Can you gamble on your Hawaii Vacation?
One of the most common questions we are asked is whether there is gambling in Hawaii. The short answer is no however, there are many reasons why and many theories on this issue. Hawaii is only one of two states that has no legalized gambling of any kind. That means no lotteries, horse races, sports…
Read MoreConsider the USS Arizona an Essential Part of Your Hawaii Vacation
Plan on it. It’s Hawaii’s most visited attraction for a reason. The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor on Oahu lures 1,500,000 people a year, and nobody leaves the experience unmoved or uninspired. Plan on a half-day, and make it in the morning as early as you can (from 7:30). The later you arrive, the…
Read MoreThe Seven Natural Wonders of Hawaii
Mount Everest, The Matterhorn, The Meteor Crater, Victoria Falls, Ayers Rock, The Great Barrier Reef, and The Grand Canyon; they’re the seven Natural Wonders of the World. Each is pretty impressive in itself, but you have to go a long way out of your way to see any of them. Here in Hawaii, we have…
Read MoreAbout Hawaii’s Trade Winds
Undoubtedly, you’ve heard tales of Hawaii’s heavenly climate, often attributed to the enchanting “gentle trade winds,” a phrase as ubiquitous as “white sand beaches,” “swaying palms,” and “lush tropical gardens” when describing the islands’ allure. Yet, have you ever pondered the origins of these mystical trade winds, their elusive nature, and why they bypass other…
Read MoreHawaii’s Rubber Slippers
You may know them as “flip-flops” or as my Australian mates call them “thongs,” but here in Hawaii we wear “rubber slippers.” Living on an island, slippers are an essential part of an un-official Hawaii uniform. Flip-flops were inspired by traditional woven Japanese sandals. Post war, versions were briefly popularized by servicemen returning from Japan.…
Read MoreMai Tai Magic?
I started out on a quest for the history behind Hawaii’s magical Mai Tai. This popular rum and fruit juice concoction has two very interesting men claiming ownership of its creative recipe. The well-known cocktail was purportedly invented at Trader Vic’s Polynesian-themed restaurant in Oakland, CA in 1944. Trader Vic’s amicable rival, Donn Beach claimed…
Read MoreExploring Manoa Valley
Exploring Manoa Valley is a must-do when visiting Oahu. Manoa is a residential valley neighborhood. It is approximately 3 miles inland from downtown, close to Waikiki and Ala Moana. While it may not be on the list for tourists, it is a worthwhile spot to check out, offering a look into one of Oahu’s older…
Read MoreKualoa Ranch: Discovering Moli’i Fishpond
Kualoa Ranch is located on the northeastern side of Oahu in the countryside, less than an hour from Honolulu. The ranch terrain varies from rainforests and valleys to awesome cliff faces. It is truly a paradise for outdoor recreation, with many places accessible only by horseback or by foot. It is a beautiful spot not…
Read MoreDoing a Hawaii Honeymoon “split”
I was recently asked to contribute to a article for a major travel magazine in which I was asked to recommend a “dream honeymoon” for couples with a unlimited budget and for those on a budget. While there many ways to do this, I offered the following advise: I have done a lot of dream…
Read MoreWhy Booking Hawaii Vacations Needs a Personal Touch!
The title is really to get your attention. After doing the podcast “Over Shopping the Internet,” I felt the need to vent a little bit more about booking Hawaii vacations with our company. People are flooding us with calls and requests, struggling to understand the difference between our services and what online megastores like Travelocity…
Read MoreCommon Airline Comfort Tips For Hawaii
Making your flight to Hawaii more pleasant involves a few simple steps, many of which are recommended by airlines. Consider chewing gum, yawning, or sucking on hard candies to alleviate ear pressure during take-off and landing. Staying hydrated throughout the journey is crucial, so consume ample water. Additionally, to avoid stiffness, do light stretching exercises…
Read MoreFree or Almost Free Things to Do in Hawaii
Looking for cheap and free things to do in Hawaii? You’re in luck! While lots of activities here can be pricey, there is plenty to do on a budget. Hiking, performances and some attractions and services are free or almost free. These activities are available all year round and can make an otherwise budget-busting vacation…
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