Hawaii Vacation Blog

“Do you celebrate the same holidays in Hawaii as we do in the states?” asked a potential visitor. The answer is both “yes” and “no.” “Yes” because Hawaii IS one of “the states” so the same federal holidays are observed. But “no” because Hawaii adds some state holidays you won’t find anywhere else. While today […]

Coconuts line the beach in Hawaii, tossed by the winter waves. It is not unusual to see coconuts floating in the waters near the shore but I don’t usually see this many on the sand all at one time. Coconut trees are common on all the islands of Hawaii. Coconuts are called “self-harvesting”— they drop […]

Etched into the cliffside of Kauai, the narrow Kalalau trail clings to an oceanic ridge, bestowing ethereal views to all who travel along her ancient volcanic soil. The grandeur and mystery of the Kalalau trail captivated my adventurous spirit right away, because I grew up playing in the Colorado mountains. Voted one of America’s most […]

Hawaii is full of eye-catching cathedrals and churches. The islands’ missionary history and architectural trends mean that there’s a lot to see and learn about the religious sites you’ll find here. St. Andrew’s Cathedral Honolulu has a fascinating (and royal!) history. The History of St. Andrew’s Cathedral Honolulu The Cathedral of St. Andrew (commonly called […]

The Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade is a unique chance to experience holiday magic, Hawaii style! Many homes decorate for the holidays in Hawaii, just as on the mainland. Offices and stores also have lights and Christmas figures. In Hawaii, even boats get into the act. The Hawaii Kai Festival of Lights Christmas Boat […]

Seeing Hawaii’s churches is a unique and inspiring activity to do during your vacation. And Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu should top your list – learn about it here first! The First Church Three historic churches mark the introduction of Christianity to Hawaii. Although all three are near one another in downtown Honolulu, each has a […]

Are you motivated to visit Hawaii? We know people love Hawaii, and a new study confirms that Hawaii is a top incentive travel destination. Hawaii is one of three “up and coming destinations” in the world for motivational events (the others are in Africa and China). One of the reasons Hawaii ranks so highly is […]

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 […]

The first Christian missionaries in Hawaii were Puritan and carried with them their distaste for Christmas celebrations. Captain Cook first sighted the islands of Oahu and Kauai just after Christmas in 1777 and missionaries arrived aboard the Thaddeus in 1820 but the first official Christmas celebration was not until 1862. That year, the Government of […]

(…. Well, Actually, I Walked Where They Ran – But I Did Do It!) The Kualoa Ranch has been owned by the same family for the past 150 years, is located in the secluded north east corner of Oahu and encompasses 4000 acres, three mountains, and two grand valleys that open out to the north […]

Calm and grounded tranquility spiral up my body and mind once I step foot on the tropical soil of the Kauai Hindu Monastery. The monastery, on 376 lush acres near the Wailua River, contains botanical gardens, waterways, and ponds. Sitting at the foot of the extinct volcano, Mount Waialeale, the spiritual sanctuary invites visitors to […]

Blow Holes – a natural phenomenon. In Hawaii, you may hear one before you see it. As waves splash against a rocky coastline, water spurts up through a natural crevice to spray mist into the air.  When the wave conditions are really good, it looks like a geyser, but it’s actually a blow hole. How […]