Hawaii Vacation Blog

UPDATE 12/07/2023: https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-maui-tourism-recovering/ With Lahaina currently out of the equation, is West Maui still a viable option for a Maui vacation? From my perspective, the concise response would be “Not yet.” I find it challenging to recommend West Maui to clients until we understand what they’ll be stepping into upon arrival. You’ve likely been inundated […]

In a recent statewide announcement, Governor Josh Green, M.D. has revealed that the West Maui regions of Kā‘anapali, Nāpili, Honokōwai, and Kapalua are slated to reopen on Sunday, October 8. This comes two months post the devastating wildfires of August 8 that wreaked havoc in Lahaina. The people of Hawai‘i and visitors are urged to […]

If Oahu is on your list for a Hawaiian getaway, you’ll probably find yourself in Waikiki. Though some might label it as “touristy,” it’s a place where the authentic charm of Hawaiian hula and culture lives. You’ll hear the enchanting sounds of mele, and the depth of local culture shine through. While you’re there, indulge […]

Starting next spring, vacationers from the Bay Area and Los Angeles eyeing a Hawaiʻi getaway can be among the first to revel in the sophisticated island ambiance and coziness of Hawaiian Airlines’ brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Hawaiʻi’s flagship airline kicked off ticket bookings for this 787 service, set to debut on routes connecting Hawaiʻi with […]

Deeming Yakiniku Sizzle “Oahu’s best yakiniku” restaurant may be hyperbolic but considering our small sample size of one (1) such non-chain Japanese barbeque establishment in the past 10-or-so-years, we are sticking with our assessment and our enthusiastic recommendation. Also, it’s close to the HAT Blog Home Office, it’s quite reasonably priced, and it’s run by […]

I must be excited about the waterfalls on Kauai because I can only think about anticipating my visit to the Garden Isle! Besides all the wide-open spaces and amazing vistas, I can’t wait to hike to some of the island’s most incredible waterfalls. So, I thought I would pull double duty and research the top […]

It is unmistakable when you arrive in Waimea Kauai. The lush greenery of the town dramatically changes into a landscape dominated by red dirt and dry conditions. This distinct change epitomizes the historic town on the island’s western side. The name “Waimea” translates to “red water”. A meaning that becomes vividly apparent after a rain […]

“Can we bring our dog/cat along on a Hawaii vacation?” It’s a question Hawaii Aloha Travel gets frequently from people planning a visit to the Aloha State. The short answer is “yes”. The longer, more detailed answer is, “Yes, but it takes a great deal of time, research, preparation, patience, and, especially, a lot of […]

I’m a lifelong Hawaii resident who is not inclined to sign up for a guided Oahu snorkeling tour. I know the best places for exploring the reefs that ring Oahu. Grew up doing it. I certainly wouldn’t pay a stranger to show me around places I’ve been. Much less on a chartered tourist catamaran. But […]

Maui is burning. That’s not hyperbole. Dozens of homes and businesses in Historic Lahaina Town have been destroyed, and wildfires across the Valley Isle have closed multiple highways and roads, grinding traffic and commerce to a dead stop. High winds and drought conditions turned much of Maui into a disaster area. Acting Governor Sylvia Luke […]

There is a construction staging area for roadwork projects in and around Honolulu below the HAT Blog Home Office, and it’s busy. It’s got us thinking about getting around on Oahu and choosing the best way to get to where you want to go and avoid the frustration of snarled Oahu traffic. Across the street, […]

A recent trip to the Hawaii Theatre Centre with brought a fresh appreciation for the splendor of the 100-year-old edifice and its remarkable history. Known as the “Pride of the Pacific,” the theater earned this title from local and international newspapers when it opened in September 1922. Despite many visits over the years, it’s surprising […]