It’s the Legend of Naupaka [nau-‘pa-ka], a beautiful Hawaiian Princess. Naupaka fell in love with a fisherman named Kaui [‘kau-i]. Over the years, the legend has been told in different ways, but the ending has always remained the same. One version of the story goes like this. Long ago in Hawaii, the beautiful Princess Naupaka, who lived high in the mountains, came down to walk along the beach. Many say she lived on the island of Kauaʻi [kau-‘a-i]. She had…
Ideal climate all year round, alluring beaches, delightful landscapes and the welcome spirit of aloha – it’s Hawaii! Many would like at least one glimpse of these paradise islands, but prices can bite. However, Hawaii on a budget is possible. Smart travelers always have a couple of trump cards in their pockets, that is, secrets for saving the budget even in such faraway places. *Disclosure: This post contains affilite links to products that we research and recommend. If you use…
I call it my sweet zone, my Hawaii place when everything comes together perfectly, when I am totally at rest. When you’re looking out of your dreary eyes, not seeing what is in front of you, feeling only bliss, that’s the sweet zone. It is easiest to feel when the environment is peaceful and leaves you alone. Hawaii does this, but Hawaii is not paradise, Hawaii is a place so peaceful that paradise can happen inside you. My sweet zone…
Snorkeling with sea turtles in Hawaii is an incredible experience and understandably at the top of the list for many visitors to our islands! Here we share with you the best turtle snorkeling locations on each island in Hawaii and tips for how to fully enjoy them! Sea turtles are known as honu in Hawaiian, and two species can be spotted near-shore: the Hawaiian green sea turtle and less frequently the Hawksbill sea turtle. There are fantastic sites to snorkel…
Every year since 1929, the 1st May is celebrated as Hawaii Lei Day. Statewide celebrations are held in all of Hawaii with full fun and fare symbolizing the beauty of the aloha spirit! Header photo by Joel. The day marks the celebration of Leis – fresh flowers famous not only across Hawaii but also across the world. Traditionally Lei wreaths were used as a sign of peace between various native tribes. Today, people from across the globe recognize the wreath…
Nothing sets the mood quite like Christmas music. You know the songs by heart: “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Merry Christmas, Darling,” “Twelve Days of Christmas”. There’s no need to reinvent such classic holiday staples. Artists like Henry Kapono and Keali’i Reichel know Christmas songs don’t need fixing, but adding a little Hawaiian flavor results in a savory Hawaiian Christmas music recipe. If you’re in the mood for a Hawaiian-style Christmas, these local artists have the vibes and the medleys to…
Once a week when you walk by Macdonald’s inside the Kona Walmart you can hear sweet Hawaiian songs being sung by tutus (grandmothers). They are dressed in colorful mumus, happily strumming their ukuleles and singing their Island songs. Hawaiian songs and hula define being Hawaiian. The ultimate example of Hawaiian Culture is the Merry Monarch Festival, happening in Hilo every April. A humble ambassador of the friendly Hawaiian culture – the shaka sign – is known in all corners of…
To really know our islands you should know the animals in Hawaii. They scurry through the bushes, skip across scraggly lava, and fly through the air. Allow me to introduce you to a few everyday Hawaii animals. Mongoose (Small Asian type) The first one to meet is the cute but unappreciated mongoose. You’ll see this furry little rascal running across the road in front of your car, or slipping out of a bush to grab an old french fry. He…
The same term ‘Vacation Rental Fees’ gets used in different contexts, and it can get quite confusing. The purpose of this article is to explain most possible fees that a traveler to Hawaii can expect to pay. We mainly discuss those fees as they apply to vacation rental industry, and mention hotels for comparison only. All quoted taxes and fees are in USD. What are Vacation Rental Fees? Vacation Rental Fees include any fees that a traveler, staying in a…
You smile as a Hawaiian girl puts a plumeria lei around your neck. It’s your first Hawaiian Luau and you’re excited. Wearing your new lei, you walk onto the wide lawn where a 100 people, mostly in flowery shirts, are sitting at tables waiting for the Kalua Pig and the big hula show. There’s the Polynesian Stage, with the wide, silver ocean behind it and the big red sun hanging above the water. You step into the bustling dinner grounds…