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Lighting Up the Skies over Lanikai in Hawaii
Moonrise can be a beautiful alternative to Sunrise on Oahu. I have the same conversation over and over with my friends who live on the Leeward /Honolulu side: Me: oh how I wish I was over here more often. I so miss seeing the sun set over Waikiki. Them: We never get to see the…
Read MoreOahu’s Kaena Point: The End of the Road in Hawaii
One small corner of Oahu is only accessible on foot: Kaena Point. Roads from both directions end at this westernmost edge of the island, making it impossible to drive completely around Oahu. This seclusion preserves one of the last intact dune ecosystems in the main Hawaiian islands. A Sacred Place for Hawaiians, a Sanctuary for…
Read MoreSea shells as souvenirs of a Hawaii vacation
The beautiful Hawaiian beaches include some of the best sand in the world: soft, comfortable, with some variation in size and color of the pebbles, not rocky. Photographs show the sky reflected in the receding waves on a palate of smooth sand. However, one thing I have not found in strolls along several beaches is…
Read MoreEmbracing the Asian Influence in Hawaii
You’ve come this far, let me take you a little farther west to Japan a la department stores with a direct link to the Far East: today Don Quijote. When I came to Hawaii, I found myself embracing the multiculturalism – especially the food. It was this desire to get some real local produce that…
Read MoreSaddle Road: Hawaii Island’s Best Shortcut
There was a time not too long ago when Saddle Road Hawaii was a forbidden trek: a route banned by car rental companies and shunned by guidebooks. But recent improvements have made this stretch of Big Island Highway a pleasant drive, and a great way to cut down travel time between Hilo and Kona. But…
Read MoreBird of Paradise in Hawaii – A Scientific Star
You’ll likely see the beautiful Bird of Paradise in Hawaii. This vibrant, unique flower appears in gardens, farmer’s markets, and artwork. We’ve got some interesting info to help you appreciate this intriguing plant even more! Bird of Paradise in Hawaii and in Science The strikingly beautiful Bird of Paradise flower is famous beyond Hawaii. In…
Read MorePali Overlook on Oahu is Wonderful and Windy
The Pali Overlook provides a scenic — and windy! — view of the windward side of the island of Oahu. It consistently ranks as one of the top attractions for visitors. Even with recent parking fees, it’s a bargain. The word “pali” means “cliff” in Hawaii. So Kauaii’s stunning coastline is called “Na Pali” because…
Read MoreTraditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Hawaii
A tea ceremony with roots in sixteenth century Japan lives on in Hawaii. Visitors may experience the elegance of Chao, the Way of Tea, in public demonstrations. Small group sessions are held twice a week in a tea room and garden tucked in between towering Hawaii hotels in Waikiki. The foundations for Chado were laid…
Read MoreKapaa Offers Hiking, Biking, Swimming and Shopping on Kauai
Explore the ancient Royal Coconut Coast in Kauai with a stop at Kapaa Town. Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kauai. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa,…
Read MoreWaimea Elevation: Fun in the Kohala Mountains
If you head north on Hawaii Island (the Big Island), you’ll reach Waimea. This rural area is scenic and charming. And for many, it’s a can’t miss stop when adventuring in Hawaii. But the Waimea elevation brings you away from the ocean, and it’s a bit of a drive to reach. Is it worth it?…
Read MoreLittle Marks Make a Big Difference in Hawaiian Words
Small changes convert “all done” into the Hawaiian word for a skirt worn by female horseback riders. Depending upon where diacritical marks are placed, “pau” can mean completed, smudge, moist or skirt. The okina looks like a single open quote mark. It sounds like a pause, like when you say “uh-oh.” It is not an…
Read MoreLocal Picks for Best of Kauai
Kauai’s most popular places to dine, shop or see, as chosen by island residents. Every year the local paper puts out the People’s Choice Awards. Residents have several months to cast their votes and the paper compiles the 100 best places on Kauai. This is by residents for residents but I thought I’d share some…
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