Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Free Entrance Days in the National ParksFree Entrance Days in the National Parks

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks




America's Best Idea - the national parks - gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.*

Mark your calendar for the final fee-free days in 2011:

  • November 11-13
    Veterans Day weekend

Make plans now to visit the national parks on these 2012 fee-free dates:

  • January 14-16
    Martin Luther King Jr. weekend
  • April 21-29
    National Park Week
  • June 9
    Get Outdoors Day
  • September 29
    National Public Lands Day
  • November 10-12
    Veterans Day weekend

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Pahoa High and Intermediate School’s
2nd Annual Fantastic Family Fun Fair
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Pahoa High School Campus & Kickball Field
For more information contact Jewel Castro, PHIS Student Activities Coordinator, at (808) 965-2150 ext. 180 or sign-up for ‘Ohana Kickball Game with Pahoa’s Boys and Girls Club at (808) 640-1034.

Pahoa High and Intermediate School’s 2nd Annual Fantastic Family Fun Fair

Pahoa High and Intermediate School’s
2nd Annual Fantastic Family Fun Fair
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Pahoa High School Campus & Kickball Field
For more information contact Jewel Castro, PHIS Student Activities Coordinator, at (808) 965-2150 ext. 180 or sign-up for ‘Ohana Kickball Game with Pahoa’s Boys and Girls Club at (808) 640-1034.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

An Elopement in Paradise fit for a King and his Queen 4/30/2011

An unexpected business trip to Hawaii made up our minds. We would elope! I wanted to find a castle... because I had found my Prince. Google gave us Castle in Hawaii and then we gave Sherri (aka castle lady :) a nearly impossible task... pull together our wedding within a few weeks... but we weren't sure of anything not even the date or when exactly we could arrive! Sherri rolled with our last minute thoughts and changes, arrival and wedding dates... and pulled together a ceremony and reception beyond our imaginations. It was beautiful, surreal and absolutely unforgettable. Our stay at the castle was also like a fairy tale... high comfortable beds, outside showers, a hot tub under the stars, bountiful breakfasts served to us in our lanai are just a few of the features and services that made Castle in Hawaii the ideal honeymoon or romantic getaway spot. We were also impressed with Sherri's desire to accommodate our needs... whether they be sightseeing, relaxing or just taking in the local flavor. Sherri was there to personally greet us at the airport upon our arrival and kiss us good bye as we unwillingly departed... another service that we greatly appreciated. Thank you to Sherri, her very awesome husband John and everybody who was involved in our magical and memorable time in Hawaii... and don't worry dear "Castle Lady" ... we will be back! :)

Laura Lee Sawyer and Chuck Todd Torrens

Monday, August 1, 2011

Friday, July 15, 2011

Going Green for a Vacation Rental or YOUR home

I FOUND THIS ONLINE (DIDN'T WRITE IT MYSELF)

Cleaning Your Home:
Consider the products you or your housekeeper are using to clean your home. Did you know that on cleaning day the air pollution at your home could be up to 10 times worse than in busy cities? Best is to use eco-products or even make some of your own.

Typical household cleaners are petroleum based, which contain toxins. With all the major brands rushing to the shelves with their own environmentally-friendly labeled products, make sure that what you're buying is truly “eco” and not just a marketing tactic. You can quickly determine the recycled content and scan the packaging for a seal from a third party certification organization like Green Seal. If you can't use rags for cleaning, try to purchase 100% recycled paper towels. Also, double-check products with vague terms or sweeping claims like “natural” or “environmentally safe.”

Or, using a few simple and cheap ingredients, you can create your own products.

* Window cleaner: 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water. Add a drop of dish detergent to remove residue from previous glass cleaners.
* All-purpose cleaner: Castile soap (soap made from olive or vegetable oil) and water.
* Disinfectant: 1 tsp of tea tree oil to 2 cups of water.
* Oven cleaner: Baking soda mixed with water. (it needs to sit overnight)


Directions and Rules for a Vacation Rental
It might be a good idea to send some general environmental guidelines to guests with directions. Or simply post them with other information at the home. For example, you could provide instructions for recycling or where to throw out organic trash that can be used for composting. You might want to talk about ways to keep the wildlife healthy in your area, like reminding renters not to go near dolphins if you are on the beach. Without going overboard and micro-managing your guests' stay, you can gently suggest ways to help the environment while they are on vacation.

Grilling and Eating
A favorite pastime is grilling out on the deck or patio. To be more environmentally conscious, use natural gas or propane for a cleaner burn. Avoid lighter fluid and charcoal.

When purchasing food to eat, keep in mind: seasonal, sustainable, organic, and local.

* Seasonal: Not only do seasonal products taste better when they are in season, but it is actually healthier for you and the environment. A typical meal travels 1500 miles from farm to fork, emitting a lot of greenhouse gases along the way. Eating “seasonally” will also help to keep local farmers in business. Fortunately many vacation properties are located in areas that have farmstands and farmer's markets. Highlight these in your guest handbook or directions so the renters can easily find them.
* Sustainable: Our salmon and shrimp supply, for example, is depleting. Suggest recommended fish in your area.
* Organic: This has become a popular buzz word, but some people are confused by the definition. This means that what you're eating is simply food grown without chemical pesticides. Again, this is better for us and for the planet and can be supplied by some local farmers. Point your renters to local grocery stores and food stands that carry organic food and products.
* Local: Help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing locally. Chances are the renters will also like the authentic experience of purchasing local foods from the towns they are visiting.


Enjoying the Water
Renters might want to experience all that their vacation home and destination have to offer. However, being unfamiliar with the area, they might not be aware of how their actions could affect the environment. Here are a few more tips to offer if you are on or near a lake or ocean.

* Sunscreen: Sunscreens have parabens that are absorbed into the skin and can be hormone-altering. When we go into lakes with these products on our skin, the marine life can be affected (scientists have seen evidence of gender bending.) Zinc products sit on the skin and repel water. Plus there are clear zinc products nowadays — no more white strip down your nose like in the "olden" days!
* Soaps and shampoos: Some people might want to get back to nature by bathing in a nearby lake. However, using soaps and shampoos in the water is not healthy for our planet. They need soil to be truly biodegradable, so it is best to stick to the showers. You can even provide eco-friendly soaps and shampoos for your guests to use as an added touch.

If you have a vacation rental, remember to suggest these tips gently, though, so as not to be overbearing. If the renter sees your concern and care for the environment without taking control of their vacation, they should be happy to comply.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
hemoglobin Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school (England) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

PS: NEVER put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

Monday, July 4, 2011

THE WINNER OF THE DRAWING OF THE FREE WEEK

Drum roll please! The winner of the free week is... Barbara Louise of Ohio!

Mahalo to everyone who "liked" the new business page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Castle-in-Hawaii/207732132583111?sk=wall

Stay tuned for more fun and exciting things to come. Tell a friend!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Looking forward to drawing a winner for our free week! Stay tuned and good luck to all who "liked" the new Castle Business Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Castle-in-Hawaii/207732132583111?sk=wall

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Big Island Film Festival/Wounded Warrior

Congratulations to Jean and Lee Hendrix of Kamuela who won the stay here at the Castle in the silent auction to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project. We can’t wait to host and connect with them!

http://www.bigislandfilmfestival.com/auction.html

Monday, May 9, 2011

DRAWING FOR A FREE WEEK AT THE CASTLE IN HAWAII

Official Rules
Eligibility: Drawing for a free week (FIVE DAYS AND FOUR NIGHTS) at the Castle in Hawaii is open to everyone, world-wide, 18 years of age or older. The Contest is null and void wherever prohibited by law. Officers, directors, and employees of Sponsor and its affiliates, as well as those individual’s immediate family members and the residents of their households are not eligible.

Promotion Period (HAWAIIAN TIME): Begins 6 A.M. on May 15, 2011
and ends midnight on July 15, 2011.

How to Enter:
Simply click on this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Castle-in-Hawaii/207732132583111?sk=wall (IF LINK DOESN'T "WORK" COPY AND PASTE THE URL INTO YOUR BROWSER)
and click “like”.

Additional entries: anyone that linked the link and liked it prior to May 15, 2011 is automatically entered a second time.

Drawing: On or about 7/4/11, the Sponsor will pick one of the people who liked the link.
Prize, Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) & Odds: One (1) Grand Prize: a week stay
(four nights and five days) at the castle in Hawaii vacation rental. (ARV: $975).
No substitution, cash redemption or transfer of prize is permitted except at Sponsor’s sole discretion. All federal, state and local taxes, and all other costs associated with acceptance or use of the prizes, are the sole responsibility of the winner. Odds of winning prize depends on the number of entries received. Unclaimed prize will not be awarded. Accommodations subject to availability, winner must call before making travel plans. Reservation must be made by 12/1/11 and used by 12/31/12.
General Rules: All federal, state and local laws apply. Winner will be required to call before making travel plans with exact date winner wants to stay and then sign a Rental Confirmation agreement with all the details. After signing if winner cancels reservation, no re-booking will be permitted. Winner may purchase additional nights to ADD to winning week only, at $75/night. Potential winners may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability and a Publicity Release within seven (7) days of attempted delivery or prize will be forfeited. By participating, participants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless Sponsor from and against any and all liability or damages associated with this Promotion or acceptance, use or misuse of any prize received in this Promotion. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer or administration of the Promotion. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for the Sponsor to use winner’s name and likeness for purposes of advertising and publicity without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. By participating in this Promotion, participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules.
Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, stolen, illegible, inaccurate, damaged, incomplete, non-delivered or postage-due mail; or for printing, distribution or production errors or for technical, hardware, software, or telephone malfunctions of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, incomplete, inaccurate, garbled or delayed electronic communications caused by the user or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in this Promotion, or by any human, or other error, which may occur in this Promotion. If there is any suspected or actual evidence of tampering with any portion of the Promotion or if technical difficulties compromise the integrity of the Promotion, the Sponsor reserves the right to void suspect entries and/or modify and/or terminate the Promotion and/or conduct a random drawing to award the prizes using all known eligible non-suspect entries received. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any individual who tampers with the Promotion or Castle Website or acts in a disruptive manner. This Promotion is offered worldwide and is governed by the laws of the State of Hawaii. By entering, entrants irrevocably consent to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Hawaii located in the county of Hawaii for any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Promotion. By participating in this Promotion, participant waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages, attorneys’ fees or any damages.
Sponsor: CastleInHawaii.com aka Castle Enterprises, Box 166, Pahoa HI 96778

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park May 2011

Hawai‘i National Park, HI – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing the Hawaiian host culture with the community and visitors throughout May. Programs are free, but Park entrance fees may apply. Mark your calendars for these three upcoming events:

Lei Hulu and Ulana Pāpale Lauhala. Master lei maker Kilohana Domingo demonstrates the intricate art of feather work and feather lei making, lei hulu. Lehua Domingo (Kilohana’s mother) will share the beautiful ‘anoni style of weaving lau hala into an exquisite hat. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: Wed., May 11 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitors Center lānai

An Evening of Hula and Hawaiian Music. Hālau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu ma Kīlauea honors, prepares for and performs hula. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” series of cultural programs.
When: Wed., May 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitors Center Auditorium

Ku‘i Kalo. Park Ranger Jason “J.Z.” Zimmer shares the art of making poi, a skill he learned from his grandfather. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: Wed., May 25, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitors Center lānai

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Fan Page on Facebook

My new bff (and press agent?) the fabulous Lin Decker, our recent guest, has been gracious enough to help me (technically challenged) make a "fan" page. Whatever that is (she said it's a "must have" so I believe her!) Please stay tuned because we're getting ready to start a NEW drawing for a free week at the Castle... it will be easy... just like us, really like us (thanks Sally) and you will be entered into the drawing automatically (Hey we'll bribe you to like us if we have to!) To those who already "like"d it, (well mostly my family and guests who have been here)... don't you fret - we'll take care of you - ALL will be automatically entered. Stay tuned for details as they develop (on the blog)... if you go to the Castle website blog link is there. Also would love to hear comments on the destination wedding link... had a couple just leave us last night... but they said it was a wedding they will NEVER forget. And we believe them. Aloha for now. More to come. .

Thursday, March 17, 2011

http://www.gohawaii.com/

Grateful that GoHawaii keeps us posted!




http://mailcenter2।newmediagateway.com/hawaii/main/index.php?action=viewsenthtml&id=8818&ids=8849cdcd15d4361799c22edb5be5db71821dd7ab&viewers_email=info@castleinhawaii.com

Sunday, March 6, 2011

JUST FOR FUN - Adult Truths

1. Part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
7. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
8. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
9. Bad decisions make good stories.
10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
11. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
12. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
13. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
14. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
15. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
16. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
17. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

WINNER OF THE FREE WEEK

Pleased to announce the winner of the free week - Lin Decker of Chicago Illinois.
Now just a matter of choosing WHICH of her AMAZING ideas to use on our www.CastleInHawaii.com site. Stay tuned.

Follow Lin on twitter @gr8lakesevents.

Mahalo to all those who entered. We appreciate your time and support.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

The 5th Annual Hawai`i Avocado Festival

Saturday, February 19th at Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden for live entertainment; Hawaiian Cultural Performances, Local Agricultural Presentations, Healing Arts, Green Fashion, and Organic Treats, lots of fun and games for the entire family emphasizing Sustainability and Zero Waste.


Support local growers and

vendors and help Kona Pacific Public Charter School.


Free Guacamole and so much more!!!


For more information call:

(808) 334-3340 or (808) 936-5233

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

WINNER OF THE FREE WEEK

Winner of the drawing for the free week stay at the Castle has been postponed until February 14, 2011... perfect Valentine gift! Sorry for the delay and inconvenience.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

SPECIAL DEALS ON HAWAIIAN AIRLINES GOING ON NOW...

Unbelievable... Hawaiian Airlines has fares Roundtrip from Portland to Hawaii UNDER $400. You can check it out (and other special deals at their website):

http://www.hawaiianair.com/Specialoffers/Pages/New-Year-Travel-Hawaii.aspx?LID=4982_HeroHeadline&HACMP=4982_EMMP_HA-Fare-New-Year-Outbound_20110105-2_Hawaii_Explore-New-Destinations-Starting-From-374-RT_20110105&RID=172682412&MID=4982

(apparently the link process for this blog site DOESN'T work, so you have to copy and paste into your browser - sorry)

Monday, January 3, 2011

3 Ways to Practice the Slow Food Movement

By Dr. Weil:
The Slow Food Movement - which started in Italy in the 1980s - encourages people to slow the pace of life in order to truly savor not only foods and beverages, but the pleasure of eating and the companionship of friends and family sitting around the table. Traditional foods that are fresh, made from local ingredients and served during leisurely meals are the focus of this movement. From a health perspective, this philosophy is a much-needed departure from "fast food," which is designed to be eaten on the run. If you want to get involved in the Slow Food Movement, try the following:

1. Shop for fresh, organically grown local produce and baked goods at farmers' markets.
2. Patronize restaurants that specialize in local or regional foods.
3. Keep family traditions alive. Think about the foods your grandparents prepared for holidays or family gatherings, and try to replicate what you can.

For more of these gems I encourage you to sign up for Dr. Weil's newsletter.