The first time I drove through the sleepy and rural town of Waimanalo, I had to do a double take — was that a a polo field I just saw? Turns out, it was! Yep, the sport of kings is big business in the islands. And, taking-in a match while you’re on vacation could be one…

Recently, my husband had a colleague visit from Phoenix. And, when I asked him what his favorite part of the trip was, he mentioned how much he loved driving into the local enclaves and neighborhoods to see what life was REALLY like in Hawaii. If you also like to experience the “local” side of things,…

Hawaii is a melting pot of diverse cultures and beliefs (which is what makes it such an amazing place to live). But, with that diversity comes a mix of the occult, odd belief systems, and long-time rituals, many of which come from the “homelands” of Hawaii residents. In honor of Halloween, we thought we’d bring…

Every time I walk in my door, I see the Hawaiian quilted sign that reads: Ho Olu Hemo Your Shoes (translation: Please remove your shoes). It makes me smile every time I see it because it brings back the sweet memory of strolling though a local craft fair in Waikoloa on the Big Island, where…

How would you feel if someone asked you to spend an entire year on top of in Hawaii? In a dome? With people you didn’t even know? Well, that’s exactly what six volunteers signed up for about one year ago — and, they’ve just emerged from their stay atop the cold, desolate mountain. Why did they…

Heads up, parents! Visiting Hawaii with small children can be a magical and fun-filled experience, but (in my experience anyway), little ones can take only so much sun and outdoor frolicking before they tire-out. So, lots of smart parents sprinkle a bit of indoor fun throughout their Hawaii vacation. Which inspires me to write about a…

When you announced you’re coming to Hawaii, did you get the “evil-eye” from jealous loved-ones left behind? It’s not that uncommon! After all, you’re getting the vacation of a lifetime, and that can make others green with envy! But, we have a way to mend the fences when you return: Bring your left-behind loved-ones some…

If you plan on being in the islands on August 19th, you may notice something: State government offices will be closed, as well as schools and the major universities (or maybe you WON’T notice, which is OK too!). What’s all the fuss about? It’s actually Statehood Day in Hawaii, (known as Admissions Day until 2001),…

Did you know that Russia had a vested interest in acquiring Hawaii in the early 19th century? In fact, there are more than a few folks today who will say that Russia almost “took” Hawaii before America eventually claimed the islands as a U.S. Territory. Need proof? Just go to Kauai. In , you’ll find an…

It’s a shameful secret I carry with me wherever I go — I haven’t been to Maui in years. I try to console myself with the fact that I moved back to the mainland for a few years, but, really, there’s no excuse. This magical island is right around the corner, and it’s home to nearly…

As many of you probably know, it’s pretty easy to get “attached” to Hawaii, especially if you connect with the land, the culture, and the history here. For many of us, Hawaii feels like home (even if you don’t live here). But we’re certainly not the first (nor will we be the last) to feel…