As a local, I tend to avoid the frenetic tourism of Waikiki like the plague. One of my favorite ways is by spending the day relaxing on one of the many Windward beaches. I recently wanted a more invigorating form of relaxation so a friend and I decided to try a five-hour guided tour to the Mokes, Lanikai’s twin islands, with a…
By Maria Kanai While you’re at Germaine’s Luau, I highly recommend making a stop at the luau’s gift shop to find special omiyage (gifts) for family and friends back home. If you arrive by 5:30 p.m. at the luau, you have about an hour to enjoy the setting sun and a mai tai from the bar, with plenty of time left to peruse the gift shop. Full of pretty trinkets, cool knick knacks and charming keepsakes, it’s easy to find something you can take home to remember your night. 1. Carved honu (turtle) decorations This caught my husband’s attention right away while we were at the shop. He loved the attention to detail in the wooden carving, giving the turtles a sense of movement. It made an affordable and perfect addition to our home. Currently: on my bookshelf. 2. Tote…
By: Maria Kanai I recently had the opportunity to visit Germaine’s Luau on Oahu with my husband. It was a welcome break from the holiday craziness to enjoy an evening with just the two of us. I’ve been a tourist to Hawaii a few times when I was a child – my father was an avid fan of the ocean and Hawaiian culture – so I’ve attended several luaus before, but this was my first time at Germaine’s. We drove ourselves there, but it seems most people booked through Roberts Hawaii as I saw groups of visitors arriving via the signature green busses. We got there at 5:30 p.m., but the luau didn’t start until around 6:30 p.m. We had plenty to do to kill time though: we had the plumeria package, which meant we had three free alcoholic and…
Photo by Natalie Schack By: Natalie Schack Let’s talk parties. Christmas and Thanksgiving are just at our tails, and we’re going to take a wild guess and say you’re probably feeling a bit overbaked right now. There’s still a whole year of celebrations around the corner, but who’s still got time or energy for additional…
By Ruth Blum Want to go kayaking but have never been before? Thanks to the friendly staff at Twogood Kayaks, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top ten tips to remember when you head out on one of their exclusive kayaking tours. Tie/strap down all your equipment. You don’t want your snorkeling gear,…
Vibrantly colored tea towels in tropical designs, From Cultivate Hawai‘i at Owens & Co. Photo by Natalie Schack BY: NATALIE SCHACK Sweet, little, local this and that’s to give (or get!). The season of gift-giving is upon us all! The great news for those lucky people on your list? Hawai‘i is a fabulous shopper’s paradise,…
BY: MARIA KANAI Make Christmas day extra special by visiting one of these restaurants around Hawaii that’s serving up delicious food for dinner. Think beyond roast turkey or carved ham with mashed potatoes (though there’s nothing wrong with that!) – these are all establishments known for local flair and being creative with their dishes, which…
By Maria Kanai Oahu – Christmas Lane, 45-355 to 45-395 Namoku Street Every year, practically all the homes on this street light up for the holidays. Find parking if you’re able to and walk from end to end to see all the fun decorations like Waldo, snowmen, giant penguins and bears, Minions and more. There’s…
Photo by Natalie Schack Festive, local Christmas Cards to Give This Yuletide Season BY: NATALIE SCHACK Little notes and trinkets that let people know you’re thinking about them can speak serious volumes. That especially goes for when you’re living it up in Hawaii during this time of year, when your frostbitten friends back home may…
Leonard’s on Kapahulu Avenue. Has the best Malasadas. BY: NATALIE SCHACK There’s so much to see in Hawaii, from the majestic mountain ranges scraping their green tops against the clear, blue sky, to the wild, cresting waves, rushing in and out on the shore like some mesmerizing azure dance. It’s a beautiful feast for your…
BY: MARIA KANAI Holiday shopping is far from ho-ho-ho hum when you’re visiting the island of O’ahu. Some of the best boutiques in Hawai’i are located here, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re shopping local and supporting small businesses. Here are our must-visit shops where we promise you’ll find something for everyone on your list: significant others, parents, kids, friends and of course, don’t forget something for yourself! 1. Roberta Oaks It’s official – aloha shirts are, and have always been, a fashion staple in our closet. And, while you might be familiar with old-school, luxurious style of well-known brands like Tommy Bahama or Tori Richards, we have a soft spot for the oh-so retro, fun vibes found at Roberta Oaks. This local boutique in downtown Honolulu combines colorful, fun prints with a modern, closely fitted silhouette. ♥Perfect for: Your…
BY: MARIA KANAI As we enter the merry holiday season, it’s also important for us to remember NationalPearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is held annually on December 7. To honor the 2,403 U.S. citizens who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on that day in 1941, you can participate in several…