Hawaii Vacation Blog

Hawaii’s got a very mixed bag when it comes to the types of snacks we love, thanks to the many cultures that have made the islands their home over several centuries. The colors, sounds and flavors of their mother countries traveled with them to Hawaii, becoming a part of the local culture that’s still enjoyed […]

Sometimes our view of the beautiful mountain ranges in Hawaii can get a bit hazy, particularly when volcanic fog, or vog, is in town. It’s a form of air pollution created when volcanic gases mix with oxygen and moisture and can best be seen when it’s sunny outside.Voggy weather on Oahu’s west side makes for […]

With our calm beaches and kid-friendly attractions (like the new elephant exhibit at the Honolulu Zoo!), Hawaii is the perfect family vacation getaway. Parents, however, can always use a little getaway for themselves, finding it difficult to have those much needed date nights when on vacation. Here’s some good news…Sound the trumpets…Aloha Sitters is here […]

The sweeping shots of Hawaii’s scenic beaches and mountains are a staple of the television programs filmed in HAwaii. But often it is a small detail that makes the setting seem authentic — like what to drink with a plate lunch.Bottom’s up! Coconut water’s popular all over Hawaii. Coconut water is not exclusive to Hawaii, […]

It’s the oh-so famous Brazilian berry that packs a punch as a modern-day superfood. Acai (ah-sigh-EE) is known for the dark purple colors it leaves on your tongue and teeth, and of course, the just as colorful health benefits for your body. Loaded with antioxidants and fibers, the tiny berry-like fruit may help with weight […]

It doesn’t snow in Hawaii. It “snowbamas.” And with it being that time of year again, Christmas in the islands gets decorated with Secret Service agents, street barricades and the U.S. coast guard. It means the Obamas have started their Annual Hawaiian Christmas Getaway. Well, almost started, that is. Obama after some much needed time […]

Everyone’s a collector of some sorts, whether we realize it or not. Pokemon cards, recipes or bottle caps get stashed away somewhere in a box or get put on display in all their prized-possession glory. And for the subtle collectors, it’s those music downloads or bookmarked websites saved on their computers that can easily be […]

When you arrive in Hawaii, one of the first things you’ll notice is that many people are barefoot. This is because it is a common custom to remove your shoes before entering homes and businesses in Hawaii. There are a few reasons for this custom. Cleanliness: Shoes can track dirt and debris into homes, so removing them […]

The names of the 8,000 leprosy patients who lived and died at Kalaupapa will be brought to life with a memorial in their honor. It will list each name and not only serve as a tribute to these inpiduals but as a tombstone for many of them as well. This comes at a time when […]

Being practically bottle-fed on Zeppelin and Hendrix, it’s safe to say that I love rock and roll. So when I was invited to attend a media-only event at the Hard Rock Café in Waikiki to sample a new brand of Maui-made rum created by Sammy Hagar – the legendary front man of Van Halen – […]

Let’s discover the romance behind Naupaka, a common Hawaii plant with a not-so-common story. There’s a story hidden in everything around us, and like many other cultures, Hawaii’s mo’olelo (stories) have become an integral part of the culture today. They define the place and its people and give meaning to everyday occurrences. One such story […]

ko-KEE-ko-KEEEEEEE ko-KEEE-ko-KE…Coqui frogs are usually the size of a quarter, but females can get twice as big. Appropriately named after its high-pitched mating call, the coqui frogs have replaced crickets as Hawaii’s sunset serenaders. The little guys may be hard to find, some only the size of quarters, but they’re definitely not hard to hear. […]