Hawaii Vacation Blog

In Hawaii, we are blessed with warm sunny weather year round. When some places in the world are three feet under snow, we’re slathering on the sunscreen for a hot, bright beach day. However, occasionally in the winter months, the temperature in Honolulu can dip into the 60s- freezing by local standards! Laugh you may, […]

Our visit to the Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden this weekend got off to a startling start when a big black creature jumped across our path and into the bushes, sending a couple of finches in flight. The lauae fern shook this way and that on the windless Saturday morning before the creature revealed itself […]

On this day in particular, the sweet fragrance of flowers will be especially apparent to your senses, with bouquets as one of the most popular ways to say, “I love you.” But in Hawaii, pua (flowers) color the islands all year long. You’ll see them in full bloom along the streets and in shopping centers […]

When reaching the serene state park on Waahila Ridge, cool, refreshing air instantly let’s you know that you’ve made it to the top of St. Louis Heights, an area guarded by the vast Norfolk pine trees standing astutely at the park’s entrance. They shade and protect the ridge while padding the ground with several layers […]

Bruce Fisher spends his days telling visitors about Hawaii, but his own first impressions are somewhat hazy. His first visit was when he moved here in 1992. Working a radio shift at night, Bruce got a crash course on Hawaii culture during the day. That crash course took on new intensity when Hurricane Iniki hit […]

If you happen to go for a hike while visiting Hawaii, chances are you will come across a strawberry guava (psidium cattleianum) tree. Its bright red berries are a juicy treat and can be eaten straight from the tree or made into jam. When trees are producing heavily, you can smell the aroma of the […]

One of the most unique aspects of Hawaii has got to be its microclimates. One side of the island may be raining buckets while at the same time, the other side will be soaking up the sun. These characteristics describe areas of the island we often refer to as the “windward” and “leeward” sides. It’s […]

Ho, brah! Why you when make ladat for? You stey making anykine. Make mo’ humbug fo’ me! Ah, lose money ladat. I tell you, das why hod! Huh? … That’s exactly the question many people who aren’t from around here find themselves asking when they come to Hawaii. Wait, what did he just say? I […]

Some of Oahu’s most pristine shorelines and vast mountain ranges exist on the west side of the island. In fact, the Waianae Mountains hosts Oahu’s highest peak at Mt. Kaala. But because of issues involving crime, drugs and homelessness, the Nanakuli, Waianae and Maili areas have developed a negative reputation that often discourages visitors and […]

The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH) is one of those hidden gems we often overlook; not because it’s a small hole-in-the-wall but because it’s a huge concrete building that can easily be mistaken for a parking structure. Those in the local Japanese community know better. Take this older Japanese woman I recently met there, […]

Kung Hei Fat Choy! This week many people around the world will be celebrating the Chinese New Year, and Hawaii is definitely included in the party. Our own Chinatown celebrates for almost the entire month with block parties, music, food, crafts, lion dances, parades and a Narcissus Queen Pageant. The entire community comes together for […]

Even before warming their toes in Hawaii’s sandy shores, visitors have most likely already warmed their hearts with the island’s beautiful voices that ring so brilliantly throughout the world. From our archipelago in the Pacific, singers like Don Ho and Braddah IZ are just a few of the performing gems that have made a global […]