Hawaii Vacation Blog

Some of Hawaii’s scenic beauty is captured in photographs, but the best camera still cannot really capture what it’s like to be at the beach. One of the missing elements is the sensation of the waves rolling to shore. I was struck once again by the soothing the sound of the waves on my Sunday […]

“ACK! No Connection AND I gotta Pay for WiFi!!! How am I to check a very important email from work and my clients?” I hear this statement a lot when working as a Security Officer here on Maui in the malls and shopping centers. For a fact a lot of travelers to Maui need to […]

If you talk frequently with Hawaiians and Hawaii residents, you’ll soon hear stories of Night Marchers. These feared spirits are said to appear in dark, ancient areas of the islands. But what are Night Marchers, and will you encounter them on your vacation? Let’s discover the stories of these Hawaiian phantoms.  What are Night Marchers […]

It’s one of the prettiest sights you may see during your vacation: Hawaii lava rocks of all shapes and sizes, standing out against the green of the landscape and blue of the water. But these are more than just rocks, and they carry with them deeply rooted significance — and possibly a curse.  The Curse […]

Trolleys are a great way to get around Waikiki. Cheaper than a taxi and less confusing than the bus, they provide a direct link between the hotel district and shopping, historic or entertainment destinations. Several trolley lines serve the hotel district. Some are private charters for tour groups, others take shoppers directly to a single […]

On my days off from work, you can usually find me hanging out in the historic Lahaina Town at these following locations. These are all great places to shop, dine, and even relax after the long hour drive in from Central or South Maui. Drive times vary daily in and out of Lahaina town. During […]

A large tree welcomes visitors to the University of Hawaii campus, providing cool shade and the smell of – skunk. Yep, that’s its name: the Skunk Tree, or Java Olive. I have smelled actual skunks and the tree isn’t quite as pungent, but it’s h3 and unpleasant enough that I hold my breath when passing. […]

In Waikiki there are a few hotels which are historic but unfortunately only the folks with the big bucks get to stay there. However, these properties have a lot of Aloha Spirit and even if you’re not staying there you can enjoy the ambiance and the beauty of these wonderfully restored historic Hawaii hotels. It’s […]

As with flowers, the variety of birds in Hawaii must be experienced first hand. Seeing a bloom does not convey its aroma, and a picture of this little, tiny bird does not show you how it hides amid blades of grass to ambush me as I cross the lawn. At first, it looks like the […]

The latest in know your foods in Hawaii: saimin! Or, “How to eat soup with chopsticks.” Saimin is Hawaii history in a bowl. I had read of saimin in a guidebook on our Hawaii visit. It said saimin was a traditional food unique to Hawaii, so I was happy to order when it appeared on […]

You’ve likely heard of the road to Hana, and maybe you’re considering traveling along the famous route when you’re in Hawaii. But there’s another way to get to the secluded East Maui locale: you can fly into the Hana Airport. Want to experience Hana without the winding drive? Here’s great info about flying there instead! […]

Banyan trees are common in Hawaii but they grow in a very uncommon way: their roots are in reverse, reaching down to the ground from the branches above. These enormous trees give shelter from both sun and the frequent light misty rain, providing a gathering place for commerce and conversation. A single banyan can shelter […]