Hawaii Vacation Blog

The road ends at Kaena, where a grassy mountainside landscape greets the boundless white sand beach below. Not many people venture this far into the North Shore of Oahu, which is most likely why the stretch of beach and rocky coastline is almost always empty. Until recently, I completely forgot this place existed. We were […]

Cinnamon’s Restaurant puts a unique twist on pancakes. Serving more than just an original short stack, the eatery entices hungry customers with pancakes inspired by actual cakes, like red velvet, carrot and guava chiffon. And ever since putting the two together, these menu items have been literally selling like hot cakes! Cinnamon’s has been part […]

From Kailua to Kakaako – another Hele On Cyclovia shindig rolls on over to the south side of Oahu. In an effort to promote safe street transportation and healthy lifestyles, about 1.5-miles will be transformed into an open-street event for the community. Walk, bike, jog or segway. The coast is free and clear of all […]

Over the past decade, farmers markets have taken the “Buy Local” mantra by storm. In Hawaii, there’s at least one market a day on each of the major islands. In fact, it seems there are more and more markets being added to the list every other month. Here’s an updated list of farmers markets on […]

On days when you have extra time to kill, head over for a delicious breakfast and beverage from Morning Glass Coffee + Cafe in Manoa. This charming little spot often has a long line, and it moves even slower than you think it will. But it’s worth it to have coffee that seems expertly made […]

As an area not far from the airport and Aloha Tower, Kakaako is oftentimes one of the first places visitors see when arriving in the islands. The drab industrial warehouses and banal buildings weren’t necessarily the best for first impressions. In fact, many would call this the grungier side of Oahu. But thanks to a […]

When visiting Hawaii, you’ll find some of the most breathtakingly-beautiful beaches in the world. But just because they’re beautiful doesn’t mean they’re safe. Kauai, in particular, has had an alarmingly high number of drownings, which is why it’s best to head to lifeguarded beaches. Here’s a list of Kauai beaches with lifeguards on duty during […]

There’s more to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel than its rosy-pink facade. The world-class luxury resort in Waikiki has become an icon of Hawaii’s glory days and a destination of choice for the rich and famous. Guests back-then voyaged for days by sea, bringing more than luggage. They stayed for a considerable period of time, making […]

Have you met the First Lady of Waikiki? A veil of classiness drapes over her sleek white facade, like the gentle morning rays over a quiet Waikiki. Although she’s more than 110 years old, there’s still a youthfulness about her that continues to play a significant role in Hawaii’s history to date. As the very […]

Sunsets in Hawaii never get old, as there are so many places to see them. Whether it’s from atop a mountain or down at the beach, the saga of the sunset can unfold in a multitude of ways. Here are my top picks of places to watch the sunset on Oahu. Stay tuned for best […]

You know about the scenery, shopping, and culture in Waikiki, but did you know there are actually seven (or more) Waikiki Beaches that make up this stretch of shoreline? That’s right – Waikiki Beach is not one single location.  In fact, the beaches of Waikiki span more than two miles, and each has its own […]

Menehune Food Mart may not look like much from the outside. The greyish-blue shop sits discreetly alongside Kauai’s main road and has a subtle tinge of red dirt covering its faded exterior. The words MENEHUNE FOOD MART stretch across the front in plain red lettering. Typical laid-back, low-key Kauai style. Driving by, most would mistaken […]