I spend a lot of time in Hawaii, and specifically on Maui, so it’s a downright shame that I’ll be missing this year’s annual Maui Onion Festival.  The golden-pale Maui Onions, grown in Kula, have a mild, crunchy flesh and are thought by many to be the sweetest onions in the world.  These onions take center stage for the 22nd year in this event that features free tastings, the best Maui onion recipe contest, a raw Maui onion eating contest (with a kids and adult division), food and product booths, along with local music and entertainment.  And don’t miss cooking demonstrations from six of the island’s top chefs.

Oh how I wish I was going to be there!

Date & Time:  Saturday, May 7th, 2011.  Check out the schedule of events to plan your day.

Location:  Whaler’s Village, 2435 Ka’anapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui

Photo credit: Clay Irving via flickr (CC)

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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 first assist guests with fire building. To build the fire, large logs are placed in a square and then filled with tinder and river rocks that are stacked like a pyramid. The tinder is then lit to heat the rocks. While the rocks are heating, guests are invited to join the village men in skinning taro and breadfruit, peeling green bananas and scraping the coconut meat out of their shells. The coconut meat will eventually be squeezed into coconut cream to be used as the seasoning for palusami (young taro leaves cooked with coconut cream and onions) and faiai eleni (canned fish seasoned with coconut cream and onions) cooked in a coconut shell.

After the rocks have been heated completely, the large logs that framed the rocks are removed and guests are invited to sasae the umu (to flatten the pile of hot rocks with the use of long wooden poles). Guests and villagers then take the prepared foods and carefully place them onto the hot rocks with iofi (Samoan tongs). Large leaves are gently placed to cover the food, then other layers of leaves and burlap bags are added to seal in the heat. Guests are invited back in an hour to open the umu, and immediately following the Rainbows of Paradise canoe pageant at 3 pm, the umu is opened for food sampling and guests enjoy the home-style cooking that they helped to prepare.

Doesn’t that sound delicious?!

If you’re not up to umu cuisine, you can still spend an entertaining and educational day at the Cultural Center, and selecting one of the other myriad places to eat in Hawaii, whether you’re looking for a familiar chain or a special little spot that will give you that authentic island flavor.

The Hawaiian islands are rich in culinary culture – don’t miss out!

Photo credit: Steven Tom via flickr

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by My Destination Info; the opinions expressed are those of the author.

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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 local comfort foods according to a weekly menu.  Find your favorite dish and become a regular.  Food choices:  meatloaf, shoyu chicken, lau lau, pork tofu, chicken katsu, and hamburger steak.

Simply Ono – With two locations, downtown and at the University of Hawaii, this lunch wagon combines the gourmet element with popular local dishes with great success.  Food choices:  hamburger steak, garlic chicken, Hawaiian plates, fresh caught furikake ahi, pork and squash soup, miniature quiche Lorraine, and crab and mushroom baked macaroni and cheese.

Gogi Korean Tacos – Combining two fave food choices to come up with Korean-style Mexican food, this lunch wagon is popular for its $2 tacos.  Food choices:  short rib, chicken, spicy pork, or tofu tacos, burritos, Gogi Quesadilla, Gogi Sliders, The Gogi Dog, and Creamy Kimchee Fries.

Jawaiian Irie Jerk – Serves authentic Jamaican cuisine from a parking lot across from the Hawaii Convention Center.  Food choices:  jerk chicken and pork, roast fish, Caribbean curry chicken, and stew.

Melt – This might be the ultimate in comfort food, with a menu designed around the grilled cheese sandwich.  Food choices:  Melt of Shame (beef patty between two grilled cheese sandwiches), Harissa Melt (gouda cheese, pear and homemade harissa), and Triple Melt (gruyere, cheddar and gouda cheese), tomato soup, and a daily special.

Opal Thai Food – Authentic Thai cuisine served in Haleiwa.  Food choices:  pad thai, spring rolls, drunken noodles, and curries.

Shogunai Tacos – A global-inspired taco and quesadilla menu reflects the diverse background of the owners.  Food choices:  Zeus’s Glory Greek Taco, Osaka Jo Japanese Taco, Mardi Gras Shrimp Taco, Baja Rally Mexican Quesadilla, and Moroccan Pomme Frites.

Soul Patrol – Healthy and affordable soul food, locally sourced when possible, this lunch wagon can be found downtown on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, and the Hawaii State Art Museum on the 1st Friday, and at various special events.  Food choices:  black-eyed pea vegetarian chili, buttermilk fried chicken, corn bread, and collard greens.

Zaratez Mexicatessen – Located off Kapahulu Avenue, this lunch wagon features all sorts of Mexican favorites.  Food choices:  made-to-order tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and mulitas, using locally-made corn tortillas, homemade salsa and a choice of carne asada, carnitas, pollo asada, or chorizo.

Shrimp Trucks - If you’re on the North Shore, take advantage of the several shrimp trucks in the area.  Most serve similarly styled fare – shrimp, cooked in a variety of styles and sauces, served ala carte or a plated lunch (with rice and/or salad).  Go back often to pick a favorite:  hot and spicy, buttery, garlicky, coconut-breaded, tempura, lemon pepper, and plenty more.  Some lunch wagons sell other seafood as well.  Try:  Giovanni’s Original White Shrimp Truck, Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck, Macky’s Sweet Shrimp Truck.

Hawaii may not be known as a destination for cheap holidays, but with delicious food choices like this, you’ll find a way to stretch your budget to allow you a few extra days in paradise.

Photo credit:  ayako via flickr

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by On the Beach; opinions expressed are those of the author.

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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 Americans

who gave their lives

in the service of their country

and whose earthly resting place

is known only to God

The Punchbowl was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

It’s very tempting to think of Oahu as an island of sun, sand and surf.  All that is true, of course, but there is another side to Hawaii, a side full of history, culture, and reverence.  That’s the experience you gain with a visit to the Punchbowl.

If you’re in Honolulu, take time to honor our veterans with a visit to the Punchbowl.

Location:  The Punchbowl is located at 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu.

Hours:  Open daily.  Visiting hours are 8 am – 5:30 pm, September 30th – March 1st, and until 6:30 pm, March 2nd – September 29th.  On Memorial Day, visiting hours are 7 am – 7 pm.

Admission:  There is no charge to visit.

The Punchbowl is accessible by car, and a number of tour companies make it a scheduled stop on their itineraries.  I much prefer the solitude of a personal visit, rather than visiting with a gaggle of others, who are sometimes unappreciative of the reverence that should be demonstrated while visiting.  There is an e-tour available for those unable to visit in person.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Shutterstock

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It’s easy to be c aught 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 moved by the experience.   Appropriate attire is required; no bathing suits, short shorts, or inappropriate t-shirts.  Members of the military should wear dress uniforms. And turn your cell phones off.  There is no admission charge.

Punchbowl:  Officially the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, this reverent site is the final resting place for veterans of both World Wars as well as Korea and Vietnam.  Courts of the Missing are especially somber, as these marble slabs list the name of military personnel who were lost or buried at sea or who were missing in action.  The cemetery is open daily and there is no admission charge.  The site is reachable by car or on one of many tours.

Pacific Aviation Museum:  This museum on Ford Island chronicles the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor with original film and photos, and includes  a tour of Hangars 37 and 49.  Aviation buffs will love the collection of US and Japanese aircraft.  Tickets used to take a lot of effort, but are now much easier.  This is a great option for aviation buffs.

Battleship Missouri Monument:  The Mighty Mo has a history filled with stories starting with World War II, and continuing through right up to Operation Desert Storm.  The site now offers multi-media tours, combining footage and narration from some of the men who served on board this ship, giving a realistic feel for what life must have been like.

Photo credit:  All from flickr; USS Arizona; Punchbowl; Pacific Aviation Museum by Cliff; Mighty Mo by Yuki Kawagishi

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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 sadness have been omitted to permit the individual to contemplate his own personal responses… his innermost feelings.”

The ship’s huge anchor is displayed at the entrance to the visitor center, and it is here that you begin your journey through the exhibits and memorial.  At the visitor center are a variety of historical exhibits and artifacts, and visitors watch a documentary film about the Pearl Harbor attack.  As I looked around the theater area, I saw visitors representative of countries from around the world, including many elderly Japanese tourists.  I couldn’t help but wonder how they felt after viewing the documentary.  What stories had they been told, or experiences that they lived through, and how did they feel visiting the Memorial.  I wondered how their view of history compared and contrasted with mine.

Following the film, visitors are transported by boat to the memorial.  At the entry to the memorial, you pass by two bells that were on the USS Arizona, and then enter the central assembly room.  This area features seven open windows on the walls and ceiling that commemorate the date of the attack.  An opening in the floor overlooks the sunken decks of the Arizona, and it is from this location that visitors can pay their respects by tossing flowers and leis into the water. The oil that still seeps from the wreckage is sometimes referred to as “black tears” or “the tears of the Arizona.”

At the far end of the memorial is a marble wall shrine, behind velvet ropes, that lists the names of all those killed on the Arizona. It stands as a reminder to the very human cost of the attack, and that the beauty of the memorial is overshadowed by the solemnity and respect due those buried in the water below.

During peak tourist times it can get quite crowded and it is a stop on many organized tours.  My recommendation is to visit during off-peak travel periods or first thing in the morning before the tour buses arrive.  Allow about an hour and a half to see everything.

Post 9/11 security regulations are in effect, and no purses, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, etc., are allowed in the visitor center or on the Memorial tour.  Personal cameras are allowed.  There is baggage storage operated by a third party vendor that can store items for a fee.  I’d recommend leaving your items at home, in your hotel room, or you car trunk.

Location:  About 45 minutes outside of Waikiki, the site is best reached by car or tour bus.  It is accessible by #20 and #42 bus, which drops off at the Visitor Center. (map)

Hours:  The USS Arizona Memorial is open daily, from 7:00 am – 5 pm.

Admission:  Tickets are free, and issued on a first come, first served basis.

Special Visiting Notes:  This is a memorial and appropriate dress is required.  No bathing suits, short shorts, or inappropriate t-shirts.  Members of the military should wear dress uniforms.  Cell phones must be turned off.

Photo credit:  top photo from The Girls NY @flickr; bottom photo from adamr.stone @flickr

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A trip to the islands isn’t complete without a visit to 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.

Giant Aloha shirt at Hilo Hattie's

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.

From Aloha shirts to beachwear and other resort apparel, from traditional muumuus to CD’s and DVD’s, from food products to tableware and candles, from jewelry to body lotions and fragrances, Hilo Hattie’s has it all.

Hilo Hattie’s operates a free trolley service from various Waikiki hotel locations to its flagship store (700 Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, map).  The trolley runs approximately every 20 minutes, so you’re never too early or late to get there.  On the return trip there is also a courtesy drop off at the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

On other islands, check with the front desk of your hotel.  Chances are there’s an easy way to get to a store.

There may be cheaper places to buy an Aloha shirt, but you will find a bit more quality at Hilo Hattie’s.  It’s a shopping experience, with lots of fun souvenir and gift items, food, and there’s always a giveaway or two.  Since the shop has become a tourist attraction, with all the fun and annoyances that involves,you’d be wise to know you’re prices so you’re not feeling ripped off on typical souvenir items.  The sales staff is constantly selling, urging you to make a selection, and lately that has become a real turn off.  Politely indicate that you are “just looking” and they’ll eventually back away, but since I’m rarely in a hurry to make a purchase, I find this very annoying.

Despite what might sound like negatives, Hilo Hattie’s is a good shopping spot.  Cotton  Aloha shirts run around $30, silk running a little more.  There’s a big selection to choose from, and I’ve found the shirts wear and launder well.  There are also lots of fun Hawaiian food products to taste (jams and jellies, seasonings, cooking sauces), body lotions and fragrances in the floral scents of the islands (jasmine, pikaki, plumeria, tuberose) t-shirts and caps, and all sorts of stuff to poke around and look at.  It was a fun way to spend an hour of time.

This store also proudly displays the world’s largest Aloha shirt (in photo above), a size 400XL.  It measures 168 inches (14 feet) around the chest, 161 inches at the waist, and over 60 inches around the neck.  The buttons are made of Koa wood beverage coasters.  The shirt took 26 yards of fabric to create.

There are Hilo Hattie locations on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. They also offer a variety of products in their online store.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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I’m sitting in the rain here in Seattle, feeling wet and cold clear through to my bones.  I’m not jetting away to any warm any time soon, so I’ve had to content myself with organizing some photos from warm places.  It’s a stretch, I know, but it’s all I have to work with today.

This sunset was taken on the big Island of Hawaii.  I had never visited this island before this year, it was a real treat.

Hawaiian sunset as seen in Kona

I’d love to get back to do a little more exploring (I only saw the area around the resort where I was staying) and to learn all about how beautiful the entire island is.

But on a cold Seattle day, I’m warming up just looking at the sunset.

Photo credit: Mary Jo Manzanares

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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 night life, or peaceful sandy beaches, 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 ambience, so be sure to make the right match up and have a perfect vacation in paradise.

Waikiki Beach shortly after sunrise ©2010, Mary Jo Manzanares

Here’s a brief rundown to help with your preliminary research.

Hawaii, the Big Island:  This is the largest of the islands, and also the youngest in development.  On the windward side of the island, you’ll find lush, tropical rain forests and quaint little inns, while on the leeward side of the island are lava rock beaches and big resorts.  There’s also an active volcano on the island, Kilauea.  The Big Island has lots of off-the-beaten-path kind of spots, and with a little luck you’ll be able to find one of the island’s hidden black sand beaches.  If you want activity, you’ll find resorts along the Kohala-Kona Coast offering golf, sport fishing, snorkeling, and tennis.  Specialty tours include Kona coffee plantation tours, swimming with manta rays, hiking across lava beds in Volcanoes National Park, or gazing at the stars at Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Oahu, the Gathering Place:  The most populated of the islands, you’ll find the best in shopping, dining, nightlife, and beautiful hotels and resorts.  The most popular area is Waikiki Beach, where you’ll find options, in all budget ranges, for hotels, dining, shopping, and things to do.  The trade off, however, is beaches that are more crowded, and a little faster, more hectic pace.  Drive or hike Diamond Head, get a little culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center or Iolani Palace, or spend a day at the beach or out on the water.  For a quieter Oahu experience, you could check out the North Shore.  With only one resort (Turtle Bay Resort), it’s a slower, more relaxed pace, and a wonderful antidote to the frenzy that can overcome Waikiki.

Maui, the Valley Isle:  Offering something for everyone, Maui is full of quiet, peaceful activities as well as home to bustling and energetic nightlife.  The windward side is fairly remote, with plenty of out-of-the-way spots to spend some quiet time.  The leeward side has plenty of resorts, and development, but you’ll also find a few secluded areas as well.  You may want the solitude of watching sunrise from the top of Mount Haleakala or the adventure of driving the road to Hana, or exploring the shopping, dining and nightlife of the former whaling village (and now main tourist town) of Lahaina.  You’ll find plenty of beautiful water for diving, swimming and snorkeling, and can choose to stay at a major resort (Kapalua, Kaanapali, or Wailea) or find a condo of small hotel.  Maui, with all it’s variety, is a popular spot with honeymooners.

Bench sitting on Kauai ©2010, Mary Jo Manzanares

Kauai, the Garden Isle:  Less commercial, less developed, and more tropical, Kauai is the oldest of the islands.  This is a wonderful island on which to relax, while still offering a few attractions and things to do.  Most activity centers around the lush tropical foliage of the island, along with Fern Grotto (a natural lava-rock grotto with hanging ferns, accessible only by the Wailua River), Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), Na Pali Coast (cliffs, sea caves, remote beaches and waterfalls), hiking, inner tubing, and zip-lining.  Princeville and Poipu are the resort areas, and a little more upscale, and Hanalei and Koloa are older, more historic Hawaiian towns.

Lanai, the Pineapple Isle:  The smallest of the island, Lanai will appeal to people who want to escape the crowds, and be alone.  With only a couple resorts, you won’t find a lot of tourists here.  But that doesn’t mean you won’t find upscale accommodations –- two of the resorts are operated by the Four Seasons.  There’s still a variety of terrain, though, and you can go from beach to forest in very little time.  Rent a jeep and go island exploring, check out Shipwreck Beach, Kaunolu (King Kamehameha’s summer fishing village), and Garden of the Gods (which some swear looks a bit like Mars).

Molokai, the Friendly Isle:  The most secluded and laid back of the island, Molokai harkens back to what Hawaii was like years and years ago, making it one of the most historic and culturally significant islands.  There is only one resort (the Aqua Hotel Molokai with 53 rooms), although you’ll find a few small inns and private residences that rent out rooms, so the island never gets very crowded. Molokai was the residence of Father Damien, a Catholic Priest who cared for the lepers who once sought refuge on the island.  Many of the residents of the island are descendants from the original lepers who lived here.  There are, however, NO active cases on leprosy on Molokai, so it is a safe place to visit.

Which Hawaiian Island do you want to fall in love with?

Photo credit:  both from Mary Jo Manzanares

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In the middle of the Seattle rainy season, which come February will seem like it’s been going on FOREVER, planning a little sun break can be a life saver.  Escaping the grey, dreary days can be just the lift you need to face the remainder of the days until summer.

One of my favorite parts of a visit to the tropics is the lush foliage and beautiful blooms of the island.

While my most recent visit to Hawaii was, ironically, to Kauai (known as the Garden Isle, most likely for its rain), you just can’t help but be captivated by the beautiful hibiscus growing everyone around the island.

If you enjoy travel photography, you’ll want to take a look at some great photos at Photo Friday, sponsored by Debbie at Delicious Baby.  Check it out – there’s some great stuff there!

Photo credit:  Mary Jo Manzanares

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