I've always been a writer. Even as a child, I wrote poems and lyrics to songs I'd pound out in the easy key of C on my antique upright piano. In the sixth grade, I launched my elementary school's inaugural newspaper. A few years later, I was tapped as editor my junior high's newspaper and crowned my teenage tenure as co-editor of my high school's yearbook. Little wonder I majored in Journalism during my college career at the University of Oklahoma.
With a little luck and a lot of perseverance, I landed an internship with a daily newspaper during my senior year at OU. No, it wasn't my college paper. It was a genuine daily published for an entire state rather than a campus. And for me, it was quite a fast track from writing obituaries and weddings to that pinnacle of feature articles.
Along the way, I always loved to interview. I craved meeting strangers from all walks of life and asking the questions that would shed some light on who these individual were and what made them tick. I still do. And I continue to love the research process. I thrive on diving into what's below the surface rather than simply sifting through what's within easy reach.
Graduating with a degree in Advertising Journalism and a minor in Public Relations, I considered it a no-brainer to bolt the newsroom and charge toward the seemingly glamorous life that could only be achieved as a copywriter at an Oklahoma City advertising agency. There were actually times when I believed life could never be more rewarding than it was at that exact moment. Fortunately, I was very, very wrong.
Shortly after landing a writing gig at an agency that serviced primarily business to business accounts, I was quickly assigned to its new consumer-focused Oklahoma Tourism account. We then scored a five-state regional tourism account, upping my responsibilities to convince travelers that their was no finer place to vacation than in the Ozarks area.
At that point, I was hooked. It was tourism or bust. Yet while I was enjoying the industry, I began to weigh my options. This was after the revelation that there was at least one better place to vacation - and to live. So one winter morning, I hopped a flight to Hawaii. And I never looked back.
My 25 years in Hawaii took me from the state's second largest advertising agency to an in-house corporate communications position to freelancing for some of the Hawaiian Islands' most high profile accounts.
Then strangely, it all came full circle when I was approached for feature writing assignments for publications running Hawaii editorial. And these ran the gamut - in-flights, sports pubs, travel trades, metro magazines and major market newspapers.
It's been quite a ride - or flight - depending on the situation. But the bottom line is I feel extremely fortunate to have covered so many communications arenas for so many varied accounts. And while I've traveled the world in the process, I realize that sometime there's really no need to travel since there's a story around every corner.
Leisure Travel - Hawaii
(If site requires an account name and password, please use travelstory and taw2008 respectively.)
Kicking Back Oahu
Celebration take over "Big Island"
Travelers in the know have long gravitated to the Big Island's
Kona Coast for its superb weather and unique diversions distinguishing
it from other Hawaii destinations. Adventure lovers find a bevy of
sun-splashed pursuits, from championship sport fishing and world-class
golf to unparalleled diving and trippy trekking through ancient
petroglyph fields.
Recreation aside, there's another dimension to the Big Island that
tends to appeal to visitors with all tastes. It's such an integral part
of the island's cultural complexion, in fact, that it's been honored
for nearly four decades in Hawaii's longest running agricultural
festival that continues to stir up quite a buzz on the laid-back
island.
Haraguchi Rice Mill and taro farm blend tradition with innovation
At age six, Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama was a mowing master. In
fact, it’s one of her fondest childhood memories from growing up on her
family’s wetland taro farm in Hanalei Valley on Kauai’s north shore.
Haraguchi-Nakayama now leaves the mowing to others, including her
86-year-old grandfather. To her, it simply proves that the farming
passion knows no age limit. Today, this fifth-generation member of the
hard-working family serves as educational coordinator and docent of the
Haraguchi Rice Mill.
Koa Kea brings chic to the sand at Poipu Beach
Chris Steuri has come full circle. As general manager of the new
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach on Kauai, Steuri has returned
to the site of a property he was forced to leave some 16 years ago at
the hands of Mother Nature.
Set to open late fall, the hip boutique hotel has been
reconstructed on the original footprint of the Poipu Beach Hotel, which
was shuttered in the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Steuri was
assistant general manager of the popular beachfront property at the
time.
Up A Lazy River
When Emily and Walter Smith, Sr. launched their family business in 1947, the concept was simple. They geared their small rowboat with a borrowed outboard motor and puttered off to share Kauai's rich cultural heritage via cruises up the tranquil Wailua River.
More than four Smith generations later - through floods, droughts, hurricanes and a visitor industry often drawn to a wilder recreational beat - Smith's Fern Grotto Wailua River Cruise has shined brightly as a 60-year tradition. From its modest beginnings, the inconic attraction has flourished to a fleet of 12 open-air river boats and a 30-acre botanical and cultural garden hosting a colorful luau.
Full Story
Arts With Aloha paints lessons in Oahu's soul
While Mother Nature's artistic flair made Oahu one of the most
visually stunning places on Earth, the island's Arts With Aloha program
continues to reveal that there's much more to this beautiful
destination than meets the sightseeing eye.
An enthusiastic consortium of 18 visual, historical and
performing-arts organizations, Arts With Aloha appeals to cultural
enthusiasts of all ages by exposing an island steeped in history and
enriched by the arts. Among Oahu’s treasures are the oldest symphony
west of the Rockies, the only royal palace on U.S. soil and one of the
top 10 collections of Asian art not to mention the Bishop Museum’s
unrivaled collection of rare Hawaiian cultural artifacts.
Oahu's a natural for family business
When Laura Hunt and her family agreed on Oahu for their annual
vacation, she spent hours combing web sites for activities matching the
diverse interests of her teenage daughters and husband.
“I learned a lot about what Oahu offered,” said Hunt. “But
it was hard for me to link it all so we’d have something for each of us
and then things to bring us back together again as one. Oahu has so
much going on that I was overwhelmed with it all.”
Kilauea comes alive on this trek across the lava
On a recent visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, I was
convinced that anyone who'd walk a mile in my shoes would be extremely
fortunate. It was actually closer to six miles, which made the journey
all the more rewarding.
Although I’ve ventured along numerous trails throughout this
marvel in the past, I opted for the Kilauea Volcano Discovery Hike with
Hawaiian Walkways on this crisp morning.
The Na Pali Coast never disappoints
On a recent visit to Kauai, deciding to cruise the magnificent Na
Pali Coast was a no-brainer for me. Yet, I wondered how this experience
could top my last, when dolphins were spinning in sync, sea turtles
surfaced in curiosity and flying fish skimmed the surf — each
performing aquatic acts with majestic cliffs and deeply etched valleys
as a stunning backdrop.
I was certain nothing could outshine that show. As a pleasant surprise so typical in Hawaii, Mother Nature proved me wrong.
A new Hawaiian experience
When I moved across from the old sugar mill remains at Kualoa
Ranch about a decade ago, my recreational pursuits took a twist. I
started exploring my new Oahu “country” neighborhood at a casual pace,
taking a trail ride one weekend, kayaking at Secret Island the next,
then ATV-ing deep into hidden valleys when friends would visit from the
mainland.
While the action was great, I was equally consumed with Kualoa’s
rich cultural significance as one of the most sacred places on Oahu in
ancient times. I realized that each activity exposed merely a sliver of
the big picture the power of the aina (land) and how steeped in history
Kualoa actually is.
New Pacific Aviation Museum opens at Pearl Harbor
My father flew and fought in the Pacific during World War II. So
when I heard about Pacific Aviation Museum (PAM), I was eager to see
how Hawaii's newest tribute would chronicle our military's aerial
efforts. I wasn't disappointed.
Located on Ford Island, a National Historic Landmark and site of
our nation’s first aviation battlefield, PAM is housed in a series of
original hangars and control tower complex that were at the epicenter
of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.
Company tapped to manage Park Shore Waikiki Hotel
Aqua Hotels & Resorts continues to spread its wings along
Waikiki’s Kalakaua Avenue. On July 1, the full-service management
company took over responsibilities of the 226-room Park Shore Waikiki
Hotel, a 40-year fixture that holds an enviable location at the Diamond
Head end of Waikiki.
Park Shore is the third addition to Aqua’s growing portfolio in
2008, increasing its chain-wide inventory to 13 properties located
exclusively in Waikiki. The announcement was made by Masanori Sasada,
Chairman of Sasada International. Since purchasing the Park Shore from
the Blackstone Group in 2007, Sasada has focused on repositioning the
hotel and reinvigorating its prime corner position.
HT&F helps clients shoot for the stars
My knowledge of the night sky is basic at best. Sure, I can spot
the Big Dipper, and I love a full moon. Wanting to heighten my
celestial sense, I knew no viewing venue could top Mauna Kea. So I
decided to shoot for Hawaii Forest & Trail’s (HF&T) stargazing
tour to this renowned astronomical observing site.
On a warm Big Island afternoon, our group of five eager explorers
boarded a 12-passenger van at HF&T’s Kona Coast headquarters. Our
interpretive naturalist, Kevin Schneider, had packed parkas and other
provisions for the eight-hour excursion. Not accustomed to lengthy
transit, I had my concerns. They faded, however, as our adventure
unfolded.
PWF gives clients a close encounter
Manutea is the Tahitian word for “white bird.” The day I sailed on
Pacific Whale Foundation’s (PWF) magnificent 50-foot catamaran, I was
convinced the moniker meant dolphin magnet. Little did I know when we
departed Lahaina Harbor that our group was in for much more than a
typical cruise.
The foundation had recently launched its Lanai Dolphin Champagne
Sail Eco-Adventure to the rugged southwestern coast of Lanai, a
wildlife habitat celebrated for its outstanding snorkeling and resident
pod of some 200 spinner dolphins. Good thing this was a champagne trek.
We would certainly find much to toast.
Off the Beaten Wave
Hula Kai catamaran goes away from the ordinary
Captain Mitch Stauffer is a man on a marine mission, one that must certainly make him the envy of his peers along the Big Island's Kona Coast.
This seafaring veteran sails Fair Wind Cruises' Hula Kai catamaran to sites not frequented by the crowds, much to the delights of his passengers. On my recent trek aboard this newest addition to Fair Wind's Keauhou Bay-based fleet, conditions were crystal clear. The ocean was calm, the tradewinds were gentle and according to reports, spinner dolphins awaited us.
Full Story
Kauai Beach Hotel & Resort returns to its roots
John Kiszla is an imposing man. At six foot, five inches, the
former rower admits he loves a challenge. When we met on my recent stay
at the Kauai Beach Hotel & Resort, Kiszla, the hotel’s director of
sales and marketing, was taking on the daunting task of rebranding to
Hilton status.
Ironically, the property opened as a Hilton in 1986. Its Sept. 1
relaunch will bring it full circle, enhancing Hilton’s Hawaii posture
with properties on the four major islands.
Exploring Kauai's jungle-like waterways
I love kayaking. Since most of my ventures are on Oahu’s sparkling
bays, I jumped at a shot to explore one of Kauai’s jungle-like
waterways.
What drew me to Princeville Ranch Adventures’ paddling trek was
its lazy-river appeal with a punch. As if hiking and kayaking into
Kauai’s heart isn’t ample incentive, this excursion rewards clients
with a hidden pair of waterfalls cascading into a brisk swimming hole.
Center explores core of creation
As Mike Shanahan and I strolled across the Great Lawn to the
Bishop Museum’s new Science Adventure Center on a warm Hawaii
afternoon, I had to wonder. What’s so hot about this place? Why is
everyone so fired up?
While stopping to admire the sleekly modern 16,500-square-foot
structure such an architectural contrast to cultural counterpart Bishop
Museum Shanahan enlightened me.
Cirque Hawaii takes flight
There’s something about a circus all the mystique and marvels
prompting even the most skeptical observer to ooh and aah like a child.
Cirque Hawaii is no exception. What sets this Waikiki theatrical
thriller apart, however, is its unorthodox style.
Designed as an alternative rather than a competitor to Hawaii’s Polynesian pulse, Cirque Hawaii is an entity unto itself.
Leisure Travel - Australia
(If site requires an account name and password, please use travelstory and taw2008 respectively.)
Connecting The Spots
Western Australia's Coral Coast is a whale shark wonderland
During a recent visit to Perth, I learned that this Western Australia
capital is much more than a friendly, sophisticated city brimming with
history and culture. It's also the springboard to an aquatic paradise
known as the Coral Coast - home to the world's largest fringing reefs
accessible simply by stepping offshore.
Eager to pursue ocean activities beyond the norm, I decided to get out
of town to see how the remote area sized up to the more celebrated
diving sites I'd explored in the past.
Full Story
Western Australia’s capital surprises with rich culture and cosmopolitan energy
When John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth aboard Friendship 7 in 1962, the friendly people of Perth switched on their lights to honor the astronaut as he soared above. Glenn tagged Perth the "City of Lights," acknowledging one of the world’s most isolated municipalities for shining so brightly.
Remoteness well explains why many U.S. visitors never find their way to the scenic Western Australia capital. Few East Coast Aussies make it there either. And, that's a shame. The travel-time investment is far overshadowed by the adventure itself.
A new program helps direct visitors to the most impressive locales Down Under
While much of the spotlight during the recent Australia Tourism Exchange 2008 (ATE08) was cast on the upcoming international release of Twentieth Century Fox’s epic movie “Australia,” tourism officials from the Land Down Under premiered a line-up of blockbuster programs all their own.
Tourism Australia (TA) capitalized on ATE08’s platform to announce new initiatives providing travel trade and consumer marketers with a clearer picture of the country’s vast tourism offerings and how to most effectively target these to potential visitors.
Perth hosts premier tourism event
Following a stellar week of meetings and events that showcased the
Land Down Under on a global center stage, the Australia Tourism
Exchange 2008 (ATE08) concluded with an optimistic outlook for the
tourism industry despite turbulent times.
Australia’s tourism industry will no doubt see the positive
impact from merging 630 exhibitors with 600 overseas wholesalers at the
Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. Held June 17–20, the four-day
Western Module catered to buyers from the Americas, Europe, Africa, New
Zealand and the South Pacific. The Eastern Module took place from June
14-16.
Leisure Travel - Mexico
(If site requires an account name and password, please use travelstory and taw2008 respectively.)
Globus puts a spin on escorted travel
As Charles Lindberg was celebrating the world's first
trans-Atlantic solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927, Antonio
Mantegazza was laying the groundwork for a lofty adventure of his own.
Transporting lumber in his family’s rowboat across southern
Switzerland’s Lake Lugano, the young Swiss grew mesmerized by its
natural beauty. Inspired by the wide-eyed wonder he witnessed in
visitors to his home country, Mantegazza took a leap of faith by
purchasing his own rowboat on credit to share his surroundings with
vacationers. His small enterprise grew quickly, proving how passion can
defy boundaries for those with a dream to take on the world.
Three generations transform a small family business into a thriving international chain
It was 1950. Hollywood hero John Wayne was fiercely battling Apaches as Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke in the epic Rio Bravo. And far away in the South American country of Venezuela, 17-year-old Luis Riu Bertran was one of "The Duke's" biggest fans.
In fact, Bertran was so passionate about Wayne’s action-packed films that, in 1980, he named his family’s newest Mallorca hotel the Rio Bravo. As one thing led to another over the next few years, Bertran began tagging his family moniker onto all Riu properties even the Wayne-inspired Rio Bravo.
New activities enhance the appeal of Baja's shining star
Anyone who has ever vacationed in Los Cabos senses immediately that this destination is not one to rest on its laurels. Yet, those who return are still surprised to see just how much of the area continues to enhance and expand on an already robust recreation roster.
Augmenting tried and true choices are new activities that magnify the diversity of Los Cabos’ natural land and sea assets. Here’s a look at several new diversions that further define Cabo as a colorful Baja escape with something for everyone.
Royal Service is the crowing jewel of the Paradisus brand
When Sol Melia & Resorts pioneered the luxury, all-inclusive concept at its Paradisus brand a decade ago, the company's focus was on pampering guests with "real life" fantasy experiences through signature service levels.
On a recent visit to Paradisus Riviera Cancun Resort, I was quite pleased to discover I would be enjoying the ultimate of these indulgent levels with the adults-only Royal Service meaning I’d have access to almost anything imaginable at any time I wanted it, with a butler dedicated to make it all a reality.
Sierra Lago is an adventure from the onset
Guillermo Villa is an excellent driver he has to be. As Villa zigzagged our van up the narrow, rocky route into the Sierra Madre Mountain range from the quaint village of Mascota, it was obvious he knew every dip, curve, nook and cranny intimately.
This final 10-mile leg of our three-hour road trip from Puerto Vallarta to Sierra Lago Resort & Spa was an adventure in itself. Up to this point, we stopped to view the shimmering agave fields and slowed for an occasional cattle drive sharing our road, so the trek seemed quicker than the clock. That certainly wasn’t the case at the end, however.
Suite-able for Families
Barcelo La Jolla de Mismaloya is a playground for kids and parents
It was a heated off-screen romance during a classic John Huston-directed movie that thrust the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Vallarta into the spotlight. During the filming of the 1964 hit "The Night of the Iguana," the R-rate shenanigans of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor transformed its image from provincial to provocative.
Today, Puerto Vallarta's romantic aura remains thanks to numerous star-studded stories and its alluring beauty. However, unlike its surroundings, Barcelo la Jolla de Mismaloya has earned itself a broader, G-rated appeal, making it a modern-day magnet for familieis.
Full Story
A New RIU
When it comes to the meticulous details in launching a new resort, Luis Riu holds one of his late father's philosophies especially close to his heart. "He taught me that when we set an opening date, we open on that date or before, not even one day later," said Riu.
With 61 RIU grand openings under his belt since taking over CEO responsibilities a decade ago, this third-generation Riu continues to bat a thousand. No doubt his father would be proud.
Full Story
For a tropical mix of business and pleasure, Hawaii’s a knock-out
Take an exotic destination and blend in a medley of cultures, rich history and colorful traditions. Add assorted accommodations, fresh venues, flexible meeting facilities and diverse recreation. Then sprinkle it with the secret ingredient of aloha.
From board shorts to boardrooms, the Hawaiian Islands continue to wow meeting planners with a winning recipe. “As much as anything, these past few years have amplified Hawaii’s value as a meetings destination,” says Michael Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, vice president of sales and marketing for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Head For The Border
Mexico resorts add spaice to MICE
Certainly, there's great appeal to Mexico's mellow manner that defines relaxation. When it comes to meetings, incentives, conventions and events (MICE) travel, however, this U.S. doorstep destination is all business - with south of the border flavor that spices everything up a notch.
As a traveler's paradise, Mexico continues to gain momentum with U.S.-based companies seeking ease in exotic travel. Literally hundreds of daily flights allow business travelers to leave home with their morning latte, then review spreadsheets on Pacific sands with a cerveza in the afternoon.
Full Story
It's hard to beat the beach's intoxicating combo of sun and sand when considering a meetings destination. Maui is fringed by 81 of these beauties set along 120 miles of coastline. Imagine how such uplifting energy can elevate a group environment. Accordingly, a growing number of organizations are selecting Maui for meetings, conventions and incentive awards.
Maui County consists of the individual islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. The island of Maui is second largest of the Hawaiian chain, with 727 square miles of land area that's home to a population of 117,644. The average temperature floats languorously between 75–85 degrees F.
To put the divide in perspective, the northwestern coast averages less than 10 inches of rain a year (or a few droplets more than the Gobi Desert). On the windward southeastern side, the annual average increases by a factor of 30! As a result, the west side offers the perpetually sunny Kohala and Kona coasts; on the east side, lush rainforests and shimmering waterfalls.
As the saying goes, there are two sides to every story. In the case of Hawaii’s Big Island, the beauties and the environments of the western side differ starkly from those of the east.
Hawaii has long been celebrated as a dream leisure escape for its incomparable climate, warm hospitality, casual attitude and stunning scenery.
What's not to like? Hawaii possesses an exotic hideaway allure, yet offers all the ease of doing business domestically. Language and currency barriers are absent, while value abounds. And then, there's the aloha spirit, that captivating intangible that absolutely no other destination delivers. Core strengths as a leisure escape bolster Hawaii's viability to host business meetings.
Oahu sets the rhythm of the Hawaiian Islands, whether it’s business, pleasure or a combination of the two. The island, with a population of 902,704, encapsulates the full range of contrasts to be found in the 50th state.
There’s vibrant Waikiki in Honolulu, the North Shore’s renowned surfing beaches, quiet rural roads lined with home-grown produce, and, for meetings, a menu of state-of-the-art modern technology, eclectic venues and the stellar Hawaii Convention Center.
Other stories I've written that have no links are on Dude Ranches, Theme Parks, San Diego meetings and Utah meetings.
Business
(If site requires an account name and password, please use travelstory and taw2008 respectively.)
A Pacific Getaway Where Many Return
With its sun-drenched days, gentle trade winds and balmy tropical nights, Hawaii has long been desired for its exotic ambience. Visitors flock to the shores of six main islands dotting the Pacific some 2,500 miles west of the continental United States.
The Hawaiian Islands, long known as a top destination for golf and ocean sports, have more recently enhanced their appeal with a focus on celebrating culture, history ecotourism and healthy living.
