Hawaii attracts about 7 million visitors annually and its no wonder: with a beautiful natural landscape, rich culture, and vast range of activities, it is one of the most diverse destinations in the U.S. No two islands of the six-island chain are the same, and even different areas and coasts of a single island can vary drastically. This can make it difficult to choose an island for your vacation, but it also means that all kinds of travelers can find what theyre looking for and fortunately, travel among the islands is relatively easy and stress-free. So whether you plan on island-hopping throughout your trip, or prefer to pick one island thats best suited to your needs, our handy island guide will make planning your Hawaiian getaway a breeze.

If you want

It makes sense that the largest island (larger, in fact, than all the other islands combined) would be the most diverse, and those who seek a well-rounded experience will love the Big Island. Between fiery volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, white-sand, black-sand, and even green-sand beaches, blossoming meadows and snow-capped mountains, the options are seemingly endless. Visitors can sunbathe and snorkel by day and stargaze from frigid mountaintops by night. Stay at Outrigger Fairway Villas. This clean, affordable condo property in Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast offers an uncommon level of privacy: Its located inside a gated community and surrounded by a golf course. Ranch-inspired buildings house multi-room units, complete with full kitchens and washer/dryers, and property features include an attractive (if small) infinity pool and an open-air fitness room.

With not a single stoplight on the island, it really doesnt need to be said that Lanai is a bit off of Hawaiis beaten path, making it a perfect spot for secluded romance. For years, Lanai was just a tiny island covered by a pineapple plantation and it hasnt changed much since except that some of the pineapple trees have been traded in for a few high-end resorts (where celebrity couples will occasionally stay as guests). Even though its jaw-dropping natural beauty (which includes cerulean ocean and lush forests) is its best asset, visitors will also small-town coziness which allows for a decidedly romantic feel on this undeveloped isle. Stay at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. Offering top-rated dining, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a pristine pool and spa, and exceptional service (easily some of the best in Hawaii, it includes a 24-hour concierge, numerous beach and pool attendants, and twice-daily housekeeping), this resort is a favorite among honeymooners.

Kauai draws visitors with the wild grandeur of its lush, mountainous terrain. Its craggy shores and natural wonders are an adventure junkies playground; the 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon, the lava-rock seawater pool at Queens Bath, and the remote, towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast are among the worlds most unique attractions, and adrenaline-spiking activities include hiking, surfing, kayaking, skydiving, and rock-climbing. Stay at Kauai Beach Resort. This private, quiet property has large rooms, gorgeous sunrises over a rugged beach, a waterslide and sand-bottom pool, and a romantic bar with live music.

Hawaiis second largest island, Maui arguably lives up to its boastful slogan Maui no ka oi (Maui is the best). With hundreds of beachside resorts and hotels, as well as some of the most swimmable and surfable shores in the state, Maui offers the classic beach vacation experience. While there is plenty to satisfy those who like to keep active, theres even more opportunity for leisurely pursuits such as sunbathing, golf, and spa-going. Stay at Marriott Wailea Resort. Situated on a rock between two beaches, the 22-acre, 546-room Wailea Marriott has panoramic ocean views and a serene vibe thats missing from some of the more crowded, neighboring resorts. The hotels spiffy rooms, gorgeous adult-only infinity pool (where you can sip on a mai tai), reputable spa, and popular restaurant make it the best midrange option in ritzy Wailea.

Molokai is the second smallest island in the Hawaiian chain and many would argue that it feels even more secluded and untouched than Lanai. In fact, nearly half of its residents are of native Hawaiian descent, giving it its moniker The Most Hawaiian Island. In addition to the requisite white-sand beaches, Molokai has considerable historic charm and is rich in culture; it is home to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a well-maintained historic seaside settlement, as well as numerous centuries-old churches, plantations, and coconut groves. While the island is beautiful and culturally rich, most choose to visit just for the day by ferry from either Maui or Lanai. Stay at The Plantation Inn. Less than a 10-minute walk from the dock where the ferry to Molokai takes off, The Plantation Inn is one of Mauis most intimate properties, with 19 rooms and suites, a small pool, and free breakfast from the top-notch Gerards Restaurant.

Oahu, and more precisely the touristy town of Waikiki, remains an obvious choice for those who want a Hawaiian vacation sun, sand, luaus, hula without sacrificing the creature comforts of home, which is often just what families are looking for. Complete with a mile-long stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels (for every budget) with tons of family-friendly activities, Waikiki offers a curious blend of mainland suburban staples and local flavor. Along the coast, manicured lawns and palm trees lead to sunny white-sand beaches where children splash about in the shallow water near the shore, while surfers and paddle-borders patrol the outer waters. Stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village. The largest resort in Hawaii is a veritable village, with five towers, five pools, 20 bars and restaurants, 90 shops, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. The crowds can get big and the lines long. But for families and other Waikiki vacationers looking for a self-contained resort with loads to do, the Hilton is a top choice.

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Choose the Right Hawaiian Island for You

Schmidt prepares for second symphony

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Like a young rock band bursting onto the scene full of blistering bravado, Joe Schmidts new Ireland have made their splash on the rugby landscape.

No-one should complain about the early success delivered in Schmidts first Six Nations campaign since succeeding Declan Kidney as head coach last summer but when the first act goes so well, as it has with a first championship title in five years brought about by a victory in Paris that broke a 14-year drought, it sets the bar high.

Stage two of the Schmidt era begins here, with a World Cup 17 months away and while the New Zealander has already made great strides in bringing the winning culture he cultivated at Leinster to the Test arena, there are still important steps to take before Ireland face Canada in their pool opener in Cardiff on September 19, 2015.

He has just 10 Test matches two this summer in Argentina, three in November, five in the 2015 Six Nations plus the tournament warm-ups to settle not just on a starting side to win Irelands group and avoid facing a Southern Hemisphere giant before the semi-finals but also a wider squad capable of fulfilling his requirement to be every bit as knowledgeable of their roles and capable of executing them as the men on the field at kick-off.

After eight matches at the helm, the growth achieved by his squad is already considerable. Ireland finished the tournament level on points with England but with a points difference 10 points better than their rivals, with the most tries and the meanest defence, the most efficient set-piece, the best discipline and the fewest turnovers conceded. Championship stuff indeed.

With a set-piece rejuvenated under forwards coach John Plumtree, Ireland had a solid and productive platform that contributed heavily to the 16 tries scored in the championship.

No better example came than at Stade de France on Saturday night, when the set-piece got the ball rolling, first off a lineout for Johnny Sextons opening try and then when Louis Picamoles terrible knock-on handed them the initiative at the scrum as Mike Ross made life a misery for French loosehead Thomas Domingo, leading to Andrew Trimbles try, Irelands second of the night.

Schmidts attention to detail on the training ground allied to the work ethic of his players he praised on Saturday night also allowed for some remarkable breakdown efficiency and ferocity, leading to the lowest penalty count of the tournament, just 36 in five games and a remarkably low two against Italy as well as just 68 turnovers throughout the competition with Peter OMahony leading the turnover table with seven from four games, Chris Henry equal second on six.

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Schmidt prepares for second symphony

Hawaii attracts about 7 million visitors annually and its no wonder: with a beautiful natural landscape, rich culture, and vast range of activities, it is one of the most diverse destinations in the U.S. No two islands of the six-island chain are the same, and even different areas and coasts of a single island can vary drastically. This can make it difficult to choose an island for your vacation, but it also means that all kinds of travelers can find what theyre looking for and fortunately, travel among the islands is relatively easy and stress-free. So whether you plan on island-hopping throughout your trip, or prefer to pick one island thats best suited to your needs, our handy island guide will make planning your Hawaiian getaway a breeze.

If you want

It makes sense that the largest island (larger, in fact, than all the other islands combined) would be the most diverse, and those who seek a well-rounded experience will love the Big Island. Between fiery volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, white-sand, black-sand, and even green-sand beaches, blossoming meadows and snow-capped mountains, the options are seemingly endless. Visitors can sunbathe and snorkel by day and stargaze from frigid mountaintops by night. Stay at Outrigger Fairway Villas. This clean, affordable condo property in Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast offers an uncommon level of privacy: Its located inside a gated community and surrounded by a golf course. Ranch-inspired buildings house multi-room units, complete with full kitchens and washer/dryers, and property features include an attractive (if small) infinity pool and an open-air fitness room.

With not a single stoplight on the island, it really doesnt need to be said that Lanai is a bit off of Hawaiis beaten path, making it a perfect spot for secluded romance. For years, Lanai was just a tiny island covered by a pineapple plantation and it hasnt changed much since except that some of the pineapple trees have been traded in for a few high-end resorts (where celebrity couples will occasionally stay as guests). Even though its jaw-dropping natural beauty (which includes cerulean ocean and lush forests) is its best asset, visitors will also small-town coziness which allows for a decidedly romantic feel on this undeveloped isle. Stay at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. Offering top-rated dining, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a pristine pool and spa, and exceptional service (easily some of the best in Hawaii, it includes a 24-hour concierge, numerous beach and pool attendants, and twice-daily housekeeping), this resort is a favorite among honeymooners.

Kauai draws visitors with the wild grandeur of its lush, mountainous terrain. Its craggy shores and natural wonders are an adventure junkies playground; the 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon, the lava-rock seawater pool at Queens Bath, and the remote, towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast are among the worlds most unique attractions, and adrenaline-spiking activities include hiking, surfing, kayaking, skydiving, and rock-climbing. Stay at Kauai Beach Resort. This private, quiet property has large rooms, gorgeous sunrises over a rugged beach, a waterslide and sand-bottom pool, and a romantic bar with live music.

Hawaiis second largest island, Maui arguably lives up to its boastful slogan Maui no ka oi (Maui is the best). With hundreds of beachside resorts and hotels, as well as some of the most swimmable and surfable shores in the state, Maui offers the classic beach vacation experience. While there is plenty to satisfy those who like to keep active, theres even more opportunity for leisurely pursuits such as sunbathing, golf, and spa-going. Stay at Marriott Wailea Resort. Situated on a rock between two beaches, the 22-acre, 546-room Wailea Marriott has panoramic ocean views and a serene vibe thats missing from some of the more crowded, neighboring resorts. The hotels spiffy rooms, gorgeous adult-only infinity pool (where you can sip on a mai tai), reputable spa, and popular restaurant make it the best midrange option in ritzy Wailea.

Molokai is the second smallest island in the Hawaiian chain and many would argue that it feels even more secluded and untouched than Lanai. In fact, nearly half of its residents are of native Hawaiian descent, giving it its moniker The Most Hawaiian Island. In addition to the requisite white-sand beaches, Molokai has considerable historic charm and is rich in culture; it is home to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a well-maintained historic seaside settlement, as well as numerous centuries-old churches, plantations, and coconut groves. While the island is beautiful and culturally rich, most choose to visit just for the day by ferry from either Maui or Lanai. Stay at The Plantation Inn. Less than a 10-minute walk from the dock where the ferry to Molokai takes off, The Plantation Inn is one of Mauis most intimate properties, with 19 rooms and suites, a small pool, and free breakfast from the top-notch Gerards Restaurant.

Oahu, and more precisely the touristy town of Waikiki, remains an obvious choice for those who want a Hawaiian vacation sun, sand, luaus, hula without sacrificing the creature comforts of home, which is often just what families are looking for. Complete with a mile-long stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels (for every budget) with tons of family-friendly activities, Waikiki offers a curious blend of mainland suburban staples and local flavor. Along the coast, manicured lawns and palm trees lead to sunny white-sand beaches where children splash about in the shallow water near the shore, while surfers and paddle-borders patrol the outer waters. Stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village. The largest resort in Hawaii is a veritable village, with five towers, five pools, 20 bars and restaurants, 90 shops, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. The crowds can get big and the lines long. But for families and other Waikiki vacationers looking for a self-contained resort with loads to do, the Hilton is a top choice.

See the original post here:
A Guide to Hawaiis Islands for Every Type of Traveler

Photo by Photographer:Daniel Newcomb

Submitted McGarvey Custom Homes furnished Hayworth estate model residence at Quail West was named recipient of CBIAs Best Overall Construction and Design Award in the $3 million to $3,499,999 category.

ESTERO The surge in custom estate and luxury villa construction generated by Estero-based McGarvey Custom Homes in 2013 has continued to gain additional momentum through the first two months of 2014. After executing sales contracts for the construction of six custom new-build estate residences and one furnished estate model residence in 2013, the award-winning homebuilder has already executed sales contracts for five estate residences in 2014, including a furnished estate model at Stock Developments Quail West community. Two new McGarvey estate models are under construction in Quail West.

McGarveys furnished Hayworth estate model at Quail West was introduced during the 2014 CBIA/LBIA joint, single site Parade of Homes in late January and quickly sold. The residence at 13881 Williston Way in Quail West was named recipient of eight Superior Home Awards at the Lee BIAs 2014 Parade of Homes Superior Homes Award Ceremony held Thursday, Feb. 13. The Hayworth won Superior Home Awards in the $3 million to $3,499,000 category for Best Livability, Best Interior Design, Best Kitchen, Best Bath, Best Outdoor Living, Best Pool, Best Exterior, and Best Landscape Design categories. The Hayworth was also named recipient of CBIAs Best Overall Construction and Design Award in the $3 million to $3,499,999 category at an event held before the opening of the 2014 CBIA Multi-Site Parade of Homes on March 6.

McGarveys Bardot and Hepburn estate models are under construction at Quail West.

The 5,754-square-foot under air Bardot floor plan features a grand reception and formal dining area that includes a sunken wet bar with a view of a garden water feature, 12-foot high Doors in Motion sliders that provide a view of a fountain and the pool area, and a custom 42-inch see-through gas fireplace that is shared by a study with custom wood flooring and built-in shelving. A walk-in wine room includes windows overlooking the dining area. The wine room is adjacent to an island kitchen and breakfast area that flow into a family leisure room with decorative wood flooring and ceiling details, 12-foot high sliders that create panoramic views of the outdoor living area, and an entertainment center.

The home includes a catering kitchen, four bedrooms, four full baths and two half-baths, and a master retreat with a morning bar, a 42-inch gas fireplace, pocketing sliders opening to the outdoors, and a pavered patio with roll down screens. The master bath features a walk-through shower with a garden view, a private garden area with a trellis and shower, a freestanding soaking tub and decorative flooring.

McGarvey has also included an outdoor living area featuring a kitchen and bar with custom cabinetry, a 42-inch Isokern fireplace, dining and conversation areas, electric roll-down shutters and screens, decorative ceiling details, a custom designed pool and spa, and a variety of water features.

The Hepburn estate model, with 4,608 square feet under air, includes a formal reception area with fireplace, a family room, a study, a gourmet island kitchen and a unique interior courtyard. The homes guest wing features three luxuriously appointed suites. The master suite includes a private patio. McGarveys signature tropical outdoor living area will be presented with a fireplace, summer kitchen, and a custom pool and spa. The Hepburn estate residence also includes a three-car garage.

McGarvey has expanded into Talis Park, a North Naples community on Livingston Road just north of Immokalee Road being developed by Kitson & Partners.

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Surge in construction continues for McGarvey Custom Homes

Furnished Penthouse for rent New Cairo City Overlooking Landscape pool View
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Furnished Penthouse for rent New Cairo City Overlooking Landscape pool View - Video

Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) March 13, 2014

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) announces the 2014 Industry Summit will be held Aug. 18-20 at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. The theme for the Summit is Facing Change. Taking Charge.

Every two years, APSP brings together hundreds of industry CEOs and senior level decision makers to discuss the most substantive topics affecting the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.

APSP Industry Summit sponsors are Watkins Manufacturing and Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.

Nationally recognized speakers are slated for both days of the Summit and include:

Louie Anderson, actor & comedian, sharing how swimming saved his life;

Mike Michalowicz, author & entrepreneur, discussing Disruptive Technology how to recognize and outsmart it;

David Nelsen, social media guru, presenting an in-depth workshop focused on pool and hot tub industry needs and challenges;

John Paul Soltesz, economist, shares insight into the industrys economic trends, market projections, and business opportunities;

David Cook, best-selling author, sharing strategies to help companies enhance their performances;

Continued here:
U.S. Pool and Hot Tub Industry Summit Slated for August

Greenville, South Carolina (PRWEB) March 11, 2014

It's a challenge to capture the beauty of the landscapes in Western South Carolina through art. However, Baby Boomers living in the Lake Keowee neighborhoods enjoy incredible beauty 24/7 and can see how landscape artists transform it into timeless pieces at a new art exhibit this spring.

From March 3 -April 30, the latest and greatest Landscape Art Exhibit will be showcased at The Reserve at Lake Keowee, an award winning Western South Carolina lake community centered around golf and boating. Talented artists like Laura Buxo, Pat Grills, Robert Decker and David Waldrop will be featuring their stunning masterpieces for the community to admire. All of these artists are guests, and possibly their creative abilities will land them a spot in the annual Artist in Residence Program at The Reserve at Lake Keowee, a lifelong experience in the neighborhood. The community are the judges and the exhibit and anticipated Landscape Artist Reception are the exciting opportunities to see what these artists can do.

Members of the community can mingle and learn more about the inspiration of these artists. Residents in and around the Lake Keowee neighborhoods will know more about Laura Buxos plein air painting techniques and Pat Grills education in art history and teaching. Robert Decker may share more about his passion of art and David Waldrop could talk about his photography abilities in detail. Visitors to The Reserve at Lake Keowee are in for an amazing night and a lifetime opportunity to learn more about art and culture in the neighborhood.

The community is deeply involved in art and culture and it has become a way of life at the Reserve at Lake Keowee. The Artist in Residence Program was introduced to the Western South Carolina lake community several years ago, and the members have embraced new hobbies, interests and creativity with open arms. In past years, photographers like John Smith and guitarists like John akers have graced their presence in the community. Pianist Martha Beaudrot spent 2011 with the Reserve at Lake Keowee, while carpenter, Matt Hanewald wowed people with his amazing knack for creating beautiful handmade furniture in 2013. These are only a few artists that have dedicated their time and become part of this gated community lifestyle, but each year comes new artists.

Art is an intricate part of the Reserve at Lake Keowee and the surrounding Lake Keowee neighborhoods, but there is more for Baby Boomers to do and enjoy when living here. The lakefront gated community is approximately 2,900 acres of luxury mountain homes and lakefront properties, amenities and natural landscapes in Western South Carolina. A state-of-the-art fitness center, Har-Tru tennis courts, championship golf course and clubhouse, resort-style lakefront pool and 5 miles of natural walking trails complete this already perfect master-planned community. A Village Market and Founders Hall are convenient venues for shopping and community events. There are 200 boat slips and a private marina. The Reserve at Lake Keowee is a two time winner of Real Estate Scorecard's Bliss Award as Best Lake Community of the Year.

It's hard to describe the beauty of this community or express it on a painted canvas. The best way is to see it in person.

Buyers searching for the best places to retire in Western South Carolina, should contact The Reserve at Lake Keowee directly to schedule at tour 877.922.5253.

About Real Estate Scorecard:

Real Estate Scorecard writes unbiased real estate reviews providing in-depth information about popular gated communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, all in an effort to help people discover where to retire in the Southeast.

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The Reserve at Lake Keowee Landscape Artist Reception Kick Off Series in Western South Carolina

By Sir Clive Woodward

PUBLISHED: 18:49 EST, 9 March 2014 | UPDATED: 06:19 EST, 10 March 2014

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It is one year, six months and 16 days until England and Wales meet again here at Twickenham in what will be the most anticipated World Cup pool match in history. In the course of 80 minutes on Sunday, the landscape shifted entirely.

This was an astonishingly comfortable victory for England, another significant step forward. Stuart Lancasters developing side will be serious contenders at the World Cup because they are playing a brand of rugby that is bringing the best out of their undoubted talent.

The head coach said he wanted to remove the fear of playing in a high-pressure environment and he has achieved just that. Englands tactics were astute and their execution was spot on.

VIDEO Scroll down to see Sir Clive Woodward reliving England's 2003 World Cup triumph

Victory: England have given themselves a huge boost in their quest to win this year's Six Nations

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SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: This team can go for the ultimate prize... they remind me of that great 2003 side

New ball game: Scott Higginbotham of the Melbourne Rebels. Photo: Getty Images

Melbourne Rebels boss Rob Clarke has warned that centralising Australia's Super Rugby operation risks "blowing up the game once and for all", declaring it "an absolute joke" if officials believe it can solely solve rugby's problems.

The cash-strapped Australian Rugby Union is considering a radical transformation which would see the Rebels, NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds merge operations to form an eastern seaboard powerhouse.

The ARU's board met on Monday to discuss a potential new model of Rugby Australia where teams would pool assets and cut costs.

"[ARU chief executive] Bill Pulver has talked about challenges in the game and looking at ways to make it more efficient and more effective to deliver our programs," Clarke told SEN radio in Melbourne.

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"But to think that a pure centralisation model is going to solve the ills of Australian rugby is an absolute joke.

"And if anybody went down that path, [they'd] be running an enormous risk of blowing up the game once and for all."

Clarke is also adamant the Rebels, who finished 12th last year with five wins, won't be cut from the competition when a new Super Rugby broadcast deal is negotiated next year.

"There are discussions around the broadcast and Super Rugby changing formats ... [it] doesn't mean the Rebels will be axed or combined into anything else, it couldn't be further from the truth," Clarke said.

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Plan to pool Super funds a joke: Rebels

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MARS (KDKA) The rural landscape of western Pennsylvania is peppered with natural gas well rigs. But the rewards and risks of the industry are now being weighed heavily in Mars, Butler County.

Next week, the Mars Area School Board is likely to vote on a proposal from Rex Energy, which is based in State College.

The company is offering $1 million up front for a five-year lease to drill under district property. The district would also gain a percentage of royalties from the gas and oil extracted.

Calling their group, Protect Our Children, many mobilizing against Rex Energys plan met Friday afternoon to pool resources.

There are too many risks, there are too many unknowns with this industry, and we dont want it to be underneath the school district property, said Amy Nassif, who is against drilling under the schools.

The specter of last months gas well explosion in Dunkard Township, Greene County, which killed one worker, only heightened fears.

Greene County scared me a little bit, if that happened here in Mars. This well that they are proposing, the permit, theyre trying to go for the permit a half-a-mile from our school district. It is 2,000-feet from my house, also, said Jennifer Mallin, who is also against the drilling.

Rex Energy wants to begin drilling in June or July vertically on the farmland on Denny Road in Middlesex Township. They already lease the land.

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Mars Area Parents Mobilizing Against Drilling Under School District Property