Oahu Activities You Can Do, for Free!
We know there is a price to paradise. From the airfare to hotel to rental cars, it’s not always cheap to soak in the beauty that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. But because a trip to paradise is worth every penny there are a number of things you can do that won’t cost a…
Say Hello to the Sun at Haleakala National Park
The Big Island may have Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on earth, but Maui is home to a quieter, gentler volcano that also offers one of the best views of a sunrise or sunset on the planet. While many visitors endure the 3 a.m. wake up call and long drive to Haleakala’s summit…
Honolulu’s Best “Hole-in-the-Wall” Eats
Whether you’re visiting Oahu for the first time or a kamaaina who has lived here your entire life, one of the best benefits of calling Hawaii home is our diverse selection of dining. From delectable dim sum and traditional Hawaiian delicacies to one-of-a-kind local creations – the state’s melting pot of ethnicities and backgrounds has created a distinct hot pot of flavors. The best way to get an idea of Hawaii’s culinary scene is to eat where the locals eat. And some of the shining stars of Honolulu’s dining options are not the traditional, five-star restaurants with linen tablecloths and crystal glasses. They’re the rough and tumble, unforgettable diners behind back roads or in cramped quarters that the locals refer to (because they are, quite literally) as “holes in the wall.” So the next time your belly is running on…
Loco for Luau
Photo by: Paradise Cove Luau (Oahu) When visiting Hawaii one of the best ways to get a taste for the islands is to tuck into a traditional Hawaiian spread or luau (pronounced lu-wow). Unlike conventional dining, luaus offer more than just a delicious buffet, but a feast for your eyes – such as song and hula – and the spectacle of seeing how your food is prepared, fresh from the imu (underground oven). When planning your next visit to the islands, leave some time in your schedule to get familiar with Hawaii’s home cooking. Because Hawaiians really know how to put the wow in luau. Photo by: Alii Luau (Oahu) The legacy of luau Today the tradition of luau is common place across the islands and is used as a way to celebrate a number of occasions – from a…
Go Big at Kauai’s Littlest Town
Heading to Hanapepe? A visit to this quiet town on the island of Kauai will feel like you’re taking a blast into Hawaii’s plantation past. Once a bustling town where sailors would frequent, today, this tiny town offers a glimpse into the slower, more tranquil lifestyle Kauai has long been known for. If you find…
Presents from Paradise – Giving Omiyage
Do you have a family member or friend who is always jetting off to a cool new city? Tokyo one month. Peru the next weekend. And they always bring back a small gift for you from their travels. Well now is the time to return the favor. Here in Hawaii the practice of bringing back…
What to Do When it Rains in Hawaii
It might be hard to imagine. Because when you think of Hawaii its always with images of calm turquoise waters, balmy temperatures and sunny skies. So what is a visitor – let alone kama’aina (local) – to do when the temperature dips south and skies open up? Yes, it does rain (maybe not cats and…
Up the Wowee of Your Vacation with these Maui Activities
Whether you’re heading to Maui for the first time or the fiftieth, there is always something new to discover. Hawaii’s third most populated island received its name according to Hawaiian legend where the Hawaiian god Hawaiiloa named the island after his son. From Haiku to Hana, you can sip and sightsee your way to the…