Category: Hawaii Travel & Vacation Info

Sunset Oahu Hawaii: It’s the ultimate idea of beauty and serenity. Sunsets in Hawaii never get old, as there are so many places to see them.  Whether it’s from atop a mountain or down at the beach, the saga of the sunset can unfold in a multitude of ways. Here are my top picks of […]

Did you know that Waikiki used to have a grove of more than 10,000 coconut trees? Called Helumoa, the fertile piece of land was rich with agriculture, as well as history in the islands. Legend points to an Oahu ruler named Kakuhihewa, who planted the niu (coconut) after a scuffle with the mythical rooster, Kaauhelemoa. […]

The gentle gallop of horse hooves signal the start of another polo season for Oahu’s North Shore. Since 1963, it’s become quite the scene for the tiny nook of Mokuleia. Families and fans of the classy sport make their way to this countryside field every Sunday in the spring and summer months. The equestrians themselves […]

Contrary to what we see in Hollywood or hear as tradition, tossing lei in the ocean is a big NO NO. The flower creations not only pollute the surrounding waters but harm marine life as well. The lei drifts off to sea, and as the flowers peel off one by one, the string remains in […]

Mahina means moon or moonlight in Hawaiian. And apparently, it’s a very common baby name as well. In searching the web, dozens of baby name sites for girls pop up. It’s interesting to note that some people may also have “mahina” as their last name. There was a point in Hawaii’s history when Hawaiians were […]

It’s not the “Big Island.” It’s the “Hawaii Island,” reminds the island’s visitors bureau. The biggest island in Hawaii got its nickname for obvious reasons; it’s B I G – about twice the size of the other islands combined, with room to spare. Even the visitors bureau had been promoting the island as the Big […]

Did you know that Kauai has a trolley system of its own, like the ones we see cruising all over Oahu? The difference between the two, however, is that Kauai’s trolley is more of a guided tour, whereas Oahu trolleys can be both a tour and a form of transportation. The three-hour Kauai Trolley Tour […]

Iolani Palace has taken on an appearance even more sophisticated than before; the recent refurbishment is reminiscent of the Kingdom of Hawaii and brings out a sense of regalness not found in the grand staircase nor in the Hawaiian throne but instead, in the carpets and the curtains. The floral-print carpets and Victorian-esque drapery represent […]

Are allergies in Hawaii something you need to worry about? We all know allergies can be annoying as a nose that never stops running or eyes that never stop itching. When going on vacation, they’re the one thing you don’t want to pack. Mango trees may or may not give you allergies in Hawaii. Luckily […]

Perhaps the weather isn’t cooperating, and it’s too rainy and windy for a day at the beach. Sand whipping you in the face isn’t what I call a “good time.” Instead, head indoors to one of Hawaii’s many bowling alleys! Pali Lanes Bowling Alley in Kailua welcomes everyone with the aloha spirit. It is located […]

Does “Puff the Magic Dragon” still live in the hippy town of Hanalei? The popular 1960s folk song, “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton has often been connected with this North Shore Kauai town of Hanalei, or in this case, “Honah Lee.” The song references to a mythical land called Honah […]

Hawaiian Queen Esther Kapiolani has a hospital named in her honor, a park and even a hotel, but who exactly was this woman and how did she fit into the rich history of Hawaii? Those who knew Kapiolani described her as kind-hearted and compassionate, and as one of the last reigning queens of Hawaii, she […]