Hawaii Vacation Blog

I still remember the very first time I got stung by a Portuguese man-o-war. I was six, wearing my favorite polka-dot one piece, and having the time of my life. I splashed in the open shoreline at our family’s ritual weekend hangout, when a sudden stinging sensation near my ankles sent a loud wail through […]

Backpacking is a way of life, a culture – if you will – that incorporates minimalism with resourcefulness, survival with flexibility. It’s traveling with just the bare essentials (literally) on your back, in a backpack, wherever you go. And we’re not just talking about hippies and gypsies; backpackers can be anyone who wants to travel […]

One of our favorite sights to see in Hawaii is a blowhole. These magnificent wonders display the power of the ocean, set against a beautiful backdrop. If you want to see a Hawaii Blowhole, we’re here to help! Blow Your Mind at a Hawaii Blowhole A blowhole, in the context we’re discussing, is a fascinating […]

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled… pee-pee-PEE? Probably one of the easiest Hawaiian words to pronounce, pipipi sounds as phonetically as it looks. They’re those tiny black snails that stick to rocks along Hawaii’s shorelines, usually between the high and low tide lines. They can also be found in ocean tide pools or rocky […]

All is quiet at beautiful Kahana Bay, where the surrounding valley shelters this section of Oahu from any disturbances. Located on the northeastern side of the island, Kahana Bay is oftentimes overlooked by tourists who are nose-deep into their maps. Because of the mini forest of ironwood trees on the outskirts of the bay, seeing […]

Before you jump into a Hawaii beach – or any beach, for that matter – be sure to check for any advisory signs posted along the shoreline. You can’t miss them either; they’ll most likely have a bright orange flag flapping at the top. This post should give you a better idea of what to […]

Lychee is truly a “gift for a joyful life,” as it’s translated from Chinese. You know, that small, prickly red fruit that you see growing all over Hawaii? Perhaps you’ve tried it at a local farmers market? Aside from the pain of peeling off the prickly shell, this fruit definitely brings happiness to anyone who […]

If puka means “hole” in Hawaiian, then what’s a puka dog? It’s actually a hot dog that’s been completely revolutionized into one with a HOLE lot of flavor, and it’s something we get every time we’re on Kauai. I rarely eat hot dogs but always make an exception when it comes to puka dogs because […]

When you first pull up to Paalaa Kai bakery, it appears to be pretty low-key; no flashing signs like Leonard’s Bakery but rather a modest yellow sign with faded walls lightly dusted in red dirt, compliments of Waialua’s rich farming lands. (Top) Mouth-watering sweets ready to be devoured. (Bottom) Keeping it old school in Waialua. […]

Hele mai! Come! Take a drive along the rocky coast of Oahu’s southeast shorelines, where there’s a surprise waiting around each bend in the road. Swim with tropical fish or go from “here to eternity” at a very popular cove. Or, simply take in the surrounding beauty, as you leave the city behind and venture […]

Bruddah IZ was one of Hawaii’s most influential and famous musicians. Many Hawaii visitors are familiar with his beautiful “Over the Rainbow / Wonderful World,” but there is far more to this beloved icon than this one popular song.  Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Bruddah Iz (Israel Kamakawiwoʻole) was a Native Hawaiian who embraced music from an early […]

Have you heard of the Laie Lady? She’s that restless soul who roams Laie town in search of her husband and son. Recognized by a flowing white gown and long disheveled hair that hides her face, the Laie Lady remains a mystery to all she encounters. People say she’s the spirit of a young girl […]