Hawaii Vacation Blog

Whether you want to try Kava at home or are thinking of stopping by a Hawaii Kava bar, there’s a lot to know about this ancient therapy. Finding Serenity Anywhere Just a photograph of our beautiful Hawaiian Islands can put you in a relaxed state of mind and cause you to dream of a Hawaii […]

Tahitian dance is the most well known of all the dance forms of the Polynesian Triangle in the South Pacific. It shares many of the historical roots that hula does in Hawaii; in Tahiti dance was used as an expression of their culture. They had dances to express different occasions, legends and customs. But unlike […]

The Polynesian Cultural Center allows you to experience Hawaii in context, along with sister islands like Tahiti and Samoa. A new hands-on activity demonstrates how to cook traditional Samoan foods in an umu — an above ground oven. Guests are invited to help build the oven, then to prepare and cook traditional foods such as […]

I recently went to the Paradise Cove Luau in Hawaii and wanted to share all about my experience. After all, there are dozens of luau to choose from on Oahu, and you want to make sure you visit the right one.  There is a lot to love about Paradise Cove Luau, but also some things […]

It is whale season in Hawaii and a great way to see them is from a boat. Cruising on the Blue Dolphin—a 63 foot catamaran—I’m amazed at how many whales we see. They go off like fireworks. We see sprays of white plumes, splashing breaches, tail slaps and pectoral fins reaching for the endless blue […]

You can’t help but notice the handsome stone tower that used to be the control tower for all boats in and out of Honolulu Harbor as you drive along Nimitz where it turns into Ala Moana. I believe the first time I went to Aloha Tower was when I was still in my tourist’ days […]

Legendary creatures called Menehune (pronounced meh-neh-HOO-neh) weave a charming spell throughout the Hawaiian Islands. These dwarf-like expert builders may have built some of Hawaii’s largest temples and strongest fishponds. Many say they still work through the night, maintaining their elusiveness as they march through forests and roads.  The History of Menehune The origin stories of […]

Hawaii is renowned for excellent sea fishing, with Hawaii charter fishing available, but did you know there’s freshwater fishing to be had as well? Catch and release fishing at Oahu’s Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is great fun for families. On Saturdays and Sundays, fishing is permitted from 10am to 2pm in the garden. Located in Kaneohe […]

Hawaiian Jewelry: A Lesson in Beauty and History I’ve always loved bracelets. They are my favorite pieces of jewelry because they are so noticeable when you move your arms. I love them so much that I requested a wedding bracelet instead of a wedding ring when I got married. I don’t wear it anymore because […]

The unusual trees of Hawaii are stunning in their size and variety (not to mention the ability to grow flowers). The wood of these trees also becomes a beautiful work of art at the hands of a master artisan. Many will soon be on display in Hawaii’s Woodshow. The annual Furniture and Woodworking Show is […]

Step back in time nearly 800 years, when Waikiki Beach was a rocky shoreline and the surrounding areas were a marshy wetland ideal for growing crops, especially the Hawaiian staple: taro. At the edge of the present day University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, a productive loi (taro field) known as Ka Papa Loi o […]

Save money on food by eating like a local on your Hawaii vacation.* You might expect generous portions at a place called “Fatboys” and you’d be right. You’ll also find food that’s popular with locals and yet accessible for first-time visitors to Hawaii. If you want to stay with familiar food choices, there is a […]