Hawaii Vacation Enquiry

The above photo is courtesy by my NASA friend Romeo and Mark. .

As a Canadian, any vacation is an expensive adventure, even in our own country. On the average, a two week vacation for a couple in Hawaii will cost between $7500 – $15,000 depending on your life-style.

To me, that’s a big chunk of change. Like any other Canadian, we bite-the-bullet in order to enjoy our stay in Hawaii.

But here’s the thing, wouldn’t you want your customer to come to your resort on a regular basis ?

For example, Las Vegas makes it a lot easier for us to visit Sin City every year with very reasonable prices (excluding gambling) from restaurants, the fashionable resorts and world venue entertainment. A week in Vegas costs a Canadian couple an average of $2000 for room,flight and world class entertainment. If you’re smart and can exercise your gambling restrictions, along with paying closer attention to your food bill, Vegas can be a pleasant stay, taking time to relax by the exotic pools.

So, what is it about Hawaii ?

I would love to go to Hawaii every year if the costs were comparable to Vegas. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case. Well, for Canadians anyway.

I must admit, I do have some restrictions when traveling to Hawaii. The resort must be beachside, clean clean rooms, good food and friendly service. Cocktail drinks and shops nearby are always a plus to any vacation.

My next trip to Hawaii is well planned in advance, religiously checking out the reviews on Travelocity along with keeping up on the resorts Facebook and webpage.

I have been to Hawaii only twice in my lifetime, due to the overall enormous costs (screenwriters aren’t rich) with our last stay in Oahu. This time we have narrowed our vacation spot along the legendary Ka‘anapali beach within close proximity to Black Rock (preferably). Snorkelling with the turtles and suntanning on the most pristine beach in Maui is my plan.

Most recently, I’ve checked on the reviews with two resorts I’m interested in. One is the Sheraton Maui Resort and the other is the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. But, this doesn’t mean these are itched in concrete, as of yet. Still considering the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui and possibly the Andaz at Wailea along with Honua Kai Resort.

Each resort has their pros and cons.

But what’s really important, I certainly don’t want to wake-up at night to a room full of cockroaches. Apparently one guest had this sad experience with one resort in Maui. Seeing a cockroach scurrying across my pillow would certainly make a big impact on my stay.

So far (touch wood) I’ve never experienced cockroaches and I would like to keep it that way.

Going to Vegas has spoiled me with great service, excellent food and inspiring entertainment since 1989. It’s going to be hard not to expect the same in Maui, specially with the price difference.

My search for a great spot on Maui lead me to my “Hawaii Project” Facebook Page, just to see other responses.

Travelocity reviews usually depends on a persons lifestyle and tastes. Some are ok with a small dark room while others are like me, want a 4 – 5 star resort with exceptional service, food and clean, clean,clean rooms.

Vegas has raised the bar in hospitality requirements when it comes to 5 star Resorts, and now it’s very hard to come down in expectations. My Vegas social Facebook site is all about and only about FUN in Vegas. With over 800 true fans I showcase news worthy information, along with my ONLY pleasant stays at select resorts in Vegas with great videos & stunning photos (well, I try as a amateur photographer). If you enjoy FUN in Vegas, you too can join in on the fun and by all means, share your photos.

The same goes with my Hawaii Project. Come on by, share your experiences in Hawaii. Let’s us know why you choose a particular spot or why you would never go again.

Both Facebook page sites are not at all related to any business or are they selling anything. They are both for pure entertainment and to share your fun experiences. Life is too short, not to have FUN.

With my quest to enjoy our stay in Maui, let me know of your experiences and constructive comments.

My question to you, what’s your fave spot in Maui and why?

By Bari Demers

A Planet made of Gold

 

Photo Credit : Tianndra Demers

 
It was once said,” Dreams are more real then life itself.” 

“Data received” I remember saying.  My eyes open to the warm breeze of  trade winds gently caressing my face.  “Ah yes, I know this place well, it reminds me of Kaanapali beach in Maui,” My inner thoughts begin expressing in words,”Damn, I miss Hawaii!” 

Looking over the vast tropical ocean, waves crash like mighty giants, slowly eroding the sandy shores.  My feet are nestled in the warm sand.  It’s then I notice traces of what looks like speckled gold. Am I seeing right? Is this really gold?  Scooping up a handful of sand, I inspect it closer. Stunned, the grains of sand slowly sift through my fingers.  My mind is racing!  Instinctively looking around, I quickly notice miles and miles of the sandy beach speckled with gold, sparkling in the afternoon sun.  Smiling ear to ear, I just can’t believe my luck.  It’s then I hear a voice.

“Are you there?”

It appears I’m wearing a com-set, like some kind of military ops commander. My fingers press it, I listen again.

“Are you there?”

I reply,” Yes! Yes! Hello? Who’s this?”

The distant voice seems sarcastic,” Commander, like you don’t know who this is. It’s Mission Control! Is everything alright?”

It’s then my mind picks up the pieces of my dream.  

“Roger that, everything is fine,” I said.

It becomes prefectly clear now.  I was sent to the far reaches of the galaxy to explore a place only known as ‘Delta 4’.  Looking down at my silver-lined spacesuit, it’s makes even more sense where my dream is taking me. 

My brain instantly catches up.

Earth has reached the point of no return, polluted and over populated. The new powers-to-be sent me out on a mission to explore M-Planets capable of sustaining life. Our advanced technology now allow a chosen few to reach the farthest points of our universe with ease. We no longer require the use of spaceships after all.  Noble Peace Prize winner, Dr Smith, discovered how to genetic manipulate human molecules into what he called,” The Floating Molecules”.  This controversial procedure change the human molecular composition into floating translucent molecules, finally making teleportation a reality.

I know what you’re thinking, but it was all but a dream.

In the horizon, my mind picks out three suns, each at its own distance. “Huh? ” I thought to myself,”A trio of suns. How does this planet possibly sustain life?”

Loud static rings in my ears, abruptly turning my attention to what’s been said.

“Our monitors are seeing everything you see now. You looked puzzled, anything of concern?” said Control Operator Karen.

“It’s nothing really.  I’m seeing three suns in the horizon and…and I’m just wondering the physics of it all. That’s all. It’s amazing here Karen! It’s a planet made of gold.”

With that I wake up. 

What? I’m enjoying this dream. I adjust my pillow and try to go back into my dream.

Nothing. Huh?  

Dream Evaluation 

Well, maybe this interesting dream will continue in the future. Of course I’m trying to evaluate this dream before I forget. What’s the reasoning behind it? Is there a purpose?First of all I noticed my dream is on the Hawaiian Islands of Maui. You can tell I’m missing Hawaii. It’s been seven years since my last visit, before the time of Instagram or Facebook.

I’ve been itching to go back, but for Canadians, it’s a big investment. The other day I was looking at my Facebook page, Hawaii Project, wondering why so few followers. With Instagram, people can instantly showcase their experiences throughout the world. So, maybe a social page on Facebook is already becoming a dinosaur. The whole purpose of Hawaii Project is to interact with others who have experienced Hawaii and love to showcase their photos or videos.

Whatever the reason I’m still missing Hawaii.  After all, who can resist suntanning on the beautiful beaches, surfing, boating and snorkelling in the warm ocean. Without a doubt, experiencing the pineapple plantations bring back good memories. But here I am, saving up for my next trip. Unfortunately, the majority of Canadians make the most of their vacation time, it will last longer than just a few days or week. The cost doubles when heading to any tropical oasis.  You can’t just jump on a plane for the weekend.  Maybe that’s why I spend most of my vacations in Vegas.

I believe my dream is mixing my love for science-fiction with playtime in Hawaii. 

by Bari Demers– screenplay writer for Black Angels.

PS – My photo is of my granddaughter on the beach in the lovely Okanagan Valley.