Hawaii’s Trail Mix Has A History

20120504-hawaii-trail

Hawaii has plenty of organizations whose primary mission is to save this part of the planet from ourselves. The Hawaii Nature Center is one such group. The part of Hawaii they plan to save, though, is all about mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it won’t matter. The Hawaii Nature Center is a non-profit … Read More »

History Is Old In Honolulu

Honolulu Downtown

While Honolulu doesn’t have the historical prominence of, say, Europe, the Middle East, or Asia, there are plenty of entertaining historical sites to the city. Some are within walking distance of both Waikiki and Downtown. Regardless, they’re all worth a few moments of your time. And feet. Museum buffs will go ga ga over Bishop … Read More »

Ancient Hawaiians Didn’t Like Honolulu. They Liked Waikiki.

Aloha Waikiki

Every great city with an ancient heritage has its story—and some dark secrets. Honolulu is no different. The ancient Hawaiians didn’t think much of what is now known as Honolulu and Honolulu Harbor. The water was too deep. They preferred the confines of what is now Waikiki—sunshine, less rain, mo bettah surfing. Honolulu wouldn’t exist … Read More »

Is Honolulu The World’s Largest Rock Garden?

Honolulu Lyon Arboretum

First, a little geography. The Islands of Hawaii are made up of rock. Solid, hard, rock that goes from mountaintop to bottom of the ocean. On top of that rock sits Hawaii’s lush rain forests, home to fauna and flora from all over the world. A garden. See where this is going? Rock? Garden? Fauna … Read More »

Waikiki—The World’s Largest Shopping Mall?

Shopping at Hilton Hawaiian Village

People. Shops. Stores. Restaurants. And more hotels and resorts than you can get in a few dozen rolls of film. The crescent-shaped Waikiki Beach is actually make up of many smaller beaches and stretches about 2.5 miles from the Hilton Hawaiian Village all the way to Diamond Head. The whole of Waikiki Beach is open … Read More »

Most Magical Word In Hawaii? Waikiki

Waikiki

This crescent shaped beach conjures up visions of magic. Majestic Diamond Head. Bronze and buff beach boys. Hula maidens calling your name with their eyes and flowing hands—and those vibrating, bump and grind hips. Wait. There’s more… Of course, Waikiki was not always the tourist jewel in Hawaii. Once it was swamp land. Chiefs would … Read More »

Let The Fish In Hawaii Nibble At Your Toes.

Honolulu is a bit like any American metropolis. Despite the beaches, palm trees, and perfect weather, there’s traffic, congestion, high rent. Did we mention the crowds? East of Honolulu is East Honolulu. Here’s why it’s a whole different world out there. For the most part, East Honolulu is residential. There’s a couple of grocery stores, … Read More »

Choose: Paradise Above, Paradise Below.

Most folks come to Hawaii because it’s like a fabulous paradise. Great weather. Gorgeous mountains. Lush greenery. Volcanoes. Tropical beaches. The raw beauty of nature. That’s the paradise above the water. Below the water is a whole different paradise. I’m not talking snorkeling or scuba diving. Chances are good that grandma’s not going scuba diving. … Read More »