Google worked with the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau to create the collections in the new Street View Gallery which features Hawaii’s best beaches and hometown favorites of President Obama.

We understand that you’ve got a busy trip ahead of you, and that every savvy adventurer needs access to the worldwide web. How else are you supposed to coordinate a snorkeling trip, get tickets to a Tahitian fire-knife show, and find a shuttle back to the Island Colony while you’re enjoying shaved-ice on the north shore?

The Aqua Island Colony knows that finding great value and having a summer blast can all come together with the click of a mouse, and if you are reading this blog, you probably know that too. So bring the ol’ laptop after-all, and Aqua will be sure you’ll make good use of it. Ask the Front Desk about getting island-wide internet access for only $9.95 per day with Hele Wireless Broadband on your next stay at the Aqua Island Colony!

Photo by Flickr user LFL16

What is Shangri La? From the official website:

Built in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1937, Shangri La overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head and houses Doris Duke’s collection of Islamic art. Of Duke’s many residences, Shangri La is the only one that she built from the ground up and filled from the inside out.

Doris Duke decided to build a seasonal home in Honolulu after her honeymoon in 1935, which took her through the Islamic world for the first time and included an extended stay in Hawaii. Finding herself captivated by Islamic cultures and enamored with Hawaii, Doris Duke designed her new home in collaboration with architect Marion Sims Wyeth to evoke the beauty and character of each.

I lived here for several years before I finally visited Shangri La with my mom, who was visiting from the mainland. It’s a little pricey ($25 per person*), but it’s worth it. You go to the Honolulu Academy of Arts in the heart of Honolulu, and from there a comfortable shuttle bus takes you to the estate.

The house is just gorgeous and the grounds are beautiful as well. The guide was quite knowledgeable and we moved through the house at a good pace. Since then I’ve taken several guests to this unique estate and they’ve all been very impressed and wonder why it isn’t better known among both residents and visitors.

Tip: make sure you bring some insect repellent, as we got eaten alive by mosquitoes in some of the gardens!

*Bonus: Admission to the Honolulu Academy of Arts is included with your ticket to Shangri La, so you can do the tour first thing in the morning, grab lunch at the Pavilion Cafe, then check out the Academy itself, which has one of the finest Asian art collections in the U.S.

Check out the Doris Duke Shangri La website: www.shangrilahawaii.org