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Posts by AlohaBruce
Banyan Trees in Hawaii Protect and Inspire
Banyan trees are common in Hawaii but they grow in a very uncommon way: their roots are in reverse, reaching down to the ground from the branches above. These enormous trees give shelter from both sun and the frequent light misty rain, providing a gathering place for commerce and conversation. A single banyan can shelter…
Read MoreIao Valley State Park: a Geological and Historical Wonder
Iao Valley State Park is one of the most unique and beautiful places in Maui. It is rich with history and cultural significance. Want to learn more about Iao Valley? Here’s everything you need to know before you visit. Where is Iao Valley Iao Valley (pronounced ee-ow valley) is nestled in the West Maui Mountains.…
Read MoreThe Byodo-In Temple
The Byodo-In Temple is located at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kaneohe. It was first established on June 7, 1968 to commemorate the first Japanese Immigrants to Hawaii, Byodo-In translates to “Temple of Equality – not to discriminate” and is home to Amida, a golden Buddha unique to the entire world. The…
Read MoreLikeke Falls – Easy Hike off the Beaten Path
Looking for a Hawaii hike that feels “off the beaten path” but still is easy to complete? You should check out Likeke Falls on Oahu! Likeke Falls Trail Quick Facts Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 0.8 miles round trip, out-and-back Location: East Oahu near Koʻolau Golf Club Cost: Free, but you may need to pay about…
Read MoreHawaii Boxing Day is a Blast!
The day after Christmas is celebrated as Boxing Day in the United Kingdom. Here in Hawaii, December 26 is also celebrated but it’s because boxes of fireworks go on sale. Lines at stores form before sunrise with locals ready to buy their quota of explosive fun. Fireworks permits must be purchased for firecrackers; many…
Read MoreHawaii Vacation Creates Shangri La
One of my favorite places in Hawaii reopened to tours this week. Shangri La is closed during the month of September each year for conservation work. Called one of Hawaii’s “most architecturally significant houses,” it is both a tribute to and collection of Islamic art. The five-acre compound is secreted in a residential area behind…
Read MoreManoa Valley Deep in Hawaii History
I expected beaches and water when I came to Hawaii, but I was surprised by the beauty of its mountains. They are so sharp and stark — the only reference I had was that they looked like the misty mountains in Japanese prints. I enjoy my daily commute through the mountains from Kailua to Manoa,…
Read MoreHappy Feet
When I packed for my first trip to Hawaii, I had no idea what shoes to bring. This is not just a girl thing, so guys don’t stop reading. I was going to a business conference, so I brought a pair of dress shoes and I figured sandals would be good for a warm climate.…
Read MoreExploring Waianae Coast on your Oahu Hawaii Vacation
There’s a part of Hawaii that very few tourists ever experience: Waianae on the westernmost edge of Oahu. We recently took a ride out to this part of the island and were reminded just how awesome it is on the Leeward side. The major reason many folks don’t venture out to the Leeward side is…
Read MoreOld Hawaii Sugarcane Plantations are home to fun Adventures
Back in the turn-of-the-century, the majority of the irrigation ditches used to distribute water to the sugar cane fields were built by Japanese immigrants. These elaborate waterways were built by hand in very difficult conditions using bare hands, picks, shovels, and hammers. The laborers often had to work 12 hour days for a pittance and…
Read More5 Tips for Visiting the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
I recently went to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the first time in a couple years. The visit reminded me of some things I’d like to share, including some tips about visiting this attraction. After all, you have a lot of activity choices when you visit Oahu, and you may wonder if the Hawaii Polynesian…
Read More7 Things to Learn About the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
You can’t visit Waikiki without seeing the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. This festive and welcoming sculpture stands tall at the shores of Waikiki, honoring the famous Hawaiian who rose to fame as a swimmer, a surfer, and the Ambassador of Aloha. But there’s more to this statue than meets the eye. Here are 7 things you…
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