Hawaii Vacation Blog

Today we are answering one of our most frequently asked questions: How Big is Hawaii? We get this a lot, because most maps of the United States present Hawaii in a little box just off the coast of California, which is very misleading.  That little box makes Hawaii seem much closer to the mainland United […]

“Welcome to Honokaa Town” reads the sign on Hawaii Belt Road as you approach this eclectic and vibrant Hamakua Coast community. Many Big Island visitors make their way to Honokaa as part of a trip to Waipio Valley or when taking a break during a drive from Waimea or the Kona-Kohala Coast to Hilo on […]

Tucked along Kauai’s lush north shore, Mediterranean Gourmet sits on a patch of green grass overlooking the ocean. It’s a peaceful, secluded spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner with family and friends. If you time it right, you get to see whales breaching 100 yards away. If you are staying at the Hanalei […]

Feathered, furred, and ferocious, Bishop Museum’s new dinosaur exhibit will turn what you thought you knew about the mesozoic era upside down. Based on new research from recently discovered fossils in Liaoning Province in China, the animatronic dinosaurs are brightly colored and boast feather or fur. Interactive exhibits allow kids to explore how the dinosaurs […]

A luxurious beachfront hotel located in the center of Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider offers high-style accommodations with a price tag to match. Fortunately, I recently discovered a unique and fun way to experience an afternoon of luxury at the Moana Surfrider without breaking the bank. For a little over $30 one can enjoy a lengthy […]

Whether you want to try Kava at home or are thinking of stopping by a Hawaii Kava bar, there’s a lot to know about this ancient therapy. Finding Serenity Anywhere Just a photograph of our beautiful Hawaiian Islands can put you in a relaxed state of mind and cause you to dream of a Hawaii […]

Tahitian dance is the most well known of all the dance forms of the Polynesian Triangle in the South Pacific. It shares many of the historical roots that hula does in Hawaii; in Tahiti dance was used as an expression of their culture. They had dances to express different occasions, legends and customs. But unlike […]

The Polynesian Cultural Center allows you to experience Hawaii in context, along with sister islands like Tahiti and Samoa. A new hands-on activity demonstrates how to cook traditional Samoan foods in an umu — an above ground oven. Guests are invited to help build the oven, then to prepare and cook traditional foods such as […]

I recently went to the Paradise Cove Luau in Hawaii and wanted to share all about my experience. After all, there are dozens of luau to choose from on Oahu, and you want to make sure you visit the right one.  There is a lot to love about Paradise Cove Luau, but also some things […]

It is whale season in Hawaii and a great way to see them is from a boat. Cruising on the Blue Dolphin—a 63 foot catamaran—I’m amazed at how many whales we see. They go off like fireworks. We see sprays of white plumes, splashing breaches, tail slaps and pectoral fins reaching for the endless blue […]

You can’t help but notice the handsome stone tower that used to be the control tower for all boats in and out of Honolulu Harbor as you drive along Nimitz where it turns into Ala Moana. I believe the first time I went to Aloha Tower was when I was still in my tourist’ days […]

Legendary creatures called Menehune (pronounced meh-neh-HOO-neh) weave a charming spell throughout the Hawaiian Islands. These dwarf-like expert builders may have built some of Hawaii’s largest temples and strongest fishponds. Many say they still work through the night, maintaining their elusiveness as they march through forests and roads.  The History of Menehune The origin stories of […]