Pools in Hawaii serve as a great alternative to the beach, nobody can deny that. However, one of the only downsides is that you can’t interact with the countless species of marine life that inhabit the waters around our Islands. Fortunately, a few cool pools in the state of Hawaii actually allow guests to swim with […]
Gentle ocean playgrounds with sand-castle-building potential, simplified menus for elementary palates, convenience stores stocked with snacks and floaties—these amenities quickly win the hearts of families vacationing in Hawaii. But choosing the ideal resort also depends largely on what kind of experience you’re looking for: Do you want to see it all, do it all or
I’m far away from the urban stretches of Waikiki, surrounded by green fields as far as the eye can see in Kunia Camp, the last intact pineapple plantation housing community under one ownership on Oahu. With each passing breeze, tall stalks of sugar cane rustle, the only noise save for the rush of the occasional
I spent my whole life in Hawaii—and I’m still not sure why Hilo calls shave ice “ice shave.” But folks on Hawaii Island do and they claim their ice shave is the best. Let’s back up here: Shave ice (not shaved ice) is a beloved frozen treat popular in the Islands. Similar to the snow
I don’t think I’ve ever been so dumbfounded by plumeria before. The trees grow abundantly all across the island, with blooms of various hues and petal shapes. They’re so plentiful, in fact, after the tree was introduced to Hawaii in the mid-1800s, the blooms were used frequently for funerals; you could always count on them
When a foodie friend of mine found out I was traveling to Hilo for the day earlier this month, she had one suggestion: Visit Popover, a new bakery about five minutes from Hilo International Airport. I admit, I had to Google it. The bakery had opened two weeks earlier—and already had about 1,000 followers on
Godiva is appreciating my butt scratches and honestly, I am appreciating her. Tail lifted high, she walks away for a moment before turning around and nuzzling her tiny head into my open palm. I’m in love. Godiva has stolen my heart, but like the chocolate she’s named after, I know I can’t have her. It’d
No doubt about it, summer has arrived. And although a day at the beach is always a great way to escape the heat and humidity that comes with Hawaiʻi’s dog days, sometimes you need to indulge in some shave ice, or ice shave as it’s called in Hilo. If you’re tired of staple flavors like
A couple of years ago, a bright-purple yam from the Philippines was all the Instagram rage. Ube (pronounced oo-bae) is traditionally used to create a gorgeous pudding dessert (called ube halaya). Today, though, it has become the base flavor for artisanal desserts—from doughtnuts to cheesecakes to ice cream. It has a creamy, subtly sweet flavor—one chef
My son was only a couple of months old when he embarked on his first hike—snug in an Ergo and napping the entire 2-mile trek to the top of the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail along the southeastern coastline of Oahu. It’s an easy hike I’ve done my entire life growing up here, and one I did
My feet may be dangling 20 feet above the turquoise water below, but my eyes are focused straight ahead at Leahi (Diamond Head) looming in the distance. It’s an incredibly clear afternoon in Hawaii Kai on the southern coastline of Oahu, and from one of H2O Sports Hawaii’s jet packs, it’s the first time I’m
It feels like I’m descending into another world. One step onto the steep 500-foot-long boardwalk at the entrance of Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and I am transported back in time. Leaving the modern world behind, I follow the walkway to the bottom of the valley. There’s a canopy of trees above me, and I’m enveloped
