Wow, this is a huge deal in the online, user generated content/social networking space. See the press release below.

Including VirtualTourist and OneTime, the TripAdvisor Media Network now attracts nearly 32 million unique monthly visitors.

“VirtualTourist pioneered the concept of an online travel community, and with the help of over a million enthusiastic members, has created a fantastic travel site,” said Steve Kaufer, founder and CEO of TripAdvisor. “I’m thrilled to have such great companies join our media network, and I look forward to working with the teams to help grow the sites and the community.”

“With the addition of VirtualTourist and OneTime, TripAdvisor Media Network is now the undisputed leader in the travel media space and we are excited to be a part of it. By combining efforts we hope to accelerate growth and provide our members and users with an even better online experience,” said J.R. Johnson, founder and chairman of VirtualTourist and OneTime. “We are incredibly proud of what we’ve built and how we’ve been able to serve travelers for nearly a decade. Now, with this new partnership, we can look forward to serving our travelers even better and ensuring ever greater success long into the future.”

VirtualTourist and OneTime, both based in Manhattan Beach, Calif., generate revenue through online advertising and both operate profitably. Specific terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. There are no plans for integration of the businesses or the Web domains.

VirtualTourist General Manager Giampiero Ambrosi and OneTime General Manager Dena Yahya will continue to run the businesses, respectively, reporting to Steve Kaufer. The employees of VirtualTourist and OneTime will remain based in Manhattan Beach.

VirtualTourist
VirtualTourist.com is one of the largest online travel communities in the world and a premier resource for travelers seeking an insider perspective on travel information, from Las Vegas hotels to New York City restaurants. At Virtualtourist.com, real people share real advice on places they’ve traveled as well as their hometowns; they research and plan trips, and they interact with other avid travelers via forums and email; VirtualTourist boasts more than 1.6 million travel reviews and 3 million photos on more than 58,000 destinations worldwide. Unbiased, user-generated content on Hotels, Attractions, Local Customs, Tourist Traps and much more is posted entirely by VirtualTourist’s more than 1 million registered members from over 220 countries and territories, and the site’s Trip Planner feature allows users to create custom print-and-go travel guides. Among VirtualTourist’s awards and accolades: “Sites that Changed Our World,” The Guardian; “Favorite Website,” Newsweek; “35 Best Travel Sites,” Travel & Leisure.

OneTime
OneTime, is a leading travel comparison website, where users compare prices from more than 60 popular travel websites, direct suppliers, and metasearch engines each month. Online since April of 2004, OneTime helps consumers save time and money when booking travel. For travel partners, OneTime is an effective marketing platform for reaching the online booking audience.

I have some great news!

Alerts.com is offering a free iPhone and $500 free gas for anyone signing up in the next few weeks.  Just be sure to click on the link below when signing up:

http://www.alerts.com/invited_by.aspx?ID=info@alerts.com 

What Alerts.com does is simple.  The site delivers the information you want when you want it and where you want it.  Think of weather alerts, sports scores, Olympic medal alerts, news, traffic, gas prices, personal reminders, RSS feed alerts, price watches, and more.  It is free. It is SECURE and there is ABSOLUTELY NO SPAM. You are in total control of your information alerts which can be received via email, text message, and even via a phone call to your phone (yes, really, check out the Wake Up Alert).

I will be writing about the Alerts.com travel alerts in the coming days. Stay tuned for more information!

Well, good news, sort of. Hawaiian Airlines scraped by with a small profit instead of a loss. The travel business in general is pretty tough right now so its important just to survive until the good times.

See the press release below for a summary of their most recent earnings.

It was a close call, but in the end, tradition won out. The 60-year-old Aloha Festivals parade almost got nixed from the events schedule this year due to lack of funding. But, among other contributing factors, the people rose up, a save-the-parade campaign rallied, money was raised and the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade was saved.

So, if you’re planning a trip soon to Oahu, Hawaii, you really must try to catch and savor the popular, culturally richparade. It is scheduled for Sept. 13, 2008; and it begins at 9 a.m. at Ala Moana Beach Park in Waikiki. According to staff at the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which is sponsoring the event (though not running it), the festival is going through some reorganization, so check in with the festival website for current information; at time of research, parade details had not been added.

The other events planned for the Aloha Festivals, formerly known as Aloha Week, include the 2008 Royal Court Investiture, with traditional chanting and hula, on Sept. 11 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village; the opening ceremony at the Iolani Palace on Sept. 11; and, on the night of Sept. 12, the Waikiki Ho’olaule’a, a huge block party with food, entertainment, crafts and lots of vendors. The latter sounds like the event not to miss.

Most people don't go to Hawaii to visit a museum, but this is a great family activity.

Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world.

There is something for everyone at the museum. Check out their website for what might interest your family. If you're in the Honolulu area, think about dropping in for a few hours.

http://www.bishopmuseum.org

Check this out! This is fun!

Courtesy of the Go Hawaii web site, watch park ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita as she talks about the cycle of destruction and rebirth at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island. See incredible lava footage from Hawaii's prolific Kilauea volcano.

http://www.gohawaii.com/stories/stories.html?video=11%3fWT.mc_id=rd_web11

Going to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an obvious, top destintation when visiting the Islands. For families, there is an easy hike and tour that is a lot of fun.

The Niaulani Nature Walk is a one-hour nature walk through a lush portion of an old-growth Hawaiian rain forest on an easy, 1/7-mile loop trail. The walk introduces individuals, families, and groups to the native plants and birds of Volcano. Guides focus not only on the biological, ecological, and geological features of the area, but also the cultural usages of flora and fauna by native Hawaiians. Offered every Monday at 9:30 a.m., the weekly walk starts just one mile from the entrance to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Meet at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa and Old Volcano Roads). Free (calabash donations welcome).

To learn more, check out www.volcanoartcenter.org

Here are the top 7 beaches for lovers according to alohacondos.com!

Top Hawaii Beaches: Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore

Hanalei Bay Beach is possibly the most beautiful beach in all of Hawaii. This semi-circular shaped Hawaii beach boasts two miles of pristine white sands contrasting with the clear blue ocean waters. The breathtaking scenery is enhanced by emerald green waterfalls cascading in the background and snow capped mountain peaks standing guard nearby. The beachfront is 125 feet wide and is situated near coral reefs at each end of the beach. The beginning of the beach is carved from a sheer cliff, providing a rock backdrop with breathtaking views.

Top Hawaii Beaches: Hanauma Bay in Oahu

Hanauma Bay in Oahu is located at the site of a collapsed volcanic crater. It is known for its large attraction of schools of fish. The beach itself offers 2,000 feet of golden sand Hawaiian beach. Specially posted signs point you toward areas where specific fish species frequent. The feeling of dozens of tropical fish nibbling on your body as you swim through the water is definitely a unique experience.

Top Hawaii Beaches: Ke‘e Beach Park, Kauai

Ke’e Beach in Kauai boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets on earth. The Ke’e Beach offers crystal clear waters and spectacular snorkeling. Colorful tropical fish and turtles abound near Ke’e Beach and tropical plants and palm trees fringe the Hawaiian beach for a perfectly romantic setting.

Top Hawaii Beaches: Hapuna Bay State Park Beach on the Big Island

Hapuna Beach is a typically lush, tropical Hawaiian beach in the summer months, but during the winter, spectacular thundering waves pummel the sands. The raw power and sheer beauty of Hapuna Bay make this beach a perfect spot for lovers. The shoreline extends for a half a mile and offers visitors smooth ivory sands to compliment the rough blue of the sea.

Top Hawaii Beaches: Green Sand Beach on the Big Island

The Green Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii offers an unusual sight for visiting couples. As a result of volcanic activity in the area, the shoreline is covered in a unique green sand. The Green Sand Beach is fairly secluded and features shallow waters perfect for romantic strolls.

Top Hawaii Beaches: The Venus Pool in Maui

Waikoa Pond, or Venus Pool, in southeast Maui, is a naturally occurring swimming pool. A freshwater waterfall feeds the pool as it flows to the ocean. The Venus Pool is off the beaten path is not well known to the average tourist providing fewer crowds and increased privacy.

Top Hawaii Beaches: Wailea Beach, Maui

Located on Maui’s sunny South Shore, Wailea Beach is a truly romantic Hawaiian beach. The beach is a wide, crescent shaped expanse situated among romantic Hawaiian resorts. Wailea Beach is home to calm azure waters, flat sandy sunbathing spots, and whale watching points. The spectacular Hawaiian sunset seen from Wailea Beach is breathtaking.

These top 7 Hawaii beaches for lovers are must-see attractions for the newlywed couple or for anyone looking for romantic inspiration while visiting the lush tropical isles of Hawaii.

We've previously reported here the trend in travelers staying at non-resort accommodations. It is a pretty well known trend at this point. Below is an interesting analysis by the Kauaian Institute. It is a little tough to read, but wanted to provide for those of you that would like to take a deeper look at the numbers. 

OFF-RESORT VISITORS GROWING IN ISLANDS

By F. Kenneth Stokes,

The Kauaian Institute

Despite vigorous regulatory efforts on Maui, O`ahu and Kaua`i, the number of visitors seeking off-resort accommodations continues to grow, according to the latest data.

The share of visitors choosing transient vacation rentals (TVRs) remains relatively small on each island, and averages 5% statewide.

As shown below, the combination of vacation rental homes and B&Bs attracted a total of 96,400 visitors on Kaua`i in 2006, which is up from 72,900 visitors in 2003.

This represents an increase from 7.5% to 8.0% of Kaua`i visitors choosing TVRs over this 4-year period.

The corresponding figures for Maui saw an increase from 73,900 to 106,000 visitors choosing TVRS, or a share increase from 3.4% to 4.3%.

On O`ahu, there were 114,100 TVR patrons in 2003, climbing to 162,800 in 2006, for a share increase from 2.8% to 3.5%.

And on Hawai`i Island, the number of TVR patrons increased from 74,900 to 106,900, or 6.2% to 6.7% of visitors.

Hawai`i is the only island without a recent attempt to crack down on TVR units.

Interestingly, Moloka`i actually had the largest off-resort share, with 10% of visitors choosing TVRs in 2006 (not shown).

On Kaua`i, the B&B patrons actually declined by 4% while the vacation home patrons jumped by 46% over this period.

These data are derived from DBEDT’s survey of arriving air passengers, which asks what type of accommodation they booked.

The number of available TVR units is not known, due to under-reporting in the DBEDT inventory.

Will the Big Island become the next London with surveillance cameras everywhere, seeing everything?

The Associated Press reports that the Big Island plans to install dozens of surveillance cameras in Waikiki and on the Big Island in an effort to reduce crimes against visitors.

Possible locations for the cameras include the Kailua-Kona business district, Akaka Falls and downtown Hilo.

Read more about this at USA Today

There’s no question that Hawaii offers up some of the best vacation adventures on the planet but if your looking for more than sandy beaches and a mix of outdoor activities why not consider taking a multi sport tour of the big island of Hawaii?

There are many companies catering to tours throughout the Hawaiian Islands and Travel Wizard http://www.travelwizard.com/backroads/classic-multisport-hawaii-05.html is no exception. They offers up a wonderful 6 day tour that will take you from sea to sky.

They’ll have you exploring the deep blue Pacific, the grazing lands on the Kohala Mountains and every activity in between. You’ll hike through streaming calderas above the Waipio Valley and bike the magical Kau Coast. The question is are you ready?

On day 1 you’ll meet in Waikoloa where you’ll be shuttled to Parker Ranch. This is the largest private ranch in the entire US. You’ll spend the next 2 days exploring the lush Hamakua coast on your bike. You’ll awaken in the morning to views of the Kilauea caldera and you’ll be able to head out on foot to explore the black lava landscape. You’ll take a hike up the 450 foot Thurston Lava Tube while you admire the lush ferns, ohia trees, and red birds.

Day 3 you’ll find yourself cruising down a 4000 foot descent to the stunning Kau Coast where the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash upon the shores. Here you’ll be able to play with the turtles on the black sandy Punaluu Beach. Then you’ll pedal past coffee plantations, the world’s biggest macadamia grove, and lava flows on your ride from Kailua to Kona.

Day 4 through 6 you’ll explore the Kohala Coast. You’ll paddle sea kayaks down the coast from Keauhou Bay past breathtaking rocky cliffs and intriguing secluded sea caved. Then you’ll don your snorkeling gear and get up close and cozy with all the sea creatures. So much color your eyes will blur! Then it’s time to spend some time a you luxurious beachfront resort where you can do some more snorkeling, play some golf, or relax beside the pool. After your rested be sure to take the short walk to the petroglyphs for a look at Hawaii’s ancient culture.

If you’ve got a little more time you might want to try one of the tours that includes a ride down Kohala Mountain Lookout to Keokea Beach Park. Kohala Mountain Downhill http://www.cyclekona.com/Moderate_Rides_/Kohala_Mountain_Downhill/body_kohala_mountain_downhill.html offers a one day group ride which is classified as a moderate road tour that approximately 20.5 miles or 33 Km with a 3,564 foot downhill run and a 250 foot accumulated climbing

You’ll get to ride the Kohala Mountain Road from the scenic lookout to Kapa`au which is a 3,000 ft descent. You can learn about the legacy of King Kamehameha and then enjoy an aerobic ride through increasingly green tropical vegetation. The rolling route finishes with a fun down hill to the rugged Keokea Bay. If time permits, you can drive out to the end of the road at beautiful Pololu Valley Lookout

And of course there are plenty of other tours in Hawaii ranging from 1 day to 14 days. You pick the time and the location. The tours are designed for all types of activities and all levels of physical fitness.

So the next time you are looking for an interesting vacation why not take a Hawaii tour?

Deon Melchior is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click.

Here is a press release from Best Places Hawaii about the top ten Hawaii beaches. Enjoy!

Best Places Hawaii, the largest Hawaii-specific travel Web site in the world (Webtrends), ranks the "10 Best Beaches in Hawaii," based on its recent survey to find the Hawaii beaches that are best for visitors:

1. Lanikai Beach, Oahu
2. Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai
3. Kaanapali Black Rock Beach, Maui
4. Hanauma Bay, Oahu
5. Ke’e Beach Park, Kauai
6. Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui
7. Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island
8. Hulopoe, Lanai
9. Poipu Beach, Kauai
10. Papohaku, Molokai

The complete list with text and photos appears on the Best Places Hawaii Web site here http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tips/10_best/beaches.html .

Famous worldwide, these ten gorgeous beaches are why Hawaii is one of the best places on earth for the perfect escape. The "10 Best Beaches in Hawaii" were selected with the Hawaii visitor in mind -- all around fun places to spend the whole day, scenic beauty, swimming, snorkeling, amenities, easy access, and soft sand to lay down your blanket for a nap or for enjoying a great sunset at the end of the day.

This "10 Best" list is the result of a survey conducted by Best Places Hawaii of its over 3.5 million new and return visitors who frequent its Web site at www.bestplaceshawaii.com.

Best Places Hawaii (not a booking site) is home to the Hawaii State Vacation Planner, providing the ultimate vacation match-making service, helping travelers plan and pre-experience their own dream Hawaii Vacation. A visitor simply completes a personal profile and receives free, with no obligation, information from Hawaii vacation providers (accommodations, activities, wedding services, travel and tour companies, etc.) who can make the visitor’s dream Hawaii vacation a reality. The free vacation planner match-making service is located at this address: www.bestplaceshawaii.com/planning/vacation_planner_service.html.

Alternately, a visitor can explore the Hawaiian Islands on his/her own by embarking from the site’s home page here: www.bestplaceshawaii.com . Within the site, the visitor finds complete Hawaii travel and vacation information including the largest direct source of Hawaii vacation rental homes, vacation rental condos, bed and breakfasts, resorts, hotels, and spas. The Hawaii State Vacation Planner also features the largest collection of vacation activities including luaus, helicopter tours, whale-watching, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, surfing, hiking, golf, guided tours and the like. There is also extensive information on wedding and honeymoon services, major Hawaii events, dining, entertainment, shopping, real estate, airlines, rental cars, and travel booking providers.

The visitor can also take advantage of a number of other free services including a monthly Hawaii travel discounts newsletter, entitled TNT NewsHawaii™, filled with entertaining, valuable, and useful Hawaii vacation information, as well as a free real-time download of a Best Places Hawaii Discount Card. This Discount Card is free to get and pays to use, as it is the only totally free discount travel and activities card in Hawaii. The card has no sign-up or renewal fees and no obligation.

About H&S Publishing, LLC / Best Places Hawaii:
H&S Publishing, LLC, founded in 1985, is a Hawaii-based, privately held technology and media company headquartered on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

H&S Publishing, LLC produces Internet and print products/services primarily focused on the pre-arrival travel and tourism marketplace. The company's high-traffic volume travel Web sites are BestPlacesonEarth.com and BestPlacesHawaii.com.

The company's Destination Marketing System, a proprietary Internet marketing program, generates leads from pre-qualified vacationers and delivers them to licensed clients on a commission-free, high margin, direct-to-consumer, retail basis.

In addition to its Web sites, H&S publishes Kauai Magazine, Kauai Real Estate Magazine, the Hawaii Data Book & Resource Guide Series, maps, and print-on-demand books.

Access to all Web sites and to online versions of the magazines is available through the company's portal site Hawaii Gateway, located at www.hawaiigateway.com

Hey all - check this out now before its too late! The NY Post travel blog is featuring Hawaii and some of the best blog content I've seen in awhile. Enjoy!

NY Post Travel Blog

Below is an article that is about the disruption that has been caused as a result of Aloha Airlines no longer being in the market. This has no doubt had an impact for locals and travelers.

Aloha's Departure Leaves Big Hole in Inter-Island Air Travel

You know, it must be that time of year. If you haven't been out hitting the links, then you'll be. I'll guarantee your golfing clients are dreaming up that next golf trip.

This is actually a very interesting article about the rehab of the Kiahuna Golf Course. Hype or just good PR? If someone knows...please comment.

Kiahuna Golf Club is on the fast track on the Hawaiian island of Kauai

Below is a nice article about golfing in the Princeville area. No earth shattering news. Just something interesting to share with golf minded clients.

Princeville golf

I don't trust economic forecasts. This forecast basically says that there is an arrivals constraint in the short term due to the shutdowns of ATA and Aloha Airlines, and a slow down in cruise traffic. This will lead to 3.9% decrease in arrivals this year.

The economist then sees a nice rebound in 2009. This is a classic story from economists.

Sorry for the pessimism. I just watch what these guys say a lot...and they like to say "we might or will see a slowdown, but then a nice rebound next quarter, next year."

Arrival forecast down

Below is a great article about the other beaches on Oahu. Waikiki is a great beach...but there are other great beaches to explore!

Oahu's other beaches