Hawaii Vacation Blog

Keoki’s Pardise reminds me of Duke’s in Waikiki. It’s got a very tropical vibe with breezy outdoor seating and a menu of popular local dishes and specialty drinks. While Keoki’s doesn’t overlook a beach, like Duke’s does, this restaurant has a very secluded feel surrounded by live plants and a waterfall-pond. We usually come here […]

Caution should be exercised when venturing onto the picturesque Hawaiian shorelines, as an alarming phenomenon known as the “stinging seaweed”  This peculiar occurrence has can leave beach enthusiasts grappling with an uncomfortable and persistent itch that ensues upon their exit from the ocean’s embrace. Kailua Beach, in particular, has borne the brunt of this enigmatic […]

Although it may have a difficult name to pronounce, Hoomaluhia is far from anything difficult. (Pronounced: ho-OH-mah-loo-HEE-UH). The botanical garden on the windward side of Oahu is filled with all kinds of wonderful things in nature, easily living up to its name, which translates to “peace and tranquility.” Hoomaluhia is a 400-acre oasis sandwiched between […]

Along with the chocolate-covered mac nuts and Kona coffee that visitors might bring back as Hawaiian souvenirs, it is very likely they will be taking home poi, too. The mashed-up taro paste can be a tricky thing to travel with because – while it comes in a bag – it is neither a liquid nor […]

Sadly, my favorite Italian restaurant went from Bella Marvelous to Bella Missing in what seemed like a matter of months. We returned to the cute Kaimuki eatery after a short hiatus, only to find that the lights off and door closed. A sign on the gate said that the restaurant was for sale. Bummed and […]

It will be easier to experience the simplicity of Waimea with a new direct route from Kahului, Maui. The route will be via Mokulele Airlines, with a recently-awarded federal contract providing service from Kahului Airport to Waimea-Kohala Airport. The four-year, $1.76-million contract has been deemed an essential air service contract, according to a release. Mokulele […]

Poi has always received reactions as mixed as the very bag it’s sold in. Some swear by this Hawaiian staple, while others swear to never put poi in their mouths. That’s likely the reason why poi has quickly become the darkhorse in a nationwide contest for America’s most iconic regional foods. 10best.com, part of USA […]

Despite what the 90s hip-hop group TLC might have told us about not chasing waterfalls, I’m here to remind you of the exact opposite. Go ahead and chase after waterfalls while in Hawaii! They’re one of nature’s most fascinating features, so why not find some for your pure island enjoyment? You can bet that tucked […]

Kauai’s coffee shop scene is quite the opposite of Oahu, where there’s a Starbucks or Coffee Bean on every other block. Instead, Kauai strays away from corporate coffees and stays true to its roots with local coffee shops, like Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company. This is one of my favorite spots to get a caffeine […]

When the Kakaako area of Oahu gets its new boutique shopping area in a few years, what will happen to all the cool murals we see today? Some cool, local art in Kakaako. The industrial part of Honolulu used to be just that: industrial – gray and grimy and unattractive to visitors. Now, it has […]

Despite the name, Lanikai Juice can be found in two other areas of Oahu. There’s one on the North Shore, as well as another in Kahala. Both are a spin off of the original Lanikai Juice, located right in the heart of Kailua. That means, if you’re craving a smoothie or an acai bowl, you […]

Oftentimes, the intricate beauty of statues, sculptures and other forms of artwork get overlooked. Either they blend in with their surroundings, or they’re situated in an obscure area. Honolulu, for instance, has a long list of public art works – from stainless steel figures to painted murals. Although I have lived here all my life, […]