Hawaii Vacation Blog

One small corner of Oahu is only accessible on foot: Kaena Point. Roads from both directions end at this westernmost edge of the island, making it impossible to drive completely around Oahu. This seclusion preserves one of the last intact dune ecosystems in the main Hawaiian islands. A Sacred Place for Hawaiians, a Sanctuary for […]

The beautiful Hawaiian beaches include some of the best sand in the world: soft, comfortable, with some variation in size and color of the pebbles, not rocky. Photographs show the sky reflected in the receding waves on a palate of smooth sand. However, one thing I have not found in strolls along several beaches is […]

You’ve come this far, let me take you a little farther west to Japan a la department stores with a direct link to the Far East: today Don Quijote. When I came to Hawaii, I found myself embracing the multiculturalism – especially the food. It was this desire to get some real local produce that […]

There was a time not too long ago when Saddle Road Hawaii was a forbidden trek: a route banned by car rental companies and shunned by guidebooks.  But recent improvements have made this stretch of Big Island Highway a pleasant drive, and a great way to cut down travel time between Hilo and Kona.  But […]

You’ll likely see the beautiful Bird of Paradise in Hawaii. This vibrant, unique flower appears in gardens, farmer’s markets, and artwork. We’ve got some interesting info to help you appreciate this intriguing plant even more! Bird of Paradise in Hawaii and in Science The strikingly beautiful Bird of Paradise flower is famous beyond Hawaii. In […]

The Pali Overlook provides a scenic — and windy! — view of the windward side of the island of Oahu. It consistently ranks as one of the top attractions for visitors. Even with recent parking fees, it’s a bargain. The word “pali” means “cliff” in Hawaii. So Kauaii’s stunning coastline is called “Na Pali” because […]

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 […]

Explore the ancient Royal Coconut Coast in Kauai with a stop at Kapaa Town. Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kauai. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa, […]

If you head north on Hawaii Island (the Big Island), you’ll reach Waimea. This rural area is scenic and charming. And for many, it’s a can’t miss stop when adventuring in Hawaii. But the Waimea elevation brings you away from the ocean, and it’s a bit of a drive to reach. Is it worth it? […]

Small changes convert “all done” into the Hawaiian word for a skirt worn by female horseback riders. Depending upon where diacritical marks are placed, “pau” can mean completed, smudge, moist or skirt. The okina looks like a single open quote mark. It sounds like a pause, like when you say “uh-oh.” It is not an […]

Kauai’s most popular places to dine, shop or see, as chosen by island residents. Every year the local paper puts out the People’s Choice Awards. Residents have several months to cast their votes and the paper compiles the 100 best places on Kauai. This is by residents for residents but I thought I’d share some […]

When you think of Hawaii, you probably first imagine its tranquil beaches and glistening sunsets. But once you’re here, you’ll be awestruck by another sight: the towering Hawaii Mountains.  And most of them are begging to be explored, either from their valley or their peaks (or maybe both). Many states have mountains, but none are […]