Tag Archives: Hawaii

  • No Grass Skirts Required!

    October 6, 2012

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    Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii…the Oahu island spirit is so infectious! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming…

    One of my favorite tv shows growing up was The Brady Bunch and Hawaii will eternally be linked in my mind to their family trip here! I remember watching it as a kid hoping to one day come here and see the tiki dolls and surfers!

    So I wanted to end my visit here with something very Hawaiian, if not a tad cheesy like those technicolor Hawaiian episodes with surfing Greg…

    I ended my beach day by visiting a local landmark: Duke’s right on the beach in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel. This legendary surf bar is a must stop if you want to soak in the Island flavor!

    Located on a prime stretch of Waikiki Beach with gorgeous views of Diamond Head in one direction and the pink palace, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, next door in the other direction. Yes, this spot may be touristy but it’s got a quintessential Hawaiian surf vibe that just sets the tone for any visit to the islands! Past the beach, High tide is starting to roll in and the die hard surfers are out there catching a wave.

    It’s “Aloha Friday”; the friday afternoon happy hour to welcome the weekend…the Hawaiian band is playing and a tropical drink is calling my name! Most are indulging in a Mai Tai, but I go for something a bit sweeter: a “lava flow” (pineapple, coconut, and strawberries blended with rum)

    The Mahi-Mahi fish tacos are fresh and delicious and the sun is beginning to go down on this beautiful day!

    Mahalo! A big thanks to Hawaii for a little taste of Paradise!

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  • Aloha!

    October 5, 2012

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    Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii…you would never know you are still in the United States! This high rise city set along the most gorgeous ocean front feels more Tokyo than U.S.

    Waikiki is filled with Japanese vacationers and the attractions that appeal to them! I see more Japanese language signs than any other and the lines of high end designer boutiques seem perfect for Japanese consumer appetites!

    The real appeal here is Waikiki Beach that stretches on for miles! I love the views of Diamond Head from Queen’s Beach at the far end. I stroll along the beach and I am totally taken by the ages old banyan trees that line the walk as well as views that spread out in all directions!

    It’s a great combination of man made beauty and nature’s brilliance that makes up this paradise of a city!

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  • Beach Paradise!

    October 4, 2012

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    Kohala Coast, Hawaii…a drive across the Big Island and I reached a little strip of Paradise!

    The drive goes from the verdant lushness of rain soaked Hilo to the sunnier drier coast near Kona!

    I find my spot at the beach next to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for a beautiful day in the sun! There is nothing like the beaches in Hawaii…warm blue waters and a wide expanse of sand! The sound of water lapping against the shore!

    Uncrowded, this beach ,like all the beaches, are public; yet I feel like a castaway who has discovered a slice of heaven!

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  • My First Taste of Hawaii!

    October 4, 2012

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    Hilo, Hawaii…after a long 4 days at sea, we arrived at land…the Big Island of Hawaii! The port of Hilo is on the island’s rainy side and the rain greets us as expected…but soon the clouds part and the sun makes its appearance.

    After getting back on land, I walked around the sleepy hippie town of Hilo. Vintage clothing, local crafts, and shops of healers fill the old town…the pace is relaxed and slow and many of the locals have a very laid back hippie meets surfer vibe!

    The sunny side of the Island is the Kona side…so, I make a deal with a local taxi driver and we head out on the hour long drive to other side of the island!

    The driver introduces me to “Malasadas”, an island delicacy! Yum! These Portuguese sweet bread donuts are AMAZING! Fluffy and light yet sweet, with a light coating of sugar…a real treat!

    Hawaii is a unique mix of local culture infused with influences of Philippine, Japanese, and Portuguese immigrants! These delicious donuts give me a first taste of how delicious it all comes together!

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