Hawaii Vacation Blog

The Pali Overlook provides a scenic — and windy! — view of the windward side of the island of Oahu. It consistently ranks as one of the top attractions for visitors. Even with recent parking fees, it’s a bargain. The word “pali” means “cliff” in Hawaii. So Kauaii’s stunning coastline is called “Na Pali” because […]

A tea ceremony with roots in sixteenth century Japan lives on in Hawaii. Visitors may experience the elegance of Chao, the Way of Tea, in public demonstrations. Small group sessions are held twice a week in a tea room and garden tucked in between towering Hawaii hotels in Waikiki. The foundations for Chado were laid […]

Explore the ancient Royal Coconut Coast in Kauai with a stop at Kapaa Town. Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kauai. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa, […]

If you head north on Hawaii Island (the Big Island), you’ll reach Waimea. This rural area is scenic and charming. And for many, it’s a can’t miss stop when adventuring in Hawaii. But the Waimea elevation brings you away from the ocean, and it’s a bit of a drive to reach. Is it worth it? […]

Small changes convert “all done” into the Hawaiian word for a skirt worn by female horseback riders. Depending upon where diacritical marks are placed, “pau” can mean completed, smudge, moist or skirt. The okina looks like a single open quote mark. It sounds like a pause, like when you say “uh-oh.” It is not an […]

Kauai’s most popular places to dine, shop or see, as chosen by island residents. Every year the local paper puts out the People’s Choice Awards. Residents have several months to cast their votes and the paper compiles the 100 best places on Kauai. This is by residents for residents but I thought I’d share some […]

When you think of Hawaii, you probably first imagine its tranquil beaches and glistening sunsets. But once you’re here, you’ll be awestruck by another sight: the towering Hawaii Mountains.  And most of them are begging to be explored, either from their valley or their peaks (or maybe both). Many states have mountains, but none are […]

When is the best time to visit Hawaii? It depends on three things. (1) the best weather in Hawaii The first time I visited Hawaii was for a conference, so I had no control over the timing (and was not paying the bill). When I wanted to return, I wondered about the best time to […]

Representations of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin, appear throughout Oahu. This figure has now grown beyond her plantation roots to inspire woman seeking the pine feminine — a counterpoint to male-dominated religion. Kuan Yin (also Kwan Yin) came to Hawaii with plantation workers. She was known as a bodhisattva, one who seeks enlightenment […]

It may be difficult for the casual observer to identify trees by their appearance (it’s easier if they grow fruit.) But in the case of the Sausage Tree in Hawaii, it’s hard to be mistaken. Once you notice this unique tree, you’ll be spotting it again and again. Want to learn all about it? Read […]

Hawaii’s exotic plants provide a natural umbrella as they collect the morning mist. On my walk across campus today, I could see light rain falling in the sunlight of a clearing ahead, however I was dry – protected by leaves from trees and very large plants. One of the most interesting “trees” in Hawaii is […]

A quick, heavy downpour splashed outside my windows this morning as I dressed for work. Although I carry an umbrella in my backpack, I doubted I’d use it. Instead, I reached for my hoodie – the lightweight hooded sweatshirt that protects me both from Hawaii’s frequent mists and overly-enthusiastic air conditioning. By the time I […]