Hawaii Vacation Blog

The Big Island’s Onomea Bay Donkey Trail Hike is a time and budget-friendly way to enjoy the incredible beauty of East Hawaii. When I first moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, I lived briefly in a small cottage on a large estate overlooking Onomea Bay. While I was there, the owner of the property […]

A scenic drive along the Hamakua coast of Hawaii Island is one of the best road trips in the state. It’s filled with lush scenery, tropical waterfalls, and incredible ocean views.  Come along with us as we explore this scenic journey.  Where is the Hamakua Coast The Hamakua Coast drive is also called the Hamakua […]

Have you ever had a little Lomilomi? According to “Auntie” Margaret, the Hawaiian word lomilomi (pronounced low me low me) means going to and from. A holistic healing tradition beyond simple massage, lomilomi is a popular modality practiced throughout the world, especially in Hawaii, Japan and Europe. Auntie Margaret (August 21, 1916 ~ December 28, […]

The island immortalized in the series “Gilligan’s Island” is a swimming distance from the shore of Oahu in Hawaii. But the real island has a much more interesting story than one concocted by television scriptwriters. The island is one-fifth of a mile from the shore in Kaneohe Bay. Although most locals call it “Coconut Island,“ […]

Of course you want to share Aloha with those you cherish. In Hawaii, aloha means love or warm affection. And one of the best ways to share it with someone is by giving an aloha symbol.  How do you do that? One of the most popular ways to share aloha is to share a lei.  […]

Sun Protection Tips for Hawaii: Hats, Sunscreen, and More Visitors to Hawaii are often advised to wear a hat and sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun, but choosing the right options can make all the difference. Hawaii’s sunny weather, combined with its breezy conditions, creates unique challenges that require thoughtful preparation. Choosing the Right […]

Moonrise can be a beautiful alternative to Sunrise on Oahu. I have the same conversation over and over with my friends who live on the Leeward /Honolulu side: Me: oh how I wish I was over here more often. I so miss seeing the sun set over Waikiki. Them: We never get to see the […]

One small corner of Oahu is only accessible on foot: Kaena Point. Roads from both directions end at this westernmost edge of the island, making it impossible to drive completely around Oahu. This seclusion preserves one of the last intact dune ecosystems in the main Hawaiian islands. A Sacred Place for Hawaiians, a Sanctuary for […]

The beautiful Hawaiian beaches include some of the best sand in the world: soft, comfortable, with some variation in size and color of the pebbles, not rocky. Photographs show the sky reflected in the receding waves on a palate of smooth sand. However, one thing I have not found in strolls along several beaches is […]

You’ve come this far, let me take you a little farther west to Japan a la department stores with a direct link to the Far East: today Don Quijote. When I came to Hawaii, I found myself embracing the multiculturalism – especially the food. It was this desire to get some real local produce that […]

There was a time not too long ago when Saddle Road Hawaii was a forbidden trek: a route banned by car rental companies and shunned by guidebooks.  But recent improvements have made this stretch of Big Island Highway a pleasant drive, and a great way to cut down travel time between Hilo and Kona.  But […]

You’ll likely see the beautiful Bird of Paradise in Hawaii. This vibrant, unique flower appears in gardens, farmer’s markets, and artwork. We’ve got some interesting info to help you appreciate this intriguing plant even more! Bird of Paradise in Hawaii and in Science The strikingly beautiful Bird of Paradise flower is famous beyond Hawaii. In […]