Fishing off a beach in Hawaii

I continue my series on fishing in Hawaii with a blog about Ulua Fishing. It is very popular with the locals as well as visitors and is probably Hawaii’s most popular game fish. With a little help from my friends I have created this blog that I think you are going to find interesting. Whether you are an avid fisherman or a novice, a trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without a day or two of ulua fishing. Popular with the locals and a destination activity for many, nothing is more exciting than the thrill of wrestling one of these fish to the beach. Ulua put up a fight! Of course, bragging rights go with landing a 100-pounder!

Identification Trevally is the official name for the ulua. Eight varieties exist, with the two most commonly found in Hawaiian waters being the bluefin trevally (omilu) and the giant trevally (white ulua). The latter is the most sought-after. It averages 20 lbs., but can reach 200 lbs. Tip: Under 9 lbs., an ulua is called a papio. Catching one is a guaranteed treat for the fly fisherman.

When you hook an ulua, you know it. This fish is known for its fight, making it a sportsman’s delight. Its ability to run deep–often skimming the bottom, darting into the rocks and coral formations–tests any fisherman’s line and abilities. The bonus is the ulua’s tasty meat. Considered a local delicacy, catch one and try out your favorite sashimi or cooked recipes.

Location Ulua inhabit shallow waters near coral reefs, with the largest fish most commonly found in open waters off the rocky shores and sandy beaches. Seek out areas where lava flows meet water. Anywhere there’s a drop off from the shore to water is a favorite congregation area for the fish. Another option is fishing by kayak or boat.

Tackle The best tackle depends on the type of fishing you’re doing. For the smaller fish, a quick retrieval casting method is preferable. Using a spinning or whipping technique encourages the ulua to strike. For larger fish, dunking works well, and you’ll want a long rod with a high capacity reel. The pole should run 12 to 14 feet with a high capacity reel. Most experts recommend 20 lb. test, and it’s not unusual to go through 400-plus yards of line. Swivel hooks (two per line), a lead weight to anchor your line, and some bait will finish it off. Then anchor your pole in the sand and wait for a bite.

Bait The most common lure used for ulua fishing is the black pili popper, but for larger fish you’ll need larger bait. A technique developed specifically for ulua fishing is called “slide bait fishing.” Developed by locals fishing the rugged coastlines, you slide larger bait (oama, eel, squid and octopus) down the line where it’s stopped by a large metal ring and held in place.

Tips You don’t have to have a fishing license to saltwater fish in Hawaii. All you need is a beach or shore access.

If you’re dunking, don’t forget to tie a bell on your rod. Sometimes you have to wait.

Have fun. Big or small, catching an ulua is guaranteed to be a memorable experience!

Special thanks to Christine Goff — An award-winning author, www.christinegoff.com. And check out this youtube video for a birdseye view of ulua fishing. Whether you fish from the beach or the cliffs you are in for a treat.

Hawaii.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eurGtYPEbbw

I appreciate all of you that have liked my blogs on fishing in Hawaii. My next blog will be about Bottom Fishing which will be my last on fishing for a while. After watching the British Open I had to get out my clubs and play a couple of rounds. Now I have set my sites on blogging about golfing Hawaii style.

PS: I am planning on offering a deep sea fishing trip to the Big island in September, 2013. Kona is the most famous for fishing because the waters off Kona are generally pretty calm and the water gets deep right off the Kona coast so there is not time wasted running to the good fishing grounds. Plus September is usually a really nice time in Hawaii because the summer vacation people are gone and the weather is usually really nice for fishing.

I am still working on the details but I will keep you posted. Send me an email if you are interested. Sign up will be based on first come-first serve to wade@hawaiitravelsolutions.com
Mahalo,

Wade

Preparing for the Big Catch.

It’s a common symptom that may strike any of us. You’ve chosen the perfect Hawaiian island, a beautiful day to go fishing, and the best boat captain & crew.You have 3 of you best friends along to share in both the cost and adventure of a deep-sea fishing excursion. You are ready to land the big one. Several miles from shore you feel dizzy, become nauseated and miserable. You are ready to go back to the hotel room. Your best friends don’t want to commiserate with you. They are ready to catch fish. You spend the day hung over the side of the boat. So much for enjoying a great fishing day.

However, you can take some preliminary precautions that will help you avoid seasickness on your vacation. Captain Jeff’s Charters, out of Kona, The Big Island, offers this list of remedies in order of effectiveness:

1. Scopolamine: This remedy is also referred to as “the patch” and can be obtained by prescription from your doctor. It looks like a little round Band-Aid and is worn behind your ear.  We highly suggest that if you’re using this remedy for the first time, try using one at home first. You don’t want to have an adverse reaction when you’re several miles out at sea.
2. Bonine® : This is the best over the counter remedy in pill form.  Highly recommended by several deep-sea captains through the Islands. There are no others that are “just like Bonine®”. There’s little to no side effect.  You should begin by taking one dose of Bonine® the night before your trip and another dose in the morning when you wake up.
3. Sea Band® : These are pressure point therapy wrist bands. Most people discount this remedy because it “sounds” like a gimmick.  They work!  The nice thing about the bands is that they can be added along with any of the other remedies without conflicting.  Many drug stores carry these bands as a cure for morning sickness.
4. A Natural Alternative – Ginger: There are several natural remedies for treating sea sickness. One of the best is ginger. Take about 500 milligrams just prior to your fishing trip and you should be OK.  Most supermarkets, drug stores  and health food stores have them in stock. In a pinch, drink ginger ale or try eating ginger snap cookies.

PS: Get plenty of sleep the night before your trip and avoid over-eating and drinking “adult beverages.”  I know! – that’s no fun, but you will be in better shape to catch the big one. Celebrate upon your return to terra firma.  Good fishing.

Celebrating Acceptance in the Trusted Traveler Program

Large international airports have the new kiosks that you utilize instead of waiting in ungainly line for an officer to look at your passport, the computer screen, at you, back at the screen, give you a suspicious look and then finally stamp your passport. While there, I learned that you can also use your KNOWN TRAVELER NUMBER to apply with airline frequent flyer accounts to be waived through certain airport gates without having to take your shoes off and all that. For instance, at DFW, the participating gates are C30, D30 and A35. So far, I know that Delta, United and American all participate is some way. I think this will expand in time.

And I have great news! The directions to Terminal D parking were simple. For a 9:40am appointment, we parked our car on Level One, walked about 30 feet to the garage exit, across the street to Terminal D, then less than 50 steps down the hall to the Dept of Homeland Security’s offices. I checked in, sat for about 3 minutes, was called in to talk to an officer, answered a handful of questions, had my photo and fingerprints processed. After a few clicks of the computer they said I was accepted and would receive a card in the mail within two weeks. We were on our way to yoga class and lunch within an hour of our airport arrival time.

In case you are interested, here are the instructions for applying – the cost for the membership is $100 per person:

Go to https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov

• Scroll down the page, under Trusted Traveler Program, the logos for various programs and in the right column of the box under New GOES User, click REGISTER.
• An informational page will appear – Click NEXT
• Begin the Registration Process. You will need to have your passport handy for information.
• After registering, you will receive a message to check back at the site to find out if you are invited to visit the enrollment center (at DFW or other major airports).
• You will need to go back to the site with your new Application ID number. So, write down all of your password information as you go along.
• After 3-4 days, go back to the site to see if you were approved and to set your DFW Airport appointment. Note that the appointment date you prefer may not be available for a couple of weeks.
• Print off the Letter of Invitation and have your passport, birth certificate, driver license and a telephone bill or similar ready to take with you to the appointment. (they only looked at my passport in the meeting, but they tell you to bring more information just in case).

We hope this information was helpful. If you need help putting together your Hawai’i vacation, be sure to contact us. You can find details on Hawai’i Travel Solutions on the web.

Sportfishing Hawai'i

I thought this would be a good blog topic. Therefore, let me see if I can add to the confusion–just joking!!

 When talking about ocean fishing keep in mind the most popular ocean fishing falls into two categories.

• Sport or Game Fishing: Small boats going after big game fish. No guarantee you will catch fish; 6 people max recommended on a boat. But, oh so exciting if you land one like the guy below. There is also the potential for sport fishing in Island Tournaments or taking an overnight fishing adventure.
• Fun Fishing or bottom fishing: Larger boats, a larger group of people and they all usually catch a LOT of smaller fish. Great for the novice fisherman and families It is a nice change of pace on the calm, near-shore waters off Waikiki or Oahu’s South Shore.

Hawaii Travel Solutions would be glad to set you up with the fishing adventure that is right for you. Simply visit our website, click for an Appointment, and you will be on your way to fisherman’s paradise!

Fun Fishing Off Oahu

Fireworks in Hawaii

On the Island of Maui there will be several celebrations. If you are in upcountry Maui in Makawao you can go to their annual rodeo festival. Then head on down to Lahaina Town for a 5:30pm concert on the Library Lawn. It features the Maui Community Band and other performers. Afterwords, there will be a fireworks extravaganza show that starts at 8pm. There will also be shows down the road on Kaanapali Beach. If you are over in the Wailea area, the Grand Wailea is planning a show at 7:45pm.

In Honolulu, on Oahu, expect another celebration off Waikiki Beach. Come early, as the place will be packed!

On Kauai you will find several areas to enjoy the fireworks, from Lihue to Poipu. Ask at your resort for times and locations.

On the Big Island, head on over to Waikoloa Beach Resort. The beautiful fireworks display will be accompanied by the US Air Force Band of the Pacific. Doors open at 5pm for the concert and fireworks are at 8pm. Down in Kailua-Kona there will be a spectacular parade at 5:30pm, followed by a fireworks display at 8:15pm. Over in Hilo the fireworks will start at 8pm from Coconut Island! Hilo will also host (from 11am-5pm) the Hilo Bay BBQ cookoff.

On the Island of Lanai you will be enjoying the annual Pineapple Festival in Lanai City. It will run from 3pm-10pm.

Wherever you are in the islands, I know you will have a memorable experience on the Fourth of July. How could you not? You’re in paradise! To find out how to best plan your trip to Hawaii, please contact us at www.hawaiitravelsolutions.com. Aloha!

The Big Island Lava Flow As Seen By Boat.

Why celebrate a Milestone Event in Hawai’i?

What is a Milestone Event?: An action or event marking a significant stage in life; Special Birthdays, Anniversaries, Reunions and Weddings or Honeymoons, etc.

• For the Lifetime of Memories
• For the Multitude of Unique Activities available to fit each individual in your Travel Group
• For the Spectacular Sunsets, Beauty, Climate and so much more that can only be seen or experienced in Hawai’i

Visit http://hawaiitravelsolutions.com to learn why HTS is your travel source for Milestone Events. Simply fill out our travel questionnaire to begin planning your Aloha Milestone Event or Call 405-708-7678.

Bonus Offer: valid through 09 /28/12

• Cotton Sun & Sea Tote
• In-Room Welcome Gift
• HTS Hawai’i Travel Planning Kit

Transit of Venus

The early Transit of Venus sightings were a huge deal to scientists who used the alignment to measure the size of our solar system. The technique is still used today to search for alien worlds outside our solar system.

There will be Venus Viewing Festivities at various places around the islands, including the Bishop Museum on Oahu and the various observatories around the islands. During the eclipse, Venus will only block a tiny part of the Sun, so you will have to know it’s there to see it! Aloha and happy viewing!

Just a bridge - Road to Hana

Margarite Head, my Grandmother, was one of the most intuitive people I know. She had a direct line to the spiritual world. The most unusual birds would flock to her domain. She could grow anything from nothing. She would have loved Hawai’i. Though she traveled all over the Continent, she never did make it to the Pacific Islands.

For the same reasons Margarite would have loved Hawai’i, I believe a few days on Maui, soaking up knowledge and instruction on mining your past lives for clues to your self, your purpose, your true nature, followed by a couple of days in harmony with the island’s natural wonder would culminate in the ideal personal growth retreat.

The Ainslie MacLeod Maui Retreat, Truly You, is the answer to all the reasons you have for choosing to get away and unwind:

• Is work dragging you down and you need a reprieve?
• Are you longing to connect with nature in a profound way?
• Feeling disconnected from family, your spouse, or even yourself?
• Looking for the magical essence of Hawai’i that will touch your soul?
• Would you like someone to help you create your own perfect moment?
• Are ‘Luxury, Leisure and Lifestyle’ your idea of a great journey?

If your answer is YES to any one of the above questions, go to Hawaii Travel Solutions website to find out how you can be one of the lucky few to experience Truly You Hawai’i.

Ziplining in the Treetops

Ziplining right side up, you learn to trust the line, your own judgment about how fast you can go and when to put on the brakes. Upside down, you put all the trust in the awesome instructors they have on the course. These guys and gals make sure you don’t slam in to the trees at the end of the line. And since they are zipping along with you, they throw in a couple of twirls to make the flight even more exciting. And if you truly let go, you get to see all the beauty of the rain forest along the way – flowers, butterflies, whatever happens to be in front of you at the moment.

Hawai’i offers multiple opportunities for ziplining throughout its natural beauty. Kaua’i offers the Princeville Ranch, with lines spanning a lush valley. At Puhi (Lihue), soar over 200 foot tall Norfolk Pine trees and enjoy the majestic mountain views from 60-80 feet above the valley floor. Out of Poipu, you can fly above the Banyan trees and view a tropical waterfall below.

Oahu has but one zipline featuring awesome views of Kaneohe Bay from a 400 foot line. You can even ride side-by-side with your partner on the dual lines. Or, experience flight at 250′ above a waterfall on the Island of Maui, at the original U.S. zipline experience, cascading from the slopes of Haleakala. The same outfit has a waterfall experience with jaw-dropping scenery at Akaka Falls on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast.

Truly, Hawai’i can be as adventurous or as laid back as you prefer. Let Hawai’i Travel Solutions help you put together a magical, spectacular experience for you and your loved ones. See more about Hawai’i at http://hawaiitravelsolutions.com.

As the sun sets, casual shirts and pants, for both men and women, is normal dress. And dresses or skirts and blouses are also good choices for the girls. If you are going to an upscale restaurant, sport coats are acceptable. And always remember to have a shawl, sweater or jacket of an evening. It can get a little cool after dark, especially if you are on or near the water.

If you will be going to higher elevations, it can get very cold and you will want a heavier coat or sweatshirts. Good hiking shoes are a must if you are planning on being active while in the islands.

Also, a small umbrella will be handy for those quick showers that pop up intermittently during the day. I like the ones that fit in my purse.

In general, “casual” is the word of the day in Hawaii, so pack light and enjoy your Hawaii vacation!