Blog of the day

We are always searching for original, independent voices to share on our blog. Today's pick is Visit Newport Beach! Inn Pairadise will open three new resorts in the Orange County/Newport area this summer, and here's a little taste of what's on the horizon. 

Image courtesy of Visit Newport Beach.com

Lens of love photo contest winners

One, two, three: CHEESE! This Valentine's Day, we invited guests of Inn Pairadise to submit romantic photos taken at any of our properties in IP's annual "One, Two, Three: Cheese" photo contest. Our judges selected the top four winners, below. Each photographer won a five-night stay for two, with meals, activities and a couple's deluxe spa treatment included at their choice of any of our 22 Inn Pairadise properties. Not only that, their photos will appear on our print and web ads through the end of 2012. Now that should put a smile on your face! 

Inn Pairadise Kalapana's Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Island. Winner: Kirk Lee Aeder of Kohala, Hawaii. 

ABC's The Bachelorette filmed at Inn Pairadise Kona two years ago.
Winner: Selma Amelsa, Los Angeles, California. 

Going topless on Red Road, Puna Hawaii. Taken on the driveway leading to Inn Pairadise Kalapana
Photographer: Dana Edmunds of Kailua, Hawaii

I propose we go snorkeling! Photographed just offshore from Inn Pairadise Kona.
Photographer: Ian Scanlon of St. Lous, Missouri

"Breaking" news: Jack's top five surf spots

Last month, Inn Pairadise shared some tubular news: Hawaii's prodigal son, Jack Johnson, will be the company's new celebrity spokesman for the next three years. It was a first for Johnson, who until now has ducked any corporate endorsement offers. This week, we caught up with the soul surfer, who told us where he loves to shred. Is it a coincidence that our hotels are near some of Jack's favorite surf spots? 

1. North Shore, Oahu. "I live on the North Shore when I'm not touring, and when the surf's up in winter, there is no place I'd rather be. From December 1 through about mid-January. I get six weeks of uninterrupted surfing, the best way in the world to recharge my body and mind and refresh my creativity." 
2. Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park, California. "Sure, it's a 25-mile boat ride to get out to these uninhabited islands, but totally worth it. I've shared waves with sea lions, dolphins and the occasional pelican. There was one time that a Great White shark cruised into the lineup--I've never paddled so fast in all my life!" 
3. Lahaina, Maui. "This is where I taught our kids to surf. It's a steady summer break and not a long paddle out, perfect for groms (rookie surfers). And you can't beat the  views of the West Maui Mountains." 
4. Waikiki, Oahu. "Sure, it's crowded, but there are plenty of breaks to choose from, and there's always a little bump to ride. You can't beat Waikiki, and the people watching isn't bad, either." 
5. Ventura, California. "I will always love Ventura, there's a special break that delivers head-high tubes consistently right outside the harbor channel. It's where Kim and I surfed together on our second date. She'll kill me for saying this, but she lost her bikini top that day and I had to paddle in to fetch my beach towel. Oh, the memories!" 

May Day is Lei Day!

If you've been to Hawaii, you've undoubtedly been draped in a garland of fragrant flowers, called a lei. If you've ever stayed at an Inn Pairadise property in Hawaii or California, you were greeted upon arrival with a fresh flower lei. In Hawaii, giving a lei is an expression of love and honor, unrivaled by any other gesture.

Watch this video to learn how to make a lei, and why May 1, or May Day, is an important date in Hawaii. 

Now hear this

Did you know? Sixty percent of the birds found in Hawaii are endemic, which means they are found nowhere else on earth. Some are federally listed as endangered, while others are making a comeback, like the Hawaiian hawk, called "io" in Hawaiian, seen (and heard) in this video clip.

Biologists believe the io evolved from the red-tailed hawk, a raptor prevalent throughout California. Imagine a pair of hawks getting blown off course, crossing the Pacific Ocean, only to land in pristine Hawaii and eventually evolve into their own unique species. It's so romantic, it's mind boggling!

Special thanks to the public affairs team at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for sharing this recording. If you book your summer vacation at Inn Pairadise Kona on Hawaii Island, your admission to the park is FREE!