Contrary to what we see in Hollywood or hear as tradition, tossing lei in the ocean is a big NO NO. The flower creations not only pollute the surrounding waters but harm marine life as well. The lei drifts off to sea, and as the flowers peel off one by one, the string remains in…

Mahina means moon or moonlight in Hawaiian. And apparently, it’s a very common baby name as well. In searching the web, dozens of baby name sites for girls pop up. It’s interesting to note that some people may also have “mahina” as their last name. There was a point in Hawaii’s history when Hawaiians were…

It’s not the “Big Island.” It’s the “Hawaii Island,” reminds the island’s visitors bureau. The biggest island in Hawaii got its nickname for obvious reasons; it’s B I G – about twice the size of the other islands combined, with room to spare. Even the visitors bureau had been promoting the island as the Big…

Did you know that Kauai has a trolley system of its own, like the ones we see cruising all over Oahu? The difference between the two, however, is that Kauai’s trolley is more of a guided tour, whereas Oahu trolleys can be both a tour and a form of transportation. The three-hour Kauai Trolley Tour…

Iolani Palace has taken on an appearance even more sophisticated than before; the recent refurbishment is reminiscent of the Kingdom of Hawaii and brings out a sense of regalness not found in the grand staircase nor in the Hawaiian throne but instead, in the carpets and the curtains. The floral-print carpets and Victorian-esque drapery represent…

Perhaps the weather isn’t cooperating, and it’s too rainy and windy for a day at the beach. Sand whipping you in the face isn’t what I call a “good time.” Instead, head indoors to one of Hawaii’s many bowling alleys! Pali Lanes Bowling Alley in Kailua welcomes everyone with the aloha spirit. It is located…

Hawaiian Queen Esther Kapiolani has a hospital named in her honor, a park and even a hotel, but who exactly was this woman and how did she fit into the rich history of Hawaii? Those who knew Kapiolani described her as kind-hearted and compassionate, and as one of the last reigning queens of Hawaii, she…

Welcome to the “coolest little town” on Maui! Located on the northern coast of the island, Paia is filled with so much color and so much history that it’s ready to burst at the seams. It’s an old plantation town turned beach town, and at the end of Hana Highway, this is as chill as…

Who knew a cattle rancher’s gift of 500 eucalyptus trees would become a famous landmark for Kauai? Today, their treetop canopies form a natural tunnel along the one-mile stretch of Maluhia Road. It serves as a gateway of sorts to Kauai’s south shore and historic Koloa town and is quite possibly the most well-known set…