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…
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…
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…
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…
Mark your calendar! From hula festivals and ocean sports to live music and entertainment, the long days of summer are the perfect time to take advantage of Oahu’s many outdoor events and activities. Plan your trip now to soak in Hawaii’s warm, balmy weather along with all the culture, sports and music the islands have…
When you think of Hawaii you don’t typically think of it as a shopping destination (unless it’s to pick up an extra swimsuit to use at the beach). But from fresh macadamia nuts and locally made honey, to colorfully designed aloha shirts and brightly printed purses, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to take…
Are you ready to challenge your palate? When it comes to cuisine, the fun begins when you start trying dishes a few steps outside of your comfort zone. Hawaii is filled with many different foods from a wide range of cultures. Although some menu items might sound a little strange – like everything else, you…
The new year is here! And aside from setting personal, health and business goals, it’s also time to start solidifying those travel plans for 2018. Sure, you could visit Hawaii any year, but we’ve got the perfect “excuse” (in case you needed one or more) to make this year the year to pack your bags…