West Side Oahu Not for City Slickers
The only reason I’d imagine visitors wanting to stay on the west side of Oahu would be to get away from the city. It’s more than 45 miles from Waikiki (about an hour of driving one-way), so it’s likely you’ll want to do things on that side of the island. Makaha is probably the farthest…
Read MoreBeneath Treetop Canopies, the Hawaii Nature Center Awaits
It only makes sense for Hawaii to have a center dedicated to nature. Surrounded by thriving rain forests and verdant valleys, the islands have a natural beauty that can be explored at a fingertips reach. The Hawaii Nature Center captures the islands’ affinity for nature and – since the 1980s, has become a hub of…
Read MoreOutdoor Painting Captures Colors of Maui
Every year, painters set up their easels throughout Maui’s scenic landscapes, and capture the beauty of the island with just a paintbrush. It’s part of the annual Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational that features 25 professional plein air (outdoor) painters from throughout the nation, including Hawaii. The weeklong event allows visitors to see the Valley…
Read MoreMount Waialeale: Kauai’s Rainy Treasure
Everyone knows to plan for rainfall when they visit Kauai. But did you know that it’s home to one of the wettest places on Earth? Mount Waialeale is a lush region in Kauai and one of our favorite Hawaii mountains. Today we’re talking all about this emerald wonder and how you can see it for…
Read MoreMolokai Has A Distinct Shape
What do you think the shape of Molokai resembles? Some say it looks like a wooden shoe, while others think the island resembles a fish. I think the fish one seems more plausible; wooden shoes were sooo yesterday’s fashion. If you get a chance to see Molokai from outer space (or on Google Earth), then…
Read MoreBlow Your Mind at a Hawaii Blowhole
One of our favorite sights to see in Hawaii is a blowhole. These magnificent wonders display the power of the ocean, set against a beautiful backdrop. If you want to see a Hawaii Blowhole, we’re here to help! Blow Your Mind at a Hawaii Blowhole A blowhole, in the context we’re discussing, is a fascinating…
Read MoreA Peaceful Escape to Kahana Bay
All is quiet at beautiful Kahana Bay, where the surrounding valley shelters this section of Oahu from any disturbances. Located on the northeastern side of the island, Kahana Bay is oftentimes overlooked by tourists who are nose-deep into their maps. Because of the mini forest of ironwood trees on the outskirts of the bay, seeing…
Read MoreRoute 72: Scenic Drive Along O‘ahu’s Shoreline
Hele mai! Come! Take a drive along the rocky coast of Oahu’s southeast shorelines, where there’s a surprise waiting around each bend in the road. Swim with tropical fish or go from “here to eternity” at a very popular cove. Or, simply take in the surrounding beauty, as you leave the city behind and venture…
Read MoreA Drive Through Oahu’s H-3 Freeway
Although Hawaii’s thousands of miles from the next U.S. state, it’s still somehow proud owner of an interstate freeway. This version, however, is different from what you might be thinking of. Instead of linking drivers from one state to another, the 16-mile H-3 Freeway connects Oahu cities – from Kaneohe to Halawa. It’s become a…
Read MoreHilo: Tree Tunnels, Black Sand Beach and Snorkeling
Talking about the weather is usually chit chat but not when you visit Hilo! This windward area gets more than its fair share of rain but is all the more beautiful because of it. My recent visit to the Big Island gave me the opportunity to stay on the Hilo again which was nice because…
Read MoreThe Tallest Hawaiian Mountain is the Tallest in the World
As you ascend to the tallest Hawaiian mountain, you’ll actually be climbing the tallest mountain in the world! Let’s talk about Mauna Kea, and other Hawaiian mountains that are technically taller than Everest. Mauna Kea: Hawaii Island’s Tallest Mountain When we think of the world’s tallest mountain, you’ll likely envision Mount Everest. At 29,035 feet,…
Read MoreMeandering to Manoa Falls
Many remember Manoa Falls from the movie, Jurassic Park. But although dinosaurs no longer roam here, the hike at the back of the valley is still a popular destination for those eager to see a waterfall. Mind you, it’s not just any waterfall; it’s the tallest and most accessible one on Oahu – at 150…
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