Yes, smart does count. Not brilliant or genius, but being smart as to when to buy those tickets for the Holidays, and especially to Hawaii.

Samantha Bomkamp of the Associated Press writes:

…. You’ll have to know the right time to look. There are "sweet spots" in which to get the best deals this year…

Actually this week is the best time to start. If your flying from the Mainland to Hawaii around Thanksgiving it would pay to do some intense price checking NOW. Why? Because within a couple weeks of Thanksgiving fares on the Mainland are going to start going up, up. Everybody’s going "across the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house."   If you’re coming to Hawaii, you’re probably not going to Grandma’s house, but if you wait too long to purchase tickets you might get caught in the airfare cross-fire of mainlanders that are.

Buy Your Cheap Tickets Now

The consensus among experts at Expedia and Travelocity is to buy now rather than later; especially if you don’t have flexibility on travel dates. But even if you are flexible don’t expect the airlines to post a "desperation" sale at the last minute. Flight reservations are getting a lot of pressure, so although the complicated matrix used by the airlines may squeak out a few bargain seats at the last moment, don’t expect a big drumroll about it.

 What a little Research for Cheap Airfares will do

It took me about 5 minutes to look up the following fares. All are for round trip single passenger coach, Denver to Kahului, Maui, and don’t include taxes, etc.

Dep 10/19—Rtn 10/26  $621.00

       11/30           12/7    $542.00 (going down, down!)

       12/15           12/22  $683.00 (Going up,up!)

But, here’s one right off Alaska Airlines website:

       12/1            12/8    $557.20    (Not too bad! Connections weren’t too bad, either. Leave Denver 12:05 pm, Arrive Kahului, Maui 4:40 pm)

So What’s the Bottom Line for Hawaii Airfares During the Holiday Season?

If you have ironclad travel dates, don’t take a chance, buy now. If you’re really flexible, let the dice roll.

Off subject, but will Make Nevadans Happy

Hawaiian Airlines just announced a non-stop schedule from Las Vegas to Maui. Flight 31 departs Las Vegas on Sundays and Wednesdays at 6:25 pm, arriving Kahului, Maui 9:25 pm. Return Flight 32 departs Kahului on Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 am, arriving Las Vegas 4:35 pm. Way to go, Hawaiian Airlines

Keep your sights on this site. More good stuff coming soon. a hui hou

The Hawaii State Flower is yellow … not red. Gotcha!

It’s true. The native yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei A. Gray), also known as the Pua Aloalo or Ma`o-hau-hele, was established and designated as the official flower of the State of Hawaii in 1988.

Up to that time, just about any old hibiscus could be considered as the State Flower. Red was usually a popular choice.

So, just to show you my heart’s in the right place, and because I’ve been gone so long (another contest of wills between this blog platform and myself), I brang you a flower.

When you’re in Hawaii you’ll see many beautiful yellow hibiscus blossoms, but most won’t be the real deal. To paraphrase the University of Hawaii botanical guys:  It is native to dry forests and shrub lands at elevations from 400 to 2,600 feet, and is found on all the main Hawaiian islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe.  But it is not common in any location.

And This is a Modern Situation

The  official blossom was once prevalent in the locations mentioned above, but started to decline after the arrival of western cultures in the Hawaiian Islands. As often happens, new arrivals bring alien, exotic plants with them. Those plants bring diseases endemic and indigenous species are not immune to.

Where Can I find Them?

Check with local garden clubs, the Bishop Museum, and paid tropical gardens. The resort you’re staying at might also have some plantings.

Ok, Now for News Flash and "Fun Facts About Hawaii"

First, the ever popular News Flash: I gotta qualify this announcement, because it’s one of those "left field" notices from Hawaiian Airlines.

• Seattle-Maui: $436
• Portland-Maui: $572
• Phoenix-Honolulu: $642
• San Francisco-Honolulu: $644

 It’s worth checking out through folks like  Orbitz or Expedia. Don’t get nervous I’m not an affiliate … yet.

Fun Facts About Hawaii: At 4,063 square miles, the Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the United States. Think about it.

(Apprentice Blogmaster Note: I’m using a new font, Comic Sans MS. Do you like it, or no? Love to see your comments. Be Gentle.)

 Aloha  a hui hou

Some of the airlines have scheduled major increases and surcharges to the Islands of Hawaii.

Case in point. HURRY ON THIS ONE!

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES ANNOUNCES NEW SURCHARGES. Effective May 27, Hawaiian is raising one-way inter-island fares by $10, raising its lowest fare from $54 to $64, the airline said. Actually that’s just early morning and late night flights. Minimums on normal daytime flights will be either $74 or $84. And that’s just minimums. Remember, these are one-way prices.

Fuel surcharges to the Mainland, USA will increase $35, from $65 to $100; to Sydney, up $40 from $120 to $160; to Pago Pago, up $45 each way from $65 to $110; to Papeete, up $55 each way from $65 to $120; and to Manila up $35 from $115 to $150 for Honolulu to Manila only. Again, that’s EACH WAY.

Inter-island Choices

Island Air … still good reliable service, and holding their present fares.

Go! … Cheap, but are looking at bankruptcy.

Pacific Wings … Fares remain steady.

American Airlines Puts Premium on Luggage.

American Airlines’ will now charge a $15 fee for the FIRST checked bag; that’s in addition to the $25 fee already charged for a second bag. $40 for two bags … each way! Skinny down to one piece of luggage stowed, and get creative with your carry on.

OK, that’s it for this post. will double up on News Flash and Fun Facts About Hawaii in the next post.

Now, get out there and hunt down those cheap airline tickets to Hawaii!

Aloha a hui hou