Hawaii Vacation Blog

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 […]

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! […]

The Laie Hawaii Temple is a sight to behold on Oahu’s windward coast. The imposing white temple stands between the green mountains and blue ocean, so stately that it’s nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of the Pacific.” Today, we’re learning all about this glistening structure and how you can see it during your Hawaii vacation.  “Brought […]

Snorkeling is something anyone can do to enjoy Hawaii’s waters; it doesn’t matter what age you are or how athletic you are. At the very least, you just bob in the current like a fish. At most you paddle yourself around assisted by flippers and maybe pe. The gear is cheap; you can get goggles, […]