Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. They are Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai. Most first-timers planning a trip to one or more than one island have numerous questions relating to where exactly to go and how exactly to get there. This primer will answer those questions.

All interisland flights are through Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines, or Island Air. Best prices will usually be through the website or through your mainland flight company.

Oahu is the hub of Hawaii transportation. Most mainland and International flights will fly into the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Travelers heading on to another island may have to deplane and get on an interisland flight to reach their final destination. The airport is located on the outskirts of Honolulu, about a 20 minute drive to Waikiki, and about a 45 minute drive to the North Shore. There are no ferries from Oahu to any other island.

Maui has three airports. The major airport is Kahalui Airport (OGG) which allows direct flights from the West coast of the U.S. mainland. The drive from the airport to Kihei or Wailea is less than half an hour, but can take an hour to Lahaina or Kaanapali. Much closer to the Lahaina area is Kapalua Airport (JHM) but you can only fly there from Honolulu. Hana (HNM) also has an airport if you don’t want to drive, but you’ll be taking a very small plane. Check with Pacific Wings. You can normally find day ferries from Maui to Lanai and Molokai.

The Big Island (named Hawaii, but called the Big Island to avoid confusion) has two airports, Hilo International Airport (ITO), and Keahole Airport (KOA). These two airports are a 2.5 hour drive from each other. Hilo is closest to Honokaa, Kapoho, and Volcano. Keahole is in Kailua-Kona which is closest to all of Kona, Puako, Kohala, Waikoloa, and Waimea. There are direct flights from the mainland only to Keahole. There are no ferries from the Big Island to any other island.

Kauai has one airport, Lihue Airport (LIH), in Lihue, and you can find direct flights from the mainland on some carriers. Lihue is about halfway to everything on the island - but a bit closer to Poipu than Princeville. There are no ferrys from Kauai to any other island.

Molokai has one airport, Molokai Airport (MKK) in central Molokai. You will probably have to take a small airplane in, usually no bigger than a 20 seater. Island Air will fly you in from Honolulu or Kahului. Small commercial boats will ferry you from Maui to Molokai.

Lanai has one airport, Lanai Airport (LNY), near Lanai City. Lanai airport also only accepts small airplanes. Island Air will fly you in from Honolulu. Small commercial boats will ferry you from Maui to Molokai.

By 2007 Hawaii Super Ferry should be operating between all the islands and will hopefully revolutionize our current expensive and inefficient interisland travel systems. Until then, book your flight online and early.

Lisa lives on the Big Island of Hawaii and publishes an online Hawaii travel guide at http://www.andhawaii.com

Ghostly Pennies…Ronald H. PopeGhostly pennies

The state of Arizona attracts millions of visitors all year round from all over the world. Attractions include the Grand Canyon, majestic mountains, Indian ruins, ghost towns, river rafting, horseback riding, cattle drives, and not to be overlooked, the vast appeal of Historic Route 66 and its folklore history. Kingman, Arizona is the heart of the old Route 66 and its past is long on legend and lore. A past that included Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, their marriage in Kingman and their stay at the legendary Hotel Brunswick. Kingman, Arizona was also the home of Andy Devine and the stopover refueling spot for airmail carriers including the promotional visit by Charles A. Lindbergh in 1928.

But back to the Hotel Brunswick and the strange story of the two original owners John Mulligan and J.W. Thompson whose names are still visible on the hotel facade. Mulligan and Thompson feuded over a woman in 1909. The bitter feud resulted in the two owners dividing the hotel in half, one taking the bar and 25 rooms, the other the restaurant and the other 25 rooms. Obviously, neither owner wished to sell and the divided hotel ran under the feuding ownership. Mulligan married the woman in dispute and the couple had a daughter who tragically met her death in 1920 by a fall down a staircase on her tricycle. Pre natural sightings of the little girl wandering the second and third floors leaving pennies for her favorite guests have been made in the hotel from time to time.

Gerard Guedon bought the property in the late 90s and has carefully restored the Hotel Brunswick to its original condition including a few suspected bullet holes in the walls. Downsizing was necessary, however, to bring the hotel up to current standards and the original 50 rooms have now been reduced to 25 rooms. Single bedrooms (called Cowboys and Cowgirls) are affordably priced at $30.00 per night. Regular rooms are $55 being a bedroom and a bath and suites (bedroom, living room and bath) $88. The hotel is a boutique inn complete with restaurant and a bar. Rates include a continental breakfast.

The Hotel Brunswick is great place to stay with a charming, attentive host who candidly admits that he has decided to move on to a new venture and the hotel has been listed for sale with an Arizona broker. You can view sale particulars at http://www.popemakesdeals.com/busandmotels.htm For directions to the hotel please click on http://www.mapquest.com

This property has been featured in Kingman Daily Miner, Standard News, Arizona Holidays, TV 77, Todays News-Herald, The Arizona Republic Travel & Explore

Ronald H. Pope is President of Pope Estates Arizona Inc. Business Brokers & Commercial Realtors in Scottsdale, Arizona http://www.popemakesdeals.comHe has authored numerous articles including the soon to be eBook published ‘Jack, a Story About a Horse.’