Hawaii Vacation Blog

Your sniffly nose will be happy to hear that the Marriott in Hawaii offers allergy-free guest rooms. They’re the first in the islands and among the first in the nation to make the dust-free move. But we’re talking more than just dust-free. Hotel rooms will be free of dander and dust-mites, too. Rooms on the […]

Did you know that Kauai has a trolley system of its own, like the ones we see cruising all over Oahu? The difference between the two, however, is that Kauai’s trolley is more of a guided tour, whereas Oahu trolleys can be both a tour and a form of transportation. The three-hour Kauai Trolley Tour […]

It only makes sense for Hawaii to have a center dedicated to nature. Surrounded by thriving rain forests and verdant valleys, the islands have a natural beauty that can be explored at a fingertips reach. The Hawaii Nature Center captures the islands’ affinity for nature and – since the 1980s, has become a hub of […]

Iolani Palace has taken on an appearance even more sophisticated than before; the recent refurbishment is reminiscent of the Kingdom of Hawaii and brings out a sense of regalness not found in the grand staircase nor in the Hawaiian throne but instead, in the carpets and the curtains. The floral-print carpets and Victorian-esque drapery represent […]

Are allergies in Hawaii something you need to worry about? We all know allergies can be annoying as a nose that never stops running or eyes that never stop itching. When going on vacation, they’re the one thing you don’t want to pack. Mango trees may or may not give you allergies in Hawaii. Luckily […]

Perhaps the weather isn’t cooperating, and it’s too rainy and windy for a day at the beach. Sand whipping you in the face isn’t what I call a “good time.” Instead, head indoors to one of Hawaii’s many bowling alleys! Pali Lanes Bowling Alley in Kailua welcomes everyone with the aloha spirit. It is located […]

Are you wondering why The Cheesecake Factory Waikiki always has such long lines? Is it worth it to visit this popular spot? We’re sharing our local know-how for visiting Honolulu’s Cheesecake Factory and our best tips for minimizing your wait time.  Waiting in Line The most notable thing about The Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki is […]

Siam Palace is probably the most eclectic restaurant I’ve ever been to. It’s not so much what’s on the menu but what’s on the walls that left me riddled with confusion. From Valentine’s hearts strung across the faded yellow walls to stuffed scarecrows ready to burst at the seams – it became clear that this […]

Does “Puff the Magic Dragon” still live in the hippy town of Hanalei? The popular 1960s folk song, “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton has often been connected with this North Shore Kauai town of Hanalei, or in this case, “Honah Lee.” The song references to a mythical land called Honah […]

Hawaiian Queen Esther Kapiolani has a hospital named in her honor, a park and even a hotel, but who exactly was this woman and how did she fit into the rich history of Hawaii? Those who knew Kapiolani described her as kind-hearted and compassionate, and as one of the last reigning queens of Hawaii, she […]

Every year, painters set up their easels throughout Maui’s scenic landscapes, and capture the beauty of the island with just a paintbrush. It’s part of the annual Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational that features 25 professional plein air (outdoor) painters from throughout the nation, including Hawaii. The weeklong event allows visitors to see the Valley […]

If you visit Sea Life Park on Oahu, don’t go with the expectation of it being another Sea World. It’s much smaller and has half as many animals as the mainland marine park. And while the live shows get mixed reviews, it’s the dolphin encounters that make the visit really worthwhile. The shallow-water encounters allow […]