Hawaii Vacation Blog

Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?

You’re in good company if you’re wondering whether you require a passport to visit Hawaii. This question frequently arises because Hawaii has a unique cultural identity that makes it feel somewhat different from the mainland United States. Many travelers need clarification about the requirements. While Hawaii has the feel of a foreign country, it’s still […]

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Hawaii’s tropical drinks – part of paradise

If you coming to the islands chances are you’re going to want a cocktail so here are some ideas for Hawaii’s tropical drinks. There are lots of them, and innumerable variations of each, depending on the hand that mixes them. Adult beverage culture and practice have evolved over many decades, with new ingredients, methods, and […]

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Is ‘Chinaman’s Hat’ on Oahu a Culturally Insensitive Name?

If you’re coming to the Island of Oahu, you will likely be heading to the island’s Windward side. This part of the island includes, among other sites, Kaneohe, Kualoa Ranch, and a small island off the coast called Mokoli’i Island or also named Chinaman’s Hat. Name Origins This small island is also known as ‘Chinaman’s […]

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Hawaii’s hidden gems – wineries and distilleries

There are countless iconic attractions for visitors to Hawaii. From Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head to Waimea Canyon Kauai to Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii Island to Haleakala Crater on Maui, many of these attractions are known and marveled at by people all over the world. All have been covered over the years in pages here […]

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Maui Ocean Center – Hawaiian Culture & Plant Tour

While Maui Ocean Center showcases marine life and fish, a tour offered by the family embraces Hawaiian culture and plants. Visitors to the Maui Ocean Center now have the opportunity to join a new tour dedicated to native plants and their significance in Hawaiian culture. Guided by a marine naturalist, the 90-minute tour was developed […]

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Tips for Dealing with Jet Lag on Your Hawaii Vacation

No matter where you’re coming from, a trip to Hawaii requires you to fly a rather long distance to get here. And, long flights often mean dreaded jet lag. Yep, you can spend months looking forward to your dream Hawaii vacation only to spend the first few days sluggish and lagging behind. First off, what […]

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Hawaii Shutdown averted – Here’s what almost happened!

Should there be any question about how a US government and Hawaii shutdown would affect Hawaii’s National Parks and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the National Parks Service has made clear what the impact will be at the top of the homepage of each of its Hawaii destinations. “Had the funding lapsed National Parks in […]

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Haleakala’s Red Hill – Pu’u ‘Ula’ula

The parking lot at the summit of Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park on Maui sits at the bottom of Pu’u ‘Ula’ula. It is known as “Haleakala’s Red Hill”, the translation of the name it was given by Hawaii’s ancients many hundreds of years ago. Haleakala’s Red Hill is the actual pinnacle of the mountain, […]

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Hawaii in October – Upcoming Events for 2023

We always urge our visitors to immerse themselves in Hawaii’s vibrant events and activities during their stay. Often, you’ll find that many of these experiences come at no cost! Here’s a curated list for October. Ensure you weave some delightful cultural encounters into your itinerary for a truly enriching Hawaiian adventure! October 13-15 , 2023 […]

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Hamoa Beach – an East Maui treasure

Hamoa Beach at the far eastern tip of Maui is a stunningly beautiful and popular destination for Valley Isle visitors. It is a way of life for Maui surfers and fishing enthusiasts. It’s south of the storied Road to Hana, which means that getting there is an adventure itself. There are more than 600 hairpin […]

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Hawaii astronomy – Fall equinox

Today is September 21, 2023. That means it is the Fall Equinox in Hawaii (and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere). There will be almost exactly the same amount of night and day, with the days getting shorter until the Winter Solstice on December 21-22. It’s an exciting time for Hawaii astronomy because the stars […]

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Iam Tongi Returns to Hawaii For Concert

You don’t want to miss this concert if you’re in Oahu or Maui at the beginning of December. “Yessah: Iam Tongi Returns to Hawaii” on Dec. 9 at the 7,000-seat Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. On Maui, he will be appearing on December 12-13 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Local Roots Iam Tongi, originally […]

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