mixologist Jennifer created the signature cocktail of the Hawaii Travel Podcast. It’s called the Molokini and it is VERY tasty, and, it packs quite a punch.  A nice Hawaiian Punch!

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Triple Sec
• 1 ounce Rum
• 1/2 ounce Roses Sweetened Lime Juice
• 1 1/2 ounce of Guava Nectar

Steps:

Rim about 3/4 of the glass with sugar.  This represents the top of the volcano.  Of course you’ll want to rim the glass with sugar before you put the rest of the ingredients in.

Mix ll of the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake.  Pour into glass.  Drink.  Repeat.

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 Feeding Babies Poi And The Exploring The Slack-Key Guitar  : Show 51

The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 51 for Tuesday December 3rd 2013.  Today we’ll talk about the history and the music of the Slack-key guitar and our Germaine’s Luau contest continues.  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

 SLACK-KEY GUITAR

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar music is amazing.  On today’s episode we talk about what it is and how to hear it at festivals in your area.

 http://www.slackkeyfestival.com/sk_history.html

POI AS BABY FOOD

A great article about giving babies poi.  Jennifer is thinking about putting her 6 month old on poi as soon as possible.

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/28/poi-baby-food_n_4353758.html?utm_hp_ref=hawaii&ir=Hawaii

http://www.orderhawaiianfood.com/packages.html

KAUAI HIKE

Roger emailed the following question…

Dear Dan and Jennifer-We will be attending a conference in Kauai in March.  Do you know of any fun hikes that aren’t too hard?

-Roger in Orland Park, IL

Jennifer recommends the Sleeping Giant Trail.    The land formation is said to look like a sleeping giant.  Can you see it?

http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trail.php?TrailID=KA+10+005

GERMAINE’S LUAU CONTEST

The too good to miss luau, Germaine’s Luau on Oahu has teamed up with The Hawaii Travel Podcast to give some lucky listeners some complimentary passes to the ultimate in Hawaiian style fun, the famous all all inclusive Germaine’s  Luau.

So let’s get into the contest, right now we’ll give away two complimentary passes for Germaine’s Luau to a random person who can answer the following trivia question.

Name the dish that is a layered meal consisting of hot rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy?

We’ll pick a random winner from all the correct responses emailed to [email protected].  Your answers and entries must be received no later than 12PM EST December 10th, 2013.  Winners will be announced after the drawing.

Sorry, no employees of The Hawaii Travel Podcast, or any of its global subsidiaries, divisions or sub-corporations are eligible.

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CREDITS:

• Kawika Kahiapo – “Eastside Slack Key” (instrumental)
• Brother Noland – “The Duke” – Hawaiian Slack Key Instrumental
• Poi photo by bump
• Sleeping Giant photo by http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2536/3930780463_60e15b8fdc_z.jpg

The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 49 for Tuesday November 19th 2013.  Today we’ll talk about exploring Hawaii by Seaplane and we’ll introduce our next Germaine’s Luau contest!  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

HAWAII BY SEAPLANE

Listener Ricardo emailed in with a question about exploring Oahu by the air.

Dear Jennifer and Dan, thanks so much for the fun show each week.  I have something that may be right up your alley.  Seaplane tours.  Do you have any experience with seaplane tours of Oahu?  I know there are many companies that feature helicopter tours, but my girlfriend has a fear of helicopters.  Believe it or not, she said we could do a seaplane tour.  And advice and budget ideas welcome.

Ricardo and Renee from Asheville, NC

Dan recommended: http://www.islandseaplane.com/

LUAU PARTY IDEAS

Teresa wrote in

Dear Dan and Jennifer, my fiance proposed to me on Christmas Eve and took me to Hawaii the following day.  To mark the anniversary, we would like to throw a Holiday Luau party for friends and family.  Any ideas for some easy luau food?

Thank you, Teresa

Here is a great resource with plenty of food ideas and recipes!

http://www.alohafriends.com/recipes.html

CONTEST

That’s right! You can win Two Free Passes To Germaine’s Luau!

The too good to miss luau, Germaine’s Luau on Oahu has teamed up with The Hawaii Travel Podcast to give some lucky listeners some complimentary passes to the ultimate in Hawaiian style fun, the famous all all inclusive Germaine’s  Luau.

Regular listeners know how much we love Germaine’s Luau, and we are excited to share it with two lucky listeners right now.

That’s right.  Two listeners will enjoy escorted transportation from Waikiki in air-conditioned buses.

They’ll each receive 3 beverage coupons and you’ll be able to enjoy Mai Tais, Blue Hawaii’s Pina Colada, ChiChis, Lava Flows and more.

After drinks you’ll be able to enjoy a true all you can eat feast followed by a spectacular Polynesian Revue with the thrilling Fireknife dance.

This is a great time, and is always a highlight, and we are so thankful Germaine’s asked us to be part of this give away.

Absolutely! So let’s get into the contest, right now we’ll give away two complimentary passes for Germaine’s Luau to a random person who can answer the following trivia question.

Name the dish that is a layered meal consisting of hot rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy?

We’ll pick a random winner from all the correct responses emailed to [email protected].  Your answers and entries must be received no later than 12PM EST December 3rd, 2013.  Winners will be announced after the drawing.

Sorry, no employees of The Hawaii Travel Podcast, or any of its global subsidiaries, divisions or sub-corporations are eligible.

COOL SHARK TRACKING WEBSITE

http://oos.soest.hawaii.edu/pacioos/projects/sharks/

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The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 47 for Tuesday November 12th 2013.  Today we’ll talk about Molokai and it’s amazing history, and we tell you how to take a delicious tour at Kahuku Farms.  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

On this episode we talk about the history of the Kalaupapa Leper Colony Molokai.

We wanted to give a special shout out to Dave Tupper, host of the great new Hawaii podcast : kidsadventureshawaii.com

Hawaii Blind Snake http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramphotyphlops_braminus

Father Damien Tours http://fatherdamientours.com/

Kalaupapa National Historic Park http://www.nps.gov/kala/index.htm

Kahuku Farm Tours http://kahukufarms.com/tours.html

The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 45 for Tuesday November 5th 2013.  Today we’ll talk about a new exhibit at the Bishop Museum.  And; we’ll answer an email about how to meet people while visiting Hawaii.  And, we try to master the Hawaiian language.  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

LEARNING THE HAWAIIAN ALPHABET

Dan shares a song that you can’t help but hum along with that will help you learn the Hawaiian alphabet.  You can find the song at http://www.didipop.com/hawaii/

BISHOP MUSEUM EXHIBIT

Ni‘ihau Shell Lei: Ocean Origins, LivingTraditions at the Bishop Museum October 26, 2013 until January 27, 2014.

Tiny, tiny shells. Tiny, tiny mollusks!

Special Hawaiian Law designates the shells! H.B. 2569 passed in 2004, it distinguishes Ni‘ihau shell lei apart from other shell lei. It prohibits the selling of seashell products that incorrectly use the name “Ni‘ihau” in their description. Ni‘ihau shell lei and jewelry are made only in Hawai‘i and only with shells from Ni‘ihau.

Where to buy:
http://www.niihauheritage.org/where_to_buy_niihau_shell_lei.htm

MEETING LOCALS WHILE ON VACATION

Ruby emailed the following question:

My husband and I are planning to visit Hawaii next year. We are considering spending two weeks on Kauai.  Our plans are to rent a cabin or house for a couple of weeks so we can cook and enjoy a relaxed vacation. While we will want to see the geological sites of the island, we also want to spend some time getting the know the people who live on the island.  Any suggestions of what to do and where to go to meet people?

  Jennifer recommends talking to everyone you meet, especially at the grocery store, public transportation, and big stores.

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CREDITS:

• Hawaiian Alphabet Song courtesy of http://www.didipop.com/hawaii/ Go make a donation and get a copy! GREAT SITE!
• Ni‘ihau Shell Lei photo by Ni‘ihau Shell Lei: Ocean Origins, LivingTraditions at the Bishop Museum

The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 43 for Tuesday October 29th 2013.  On this episode we’ll talk about Halloween Events In Hawaii, diving the Molokini Crater, and what to do if a shark is trying to eat you.  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

It turns out it isn’t a wive’s tale.  If s shark is attacking you, try bonking him (or her) on the head. It worked for 25 year old surfer Jeff Horton in Hawaii last week.  He was 200 rads from shore waiting for waves to come in when the shark came up and took a bite from his board.

Read more about here:

http://travel.aol.co.uk/2013/10/23/surfer-escapes-hawaii-shark-attack-punching-animal-face/

HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN OAHU

Two fun and scary things to do this Halloween season!

Haunted Plantation
Hawaii’s Plantation Village
94-695 Waipahu Street
Waipahu, HI  96797

Phone: (808) 677-0110

–Zombie Hayride
56-250 Kamehameha Hwy
Laie, HI 96762

Phone: (808) 293-2026

Check websites for hours, locations and ticket prices.

MOLOKINI CRATER DIVE

Celina from Bothel wrote in…

Dear Dan and Jennifer.  I am addicted to your show.  I wanted to share an activity my fiance and I did last week.  We just came from from a ten day trip to Maui.  One of the days we did a crater dive of the Molokini crater.  It was unreal!  Have you ever done this?

• Just a little over two miles off Maui’s southern coast.

• An extinct volcano.

• Awesome snorkeling since the crater shields the ecosystem from rough water.

• Clear visibility.

• More than 250 species of fish live there.

• Since it is a protected marine and bird reserve, you must use a registered tour company to get there.

• Here are some recommended companies Four Winds II is a good one.

• The water is said to be clearer and calmer in the morning.

• Experience might depend on weather and conditions- from poor visibility to not being able to get in the water- so be warned!

 Molokini tropical drink

After searching for a tropical drink called a Molokini and failing to find one, Jennifer decided to invent one.  Watch this space in the coming weeks.

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CREDITS:
Shark photo by WildChild1976

Molokini Crater photo by by Forest & Kim

The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 42 for Tuesday October 22nd 2013.  On this episode we’ll talk about the Coqui Frog and why you should never bring bring pork over the Pali Highway.  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

COQUI FROGS

Coqui frogs came from Puerto Rico and made a home for themselves on several Hawaiian Islands.  Many residents hate them and look at them as annoying pests, while others enjoy their chirping sounds at night.

Dan and Jennifer did a non-scientific telephone poll to see if random people enjoy the Coqui Frogs.

PORK AND THE PALI

Patrick emailed the following question…

Dear Dan and Jennifer-

 I enjoyed last week’s episode regarding Pele and her curse.  I always heard of a different curse related to Pele, and now I am wondering if it is the same Pele.  I always thought Pele’s curse dealt with bringing a pork sandwich on the Pali Highway.   Is this the same Pele?  And if so, does she have more than one curse?

-Patrick

This is a classic myth.  Story has it that Pele had a fight with the demigod Kamapua‘a (a half-man-half-pig).  The two agreed not to visit each other. If one takes pork over the Pali, the legend goes, one is symbolically taking a piece of Kamapua‘a from one side to the other, and it is said that Pele would stop that from happening.  Bad luck follows anyone who brings pork across the highway.

NIGHT MARCHERS

Jennifer also brought up Night Marchers.  This myth is scary. Night Marchers are said to be ghosts of ancient Hawaiian Warriors.

PINEAPPLE JACK-O-LANTERN

Jennifer shared a fun tropical Halloween idea.  Instead of carving a traditional pumpkin Jack-O-Lantern, she suggested carving one out of a pineapple as a fun alternative.

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CREDITS:

• Coqui Frog photo by Jonathan Harford
• Pineapple Jack-O-Lantern photo by SanFranAnnie

The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 41 for Tuesday October 15th 2013.  On this episode we’ll talk about Pele’s Curse and why you should never remove black sand or lava stones from Hawaii.  We’ll announce our Germaine’s Luau trivia winner.  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

Congratulations to Cathy Mathews.  Cathy knew the answer to our trivia contest and she will enjoy two tickets to Germaine’s Luau — The too good to miss luau!  WAY TO GO CATHY!

Our trivia question was…

According to Hawaiian mythology, who is the goddess of snow, who lives high atop Mauna Kea and is the arch enemy of Pele?

Answer:

Poli’ahu is the Hawaiian goddess of snow, ice and cold.  And, she is Pele’s enemy.  And we here at the Hawaii Travel Podcast want to always stay on Pele’s good side…

 THE CURSE OF PELE AND LAVA ROCKS

There is a curse that states bad luck will follow anyone who takes native Hawaiian minerals and rocks etc from Hawaii.  Many believe the curse comes from Pele, goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes.  It is said Pele treats lava stones as her own children. So, if someone would take one of your kids, you would be upset too, right?

Is this week’s episode Jennifer and Dan went in-depth into this legend and discussed how urban legend site Snopes even wrote about the myth.

One person we found on YouTube claimed bad luck followed his friend’s family after their daughter brought home black sand.  On the way back home from Hawaii, their plane was struck by lightning, there was a gas leak at home.  Their coffee grinder broke. And, they had to replace their microwave oven — twice.

Checkout these letters from the Lava Return Service’s website:

Rainbow Moon
Attn: Lava Rock Return
P.O. Box 699, Volcano, HI 96785

The cost is $15 donation.

I am returning lava rocks back to their home place. We visited the beautiful island of Hawaii in June of 2001. We had loved our visit and the island so much we wanted to bring just a piece of it back with us. Unfortunately Pele didn’t agree with that decision. We have had more bad luck since that time that one couldn’t have in an entire lifetime. Please accept our apologies and we ask Pele for forgiveness. So with that would you please return these wonderful pieces back to their rightful place. Sincerely, T.C., Spring, TX

Mother took the rocks we think in 1983 – her first grandchild, my only daughter was murdered  by a serial killer on a College Campus in 86 – her 2nd grandchild married a mean jealous moron who causes constant problems, her 4th grandchild was crippled in an accident – my husband lost all his 401 savings in the market – my mother also lost 75% of her money.

So many people from around the globe believe in the myth, that each year hundreds of pounds of stone and sand get returned to islands to (hopefully) stop the flow of bad luck.

People send stones back to post offices, hotels and the park itself.

Supporting Articles:

• http://www.snopes.com/luck/pele.asp
• http://articles.latimes.com/2001/may/07/news/mn-60377
•  http://www.ehow.com/how_8246586_remove-lava-rocks-hawaii.html

 IS BAD LUCK FOLLOWING DAN?

Dan described a similarly spooky myth.  Dan, Jennifer, Amy and Ben went to Key West and visited a supposedly haunted doll called Robert The Doll.  The story goes Robert is possessed and bad luck will follow anyone who who mocks him.  Of course Dan didn’t believe it and mocked the doll.  On the way home they received a phone call saying Dan’s dad was in a car accident, and Dan ended up in the hospital with anemia.  And, Dan and Amy’s microwave oven needed to be replaced.

 Visit Robert the Doll’s website here:

http://www.robertthedoll.org/

KAUAI ANNIVERSARY RESTAURANT SUGGESTION

Randy and Michelle emailed us with a question…

Hi Dan and Jennifer,

We are visiting Kauai in November to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We don’t have a ton of money, but we were hoping you could recommend a special place for our anniversary meal that is nice but not so expensive.   We’ll be staying on the Southern part of the island.

 -Randy and Michelle from Ukiah, CA

Plantation Gardens

Dinner only.  A historic plantation manager’s home has been converted to a restaurant.  FRESH FISH IS CAUGHT DAILY BY LOCAL FISHERMEN OFF KAUAI.

Torch-lighted orchid gardens and a veranda. The menu is based on fresh, local foods: fish right off the boat, herbs and produce picked from the plantation’s gardens, fruit delivered by neighborhood farmers. The result is cuisine with an island flair—seafood laulau (seafood wrapped in ti leaves and steamed)—The lilikoi cheesecake is a dream. In short, the food is excellent and the setting charming.

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CREDITS:

• Curse of the Hawaiian Black Sand
• Unsolved Mysteries – Opening Theme
• Lava Glass photo by by Vincent Ma
• Pele Art photo by by glenasena
• Robert the Doll photo courtesy of Hawaii Travel Podcast

The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 40 for Tuesday October 8th 2013.  On this episode we’ll talk about alternative Hawaii activities in light of the Government shutdown and the closure of the National Parks.  We’ll also talk about skydiving over the North Shore.  All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ALTERNATIVES

There is no doubt that the government shutdown has affected thousands of vacationers headed toward Hawaii.  With the National Parks closed, so goes the chances to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, and Pearl Harbor sites including the  Battleship Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum.

The people at Beat of Hawaii put together an excellent list of places closed and a list of alternatives for you to enjoy.

Remember, only National Parks are closed due to the Government shutdown, not State Parks.

Quick Tip For Hikers:

For hikers, check out the http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/home.php

Name of trail,  Trail Length, Approximate Time, Type of Terrain: (like Mountain forests, elevated climbs).

For those of you staying in Hilo on the Big Island,  Jennifer and Dan recommend the wonder Dolphin Bay Hotel.  Great people, great property.
Dolphin Bay Hotel – 333 Iliahi St. – Hilo Hawaii 96720

Toll-Free at (877) 935-1466 or Non-Toll-Free at (808) 935-1466

FREE SKY DIVING ON OAHU FOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE SHUT DOWN

Dan and Jennifer talked to Sonny from Skydive Hawaii about their promotion in which they will give free jumps to furloughed workers affected by the shutdown.  Call (808) 945-0222 or visit their website at http://www.skydivehawaii.com/ for more details.

WHAT UP JEN?

If you will be on Kauai this weekend, October 12 you may want to checkout the Eo e Emmalani i Alaka’i Festival.

Free commemorative event honoring Queen Emma’s ascent into Kokee in 1871.

Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow fronting the Kokee Museum

Fee: Free

Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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CREDITS:

• Lava Tree State Monument photo by Frank Hamm
• Skydive Hawaii photo courtesy of http://www.skydivehawaii.com/