Hawaii Shave Ice – Fun Local Tradition

On the mainland they are called “snow cones,” in Puerto Rico “piragua” but here in Hawaii we know it as “shave ice.” This is one fun treat that is worth trying. The tasty shave ice was brought to Hawaii in the 1880s by the Japanese immigrants who came to work on the sugar plantations. At…

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Exploring Manoa Valley

Exploring Manoa Valley is a must-do when visiting Oahu. Manoa is a residential valley neighborhood. It is approximately 3 miles inland from downtown, close to Waikiki and Ala Moana. While it may not be on the list for tourists, it is a worthwhile spot to check out, offering a look into one of Oahu’s older…

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Mai Tai Magic?

I started out on a quest for the history behind Hawaii’s magical Mai Tai. This popular rum and fruit juice concoction has two very interesting men claiming ownership of its creative recipe. The well-known cocktail was purportedly invented at Trader Vic’s Polynesian-themed restaurant in Oakland, CA in 1944. Trader Vic’s amicable rival, Donn Beach claimed…

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The Hawaiian Lei — A Custom of Aloha

One of the great things about visiting Hawaii is that someone will give you a flower lei. They smell nice and are beautiful, but do you know where the tradition comes from? What is the significance of receiving a Hawaiian Lei? Navigating to a new world In the age-old days, when the vastness of the…

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Kualoa Ranch: Discovering Moli’i Fishpond

Kualoa Ranch is located on the northeastern side of Oahu in the countryside, less than an hour from Honolulu. The ranch terrain varies from rainforests and valleys to awesome cliff faces. It is truly a paradise for outdoor recreation, with many places accessible only by horseback or by foot. It is a beautiful spot not…

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