Category: Hawaii Accommodations & Dining

A luxurious beachfront hotel located in the center of Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider offers high-style accommodations with a price tag to match. Fortunately, I recently discovered a unique and fun way to experience an afternoon of luxury at the Moana Surfrider without breaking the bank. For a little over $30 one can enjoy a lengthy […]

Whether you want to try Kava at home or are thinking of stopping by a Hawaii Kava bar, there’s a lot to know about this ancient therapy. Finding Serenity Anywhere Just a photograph of our beautiful Hawaiian Islands can put you in a relaxed state of mind and cause you to dream of a Hawaii […]

The Polynesian Cultural Center allows you to experience Hawaii in context, along with sister islands like Tahiti and Samoa. A new hands-on activity demonstrates how to cook traditional Samoan foods in an umu — an above ground oven. Guests are invited to help build the oven, then to prepare and cook traditional foods such as […]

I recently went to the Paradise Cove Luau in Hawaii and wanted to share all about my experience. After all, there are dozens of luau to choose from on Oahu, and you want to make sure you visit the right one.  There is a lot to love about Paradise Cove Luau, but also some things […]

Save money on food by eating like a local on your Hawaii vacation.* You might expect generous portions at a place called “Fatboys” and you’d be right. You’ll also find food that’s popular with locals and yet accessible for first-time visitors to Hawaii. If you want to stay with familiar food choices, there is a […]

Bao buns are having a moment – it seems like they’re appearing all over the mainland at all different kinds of restaurants. But Hawaii has long treasured these treats, so much so that we have our own version, called Manapua.  A Manapua is a soft roll with a savory filling. Char siu pork is the […]

Vacationers and locals agree: a Hawaii malasada is the ultimate treat.  A malasada is a pastry treat, similar to a donut without a hole. It is very popular and best eaten while still warm. You may find malasadas in bakeries, coffee carts or even as a dessert in restaurants. The Evolution of Hawaii Malasada in […]

If you’ve spent any time in Hawaii, you’ve heard of Kalua Pig. This local food is a staple at most parties, luau, and restaurants. But what exactly is it? And why do Hawaii residents love it so much? Let’s learn all about this popular dish! What is Kalua Pig?  Kalua Pig is roasted pulled pork! […]

A tea ceremony with roots in sixteenth century Japan lives on in Hawaii. Visitors may experience the elegance of Chao, the Way of Tea, in public demonstrations. Small group sessions are held twice a week in a tea room and garden tucked in between towering Hawaii hotels in Waikiki. The foundations for Chado were laid […]

In Waikiki there are a few hotels which are historic but unfortunately only the folks with the big bucks get to stay there. However, these properties have a lot of Aloha Spirit and even if you’re not staying there you can enjoy the ambiance and the beauty of these wonderfully restored historic Hawaii hotels. It’s […]

The latest in know your foods in Hawaii: saimin! Or, “How to eat soup with chopsticks.” Saimin is Hawaii history in a bowl. I had read of saimin in a guidebook on our Hawaii visit. It said saimin was a traditional food unique to Hawaii, so I was happy to order when it appeared on […]

When Aloha Bruce asked me to join a group of bloggers, journalists and tech gurus on a journey to Oahu’s North Shore for tour of its famous shrimp trucks on a recent Friday, it was pointless to try to conceal my enthusiasm. I love being on the North Shore, I love shrimp, and I’ll jump […]