tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16846412697221899982024-03-05T03:05:15.345-10:00Leilani Bed & BreakfastWelcome!
To the new Leilani Bed & Breakfast web log.
Watch this blog for news, events on the Big Island of Hawaii and just daily insights into our life here on the Big Island.
Feel free to post comments or questions and we'll answer them as soon as we can!
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<a href="http://www.leilanibedandbreakfast.com">LeilaniBed&Breakfast.com</a>!Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-81137463721830810632011-04-19T10:43:00.006-10:002011-04-19T13:47:33.125-10:00Tips For An Affordable Vacation In Hawaii<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF1px5sg9WaJwgkmXVhCax_gM6Ev7rRrn3devmMmw5OgxN2ZMunMatlT06NQ0xowaFlrHUXwSZCvj5WofC94yqa6MFQwnEc9VAqsHxWkyVaac129Qrflh0PAkmS0JurUARFAGSfqY-f8/s1600/Blog+photo+-+bird.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF1px5sg9WaJwgkmXVhCax_gM6Ev7rRrn3devmMmw5OgxN2ZMunMatlT06NQ0xowaFlrHUXwSZCvj5WofC94yqa6MFQwnEc9VAqsHxWkyVaac129Qrflh0PAkmS0JurUARFAGSfqY-f8/s320/Blog+photo+-+bird.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597419592274952386" /></a><br />With everything that is going on today, people are feeling they need a vacation more than ever. But, for the same reasons, they are feeling more challenged in being able to take a vacation. Here are some tips that we have gleaned from our guests here at Leilani Bed and Breakfast on turning these challenges into an opportunity for taking their dream vacation in Hawaii.<div><br /></div><div><ol><li>The challenge of rising airfares: Our guests seem to be getting more for their travel dollar by taking fewer, longer vacations. That way, they spend less on airfare overall, really have an opportunity to explore their destination well, and feel like they have more time to relax from their hectic pace and return home refreshed. Most of our guests are from mainland US, Europe, or Australia and are spending two to four weeks in the islands, getting full value from their travel dollar, making their trip an affordable Hawaii vacation.</li><li>The challenge of hotel expenses: More of our guests are travelers who would previously spend all their time at high end resorts. They are finding they can get quality accommodations for far less at many B&B's. By splitting their time between these types of accommodations, their dollar stretches further and they get different experiences. B&B's offer a more personal experience. It is important to look for one, such as ours, that also respects your privacy. And for those B&B's on the Big Island of Hawaii having undergone a quality inspection by HIBBA, you know you will be staying in a clean and respectable establishment. And, you'll be seeing more of the 'real' Hawaii.</li><li>The challenge of affording guided tours: We see our guests picking one or two favorite guided tours, and for the rest of their trip, being their own tour guide with the aid of wonderful Hawaii guide books. We recommend the series of guide books by Wizard Publications. The one for the Big Island is <i>The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guide Book</i>. There is one for each of the main islands. These are so good because they give so much local knowledge not included in other guide books.</li><li>Inter island travel: The best deals are usually directly from the local airline websites, rather than the compare and shop travel sites. Be sure to check the websites for Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines (Go), Island Air, and Pacific Wings.</li><li>Save on dining out in Hawaii: One way to economize is to check before booking your place of accommodations for an available kitchenette, BBQ, or similar facilities, where you can make a few simple dinners. This way you can save your dining dollars for those special nights. We find many of our guests like this option on days that they have been hitting the site seeing trail hard, and just want a quiet relaxing evening.</li><li>Hawaii car rentals: Car rentals are a bit tricky. People want to hold out for the 'best' deal, however, during peak travel periods, the islands can run low on rental cars and waiting to the last minute to book could backfire. Also, some of these rental agencies have a clause that specifies they can give you the class of car you requested, or the best available at the time, which is usually a free upgrade. The unsuspecting may end up with a larger car they didn't need or want, and is a gas guzzler. Sometimes, what appears to be the cheaper offer isn't. Also know that gas prices vary widely around the islands. We can give our guests the latest on the best places to fill up when they arrive.</li><li>Knowing if it is safe: The Hawaiian islands are doing well and thriving after the Japanese earthquake and Hawaii tsunami in March. Those of us involved in the tourist industry want you to have the latest information possible to make you feel comfortable and secure in planning your visit here. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau maintains a post of the latest information to keep you informed at <span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><a href="http://www2.nmgcvbmail.com/hawaii/main/index.php?action=t&tag=special-alert&id=8824&viewers_email=info@leilanibedandbreakfast.com&dest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gohawaii.com%2Fstatewide%2Ftravel-tips%2Fspecial-alert">http://www.gohawaii.com/statewide/travel-tips/special-alert</a>. Please be sure to check this out, to alleviate any concerns you may have. </span></li></ol><div>We hope you have fun planning the vacation of your dreams in Hawaii. Hopefully these tips will help you make it affordable. Don't be shy in asking questions about everything you are booking!</div></div>Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com222tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-40352659833696355402011-03-22T19:06:00.012-10:002011-03-22T19:40:43.739-10:00Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-60184824914080746012011-03-22T19:06:00.011-10:002011-03-22T19:37:41.456-10:00Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-36190676023301203812011-03-22T19:06:00.010-10:002011-03-22T19:22:02.808-10:00Mayday call off Mexico picked up in HawaiiSometimes being in the right place at the right time can make a huge impact. Randy was listening on the maritime net March 21st, and heard a mayday call. A boat in distress off the coast of Mexico, approximately 120 miles west of Ensenada was putting out a mayday call. Due to vessel problems his signal was very weak, and Randy - KH6RC - from his ham radio station here at Leilani Bed and Breakfast on the Big Island Hawaii, was the only person who was able to pick up the weak mayday call from the sailboat. Rex - KC5AGO , in Stonewall, Texas, was able to hear Randy's contact, and notified the US Coast Guard, with Randy acting as the relay for messages to and from the boat in distress. Here is a video of the man and dog rescue for those who want to see your Coast Guard in action. <br />http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/21/coast-guard-rescues-man-dog/<br /><br />The Coast Guard said that if Randy had not heard that call, the results could have been very tragic.Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-62136044917326576932010-12-13T15:36:00.006-10:002010-12-13T16:05:25.111-10:00A Tail of Two Turtles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-kMusWncljgoZx3OEDX9hYai_Y_vBamYfXPkr26_0Lhtj7-fgn_zWpa6iqYr56KFNbLipscPG-vwqyC8pmKVOxwdpQV3HW6ue-ghtWMN8blkJi2avMH00enOi0Q081lHllUE2M4uUoI/s1600/P1000464.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-kMusWncljgoZx3OEDX9hYai_Y_vBamYfXPkr26_0Lhtj7-fgn_zWpa6iqYr56KFNbLipscPG-vwqyC8pmKVOxwdpQV3HW6ue-ghtWMN8blkJi2avMH00enOi0Q081lHllUE2M4uUoI/s320/P1000464.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550350152669525954" /></a><br />Randy and I went to the National Park adjacent to the north side of Honokahau Harbor and walked along the beach for a little break from running errands. We generally make a weekly trip from Ocean View to Kona to stock up for our Leilani Bed & Breakfast guests. It was extremely low tide and we must have seen at least 20 green sea turtles feeding on the bottom of the reef in the shallows. We have been told since that they were all females; the males don't come in close to shore like that. <br /><br />What we discovered is that they get quite territorial over their terrain of algae, and when another turtle approaches, they position themselves to bite the intruders tail, sending them off in a scurry. At first we thought it was just an isolated incident. Then the more we watched, the more tail biting occurred. Some got quite aggressive and in human terms, seemed even revengeful. Check it out next time you are in the area during a low tide. It was very amusing to watch the different personalities! <br /><br />Here are the directions from the parks website: "Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is located on the west coast of the island of Hawai'i, approximately 3 miles south of the Keahole International Airport and 3 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona, on the ocean side of Highway 19." We approached the beach from the north side of the harbor where there is a small parking area and a walk through gate. Here are the directions for that: After you turn into the Harbor road take the first right turn and follow it until you see the Kona Sailing Club. Park in the gravel parking area and look to the right for the park gate. From here it is a 5 minute walk to the south end of the beach. Admission is free.<br /><br />The whole walk along the beachfront is quite long, perhaps a mile or more. You can also see the Ai’opio Fishtrap. And the whales are just arriving offshore, so it could be a good chance to do some whale watching from shore also.<br /><br />Enjoy yet another wonderful sight on this island!<br /><br />Aloha,<br />Randy and LynnLynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-65494523491792113722010-09-18T18:15:00.008-10:002010-09-18T18:34:25.869-10:00Revisiting a favorite place on the Big Island of Hawaii<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH99lA2xjiy3B5dKwU8kPCrDhe9356mnlFDggAEpbLkQcF8mUzcoj9sFJGpfSo_cMzmYaTBfdaOlKvUDvUP1wtGziWaYCk_NVwAr2-2K27UghBmcrw07CdI3Fb670F43gojnkoz0zAQ9s/s1600/P1000278.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH99lA2xjiy3B5dKwU8kPCrDhe9356mnlFDggAEpbLkQcF8mUzcoj9sFJGpfSo_cMzmYaTBfdaOlKvUDvUP1wtGziWaYCk_NVwAr2-2K27UghBmcrw07CdI3Fb670F43gojnkoz0zAQ9s/s320/P1000278.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518473895352245330"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzXQlQUc7vPoR4p1_BWPaODoG2UoYHP_CbUqBMk7p7YO8TOWHdIGrvoeR-gZKAghlbI9YwpsRV3opwuEJZt9b9oei9790yXMxOlZCok-h54rOcX_6uGKcIhxnUvwHQhrpwzsgQNzPNpQ/s1600/P1000288.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzXQlQUc7vPoR4p1_BWPaODoG2UoYHP_CbUqBMk7p7YO8TOWHdIGrvoeR-gZKAghlbI9YwpsRV3opwuEJZt9b9oei9790yXMxOlZCok-h54rOcX_6uGKcIhxnUvwHQhrpwzsgQNzPNpQ/s320/P1000288.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518473717052881906"></a><br />Randy and I finally replaced our "old" digital camera with a new one with much better resolution. To try it out, we went to one of our favorite stomping grounds, Black Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is just a short drive from the Leilani Bed and Breakfast. It was late in the afternoon and the sun and shadows were really great. So, what do you think?<div><br /></div><div>The first two are of the fresh water pond, just behind the beach. And of course for the last picture, I had to shoot one of my wonderful friends, this amazing green sea turtle. I would say I see a turtle about 85% of the time I go to Black Sand Beach. Usually they are resting on the sand, but sometimes you see them nibbling on the algae on the rocks in the shallow water. For, me they are a symbol of wisdom. I often take a break from our B&B here on the south end of the Island of Hawaii and go and visit them. There are plenty of coconut palm trees along the beach for shade to hang out in comfort and watch. Of course you can also see them when you are swimming or snorkeling there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKjGvl6UCqxwQlYcJFCeGH8Kbm9kPr62VGCqggzC5rdO7hp95tMTmIslX5SS43Ak5GC2dj9ltFJ2_ROiIiwX7as-zQ6mW3hrdA2TQmZTijeSmmRmJUa821xQv0UomArqmj-7fPoshi3E/s1600/P1000297.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKjGvl6UCqxwQlYcJFCeGH8Kbm9kPr62VGCqggzC5rdO7hp95tMTmIslX5SS43Ak5GC2dj9ltFJ2_ROiIiwX7as-zQ6mW3hrdA2TQmZTijeSmmRmJUa821xQv0UomArqmj-7fPoshi3E/s320/P1000297.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518474437210459474"></a><br /><br />By the way, when you do go there, be sure to take some beach shoes. The black sand can get really hot on a sunny day!</div>Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-83669847504322836932010-01-22T14:30:00.006-10:002010-01-22T15:24:14.863-10:00A New Hidden Gem on the Island<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn3Y9mehuGTny-dPu21vj_II5rttwFTtJLHVhS6zP0PvuDBPgks5xOAlD2R65XP6slBDaQLLxpnpqxCpkn6e6hqR9id9ibVZx5at_5RL4S0085hzzBYHWNceXWskN2-mluDlq-GxCU5g/s1600-h/P1010368.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn3Y9mehuGTny-dPu21vj_II5rttwFTtJLHVhS6zP0PvuDBPgks5xOAlD2R65XP6slBDaQLLxpnpqxCpkn6e6hqR9id9ibVZx5at_5RL4S0085hzzBYHWNceXWskN2-mluDlq-GxCU5g/s320/P1010368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429738806718792290" /></a><br />Randy and I made a day trip up to the north end of the island to see exceptionally large waves that had been reported. As it turned out, the waves seemed to have reached the island of Oahu and stopped, for the ones we saw were only a few feet. However, our adventure turned out great.<br /><br />We found a small state park that we had not previously visited, Lapakahi State Park. It is the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian settlement of fishermen and farmers. It was originally settled in the 1300's. The location is exquisite, right on the waterfront with beautiful little coves. There is a two mile trail throug the grounds with a self-guiding brochure available. Most of the artifacts are original with a few restorations.<br /><br />The other part of the adventure that was so great was that it was a wonderful whale watching day. All along the west coast, we could see whales. We must have spotted 40-50. We stopped at several good spots to watch and picnic.<br /><br />This day trip made us realize just how easy it is for our guests at the Leilani Bed and Breakfast to experience wonderful day trips. The island is big, but not so big that you can't explore beautiful, remote places on the other end of the island in a leisurely day trip!<br /><br />Keep in mind that the whale watching season in Hawaii is from Nov - March, with the best possibilities in the middle of those months.<br /><br />Happy travels to all.<br />Lynn VanLeeuwenLynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-46731370018222416272008-04-24T03:45:00.000-10:002008-04-24T03:47:22.464-10:00Amateur Radio Operators and Coast Guards Worldwide Cooperate to Perform MAYDAY RescueAt 03:00Z on the Saturday Pacific seafarers ham radio net, controller Randy KH6RC in his Ocean View, Hawaii radio shack, received a relay from Patricia ZL2RK aboard SV Chameleon, at Aur Atoll in the Marshall Islands. She had contacted RCC New Zealand at 02:45z to declare a MAYDAY for SV Windswept, a 62 foot trimaran. The trimaran had been dismasted [80ft mast] in the Marshal Islands. There were two people on board, husband and wife, both in there 70's. They had communicated with SV Chameleon by marine SSB, as they do not have a ham radio license. The New Zealand Coast Guard declared the boat out of their domain, and said they would forward the request to the US Coast Guard.<br /><br />Randy KH6RC on the Big island of Hawaii was requested to contact RCC Honolulu to follow up with US Coast Guard. At 03:20Z Randy called 808-535-3333 and confirmed contact with Newzeland Coast Guard. They determined that the Australian patrol boat, LOMAX, was in the area and could be deployed out of Majuro to locate the distressed vessel, Windswept. At 21:20z Sunday, Randy received word from the US Coastguard in Honolulu that the Australian patrol boat Lomax had:<br /><br />#1 located the distressed vessel <span style="font-style: italic;">Windswept</span><br />#2 Had performed engineering assistance<br />#3 Was in the process of escorting distressed vessel Windswept back to Majuro, Marshal Islands.<br /><br />The crew on Windswept was able to set up an emergency HF antenna to maintain an hourly schedule on frequency 8173 SSB. This greatly assisted the coast guards and radio operators in locating them and providing assistance.<br /><br />A special thanks goes out to the coastguards of Newzeland, Australia,<br />and United States of America for a job well done. Also to ham radio operators worldwide for keeping their ears open to those in need.<br /><br /><br />Aloooha,Randy KH6RCLynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-25652949287076013832007-12-19T09:59:00.000-10:002007-12-19T10:04:36.225-10:00Rare DX Station<p class="MsoPlainText">Around 5:30 pm Thursday November 29<sup>th</sup>, Randy was on the ham radio, finishing up with the nightly role call on the pacific seafarers net. This amateur radio net caters to boats cruising near the <st1:placename st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Island</st1:placetype> or underway in the <st1:place st="on">Pacific Ocean</st1:place>. Wile making the final call for vessels to join the role call he received a radio contact from a call sign that was very unfamiliar.</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">The call sign, XU7ACQ, belongs to operator John transmitting from his station in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cambodia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Although the distance between his QTH (location) and our bed and breakfast in <st1:state st="on">Hawaii</st1:state> (we’re located between Kona and <st1:city st="on">Hilo</st1:city>) is not the furthest distance, the excitement was that John is only one of two permanent ham radio stations in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cambodia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>The other station is only involved with Digital operations.</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">John visits his family in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cambodia</st1:place></st1:country-region> annually and has a permanent ham radio station set up for his 5 week stays. He has been having these extended reunions with his family for the past 5 years. While there he is trying to get an award for working all <st1:country-region st="on">US</st1:country-region> states from his <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region></st1:place> station.</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">In all those years he had not previously made a contact in the <st1:place st="on">Hawaiian Islands</st1:place>. Randy was happy to be his first <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Hawaii</st1:state></st1:place> station, from the Leilani Bed & Breakfast DMX radio lab (a feature we offer to our bed and breakfast guests).</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">John and Randy had an "armchair quality chat” for over an hour during which time Randy called a couple of other HAMS on the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> to make contact with John.</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">While they were on the air we were joined by other stations in Guam, Tasmania, and later South Africa.</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">DXing from PARADISE can be interesting and a good test of radio equipment and antennas.</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">Considering this is the lowest cycle of propagation for "bouncing radio signals around the world"<br />in many years, it just goes with the saying that at Leilani Bed and Breakfast…</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;" align="center">****BIG ISLAND = BIG SIGNAL****</p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText">Aloha, Randy & Lynn</p>Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-50830472845152017862007-11-21T03:48:00.001-10:002007-11-21T04:47:29.320-10:00Thanksgiving in Paradise<p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" face="trebuchet ms">We at the Leilani Bed & Breakfast are preparing to have a traditional gathering around the dinner table with our friends. So what is Thanksgiving in paradise like? Our menu is going to be pretty traditional, with a little contemporary touch of tropical fruits. But what we find different here is that so many open their homes to those who might otherwise be alone.</p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" face="trebuchet ms">We have invited some world cruisers who have just sailed to the Big Island of Hawaii, finding safe anchorage for the storm season. Randy plays an important role as one of the net control operators for the Pacific Seafarers Net (<a href="http://www.leilanibedandbreakfast.com/ham_radio.html">as mentioned on our web site</a>, we offer an amateur/DX radio [or “ham” radio as some people call it] lab on site at our Big Island Bed & Breakfast. This group helps to track boats on long journeys across the Pacific, making it possible for their loved ones to monitor their progress through the internet and other communications. Through that work, he met these new friends over the “air”.</p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" face="trebuchet ms">We do not have any family here on the big island, but will also have the faces of many friends we have made while living here. Unfortunately, just a few minutes before writing this, we got word that we have lost a dear friend here, whom we had known for many years from our own sailing days. We are thankful for having known him, a man who lived his dreams with gusto, very accomplished, yet brought great joy and laughter to all our encounters. His wife expressed his journey so beautifully, that he is now sailing the endless skies above us.</p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" face="trebuchet ms"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p>So it is with this joy and sadness that we extend our appreciation for all the blessings in our life.</p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms">We feel so fortunate to be living in this beautiful place, so off the beaten path and to have such wonderful friends, new and old, to be living a life of passion, happiness, health, fulfillment, comfort and beauty. We are thankful for the great abundance in our lives: our love for each other, our skills and talents, the land we live on, the open spaces, the perfect temperatures, the serendipity we experience, the integrity we encounter, our visions, ideas, freedom, independence and peace we both experience and generate.</p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms">The bounty on our table is symbolic of all of this. For that, we, too, are grateful.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms">So on Thursday, we will be ( in addition to a Bed <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>and Breakfast) a “Diner”, as our guests will join us at the table, not as customers, but as new acquaintances, sharing in the community aloha.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms">We are not alone in extending our table. The Ocean View Community Association will be serving over 200 dinners to anyone in the community who doesn’t want to eat alone, doesn’t feel like cooking, or is just looking to join bigger festivities, as well as those in need. Come one, come all.</p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms">We extend our blessing to our family of readers, wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families and friends, where ever you are.</p><br /><br /><p> </p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms">Much aloha,</p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms">Lynn and Randy</p>Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-69791914487740226122007-11-02T02:16:00.000-10:002007-11-23T05:14:03.975-10:00Whale Watching Season Is Coming Soon! - See them off of South Point<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.leilanibedandbreakfast.com/aboutus.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Whale watching season</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> is almost here. The Big Island of Hawaii gears up for the return of the humpback whales in November. These graceful mammals are always extremely entertaining to watch.</span></p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Guests at our B&B love to go just down the road to South Point and watch them swim around the peninsula. It is an even bigger thrill to be at the southern most tip of the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> and see this fantastic sight at the same time. Seeing a double breech is just magical!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is just one of the local spots in the vicinity of the </span><a href="http://www.leilanibedandbreakfast.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Leilani Bed & Breakfast</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> where these sightings are possible from land.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.leilanibedandbreakfast.com/images/whalewatching_250.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://www.leilanibedandbreakfast.com/images/whalewatching_250.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Many tourists book themselves out on boat excursions from various spots on the island to get a closer look, but there is something to be said for viewing them undisturbed, reverently, and from such a magnificent natural perch.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We invite people to our “hidden paradise” and experience this wonder of nature.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>The Big Island of Hawaii and whale watching!<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>It will take your breath away!</span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Much aloha,</span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Lynn & Randy</strong></span></p>Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684641269722189998.post-23385613117640193412007-10-18T02:01:00.000-10:002007-11-23T05:12:47.262-10:00Aloha! From the Big Island of Hawaii!<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Aloha!</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Since this is our first blog entry it seems appropriate to start it off with talking about a word we use often, but many do not fully appreciate its depth – aloha.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Aloha has many meanings. The tourists to our islands quickly pick up on its use to mean hello or goodbye. From the Hawaiian dictionary we also get a complete academic review of its many meanings: love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity, greeting, salutation, regards; sweetheart, lover, loved one, to love, to be fond of, etc.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Before opening the <a href="http://www.leilanibedandbreakfast.com/">Leilani Bed & Breakfast</a> we held a traditional Hawaiian blessing for our place. We felt very blessed to be here and wanted to share the local culture. We invited Auntie Leilehua Yuen to do the honors. Realizing that many of the guests were new to the islands she was generous in explaining everything she did, starting with her greeting. She explained that the literal translation of aloha is “I give my essence to you”, and when you are in the intimate vicinity of the person being so honored, they take a deep inhalation and breath in that essence as you say the word. This is the true spirit of aloha. What could be more genuine, generous, and deeply connecting?</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many of our B&B guests have given us testimonials citing our generous hospitality. They are just experiencing us living aloha.</span></p><br /><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Aloha,<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Lynn and Randy</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Lynn's Biohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146262864051930046noreply@blogger.com1