The best service and everyone is respectful and professional but the ambiance of this hotel is what makes it amazing.
Putrajaya is already a small city and not too populated - which I LOVE! The hotel is no different and it made our stay seems almost exclusive.
We payed extra for the morning buffet and it's better than any other buffet I've ever gone to for anything.
I can't stop raving about this place but here are some pictures of this beautiful lake side hotel.
There are four main building compounds and they represent the main cultural contributions to Malay culture: Malay, Arabic, Chinese and Indian
This room was pretty big and we didn't even reserve the biggest one. There is a nice sitting area next to the bed and opposite end of the room is a lovely little office area.
Messy bed - too lazy to make it for the photo - but you get the point
In the first post on what to do in Hilo, I talked about places to visit. My second post about Hilo, I continued my list of places to visit and talked about free events. In this post, I will be talking about making friends with local groups and keeping busy with organizations around town.
Let's face it! Hilo is a small town and you may not think there is much to do and not many people out there to meet. You'll be surprised about how many groups are out there looking for new members and starting fun projects.
Let's get our Nerd On!
1. Geocaching Supposedly, this whole thing started at the advent of GPS and just testing out the system. Little did they know, their experiment would start a world wide phenomenon that involves using million dollar satellites to find cheap Tupperware in the middle of bum-fuck nowhere. The Group on the Big Island is very laid back and you get to find some of the best places to explore when searching for these caches.
2. Ingress I'll be honest, I know NOTHING about Ingress but I have lots of friends doing this AND I'll be starting this up when I go to BKK at the end of the year. Just watch the video. All I know is I was told to join the RESISTANCE Team or BLUE TEAM (I don't care. Do whatever you want!)
3. HawaiiCon - Volunteer and get into the Conference for FREE Well, if you work the required hours and so forth but you'll be able to save over a $200 if you go this route and love to geek out at Sci-Fi/Fantasy Conferences. This one is fun and laid back and it's at an AWESOME locations.
4. Panaewa Zoo & Friends. On Wednesday and Saturday each week, you get to chill with the animals. Wednesdays were my favorite days, "Enrichment Days" for our petting zoo pals. We got to take our the goats, Jellybean and Jose (R.I.P.) for a walk and visit all the animals and give them treats. On Saturdays, you helped to bring them to the petting zoo area and got to keep them company as they are harassed by kids. I LOVED working at the zoo! My favorite time of year is Christmas at the Zoo! My inner (and outer) kid has a field days on this day.
I was in the cage with the Lemur for X-Mas at the Zoo watching him eat his banana.
5. Volunteer for the Downtown Improvement Association There's one particular program I love, "Let's Grow Hilo" where they decorate downtown Hilo with edible plants.
6. Basically Books First Friday's Read Aloud Whether you are an avid reader, a thespian, a public speaker or just plain bored, stop by on First Friday events on Hilo Bayfront and read passages from your favorite book or any genre or rating.
Banned Book Week (this was banned because the little boy is naked on a few pages)
Actually, there is an awesome interview of Stephen Colbert & Maurice Sendak that I'll add to the bottom of the post
7. Couch Surfing If you love meeting people from all over the world and have an extra room, couch, or floor space, host someone from couch surfing. It's one of the best organizations I've even joined to made some great friends through this group. I cannot stress how much CS has enriched my traveling experience and being a host to my hometown. If you have questions about the Island of Hawaii, check out my profile and PM me.
8. Big Island Road Runners This group of runners are some of the friendliest people I know, no matter your skill in running. Whether you're a novice just starting out or an experienced marathoner/ultra runner, this group of people are there for you. Even if you don't run, it's really fun to help out at events and meet new people!
9. Join a Performing group. There are a few theaters throughout the Big Island and it seems like a cast call every month or so. Keep an eye out for Cast Calls at Palace Theaters, Volcano KMC theater, Aloha Theater, UHH Theater and a few more. It's a great way to keep busy, meet knew people and test the capactiy of your memory and mobility.
10. Trail Clean ups and Beach cleans up. Keep an eye for National Trail Day, a national event but also a fun educational one where you learn about the trails you are cleaning up, the history of the area as well as its significance.
Welcome (back) to Hilo, UH Vulcans Part II. This particular blog incorporates holidays as well
1. Stargazing around Hilo (and just outside of Hilo) that are FREE!
Moon Hill - Gosh how do I explain this. It's just past Alae Cemetary Road and yeah....I'll find a way to GPS this bugga.
Puna just past 4 corners, go straight instead of turn right for Wai Opae/Kapoho. You'll find Kumukahi Light House and the best place to stargaze in Puna.
2. Best Spots to Watch Fireworks (without the crowd):
Most holidays have Parades. Fun to see but if you're just driving in town to shop, keep in mind you may get stuck behind a long line of floats and horses
September Hilo KWXX Hoolaulea - Usually a Saturday late September 20 something. This year it's being help on Saturday September 26, 2015
Just to give you an idea how big Hoolaulea is. Did I mention it is FREE!
Hawaii Island All Nations Powwow - There are a lot of people that are part Native American and they gather in late September to celebrate their culture
Halloween - There's a tradition of Obake stories and ghost hunting. A lot of times, we visit the so-called haunted places: Babies Cry, Hilo High School, etc. Everyone here has their favorite spot
Old Hilo Memorial Hospital a.k.a Babies Cry - Creepy as all hell...especially at night
Black and White Night (Hilo Bay Front) - First Friday of November, all the shops will be open late and various music groups will be playing.
It's an old flyer but you get the picture. Very fun night but also very crowded. Check the Downtown Improvement Association (DIA) Website for actual date every year.
Black Friday Shopping - I'm not a huge shopper but those of you that are, you can wait in line from 2am at Prince Kuhio Plaza for the door buster at 6 or 7 when the mall opens for a chance to win a shopping spree and enjoy all the great sales.
Red and White Night (Hilo Bay Front) - First Friday of December, similar deal as B&W Nite but a bit low key.
FIRST FRIDAY EVERY MONTH - Hilo Bay Front Shops are open later and usually have events and food trucks.
4. Check the local Calendar section of the Newspaper (Some Events are FREE, Others not):
I always stumble upon events that usually are not that well known.
5. Check out various Factories, Farms, and Gardens (NOT FREE):
Nani Mau Garden
Onomea Botanical Gardens
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens (FREE!): I'm a HUGE fan of their Petting Zoo on Saturdays 1:30-2:30pm
I adopted these two to support the Enrichment Program within the Zoo since it's a free Zoo. Jellybean is the cute Miniature Zebu and Jose is the Standoffish Llama (unfortunately, poor Jose just passed away. R.I.P)
BONUS:
I HIGHLY recommend going to the Zoo for the Christmas at the Zoo event. It's one of the best things I did as part of their Enrichment Program.
Welcome back to school, UH Hilo Vulcans! A brand new semester and for many, a brand new home. I will recommend you look up on Google and ask Siri where these places are because it's way too tiring to hyperlink EVERYTHING (don't forget to add Hilo to the name because these are common names)! This is stuff that my group of friends and I did to to keep ourselves busy.
Here are just a few tips on Random things that'll help you survive the semester:
1. What do I do in a town that essentially closes at 7pm?
Go Sing Karaoke - Most of these places will give you free appetizers if you order a drink - definitely better than peanuts
Go Star Gazing on Mauna Kea at the Visitor Center - granted not Hilo but still something to do
Go to the beach to watch the stars or have a picnic at night on a full moon: I recommend Carl Smith Beach Park
Go and find all the porn shops and check them out - yeah, we were that bored
2. I have the munchies, it's late and I don't know what's open after 11pm. Try:
Fast Food Joints: Mcy D's, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, 7/11
Supermarkets that close after 12
Safeway closes after 12
KTA closes at midnight
Walmart closes at 1pm
Ken's Pancake House - This on is a typical one but open 24/7
Zippys - normally open until 11pm but 24/7 on Friday & Saturday
Kampai's Sake and Ramen - open 5pm to 1pm
3. I'm craving a bit of ethnic food. Where do I go?
Not only does this store/cafe have great ice cream for hot days, but you can also get some of the best loose leaf teas and sandwiches (I LOVE getting loose leaf bergamot (a.k.a. Earl Grey) tea and a Lox 'n Beagal)
They key is to go into the back room!
You walk through the main store, Past the Cash Register, Past the refrigerated section and into the back room that looks like it's for employees but REALLY it's an extra sitting room that is comfortable and best of all, QUIET.
It's the absolute best way to study and have time alone time.
BONUS:
If you're up for a hike and some beautiful waterfalls, check out my other ultra secret spot.
Also, now that I'm leaving the Island for an adventure soon, I don't mind sharing it with everyone :D Granted over the years the word has gotten out and more and more students are going there but back when I used to go there, you'd get that place all to yourself. To find it check out this blog.
If you want to check out different sites around the island, check out my board.
If you have any suggestions and want to add things for all the new residents in Hilo, Please leave a Comment!
Hawaii is known for its tropical beauty, white pristine beaches and glorious waterfalls, but unfortunately, everyone knows about the "popular spots".
Why, it's down right frustrating if you're trying to find the perfect combination of awe inspiring backdrop, a fun place to explore, and hardest of all, peace and tranquility.
Take a closer look
As a local, I know I get irked when all my favorite spots for a bit of R & R is inundated with everyone and their grandmother, and their calabash cousins!
But, there is one area that I find to be my absolute favorite spot because it includes every one of those key aforementioned elements for the perfect spot.
It may not seem like much but the trail to the waterfalls begins with a slight uphill 1 mile hike into Piihonua watershed
Once you reach the outer boundaries of the forest, turn right and you'll find this enchanting path. From there just follow it all the way down until you see waterfalls.
Still not convinced...?
How about I show you some spheres of this areas during a dry spell? Let's start from here:
(click on the hyperlink to see it as a sphere)
Right where I'm standing has a ladder that will lead you to a great place to take a dip!
(same area as 4 pics up)
I won't lie. It's really cold!
This also happens to be a fun little natural pool to swim in and if you swim further towards the left and towards the back, there's a small waterfall and lava tube. If you choose not to swim and would rather stay dry, well, let me show you the way.
I'm at the base of the first pool but if you follow that wall down to the end, you'll find a path that you can climb down and end up at the second pool I'm in front of.
At the second pool and now below the area depicted above.
A bit further down from the second pool and different angle of the same area.
I'd recommend you check out this place before more people find out, and it's bound to happen soon! If this doesn't tickle your fancy then....
Get back here and keep walking!
You'll know you're on the right track if you walk across this
...See this while on the bridge, now keep walking straight up.
Now, I'm just going to tell you to keep walking....for 6 miles and you'll know when you've reached the end when you pass by construction materials as well as crossed a bridge with ponds on each side.
Let me know if you saw the tree. You'll know which one I'm talking about.
Most of these places will give you free appetizers if you order a drink - definitely better than peanuts 
