Hawaii Vacation Blog

Leonard’s Bakery could arguably qualify as the malasada capitol of the islands for its wonderfully delicious, delightfully fluffy, sugar-coated puff of pure doughy goodness. They sell them daily by the dozens, with a long line beginning to form outside the store before the sun’s even up. And you know they’re finally open when the big […]

Visitors who like to bare it all on beaches will wonder whether there are good Hawaii nude beaches. Today, we’re exposing the truth about nude beaches here so you can soak up as much sunshine as possible during your vacation.  Is Nudity Allowed on Hawaii’s Beaches? Public nudity is illegal in Hawaii. And the law […]

We already taught you the basics of surfing, which means now we can jump right in to the history of it. No one knows for sure how the idea of surfing came about; it could have very well been by accident. But by the eighteenth century, Hawaiians mastered the ocean activity, impressing European explorers and […]

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 […]