You may not be aware of this, but it snows regularly on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Yes, you read that right--at a staggering 13,790 feet, the dormant volcano Mauna Kea (“White Mountain” in the native Hawaiian tongue) dons a sparkling cap of snow in wintertime. (Its counterpart, Mauna Loa, does the same, although snow on the latter is less visible due to its more rounded peak.) Because of Mauna Kea’s unique assets, native Hawaiians have long considered it a sacred site.

Incidentally, the summit of Mauna Kea is also an ideal place for stargazing, given its height and remoteness from major cities. Hence, it now houses several of the world’s leading astronomical observatories. Native Hawaiian groups are displeased with these developments, protesting that the developments defile the sacredness of the site.

Photo courtesy of the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i.

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Posted in Educational & Historic, Green Travel, Hawaii, Nature & Outdoors
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Aloha Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday, citing "predatory pricing" practices by its competitor go! , a Mesa Air Group subsidiary.

This is the second time the airline has filed for bankruptcy protection. According to the Associated Press (via The New York Times), Aloha emerged from previous bankruptcy protection in February 2006, 14 months after filing under Chapter 11.

The airline, according to its web site, has asked the Court for permission to continue flying as it operates under bankruptcy protection. As long as this request is granted, customers can expect all existing reservations to be honored and to be able to make new reservations. For now, frequent flier programs remain unaffected, and customers will continue to earn mileage credit.

For more information, Travelocity customers should visit the FAQ page.

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Posted in Air Travel, Hawaii, Travel News
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Welcome to the Window Seat Podcast!
In this episode of the Window Seat Podcast, sponsored by Travelocity, host Amy Ziff takes off to Hawaii.

There are eight islands that make up the Aloha State: Hawaii (also known as "The Big Island"), Oahu, Kauai, Maui -- and the lesser-known islands of Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe. In this episode we're focusing on the four most popular islands.

You'll learn about the early history of the Big Island, get swept away on a romantic trip to Kauai, hear from a travel expert about the best kid-friendly spots to check out wildlife on Maui, and get a native's tour of Oahu beaches.

Listen to the whole show: [29:54]

Download Episode #2: Hawaii (mp3)
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Hawaii's Story [7:52]
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When I visit Hawaii, I like exploring the prehistoric landscape. It makes me wonder what the island was like before skyscrapers, hotels and tourists -- before Western contact. How did people live? Reporter Laurel Moglen uncovered Hawaii's story.

Swept Away [8:16]
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Have you ever dreamed about getting away from it all and jetting off to a tropical island for a little romance with your significant other? Reporter Apryl Lundsten did -- and fell in love with Kaua'i.

Exploring Hawaii's Animal Kingdom [7:11]
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Hawaii is teeming with wildlife -- in fact, last year scientists discovered more than a hundred new species of marine life in the Hawaiian Islands, from sea stars to clams to invertebrates. So where can you take the kids to see Hawaii's critters? Reporter Laurel Moglen talked to Keli'i Brown, Spokesperson for the Maui Visitor's Bureau, and found the Island's wild side.

A Day at the Beach [7:39]
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Hawaii's most famous landmark is the beach. Reporter Apryl Lundsten spent a day at the beach in Oahu.

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Posted in Beaches, Entertainment, Hawaii, Podcasts
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For 28 years of my life, I never thought twice about Hawaii. When you grow up in Florida in a town like Panama City whose official motto is “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches,” you don’t find yourself pining for a trip to the Aloha State. But a year ago, I moved to the Bay Area and I began to wonder if I had been missing out on one of life’s most essential experiences, like reading a book or, I don’t know, breathing air. You see, you’re not truly a San Franciscan until you 1) have a bay window 2) learn to rhapsodize about In-N-Out and 3) fall head over heels for Hawaii and talk about it exclusively in hyperbole.

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Posted in Beaches, Hawaii, Ski & Sport
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