Mauna Lani Bay is a luxury resort located on the Big Island in Hawaii.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows are a mecca for golfers, a treat for the gourmets and wonderful hideaway to relax and a nature preserve for rare green sea turtles.  The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows is an oceanfront paradise on the Big Island’s sunny Kohala Coast that has a list of accolades as long as its white-sand shoreline. 

This AAA Five Diamond-rated property on the Big Island of Hawaii, is an award-winning combination of sophisticated luxury and Hawaiian style hospitality.  Guestrooms are spacious and tastefully furnished all feature private lanais.  Ninety percent of the rooms have magnificent ocean views, the other overlook lush tropical garden’s.  The resort’s five restaurants include the widely hailed Canoe House.  Its Pacific Rim fare has received recognition in such prestigious publications as Gourmet, GQ, Esquire, Bon Appetite and Departures. 

Seafood specialties include Nor9-Wrapped Tempura Ahi with tomato-Ginger Relish and Fresh Seared Mahi Mahi with Chinese Black Bean Sauce.  The resort is renowned for its cuisine.  The Mauna Lani tradition of fine food began centuries ago when Hawaiian Ali’i (royalty) first settled on the Kohala Coast, creating the fishponds that are now the heart of this luxury destination. 

If you’re seeking up to the minute, non-stop activity, you will find that the Mauna Lani features the award winning Tennis Garden and Racquet Club, a comprehensive sports center, a wide range of watersports and a picture-perfect 36 hole championship golf course.  In 1991, golf course architects Nelson and Haworth reconfigured the 18-hole Francis H. I’I Brown Golf Course, doubling the number of holes and creating Mauna Lani’s now-famous North and South.  The recipients of six “Golf Medal Awards” from Golf Magazine.

The North Course is built on an older and smoother pahoehoe lava bed.  It features rolling terrain and kiawe tree forests.  A 230-acre protected archaeological district lies on the northern boundary; consequently, herds of feral goats frequent the entire North Course, providing a unique neutral hazard.  James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com has the expertise to help you plan your next vacation to the Hawaiian islands. Give us a call, we look forward to helping you create the custom vacation to fit your needs.

Nestled in the Hawaiian Island Chain, is the tiny island of Lana’i.  Remote, untouched and dramatically beautiful, this 16,000-acre island holds the mystery of old Hawaii. There are only 2,800 residents, and two world-class resorts on this beautiful island,  top quality recreation is never crowded, and always convenient.  And speaking of sports they’ve got it all–hunting, Sporting Clays, fishing, golf, tennis, horseback riding and hiking or of course everyone’s favorite sport–relaxation.  This sleepy little island is also home to a cultural arts program that surpasses those offered in many metropolitan cities; the visiting arts program brings authors, chefs, filmmakers and other fine artists together with you in a personal, living room setting.

Here you will find miles of sand with no footprints on both the northern and eastern shores, pristine hideaways just as they were thousands of years ago.  Experience incredible snorkeling at the Marine Preserve at Hulopo’e Bay and Manele Day with abundant tropical fish.  Don’t be alarmed if the spinner dolphins break the stillness when they cruise past you in the blue waters, and leap playfully into the air.  The clarity of the water, the fantastic lava tubes, and the underwater cathedrals provide the most dramatic diving in Hawaii.

A must see is Kanepu’u, where the Garden of the Gods is located.  Described as eerie, beautiful, serene, and spiritual, these badlands were sculpted by the raging forces of nature.

Hiking throughout Lana’i is superb.  The Munro Trail winds up from Koele though mountain grasslands, where rain forest of ohia lehua, pine, ironwood, and eucalyptus line the mountain’s backbone ridge to the summit of Lana’ihale.  Lean about the ancient Hawaiians and hike around Kaunolu in southwest Lana’i.  This area is the location of a deserted pre-contract Hawaiian village, which was once a fishing community.

Visitors can horseback ride around the uplands or take a horseback tour of the island’s many off-road trails.  Keep your eyes open for wild game such as the axis deer, mouflon sheep and an abundance of game birds-pheasant, quail, chukar partridge, and wild turkey.

The Lana’i Pine Sporting Clays is the only resort course in Hawaii. The rustic 14-station course is situated within a 200-acre pine-wooded valley overlooking Molokai.  There are different levels of play, challenging enough for the experienced and easy enough for those new to the sport.

If it’s time you got back to nature yet spent your nights in luxury it’s time you experienced the island of Lana’i, give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call we will get you on your way 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

The island of Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island, is the youngest and the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.  Five massive volcanoes built the Big Island and in the fires of creation formed an island twice as large as all the other islands combined.  The Big Island continues to grow as Kilauea Volcano, the worlds most active volcano is constantly adding acres of lava to the island’s shoreline.  Geographically it’s the most diverse island with deserts, rainforests, volcanoes and surprisingly, snow-capped mountains.  The mountain create a huge barrier that block the northeasterly trade winds and makes the leeward, western side of the island the driest region.  This coast has the best beaches and water conditions.  The windward, eastern coast is predominately rugged, with pounding surf, plenty of rain, tropical rainforests, deep ravines and majestic waterfalls.  Kona, Waikoloa and Hilo are the main centers for accommodation and restaurants.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is hands down the most unique park in the US National Parks system.  The park represents life and growth and creation of the most natural, basic kind.  This exceptionally large park encompasses two active volcanoes, a still-steaming sunken crater and geologically awesome landscape of cinder cones, pumice pillars and hardened rivers of lava.  Its terrain ranges from tropical beaches to the subartic summit of Mauna Loa, and includes lovely rainforests and fern groves.  It is a fascinating, exciting place to visit.  Plan to spend at least two days in the area, exploring the hiking trails, the unusual attractions and the scenic points. 

The lush, coastal Waipio Valley is the largest and most spectacular of the series of valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains.  It is enclosed by near-vertical 2000-feet-high cliffs and is accessible only by a narrow, excessively steep 4WD track, making hiking in the best option.  The valley is a fertile tangle of jungle, flowering plants, taro patches and waterfalls; this is a magical place to experience the spirit of the “old” Hawaii.

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park encompasses ancient temples, royal grounds, burial sites and a place of refuge. Take time to check out the carved-wood representations of ancient gods; the stone board for playing konane, an ancient form of checkers played with black lava and white coral; and the wonderful snorkeling found off the natural lava steps just north of the place of refuge.  The beautiful stretch of white sand at Hapuna Beach is the island’s most popular beach.  It has good snorkeling, swimming, diving and bodysurfing.  Avoid the winter surf, which can pound the shoreline and get unsuspecting swimmers in trouble.

The Big Island is a perfect adventure for everyone; there are accommodations for every price range, great adventures, great beaches, and amazing scenery.  Give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call and we’ll take care of the rest, 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

Most of us share a periodic urge to escape to a land of paradise to be pampered beyond our wildest dreams.  My wife and I recently visited such a place in the land of sun, sand and clear blue water where hospitality, serenity, and service were daily hallmarks.  Upon arriving in the lobby of this luxury resort we immediately noticed several large floral displays with exotics such as huge heliconia and rare orchids.  After providing just my name we were immediately escorted to our ocean front room where we were informed that all guests received in-room check-in service.  Fifteen minutes later we were actually standing alone on one of 2 balconies enjoying a fresh ocean breeze.

During our stay, on a daily basis we received fresh flowers, including orchids, from the in-house flower shop, fresh fruit and decadent chocolates from the on site bake shop, and two newspapers hung on the door in a specially treated canvas bag that you could take to the beach.  This premier luxury resort is one of only 22 properties in the United States, Mexico, and Canada to earn AAA’s five diamond rating for both lodging and dining.  The name of this romantic getaway is Halekulani, on the beach at Waikiki.  Halekulani is the only hotel in Hawaii with a five-diamond restaurant, LaMer.  You may have recently seen LaMer featured on the popular TV show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.  We can personally vouch for the Lobster Galette of Basmati Rice with roasted Opakapaka Sausage (yum, yum).  Other luxuries we didn’t realize we needed were a bedside switch that adjusted the soft Hawaiian music from specially installed closet speakers.  My wife especially enjoyed the terry-covered stool in front of the vanity and the effervescent tub tablets the size of eggs.  How about your own doorbell and a light switch inside the door that tells those outside not to disturb you or fresh ice delivered twice a day.  The closet doors were fully mirrored and opened into the bedroom on one side and into the bathroom on the other side allowing access to your clothes with returning to the bedroom.  We even had our own personal Lovebirds who woke us up each morning with soft cooing from the balcony.  Also impressive was the ability to sneak out for pizza in style in a long white limo that was actually our cab, at cab rates!

I would recommend this property for an extended week of pampering or just a 2 to 3 day layover.  You might depart the pampered environment long enough to visit some of Oahu, Hawaii’s top attractions such as Hanauma Bay Beach park, on the best snorkeling locations in the world.  Or perhaps take an excursion out to the U.S.S Arizona War Memorial, which honors those who perished during the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  You might also enjoy a scenic ride along the windward coast of Oahu to the world famous Polynesian cultural center, which is a perfect fit for visitors with limited leisure time.

We, at James TravelPOINTS, can help arrange your memorable stay at Halekulani in Waikiki or help you chose another resort that meets your needs.  Just give us a call at 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

Kaua’i where incredible natural beauty abounds- from the breathtaking heights of the verdant Kokee forests to the magnificent Na Pali coastline, from the ever-changing colors of Waimea Canyon to the romance of moonlit Hanalei Bay, the beauty of the Garden Island overwhelms your senses.

Only 3% of the land area have been developed for commercial and residential use leaving the remaining 97% divided between agriculture and conservation.  The majority of the island’s approximately 50,000 residents live and work in the coastal areas leaving the interior of Kaua’i spectacularly beautiful and pristine.

There are so many opportunities to observe Kaua’s natural beauty that surrounds you.  Bring your binoculars so you can spot some of the colorful forest birds in Kokee State Park.  Get a fish identification card from a snorkel rental shop so you can spot the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa.

The National Tropical Botanical Garden has sites on Kauai’s south and north shores and Limahuli Gardens near Haena, give you the opportunity to view rare and endemic plants.

Rare Hawaiian monk seals have been known to bask along the beaches and green sea turtles sometimes swim near the shore.  During the months of November to April, humpback whales play offshore, and various boat companies offer whale-watching adventures.

How about seeing the island from high in the air with your own private helicopter excursion.  Where you can view the Menehune Fishpond, Kipu Kai Ranch and its secluded beach, and the famous Tree Tunnel.  Further inland discover Hanapepe Valley, Manawaiopuna Falls as seen in Jurassic Park, Olokele Canyon, Waialae Falls, breath-taking Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park.  Just as you think the view couldn’t be more spectacular, you catch your first glimpse of the Na Pali Coast, and then soar over the lush valleys and magnificent waterfalls, which tumble thousands of feet.  To leave you completely awestruck, you next fly over the world-famous surf spot Hanalei Bay, Lumahai Beach, Namolokama Mountain and waterfall, Kawailewa Falls, and the tropical rain forest of Hanalei Valley.  The finishing touch towards Mt. Wai’ale’ale Crater, the wettest spot on earth, and over the Wailua falls of Fantasy Island fame.

Next it’s time to saddle up for a horseback adventure across Princeville Ranch and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Hanalei Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, Hanalei Valley and Bay.  Weather permitting, guests can swim in the waterfall pond.

Whether by helicopter, horseback, boat, kayak, hiking, or via car, Kaua’i is truly Hawaii’s Island of discovery.  James TravelPOINTS can help arrange your Hawaiian vacation.  We have experienced travel consultants who know the area to help you select the right hotel property for your budget, activities to choose from and recommended  excursions to take.  Stop by or call one of our professional travel consultants at James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com to arrange your next trip to Hawaii.
 

Between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, about 1,600 miles southeast of Miami lies a little group of 30 plus islands called St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  The Carenage Ba, Beach and Golf Resort nestles up to the ocean, flirting with it by placing what is perhaps the largest pool in the Caribbean right on the water’s edge. 

Along that sea front you’ll find some 60 acres dedicated to the Carenage Golf course (18 holes, par 72, 6300 yards) facing a magnificent coral reef.  Every shot is different than the last, and despite uphill challenges and twisting fairways, the real hazard is the distracting view.

Canouan, where the resort is located, is also an ideal spot for windsurfing, sailing, SCUBA diving in the sea, tennis, volleyball or simply walking.  Once you’ve tried all of those, why not take to the water in one of the resort’s boats or the air in one of their small planes. 

Gleneagles Scotland

The highlands between Edinburgh and Glasgow contain a Scottish national treasure, the venerable Gleneagles.  Golf enthusiasts worship here on three of the world’s fines courses laid out on an 850-acre estate in Perthshire. Gleneagles is a world-class resort offering its famous golf courses plus the Golf Academy, the club and Spa, the Equestrian Center, the Gleneagles Jackie Stewart Shooting and Fishing School, the British School of Falconry, off-road driving and the list is endless.  Your stay includes a variety of complimentary sporting and recreational activities, plus access to the resort’s golf practice range and putting greens. 

Lanai, “The Experience” at Koele, Hawaii

In the highland of the forgotten Hawaiian island of Lanai, you’ll long remember a splendid course designed by Greg Norman, “the Shark,” and renowned fairway architect Ted Robinson.  The Experience, at Koele’s par-72 championship course measures 7,014 yards from tournament tees.  The first seven holes sit atop a forested plateau 2,000 feet above sea level, where morning mists rise to provide panoramic views of the islands of Maui and Molokai across the deep blue channel.  They say the 8th hole is the “most spectacular hole in all of Hawaii,” a 396-yard par-4 with a 250-foot drop through ravines wooded with pine, koa and eucalyptus.  The back nine at The Experience at Koele feature undulating, links-style play.  Water features are in full evidence, from flowing streams and cascading waterfalls, to the lake, which completely surrounds the number 17 green.   The course culminates in the par-five 18th, where the green is rimmed by waterfalls. 

The Lodge at Koele is one of Hawaii’s most luxurious inland hotels.  The 102-room Lodge, reminiscent of a fine country estate, features an upcountry Hawaiian setting with an extensive collection of pacific art. 

If you are considering a golf getaway or vacation this winter, give James TravelPOINTS a call at 1-800-538-7461/303-442-2340.  We can help you arrange your unique vacation.

Molokai is an island of natural beauty with awesome sea cliffs that rise more than 3,000 feet above the windward coastline.  An island that has lush valleys and tropical rain forest harboring rare birds and plants and a beautiful peninsula call Kalaupapa.  On Molokai there are no high rises or shopping malls, only a laid-back life-style. 

In the center of Molokai is the town of Kaunakakai, a small one-street town lined with small family-run shops and restaurants. Kaunakakai, the primary harbor for shipping pineapple grown on Molokai during the 1930s is now dominated by a fleet of fishing, cruise and sailboats. Pineapple was the primary commodity on the island that supplied Honolulu canneries with the delicious tropical fruit. Today fishing trips, sunset sailing cruises or a day trip over to one of the nearby islands is the main source of business in Kaunakakai.

Traveling west from Kaunakakai to the resort area of Kaluakoa visitors will discover miles of rolling hills and pastures.  Kaluakoi is a 6700-acre resort on the sunny side of the island.  This resort stretches along the coast for more than five miles.  Half of the area is beautiful Papohaku Beach, the largest white sand beach in Hawaii.  Recreational options at Kaluakoi include an 18 hole golf course, a safari through the neighboring 1,500-acre Molokai Ranch Wildlife Park, which provides refuge to a wide assortment of animals, from greater kudu and zebras to Barbary sheep and axis deer.  Nearby the town of Maunaloa was once the center of a bustling pineapple plantation. Today, the sleepy town is home to a handful of stores, among them the Big Wind Kite Factory, which boasts the largest selection of hand-made and imported kites and windsocks in Hawaii.  The Socher’s Plantation Gallery displays an extensive collection of arts and crafts from Molokai, Bali and other areas of Southeast Asia.

On the North side of Kaunakakai, where the ocean and 1,600-foot cliffs serve as natural barriers, is the location of the former settlement for Hansen’s Disease patients.  With Hansen’s Disease now arrested by drugs and virtually eliminated from the Islands, the few remaining patients at Kalaupapa are now free to come and go as they please.  Kalaupapa was declared a National Historic Park in December 1980 and has since attracted thousands of visitors.  From “topside”, Kalaupapa is accessible by foot, plane, helicopter or mule ride.  Before venturing down visitors will wants to stop for a bird’s-eye view at Palaau State Park. 

Traveling along the southern Molokai shoreline heading east en-route to the Halawa Valley, travelers will find interesting stops of beautiful white sand beaches, quaint churches, hiking and incredible views.  Looming above it all is magnificent 4,961-foot Mount Kamakou, home of the Kamakou Preserve which harbors several endangered bird species and several hundred species of plants.  The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii offers a free guided hiking tour the second Saturday of every month.  Continuing eastward through the picturesque Puuo Hokuu Ranch leads to an impressive lookout perched atop a sheer 1,200-foot cliff. Here you’ll see the Halawa Valley below, the rugged coastline and the island of Maui.  The Halawa Valley begins with a white crescent-shaped beach, and then a trail leads more than two miles into tropical lush forest and ends at another steep cliff where two cascading waterfalls are viewed.
    
Travelers who visit Molokai experience the natural beauty and magnificent setting.  Travelers can relax, ride a mule for an exhilarating ride down 1,600 foot cliffs, sail, go on a safari, play a round of golf, hike and mingle with some of the 6,700 people who call Molokai home.  James TravelPOINTS 1-800 538-7461/303-442-2340, www.travelpoints.com, travel agents are knowledgeable about where to stay and places to visit.

Written by Don James, owner of James TravelPOINTS. 

For years I did not think there was such a thing as affordable golf in Maui.  Our family decided upon a week in Maui for our summer get-a-way.  In preparing for the trip, I pondered weather to lug the golf clubs along or not for fear of the notorious $250+ green fees Maui is famous for.  In the end I decided to bring the clubs along with the hopes of finding a reasonably priced course.

Upon arrival in Maui, and after a little investigating, I was pleased to find about a half dozen courses with green fees at or below $80, including cart rental.  And, if you don’t have to play in the morning, I found many courses with “off peak” rates below $65.

My three favorite bargain courses were (prices subject to change):

1. Pukalani Country Club.  Located on the slopes of the volcano Haleakala with great views of the ocean and valley below.  Green fees $78* (cart included), after 1:00p.m $63*.

2. The Dunes at Maui Lani.  Fairly new course in excellent condition, fun and challenging.  Green fees $99*(cart included), after 2 p.m. $75*, same day replay $65*.

3. Sandalwood.  One of the locals favorites, fun course, great views, a good spot for lunch.  Green fees $75* (cart included).

The above courses are not located in the popular resort areas and may require 30 to 45 minutes of drive time, depending on where you are staying.  We did not mind the drive time because of the great views along the way and the chance to explore other parts of the beautiful island. Call James TravelPOINTS to book a Hawaiian vacation 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com.

*Green fee subject to change, rates as of 6/08