Category: Travel Tips

I’m a “National Park geek” so I’ll go out of my way to visit any National Park…BUT Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is pretty special.  There aren’t too many places in the world where you can see an active volcano, and most of the time when Kilauea is erupting it’s actually possible to see LAVA in […]

There are few places more historically significant in Hawaii than Iolani Palace. I’m always surprised by how many people don’t know the history of the Kingdom of Hawaii or how the US ended up involved.  Well, take a tour of Iolani Palace and you’ll know pretty much everything you need to know. Besides the history […]

If I had to name the most beautiful part of Oahu, it would hands down be the windward coast. Start on the south side of the island and drive around the coast up towards the north shore.  At the southern end you’ve got the world famous snorkeling spot Hanauma Bay and Koko Head Hike plus […]

The North Shore of Oahu is home to some of the most famous big waves in the world — a true paradise for surfers. Every winter, when massive swells roll in, this coastline transforms into the grand stage of the prestigious “Triple Crown” of surfing, buzzing with excitement, energy, and aloha spirit. Compared to the […]

Kailua town and Lanikai Beach used to be “Hawaii’s best-kept secret” — but now, the cat’s out of the bag! This charming little seaside town is exactly what people dream Hawaii would be — peaceful, friendly, and full of golden sunshine. Local shops, cozy restaurants, and the classic beach-town vibe make it truly special — […]

When people ask me for “hidden gems” or my list of “secret spots” in Hawaii, this is my #1 recommendation.  Famous socialite Doris Duke built Shangri La in the 1930s as a home for her impressive Islamic art collection. If you didn’t know you were at the base of Diamond Head, you’d probably think you […]

Chances are if you’ve seen any movie that’s set in a tropical jungle in the last 20 years or so…you’ve seen Kualoa Ranch. Jurassic Park made this place famous, but countless movies and tv shows have been filmed at this property on the windward coast of Oahu.  The ranch hosts a long list of offerings […]

Waikīkī Beach is the heartbeat of Honolulu — the center of all tourist activity on Oahu, and truly, in all of Hawai‘i! It’s lively, busy, and yes, sometimes a little chaotic — not exactly the quiet tropical escape many dream of. But… this is the icon of Hawai‘i. Waikīkī is perhaps the most famous beach […]

If you’ve ever dreamed of a place that captures the true essence of Hawaii — where turquoise waters meet lush tropical forests and the sound of waves blends with the scent of wild grass — Turtle Bay is the hidden paradise you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re staying at the Turtle Bay Resort or just […]

If you think Waimea Falls is just a light waterfall hike in Oahu, Hawai’i — you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover it’s actually a masterpiece blending nature, history, and Hawaiian culture. A Walk Through a Vibrant Botanical ParadiseThe journey to the falls feels like stepping into a living tropical garden — a gently paved, wavy […]