As a first time visitor to Hawaii you may be surprised by the popularity of SPAM. Not the annoying email type spam, but the odd ham substance that has to be coaxed out of its can like jello from a mold. If you're not familiar, SPAM is a trademarked canned meat product that is a mixture of pork shoulder, ham, sugar and salt. It was first introduced to the Hawaiian islands by American soldiers during World War II when the manufacturer provided cans to American and Allied troops. Not needing refrigeration made it a portable meat that was useful food source during the war. This was … [Read more...]
Oahu Sunsets
Big Island Sunsets And Seascapes
The Big Island of Hawaii is perhaps not as well known for beaches as some of the other Hawaiian islands, but it can hold its own when it comes to beautiful sunsets. A showcase of colour can be seen almost daily. The best part of the island to watch the sun go down is anywhere on the western part of the island in Kailua-Kona or along the Kohala Coast. Due to Hawaii's proximity to the equator their is minimal variance in the time of the sun setting throughout the year. It only varies by about an hour. In the summer months it is around 7pm and in the winter months it's around 6pm. Be at the … [Read more...]
(Place of Refuge) Pu’uhonau O Honaunau National Historic Park
The Place Of Refuge is a 180 acre national historic park located on the coast of Honaunau Bay in south Kona. This was once a place of royal grounds and an area where "Kapu" breakers (sacred laws) could seek refuge. In ancient Hawaii breaking of Kapu could mean being sentenced to death. The only chance for survival was to try to get to the sacred place of refuge where a Kahuna Pule (priest) would perform a ceremony of absolution. Once you had been cleared of your sins you could return to society. There are several restored remains at Puuhonua o Honaunau and it remains one of Hawaii's … [Read more...]
Oahu, Beyond Waikiki Beach
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu’s biggest attractions. It attracts huge crowds of snorkelers, so be prepared to share the water. It is a crescent shaped bay that is partially protected from the open ocean. The clear and shallow waters make it perfect for snorkeling. The fish in the bay are so used to people you will be continually surrounded by them. Watch Free Fireworks On The Beach Near The Hawaii Hilton Every Friday evening the Hawaii Hilton puts on a free fireworks show on Waikiki Beach. It begins at 7:45pm and lasts for approximately ten minutes. You can see … [Read more...]
Catching Waves On Oahu’s North Shore
Visiting Oahu's North Shore is a must on any vacation to the island. This area is home to some of the most epic and dangerous waves in the world. One of the most famous spots is known as the Banzai Pipeline. It can be a little tricky to find, it's located at Ehukai Beach which is north of the little own of Haleiwa between Sunset Beach Park and Waimea Beach Park. Look for Sunset Beach Elementary School on the mountain side of the Kamehameha Highway. The small parking lot for Ehukai Beach is located across the street. You will know if the waves are good, the parking lot will be full. If you … [Read more...]
Good Food While On A Budget In Waikiki
The selection of cafes and restaurants in Waikiki is endless. It seems you wouldn't be able to throw a stick without hitting one. The prices can be high, but if you search around there are some cheaper options to be found. We had ate on a few occasions at the food court of the Ala Moana Mall. The vendors in the large Makai Food Court offer a range of food choices. We had tasty and inexpensive Mahi Mahi burger at the Cheeseburger Factory. At another nearby stall we were able to build our own salads. In addition to the food court there are several restaurants throughout the … [Read more...]
A Rewarding Hike Up Diamond Head Crater
Diamond Head Trail is a hike that really pays off in the view department. There's not many places in the world where you get to hike in a crater and up to its rim. The trail is a winding set of switch backs that takes you to the top of a 760 foot summit. It is considered a moderate climb, something most people can accomplish if you set a slow pace. It takes the average person between 40 to 60 minutes to reach the summit and half the time for the return trip down. There are uneven and rocky sections, so flip flops are probably not the best footwear. … [Read more...]
Pearl Harbour
It Would Feel Like An Incomplete Visit to Oahu Without Seeing Pearl Harbour It is the number one visitor attraction in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor is located on the south coast of Oahu. It is a United States National Historic Landmark. It is famous for being the target of a surprise attack by Japanese fighter planes on December 7, 1941. … [Read more...]
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
A City With Something To Offer Everyone San Francisco is a spectacular city that sits on a peninsula surrounded by water. It is one of the top visited cities in the world and offers many unique attractions like the former prison island of Alcatraz and PIER 39 at Fisherman's Wharf. The steep hills that created a need for the cable cars are part of what has made the city famous. The city is impressive visually, its steep hills are an attraction in themselves. From many areas in the city you can get incredible views of the bay that is spanned by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. There are … [Read more...]