Category: Travel Tips

Liberty House wasn’t just a store – it was an institution. For nearly 150 years, this kamaaina-owned business dressed generations of island families. I still remember shopping there with my mom for school clothes, the sales ladies knowing us by name. The downtown Honolulu flagship on Fort Street was where every special occasion outfit came […]

I’ve called Oahu home for three decades. In that time, I’ve watched paradise slowly slip away from regular folks who once saved up for their dream Hawaii vacation. What started as subtle price creeps has turned into a full-blown affordability crisis that’s changing who gets to experience our islands. Here’s what I’m seeing firsthand.Dining Out […]

When learning about Hawaii, you’ll notice four major islands that are most commonly chosen by travelers: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Waikiki is the most famous beach in Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu. It appears in nearly every ranking of the world’s most beautiful — and even sexiest — beaches. Waikiki […]

Before Target and Anthropologie moved in, the International Market Place was pure magic. When Don Beach opened it in 1956, two years before statehood, it wasn’t just a shopping center – it was a Polynesian fantasy come to life. The marketplace featured authentic villages from Korea, Japan, and the South Seas, each selling unique treasures […]

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 […]