How to Walk Through a Hawaii Plantation Village

Growing up on Oahu, Hawaii’s Plantation Village was a common field trip destination. As a seventh grader, I enjoyed visiting this recreated sugar plantation. But what would I think of it as an adult? Read along to discover my experience visiting this popular Hawaii destination.  A Walk Through History Hawaii Plantation Village takes visitors on…

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Swimming With A Great White Shark

Have you seen the video of a Hawaii woman swimming with the great white shark? Kimi Werner, a national spearfishing champion and former art teacher, made headlines around the world when the video debuted on the web. Kimi had been part of an expedition right off the coast of Mexico when it happened. Check out…

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Exploring Hawaiian Bamboo Groves

Hawaii, known for its myriad landscapes, promises a journey of vibrant contrasts. One moment, you’re treading along a secluded forest trail, and the next, you find yourself dwarfed amidst a soaring bamboo grove. The dramatic transformation in the terrain, from dense forests to towering bamboo groves, paints a vivid picture of Hawaii’s diverse ecosystems. This…

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Kapaa, One of the Nation’s Prettiest Towns

It had been a while since I have visited Kapaa, so on a recent trip to Kauai, I made it a point to stop by this quaint east side town. Turns out, it had been a stop for coffee on our way out to the North Shore that steered us in this direction. We got…

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Stroll Through Kauai’s Banana Patch Studio

Banana Patch Studio goes above and beyond any other art store I’ve been to. As an art gallery, shopping venue and creative working studio, the Hanapēpē shop has managed to paint a whole new experience for Kauai visitors and art lovers alike. From outside, the shop looks like a cute plantation home – complete with…

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Palaka in Paradise

Before there were aloha shirts, there was palaka. The plaid-print cloth from England had been sewn into work shirts for plantation laborers, quickly becoming synonymous with this time in Hawaii’s history. Farmers, ranchers and plantation workers liked that the material was both comfy and durable, especially when working under the hot Hawaiian sun. Not to…

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Avoid the Crowds in Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are far from a secret; every year, millions of visitors call this place their “dream getaway.” And while you’re probably thinking, so much for the “getaway” when you’re also sharing it with other people, there are still ways to find solitude in paradise. 1- Stay off the beaten path. There’s more to…

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Leave Lava Photography to the Professionals

Taking pictures of lava has become a special niche for photographers around the world, especially in Hawaii where Kilauea Volcano has been actively erupting for decades. It is a risky endeavor that often puts them within arm’s reach of Madame Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess. Ask any of these professionals, and they’ll quickly tell you…

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Tree Tunnel Kauai: All About This (Short!) Scenic Drive

Tree tunnel Kauai: have you ever experienced the wonder on this short stretch of road? Of course, Hawaii is full of scenic drives and gorgeous surroundings, but the tree tunnel feels extra special because it’s so easy to stumble upon. In fact, you may not even have heard of “the tree tunnel Kauai” – maybe…

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Turtle Nesting in Hawaii

While summertime in Hawaii means longer days and beautiful weather, it also marks nesting season for green sea turtles. The honu, as they’re called in Hawaiian, choose specific beaches throughout the islands to lay their eggs. And because most of these beaches are frequented by humans, it is especially important that we show some respect…

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Mokulele to Fly to Waimea

It will be easier to experience the simplicity of Waimea with a new direct route from Kahului, Maui. The route will be via Mokulele Airlines, with a recently-awarded federal contract providing service from Kahului Airport to Waimea-Kohala Airport. The four-year, $1.76-million contract has been deemed an essential air service contract, according to a release. Mokulele…

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A Cottage By the Sea

As one of Oahu’s first smalltime boutiques, Cottage By the Sea continues to follow its original intent from humbled beginnings – to bring together the best DIYers in jewelry, fashion and home decor. ​Cottage By The Sea at the Honolulu Night Market. It’s nice to see that they haven’t fallen victim to mainstream. Instead, the…

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