1) Sunscreen is a must, regardless of the weather. Even if it is cloudy or overcast the sun in Hawaii can be merciless so wear sunscreen whenever you plan to be outdoors for more than a few minutes.
2) If you are driving to Hana, make sure that you have a full tank of gas. There is only one gas station in Hana and gas is at least $1 more per gallon. It's also a good idea to pack a cooler with water, juice or sodas and sandwiches. There are only a few places to buy food in Hana.
3) Seabands apply continuous pressure on a point on each wrist using a plastic stud and are very good for motion sickness (without drugs or side effects), plus they are reusable and can be worn in the water. They are easy to take along with you on your daily trips.
4) Leave your valuables in your safe in your room. Do not leave valuables in your car if the vehicle will be unattended, especially in remote locations or on the beach, while you are enjoying the warm tropical water.
5) If you drive to the summit of Haleakala, make sure to put your car in low gear when you drive back down the volcano, so that you don't burn out the brakes on your vehicle.
6) We recommend that you bring a light jacket or sweater if you are planning to attend any of the island shows or a luau. The indoor theatres will be air conditioned and some may be chilly. Many of the luaus are close to the oceanfront and the air can be cool after the sun goes down.
7) Lahaina is more fun to visit in the evening. During the day it can be very hot with little air movement on Front St. because of the narrow streets. All of the shops and restaurants are open late into the evening.
8) Wear darker colored tops when taking a helicopter or "flight-seeing" tour. You'll be able to take better photographs with less reflection through the windows of the aircraft.
9) When playing in the ocean, be careful of the surf. Do not turn your back on the water, rogue waves can suddenly appear and create dangerous shore breaks.
10) If you take any boat trips for snorkeling, sailing or whale watching make sure to bring a towel with you because the boats do not provide towels. Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera / film, hats / caps, and a light cover-up are also recommended.
You've picked the furniture, the carpets, even the window treatments ? but what to do with that glaring, empty wall space?
Here's my list of the Top Ten decorative accents for your walls:
1. Hand-touched Giclee Print on Canvas ? OK, it's not an original artwork, but it looks pretty darn close and is much more affordable. With the quality of giclee reproduction coupled with the texture of canvas and the added texture provided by hand-embellished oil paint, only you and your wallet will know the difference. With gallery-wrapped options, no frame is needed, and say goodbye to the glare you get from glass-encased prints.
2. Memo or Chalkboard ? Make that accent functional as well as decorative. For busy families on the go, a message board is an indispensable way to remember those little errands. Choices include magnetic chalkboards with unique magnets, ornate wood or decorative metal framed corkboards with funky pushpins, or memo boards coupled with art prints.
3. Decorative Ironwork ? A unique wall hanging, it will not compete with colors, patterns and textures in the room like a painting might. Iron finishes can range from rustic and antique to shiny and new, depending on how you want to complement the rest of the elements in the room.
4. Uniquely framed antique glass mirror ? I love the look of smoky antiqued styles, they are mirrors without being mirrors, if you know what I mean. They add reflected light and help to visually enlarge a room.
5. Candle Sconce ? Add a little romantic light and instant ambiance without paying an electrician to rewire. Wrap cascading bead garland around the base of your candle to really dress it up.
6. Wall Planter ? You don't need a green thumb to bring a ?natural? feel to a room. Some realistic faux trailing ivy or a bunch of artificial hydrangea flowers will do wonders, and only you will know the truth.
7. Shadow Box Displays ? Show off a few prized possessions or treasured mementos to personalize your d'cor. Use your imagination, and the possibilities are endless. And you can't be any more unique ? your art will be one of a kind.
8. Reproduction Antique Clock ? Make a timely statement with an interesting and functional wall clock. Styles reminiscent of vintage establishments and cities around the world suggest they were plucked off the wall of a century-old caf?.
9. Coat & Hat Hooks ? Face it, coats never make it into the closet when you first get home, so cut to the chase and hang some great hooks so you can at least get them off the backs of your chairs.
10. Photograph Collection ? My personal favorite, and a guaranteed show stopper. Who can resist stopping to gaze at your best shots? For a really impactful display, unify the group with one consistent element, such as similar frames, the same color mats, the same size or all black and white images.
Each situation is different, so take note of what you already have and how big an area you have to work with while you consider the suggestions above. Although some options are obviously not suited to some rooms, try to visualize the space with one or more accents and run with your favorite choice.
Don't just leave that empty wall hanging! Dress it stylishly and you will give your room the finished look it deserves, and yourself an elegantly decorated room you can be proud of.
Both Shannon Jennewein & Kimberly Lawn are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Shannon Jennewein has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure. Shannon Jennewein is the Internet Marketing Manager of , the official home page for the Embassy Vacation Resort, Kaanapali Beach. She is also th. Shannon Jennewein's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Kimberly Lawn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Travel and Leisure. Kimberly Lawn is the founder of , a unique online store featuring distinctive accents, furniture, art and gifts for the well-appointed home, specializing. Kimberly Lawn's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.