Hawaii Vacation Blog

Now that the Big Island lava is ripping and roaring, it’s a fantastic time to fly over to the Big Island to see the Earth literally “move under your feet!” But, what’s the best way to view the lava — by air, by sea, or by land? Here’s a play-by-play of each of these options, so […]

When you think about Oahu, you probably envision our sunny skies, pristine beaches, and lush valleys — so, you may be surprised at how many historical sites are located right here on The Gathering Place. From ancient Hawaiian sites to war memorials to missionary settlements, you’ll find a myriad of can’t miss historical sites on Oahu. […]

As winter’s chill arrives to your home, you’ll likely begin daydreaming about Hawaii weather in December. Or, maybe you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip here and wondering what to expect for your December Hawaii vacation.  We’ve got you covered! Here’s an overview of December weather in Hawaii for those of you planning your […]

I’ll never forget going out “on assigment” to Kauai when I was working at the local T.V. station. No matter how rushed we were, my videographer would always insist on stopping in to get (passion fruit) pie to bring home. Honestly, he would rather miss an interview with the Kauai Mayor than miss-out on his […]

If you’re an avid reader of this blog (and we hope you are!), you just read our post about how there’s been a significant spike in the number of shark bites — turns out, hungry females who have just given birth may be to blame for the increased number of incidents. But, you don’t want to […]

Believe it or not, there was a time when you could drive to on Maui at sunrise and find yourself practically alone. Hard to fathom? I bet! Nowadays, the magical experience of getting lost in the beauty of the sunrise often eludes most visitors, who spend most of the morning hunting for a parking space, […]

For four nights during the upcoming Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary, war buffs AND movie buffs will find the opportunity to indulge. As part of the week-long commemoration, Waikiki Beach will play host to FOUR war-related films. Here’s a look at which films will be featured and a bit of information about each: 1. “Run Silent, […]

The first time I drove through the sleepy and rural town of Waimanalo, I had to do a double take — was that a a polo field I just saw? Turns out, it was! Yep, the sport of kings is big business in the islands. And, taking-in a match while you’re on vacation could be one […]

Craving a delicious crepe in Hawaii? There are lots of great options to enjoy this yummy treat! I’m not sure when crepes made a comeback, but I’m sure glad they did! Crepes are one of those foods that can double as a meal and/or a dessert. And, in my book, that’s a food worth exploring! […]

Are you ready for an adventure? Well, it’s ready for you! Next month, visitors to Hawaii can look foward to the opening of a new adventure park on Oahu at Kalaeloa, a roughtly 50-foot crater spanning 10 acres in West Oahu. Once a place where the Navy mined coral limestone for building runways, the area […]

Recently, my husband had a colleague visit from Phoenix. And, when I asked him what his favorite part of the trip was, he mentioned how much he loved driving into the local enclaves and neighborhoods to see what life was REALLY like in Hawaii. If you also like to experience the “local” side of things, […]

Every once in a while, a news story showcases tourists mistreating local wildlife, especially monk seals and sea turtles in Hawaii.  Thankfully, these extreme stories are fairly rare. After all, most visitors truly want to respect Hawaii’s wildlife and appreciate it in a mindful way. So, what are the rules about interacting with sea turtles […]