Cinco de Mayo Fest in the Islands

Can you hear the Caribbean beats yet?

It’s that time of year when Latin America meets the islands for Cinco de Mayo. Hawai‘i celebrates with a huge street festival in Downtown Chinatown, complete with bright, bold colors, African drums and horchatas. The festival encompasses the Hispanic vibe in more ways than one.

With Hawai‘i’s apparent diversity, it’s no wonder Cinco de Mayo’s such a big deal in the islands. The festivities bring awareness to the more than 120,000 Hispanics that make up O‘ahu’s population alone, according to the event’s website. They come from 22 nations and get to show off their dance moves and cooking skills for this festival.

My mouth’s already watering for the spread of ethnic eats – from tamales to pasteles to chicken mole and green rice. Most people go straight to the lunch-wagon eateries; otherwise, the local Mexican, Puerto Rican and Cuban restaurants in Downtown offer seasonal specialties. Make sure to save room for dessert, though, because the French crepes and cheesecakes are definitely worth the extra calories. (more…)

Add comment May 4th, 2013

The Pink Palace of the Pacific

There’s more to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel than its rosy-pink facade. The world-class luxury resort in Waikīkī has become an icon of Hawai‘i’s glory days and a destination of choice for the rich and famous.

Guests back-then voyaged for days by sea, bringing more than luggage. They stayed for a considerable period of time, making sure to bring their servants and, of course, their lavish Rolls Royces. You might have seen former President Franklin D. Roosevelt or legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku roaming the beachfront property. Most notably, child actress Shirley Temple would strum her ukulele down Waikīkī Beach.

Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the six-story hotel boasts a Spanish-Moorish style of architecture. Grand arches welcome guests to all its glory and grandeur. As for the choice of pink? That happened to be a popular American obsession from the 1920s era. (more…)

Add comment May 4th, 2013

Pedestrian Scramble in Waikiki

Finally, something has been done to address the traffic nightmare in Waikīkī (or at least part of the nightmare). But more importantly, it will keep the swarms of pedestrians safe when strolling through this congested part of O‘ahu.

The city didn’t put in just any crosswalk at Kalākaua Avenue and Royal Hawaiian Avenue; they established a Barnes crosswalk, which allows pedestrians to cross in all directions (mauka, makai, Ewa and Diamond Head) once traffic comes to a stop.

The other day, I gave the new crosswalk a little test of my own, or “did the Barnes Dance,” as it has been commonly referenced. I’m sure I share the same sentiment as other pedestrians when I admit to actually feeling safe while crossing. (more…)

Add comment May 3rd, 2013

Scenic Wonders of Hawaii

There are things about Hawai‘i that you can’t help but daydream about. Those certain features that set this beautiful island paradise a part from anywhere else in the world. And best of all, they’re completely free.

1- Rainbows - Hawai‘i no doubt lives up to its nickname, the “Rainbow State.” On any given day, there’ll a beautiful spectrum of colors stretched across the Hawaiian skies. In fact, there may be two – if you’re lucky, that is. And whether you make it to the end of the rainbow or not, just know that the pot of gold lies in the simple blessing of seeing one at all. (more…)

Add comment May 3rd, 2013

Waikiki Natatorium to Become Memorial Beach

After years of disrepair and neglect, the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial will crumble into the sea no more. The city and state announced their plans to replace the 86-year-old complex with a new public beach (to be called Memorial Beach). The site’s famous archway will remain intact but be moved inland, according to a news release.

The debate on what to do with the decaying Natatorium has been going on for years, so it’s a welcomed relief to hear that some action will finally be taken. Since the structure’s closure in 1979, the Natatorium has received no regular maintenance whatsoever. It not only became an eyesore of the pristine Waikīkī shoreline but a disgrace to the World War I veterans it was meant to honor.

To do nothing at all would have not been an option. And to build beach volleyball courts – as Gov. Neil Abercrombie had once mentioned – would have been a waste of taxpayers’ money. I’m glad the city and state were able to find a happy medium out of all this. Preserving at least a portion of this structure is better than nothing at all. (more…)

Add comment May 2nd, 2013

The ‘First Lady of Waikiki’

Have you met the First Lady of Waikīkī?

A veil of classiness drapes over her sleek white facade, like the gentle morning rays over a quiet Waikīkī. Although she’s more than 110 years old, there’s still a youthfulness about her that continues to play a significant role in Hawai‘i’s history to date. As the very first hotel in Waikīkī, the Moana Hotel opened up the isle gates for visitors from near and far – marking the beginning of tourism in the state.

Amidst the bungalows and beach houses of Downtown Honolulu, the Moana Hotel became a welcomed addition to the then-neglected Honolulu area. It boasted 75 guest rooms, a billiard room, saloon, main parlor, library and the first electric-powered elevator for Hawai‘i that’s still used today. The very first guests paid only $1.50 per night for their rooms.

While you probably won’t find rates like that nowadays, you’ll still find the Moana Hotel standing strong – as one of Waikīkī’s premier hotels today. It is one of three buildings that make up the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa. In addition to having almost 800 rooms, the Moana has a freshwater swimming pool, three restaurants and beach bar. (more…)

Add comment May 2nd, 2013

Lend a Hand in Hawaii With Travel2Change

When you think of Hawai‘i, swaying palms and ocean breezes come to mind. The thought of your toes buried deep in the sand sends an instant wave of warmth throughout your body. But how about giving even deeper meaning to your Hawai‘i vacation?

There’s a nonprofit that hopes to do just that for visitors. Yet another opportunity of voluntourism, Travel2Change aims to turn trips to the islands into ones that make a meaningful impact on the community through volunteer efforts. Travel2Change connects travelers and locals who want to lend a hand in the community, by cleaning up public parks or preserving native plants, for instance. (more…)

Add comment May 1st, 2013

Best Places to Watch Sunsets: Oahu

Sunsets in Hawai‘i never get old, as there are so many places to see them. Whether it’s from atop a mountain or down at the beach, the saga of the sunset can unfold in a multitude of ways. Here are my top picks of places to watch the sunset on O‘ahu. Stay tuned for best places on neighbor islands. Diamond Head Diamond Head offers two spots perfect for viewing the sunset; one would be at the top of Diamond Head Crater, while the second would be right below, at the sea cliff lookout. The lookout has a lot more room to sit and stretch out than the bunker at the top of the crater. It’s also easier to get to because the only way to the top of the crater is to hike. Nothing wrong with hiking, but if you spontaneously decide to watch the sunset with your honey, a sweaty race to the top is far from romantic. (more…)

Add comment May 1st, 2013

Naan of Your Business

Add comment April 30th, 2013

Facebook Zuckerberg LIKES Kauai

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg “likes” several Kaua‘i businesses, giving his unofficial stamp of approval while on vacation with his wife.

The couple has been spotted strolling through Hanalei, according to several national websites. One of their first stops included the world-famous Kaua‘i burger joint Bubba Burger Hanalei. The business serves up more than burgers and fries but a piece of Kaua‘i’s history as well. Bubba’s has been in Hanalei since the 1930s.

I love that while there’s no doubt this power couple can afford fancy dining and luxurious resorts, they choose to vacation low-key instead. National websites show the couple eating burgers with friends under a shaded picnic table. They stroll through the town in shorts and sandals before heading to a beach house also in Hanalei. (more…)

Add comment April 29th, 2013