Category Archive: Hawaii

15 Ways to Experience the Real Hawaii

Hawaii. Our 50th state is comprised of 137 islands, although only six of them are typically vacation destinations. We tend to think of Hawaii as a fly-and-flop destination, we fly in, flop on the beach or by the pool, and spent our days relaxing in the sun, often with a drink in hand. After going there a number of times, you may want to venture off the beach and out of the bar. When it’s time for that, my recommendation is to take time to learn more about the story of Hawaii, the stories and histories of multiple cultures over hundreds of years. From the indigenous Hawaiian culture, which was the first to mālama ka ‘āina (“care for the land), to the Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Filipino, Okinawan and Puerto Rican citizens who began arriving in the mid-19th century to work on […]

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Where Else to Go Podcast: Heidi Siefkas Talks About Lihue, Kauai

In this episode, Heidi Siefkas talks about why she loves living on Kauai, and recommends things to do on the Lihue side of the island. Some of those recommendations include: Sunday Brunch at Gaylord’s Kauai Beer Company on Rice Street – Food Truck Night on Thursday Rob’s Good Times Grill on Rice Street Sunshine Market at Lihue Vidinha Stadium on Fridays Sunset at Lihue Lighthouse or Poipu Beach House Kayak to Kipu Kai (only one on the secluded beach seen in The Descendants) or Wailua River (kayak and hike to secret falls) Hike Nualolo Trail in Waimea Canyon + Picnic Sunset at Kalalau Lookout Surf lesson at Black Pot in Hanalei Bay and Barracuda for Tapas Rent bike and do Kapa’a bike path Take a listen. If you like what you hear, you can head over to iTunes and subscribe […]

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Postcard from Kihei

Kihei, on the island if Maui, was the first place I went to in the islands. It’s changed in the past few decades, but it’s still a great beach.

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Polynesian Cultural Center Invites Visitors to Participate in Island Life

  The Polynesian Cultural Center is a popular attraction for visitors to the island of Oahu, and with its new Go Native! programs, visitors will have even more opportunities to learn about the Polynesian culture.  Guests will be enticed into participating in traditional aspects of daily life from Pacific island cultures like those of Samoa, Tahiti and Hawaii, as they are introduced to activities that include coconut tree climbing, canoe paddling, spear throwing, and what looked to be my favorite – cooking. Visitors will learn about building a traditional Samoan aboveground oven, or umu, and then sample traditional Samoan food that they’ve prepared and cooked with their own hands, and to be a part of the meal preparation from start to finish.  Food and fire preparations start at noon daily in the tunoa (Samoan kitchen) at the Samoan village. Villagers […]

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Delicious Dining From Oahu’s Food Trucks

Lunch wagons have long been a part of the Hawaiian culture, feeding workers as well as hungry surfers.  Lately, though, it seems these 4-wheeled eateries have started providing more upscale, dare I say gourmet friendly cuisine, responding, in large part, to the mobile restaurant trend that’s hot all across the country. Choose from among these eclectic choices on your next Hawaii vacation for a fun, local dining option: Haili’s Hawaiian Foods – This small, family run business has been a favorite with locals for over 60 years, serving up traditional and contemporary Hawaiian food.  They’ve recently expanding to a lunch wagon that they’ve located in an open parking lot across from Ward Entertainment Center.  Food choices:  Hawaiian and local plate lunches, stews, wraps, and rice bowls. Ige’s Lunchwagon – Located in the Harbor Court, this lunch wagon serves up savory […]

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Honolulu’s Punchbowl Honors Veterans

Overlooking the city of Honolulu is the extinct volcano Punchbowl Crater, home to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, frequently referred to as Punchbowl Cemetery, or simply the Punchbowl. In addition to its tremendous views of the city, Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor, the Punchbowl is the final resting place for veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  During holidays, the individual graves are decorated with small flags, making it a quite sobering view. Marble slabs called the Courts of the Missing list the names of military personnel who are missing in action or who were lost or buried at sea (in photo above). At the base of the staircase leading up to the Courts of the Missing reads the following inscription: In these gardens are recorded the names of […]

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Honolulu Pride: Military History in the Islands

It’s easy to be caught up in the sun, sand, and surf of Hawaii, but the islands are also rich in military history and sites.  Although it can be sobering and painful to think about, these military sites deserve a spot on any must-see list. Next time you’re on Oahu, take a beach break and work some of these spots into your schedule: Pearl Harbor:  This site is administered by the National Park System, and in my book is the must-see historical site on the island.  It’s an easy drive from Waikiki, about 45 minutes, and is also served by public transportation.  If you’d prefer a tour, it’s a stop on many of them.  The tour includes a brief video, followed by a boat ride to the Arizona Memorial. Like most visitors to the site, I was profoundly touched and […]

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USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

Honolulu may be known for its sun and sandy beaches, but it is also home to one of  the most sobering military history sites that I’ve ever visited — the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.  The Memorial, dedicated in 1962, honors the site where World War II began for the United States, with the bombing that entombed 1,102 crew members on December 7th, 1941. The memorial was designed to span the hull of the sunken battleship, yet never touch it. The structure is 184 feet long, with two peaks at each end, and a deliberate sag in the middle.  Alfred Preis, the memorial designer, sums it up like this: “Wherein the structure sags in the center but stands strong and vigorous at the ends, expresses initial defeat and ultimate victory… The overall effect is one of serenity.   Overtones of […]

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Shopping at Hilo Hattie’s

A trip to the islands isn’t complete without shopping at Hilo Hattie’s.  Some people might call it touristy, but I think of it as one of the rituals of an island visit. During the 1950-60’s, Hilo Hattie was the stage name for a popular Hawaiian entertainer whose real name was Clarissa Haili.  She was originally a teacher, but achieved fame as a singer and dancer, popularizing a comedic hula-style dancing. In 1963, a Hawaiian store opened for business, naming the store after the very popular Hilo Hattie.  The store aims to provide one-stop shopping for Hawaiian goods and products and is the largest Hawaiian retailer and manufacturer of the same.  In memory of the original Hilo Hattie, who passed away in 1979, the store gives scholarships to University of Hawaii students who are pursuing degrees in Hawaiian studies and music. Powered […]

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Choosing the Right Hawaiian Island

A trip to Hawaii is a dream vacation for many, but choosing the islands for a vacation is only the beginning.  Although the Hawaiian Islands are made up of many islands and atolls, along with smaller islets, when it comes to vacation, you’re probably talking about visiting one of the six main islands. Depending on what you want out of your vacation, frenetic levels of activity, rocking nightlife, or peaceful sandy beaches, a babymoon in Hawaii, you’ll want to choose an island that fits your personal preferences.  While sharing the basics of beautiful sun, sand, and surf, each island has its own special ambiance, so be sure to make the right matchup and have a perfect vacation in paradise. Here’s a brief rundown to help with your preliminary research. Hawaii, the Big Island:  This is the largest of the islands, […]

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