Did you know that Hawaii has 14 active civil aviation airports, 5 of which handle the bulk of the state’s inter-island and trans-Pacific traffic?

Which is the oldest of Hawaii’s airports, and why is Maui’s airport code OGG? Read on to find out more.

Hawaii’s first airport? That’s Honolulu International (HNL), which was originally called John Rodgers Airport. It opened in 1927 and was named in honor of the aviator and sailor. In 1925, Rodgers made the first trans-Pacific flight from California. When his plane ran out of fuel hundreds of miles from Hawaii, he crafted sails from the wings in order to complete the journey.

Maui’s Kahului Airport, was designated OGG in honor of aviation legend, and Kauai native, Bertram J. Hogg (which is pronounced Hoag).

Hilo Airport: Where did the code ITO come from? I’m not really sure. The obvious code for the Big Island airport would have been HIL, which was already taken in Ethiopia. It may have been named after an early manager at the airport for Hawaiian Air, whose name was of course, Ito.

Kona Airport (KOA) is built on recent lava flow and is the only major island airport that doesn’t use a jetway. When the airplane doors open you descend the stairs under a warm, Hawaii sky. KOA opened in 1970 although construction continued for another twenty years. Since then the population on the Westside of Big Island has increased 50 percent.

JHM. This airport code isn’t widely known, but represents Maui’s airport near Kapalua Resort. It replaced the prior Kaanapali Airport in 1987. The code is in honor of John H. Magoon, who was Hawaiian Airlines’ president when the company developed the airport.

LIH, Kauai’s airport in Lihue was not its first. That honor goes to Burns Field near Hanapepe’s Salt Pond Beach Park. Commercial flights by Hawaiian Airlines started there in 1929. A year later, runways at Burns Field were extended with use of prison labor which played a part in construction at other Hawaii airports as well.

Do you have any interesting facts you care to share about Hawaii’s rich history in civil aviation?

You can learn more about Hawaii’s airports on the State’s airport site.

The annual humpback whale count takes place January 28, February 25 and March 31 on the Big Island, Kauai and Oahu. Even if you don’t have time to come to Hawaii right now, or haven’t found your perfect Hawaii travel deal yet, you can still help. So read on.

Volunteers are needed to keep watch of whale behavior, complete a site map and spread awareness about humpback whales in Hawaii. If you’re in the islands during the whale count, this is a great opportunity to mix with locals and other visitors. You’ll likely make some new friends. Plan to see us there too and as this will be both fun and fascinating.

If you can’t be here during whale count you can still help with a donation to this worthwhile cause. Another way to show support is to purchase a 2012 whale count t-shirt or Hawaii music CD dedicated to ocean conservation.

Please sign up to be a volunteer on NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale site.

You might also enjoy reading:

• Free Whale Watching in Hawaii.
• Killer Whales Join Burgeoning Humpback Population in Hawaii.

Photo credit: noaa.gov

Postcards will take on a new tropical feeling this week when the Hawaii aloha shirt stamps are released by the US Postal Service. The shirts depict surfing, fish, shells, Bird of Paradise flowers and the Kilauea volcano. It’s a perfect way to honor the 75th anniversary of this iconic shirt.

If you’re a philatelist like I am, these new stamps take on even more feeling. I’ve been waiting to see the new stamps since they were first announced last year. They will be available starting Thursday and also online. I have a feeling that my friend Michael will be one of the first to buy. We wrote about him last year and our visit to Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts in Honolulu.

Ric Noyle is the Kaimuki, Oahu-based photographer who was commissioned for the stamp art. His photos can also be seen around the state including at the Halekulani Hotel, on Roberts tour buses and in books.

For other Hawaii stamp lovers, we aren’t done yet. Later this year, a Forever Stamp featuring the bonsai art of Hilo artist John D. Dawson will be introduced.

The sweet smell of Anahola Granola has been baking in small batches for the past twenty-five years. It’s now made in the quaint town of Hanapepe on Kauai’s west side.

It all began back in the Christmas of 1986 when Becky sold her homemade granola at craft fairs. From that first batch, the business has grown into one of the best island treats you can find. Anahola Granola is now available throughout the islands and at select Costco stores in Hawaii.

While the small bakery is not big enough for visitors, I was able to get a tour. Walking inside is a feast for the senses. It’s like being Willy Wonka and having chocolate replaced by the sweet smell of honey and oats toasting.

I make my own granola at home and it’s a lot of work. What surprised me is that many of my cooking techniques are the same as what I found at Anahola Granola. The small group of bakers toast the oats on individual cookie sheets and then mix in the same type of containers that I use. That’s why Anahola Granola still tastes homemade. There’s a lot of care that goes into each package.

Free Flat Rate Shipping: Just in time for holiday shopping or any time of year when you crave the taste of the islands, have Anahola Granola sent to you right from Hanapepe. You’ll need to buy in larger quantities for this offer. Check their website for details including information on their frequent purchase discounts.

Becky credits her success to taking risks, having an entrepreneurial spirit, embracing the power of networking and surrounding herself with good people. Her enthusiasm and love for baking is contagious. As I left she handed me one of her new MacaMania bars to try. It was a great energy pick-up for my next stop, Hanapepe’s Island Gym.

Which Anahola Granola is your favorite: Mango Ginger, Tropical, Original, Trail Mix or MacaMania?

It’s whale season in Hawaii from now through next Spring, and it’s easy to spot giant Humpbacks on your Hawaii vacation. Seeing Humpbacks weighing up to 90,000 lbs is a sight that no local or Hawaii visitor ever tires of.

Whale watching tours are popular on all the islands. For the most up-close viewing, there’s nothing like a tour. It’s definitely possible, however, to see whales on dry land for free (now that’s a Hawaii deal), and without getting sea sick (an issue for me–if something works for you, let me know).

Park yourself along a popular shoreline, and get ready for an adventure. If you’re able to capture a photo of the fast-moving behemoths you’re in luck. I’m still trying to capture the perfect photo; I always miss by a second. With well over 5,000 of the huge animals in the state at this time of year, they shouldn’t be all that hard to spot on your own.

Big Island

My best viewings have happened along the Kohala coast. Friends have told me they also see them at Hilo and Kawaihae.

Kauai

Places to look for whales include Poipu Beach Park and all south shore Kauai beaches, north of Kapaa on the east side, and from Kilauea to the Napali coast.

Maui

Once the hub of Hawaii whaling that almost brought the species to extinction, Maui is now renowned for perhaps the state’s best whale-watching opportunities. Locations along and west and south shores are considered prime. I’ve seen them at Pohaku Beach Park.

Oahu

You won’t have to go far from Honolulu to see whales. I’ve seen whales near Diamond Head, from Sandy Beach to Makapuu, and at Hanauma Bay and Waimea.

More About Whales in Hawaii

• Did you know that there are also killer whales here in Hawaii?
• You can learn more about Humpback whales from NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources and from the American Cetacean Society.

What are your best  Hawaii whale-spotting experiences?

Hawaii weddings! At the Pono Market in Kapaa, I got my marriage license to go with my lau lau pork plate lunch. It just goes to show how easy it is to get married here, and one of the many reasons why Hawaii is a top destination for nuptuals. 

Let's start with the license. During lunch, the clerk (who was also the chef), prepared our food and processed the paperwork. All we had to do was pay $60 (plus lunch), show our ID and have a 20 minute appointment. We left with a full stomach and a marriage license valid in Hawaii for thirty days. Now that's a Hawaii travel deal. 

What about same-sex couples? Civil Unions start January 1, 2012 and the Department of Health plans to announce the application procedure soon.

Finding an officiant. Many resorts will help set up your meeting with their preferred marriage officiant, but if you are a DIY'er, you can call the local marriage license office for the names, addresses and phone numbers of marriage license agents near when you will be enjoying your Hawaii vacation:

• Big Island: (808) 974-6008
• Kauai: (808) 241-3498
• Maui: (808) 984-8210
• Oahu: (808) 586-4544

Here are some useful links:

• Marriage License Info from the Hawaii Department of Health
• Marriage License Application

If you applied for a marriage license in Hawaii be sure to share your experiences. Stay tuned for "Getting Married in Hawaii Part 2 – Beach Wedding Logistics."

Kristin is a member of the Beat of Hawaii/Techspokes Media marketing team. She relocated to Kauai from New York City last year and is a newlywed. Kristin will be sharing her experiences planning a Hawaii wedding in future posts.

Halloween in the islands is like no other and is celebrated with a passion that is Hawaii. Whether you’re in Hawaii now or just wishing you were, here’s an update on some of the festivities around the state this weekend:

Halloween in Lahaina

This is perhaps the consummate Hawaii Halloween event. You won’t be alone, with 25,000 or more guests expected to attend. Front Street will be closed to traffic for the first time in three years. I can’t wait to hear how this goes. It should be a blast.

Details: Monday, October 31. Check out Lahaina Halloween and plan to get there early. Children’s Parade starts at sunset. Cost: free.

Mission Houses Museum Spookilau, Honolulu

Head into the real world of ghost hunters, via Spooky Kine Investigations, Hawaii’s very real ghost hunting and paranormal investigations group as they share their equipment, techniques, stories, and experiences. It takes place at a great venue, the historic Mission Houses Museum (and cemetery) in Honolulu.

You’ll get to participate in two investigations with real ghost hunting equipment as well as discuss Hawaii supernatural phenomena with experts.

Details: Sponsored by Mission Houses Museum. Saturday October 29, 6-9pm. Cost: $8 in advance or $10.

Hallowballoo Music and Arts Festival, Honolulu

The 4th annual Honolulu music and arts bash takes place in the Honolulu Arts District. Expect a crowd as over 16,000 participated last year.

It includes a free Saturday night street festival. There will be entertainment galore including more than forty performances by bands, DJ’s and theatrical groups.

Details: In the Honolulu Arts District (some events take place elsewhere in Honolulu). October 28 through 30. Cost: free to $50.

Haunted Village, Honolulu

University of Hawaii at Manoa has a special Imaginarium show “Nightwalk” for the whole family. It includes a freaky physics lab tour, spooky cartoon videos, “chicken skin” stories.

Audiences will be guided on a nightwalk down a creepy crypt and into a haunted mansion filled with bats, ghosts and spooky things that go boo in the night.

Details: At UH Manoa on Oahu. October 30, 6-8 pm. Cost: free to $3.

Haunted Lagoon, Laie

The Polynesian Cultural Center hosts a haunted lagoon through October 31 where “there’s something lurking in the water.” Take their frightening canoe ride listed as Hawaii’s favorite Halloween adventure.

Details: At Polynesian Cultural Center daily from 6:30pm. Cost: $13-$25 per person (check website for available discounts).

Pumpkin Patch, Kapolei

Halloween isn’t complete without pumpkins, although finding a pumpkin patch in Hawaii will be nearly as hard as finding a place to ski. This one on Oahu is sure to please. They’ll have events throughout the upcoming weekend and it’s a place to pick up locally grown pumpkins in all shapes and sizes too.

Details: At Aloun Farm in Kapolei. Cost: $1.

Kauai Boo Ball, Lihue

This fundraiser for Live Music Kauai features a dance with music from “String Theory,” photo booth, pupus, desserts and more. Prizes for best costume.

Details: Live Music Kauai Boo Ball, Friday, October 28, 7-10pm, Veteran’s Center near the airport. Cost: $25 per person.

Do you have any events you know of that we can add to the list?

PS: If you’re not here this year, why not plan to spend next Halloween in Hawaii.

We’re big coffee fans at Beat of Hawaii. Jeff hand-roasts weekly and the office crew consumes copious amounts of his fresh brewed Hawaii coffees. So when it comes time to find new sources of the finest beans from the islands, we’re always on the lookout.

Kona Coffee Festival

The 41st annual Kona Coffee and Cultural Festival is about to take place on the Big Island from November 4 through 13. And to find us there, look for us in our soon to be unveiled new Beat of Hawaii t-shirts.

One highlight is the famous cupping contest to determine this year’s winners. Here are the events I’m planning to attend:

1. Saturday Morning Art Stroll. This will be an opportunity to see great art while tasting coffee from (according to Beat of Hawaii friend and Hawaii coffee legend Shawn Steinman), up to 40 farms!

2. Sunday Picking Contest. Held at one of the coffee farms, this competition tests coffee pickers on speed and agility.

Where to find Hawaii-grown coffees

If you can’t make it to the Kona Coffee Festival but still want to try an assortment of Hawaii’s great coffee’s, here are some suggestions:

1. Beach Bum Cafe, Honolulu

Honolulu’s Beach Bum Cafe proudly serves only 100% Hawaii coffees from all of the islands. It is freshly roasted and brewed one cup at a time. You’ll find them downtown at 1088 Bishop Street, Executive Center Suite 101.

2. Mt. Kahala Coffee Co., Waikiki

Waikiki’s gourmet coffee shop is located at the Illikai Hotel. They roast all their own coffees on Oahu’s north shore. Their specialty is Hawaiian Coffees, from five different islands.

2. Coffees of Hawaii, Molokai

Our friends at Coffees of Hawaii offer up a consistently excellent variety of Molokai and Maui grown and home-roasted beans. You’ll have no problem finding one you love. Read our report of our visit from two years ago.

3. Kauai Coffee Company, Kauai

As you may recall, the state (and country’s) largest coffee farm was recently returned to the hands of prior partner Hills Bros. That not withstanding, if you want to try the best of Kauai beans, try their estate-roasted Peaberry, available only through their Eleele store.

4. Big Island coffee farms.

There are about 40 active farms in and around the Holualoa area near Kona. Many offer coffee tours and all ship their coffees to the mainland. Touring farms include Greenwell Farms that we visited and wrote about previously, a new favorite, Hula Daddy, Mountain Thunder and others.

Did we miss any places for great Hawaii coffees? If so, please let us know.

Smile, you’re on Candid Camera in Honolulu. I love taking photos in Waikiki. How about you? But when I just learned that my next photo may well be taken by a police security camera, I thought it might be time to break out my newest Tommy Bahama shirt.

Honolulu’s City Council is about to approve a plan for surveillance cameras that will number 200 in total. The plan will integrate 34 new cameras with security cams already located in Chinatown, downtown and in Waikiki, along with the city’s traffic cameras.

APEC

For one week in November, the eyes of the world will be on Hawaii. –Mike McCartney, HTA.

The timing of the new cameras is to coordinate with the 2011 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting set to take place in Honolulu from November 7-13. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Hawaii to shine before a global audience. President Obama will be in attendance along with heads of 20 Pacific countries. It’s also a time to avoid problems at all cost.

Honolulu is America’s Third Best City

It’s recent ranking from Bloomberg/Businessweek gives the city a thumb up on environment, beaches, mountains, and clean air. They also made note of an economic resiliency and low unemployment.

This week’s Hawaii travel deals Jeff posted to Honolulu make it an ideal time to plan a Waikiki vacation. If you don’t like crowds, however, perhaps avoid APEC week.

No matter where you are in the world, you can celebrate Statehood Day in Hawaii.

Honolulu Magazine is offering a $10 yearly subscription today only. I’m a regular reader. Thanks to them I found Sweet Home Cafe and free yoga in Kapiolani Park across from Sans Souci (weekdays at 5pm, weekends at 8:30am).

Made In Hawaii Festival is this weekend at Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena. Meet vendors, watch cooking demonstrations and listen to entertainers like Makana.

If you’re not able to attend, you can check out the list of vendors. Many have websites with information on their products.

I also found last year’s 2010 Made In Hawaii Festival Recipes. Check them out and cook island style this weekend.

The only frustration we have with Statehood Day is that Jeff can’t find out if he needs to report for jury duty on Monday. The courthouse phone lines are down and offices closed. Maybe it’s a sign to go to the beach and hang loose. Have a great weekend!