Tag Archives: Oahu

Touring Hawaii’s Back Roads

Locals will tell you that if you want to truly experience the wonders of Hawaii you need to ditch the tourist traps and travel on the islands’ back roads. I should know; the street I lived on in Hilo, Hawaii is often mistaken for a famous back road that leads to one of the best surfing spots on the island. But now, instead of renting a car and getting lost on streets like mine a local tour company is giving you the opportunity to sit back and leave the navigating to them. Roberts Hawaii is offering a variety of “Back … Continue reading →

Wedding Deals in Paradise

Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations in the world for couples to wed. Some plan months in advance to tie the knot in the state’s lush tropical setting while others have been known to get swayed by the romantic island atmosphere and end up walking down the aisle during their vacation. Whether you live spontaneously or are currently in the planning stages of a Hawaiian wedding you might want to consider a unique nuptials package designed by Aqua Hotels & Resorts. There are 10 Aqua hotels throughout Waikiki (which is located on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu) and … Continue reading →

Winter Deals in Paradise

It’s that time of year again… a time when 30-foot swells reach Oahu’s North Shore and dozens of professional surfers hit the water to show off their moves during the “Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.” If you are planning to visit Hawaii in the next month, forget about the dozens of pro wave shredders, you need to concern yourself with the tens of thousands of other tourists who travel to the Hawaiian Islands to watch surfers take on Mother Nature. For those of you who don’t know, the “Vans Triple Crown of Surfing” is celebrating its 25th anniversary this winter … Continue reading →

Paradise Lost

Book ‘em Dano! Police officers in Hawaii arrested yet another star from the hit ABC show “Lost” early Thursday morning. According to news reports, Daniel Dae Kim, who plays Jin-Soo Kwon on the primetime drama, was arrested around 3 a.m. Thursday morning for allegedly driving while intoxicated on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, where the show is filmed. Details of Kim’s arrest have not yet been released. However, police reports say the actor was released from police custody after he posted bail. Officers say Kim was only at the Honolulu Police station for a couple of hours before he was … Continue reading →

More Places To Hike In Hawaii

In my previous blog I filled you in on some of the best places to hike in the “Land of Aloha.” While most tourist tend to gravitate towards Oahu’s landmarks, historical sites, world class shops, and universally famous beaches there are some who travel to paradise for the chance to explore nature at its finest. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to experience the 50th state’s most beautiful sites than by lacing up some comfortable shoes and taking a hike. Here now are a few more of Oahu’s most popular hiking trails: Manoa Falls Trail—Waterfall lovers this one … Continue reading →

Where To Hike In Hawaii

It’s a great way to escape the crowds in Waikiki and an even better way to work off some of the extra calories you consume while diving into the tropical dishes (and libations) offered in paradise. I’m talking about hiking… and there’s no better place to take to the trails than in Hawaii. (Okay, I may be biased, but just a little.) The island of Oahu alone offers more than 80 trails to choose from. Each provides breathtaking views of the area’s lush rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and emerald green valleys. It also offers you the opportunity to learn about a … Continue reading →

A “Funny” Handbook To The Hawaiian Islands

Perhaps the title of this blog is not as fitting as it seemed a minute ago when I was tapping it out on this page. It may not be perfect, but it is accurate. It’s also a rare event that I would write a blog promoting a handbook about my home state. But this one happens to be peppered quite a number of funny tales that I had to do it (hence the title of my blog). Author Michael Perkins has penned a book called “Surviving Paradise: True Life and Death Stories of Hawaii’s Hidden Dangers.” You’d be hard pressed … Continue reading →

Visiting Honolulu’s Chinatown

Here’s a little known fact about me: I used to live in Chinatown during my stint as a TV reporter in Honolulu. Back then that fact was nothing to brag about since most of the area was riddled with illegal gambling operations, corners filled with drug dealers and prostitutes, and major traffic problems. (I happened to find a decent, well-secured apartment on the fringes of Chinatown that afforded me incredible ocean views and a quick commute to the station.) A few months ago I had the chance to visit my old stomping grounds and was pleasantly surprised to see that … Continue reading →

Hawaii’s Post Earthquake Travel Deals

To reassure visitors that all is well in paradise following last week’s 6.7-magnitude earthquake centered off the Big Island of Hawaii, various resorts around the state are offering post-earthquake travel deals. For example, the Big Island’s luxurious Mauna Lani Resort (I’ve stayed here on several occasions and highly recommend it) is currently offering a post-earthquake package dubbed “Mauna Lani — Shaken, Not Stirred.” Deals start at $390 per night (plus taxes), and include two pineapple martinis, daily buffet breakfast for two, daily use of snorkeling equipment, access to the Mauna Lani Sports Fitness Club, nightly Hawaiian entertainment, tours of Mauna … Continue reading →

Waikiki Beach Makeover

It’s an event that hasn’t taken place in more than three decades, but now it is just days away from starting—Hawaii’s famed Waikiki beach is getting a makeover- of sorts. It’s really more of an expansion than an actual makeover, but when the project is complete you will be able to spread out on the powder white sand without worrying about elbowing the visitors tanning themselves next to you. According to state Department of Land and Natural Resource, the sand replenishment project should take a month to complete—just in time for the influx of holiday travelers. Project organizers plan to … Continue reading →