Vanilla is an Old World flavoring and aromatic that is highly favored in cooking, coffee, candles, and cosmetics. But few people know exactly what vanilla is, how it is cultivated, and why it has become the second most expensive spice in the world. That is what visitors to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company were about to discover during a luncheon and tour on Monday, September 9, 2024. The company is in Paauilo on the Hilo-Hamuka Heritage Coast of the Big Island,…
Ua Kuluma Ke Kanaka I Ke Aloha.It Is Natural For People To Behave In a Loving Way.– Hawaiian Proverb Aloha is one of the world’s most famous words, derived from an enchantingly beautiful language with only 13 characters. Most people on Earth have had at least a passing glimpse of Hawai’i thanks to the magic of movies, television, and music. But, in order to grasp the true meaning of the word aloha, let us try to slow down to the…
Dear Hawaii Resident,Two of us are visiting the Big Island for a week, would you please tell us what to see and where to stay.Thank you,Mainland Visitors. Aloha Visitors, I’d love to! and welcome, e komo mai [e ko’-mo mai) to our beautiful island. A good advice needs to take into account your interests and I will give you some options to choose from. So, this itinerary is flexible and can be easily adjusted. You can fly to either Kona…
The Big Island of Hawaii, a.k.a. the Orchid Island, a.k.a. the Fire Island, a.k.a. TBI or simply Hawaii is AMAZING! We have just returned from our 11-day (9 full days on the island) trip with tons of photos, and I am wrting this article while the memories are still fresh and vivid. If you are seeking information on the best things to do on the Big Island, keep reading! This article presents our full itinerary, with each day briefly described. Each…
Come join the class, it’s called Hawaii 101 or What everyone needs to know about these enchanted isles. Whether you’re a wahini (wa-heenee) woman, or kane (kaw-nay) man, a malahini (mawla-heenee) newcomer, or a kama’aaina (kawmah-eye-nah) children of the land, it’s good to know the basics about your islands. First, there are 8 islands, actually a couple hundred stringing halfway up to Alaska, but there only are 8 main ones. And each island has a nick-name. Hawaii Island is so…
If you came to Hawaii and want to get in a boat, have I got some adventures for you! Kona boat tours, fishing charters, private boat rentals, snorkeling and scuba adventures – Kona has it all in the world of boats. The west side of the Big Island has clearest waters and the most diverse coral and marine life, just choose your boat adventure! Check out this Swimming With a Whale Shark experience. Not typical, you’l have to get really…
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…
The Eruption’s over in Hawaii, nothing to see here, but there are still many exciting volcano adventures. (Header photo by Alan L.) You can hike through chirping Ohia forests, stand on the edge of a giant crater. Then explore an underground cavern. You too can be Indiana Jones. Head to the Volcano and live it for yourself, have an awesome experience you will remember forever. I’ll tell you about Hawaii volcano adventures in a minute, but first I will tell…
Animated movies that are set in Hawaii might be something of a rare find, but they’re hardly the stuff of legend. The most popular is easily Disney’s 2002 classic Lilo & Stitch, and there’s also Aloha Scooby Doo (2005). And there are even some animated films that were partly shot in Hawaii, such as Disney’s Dinosaur (2000). Disney can’t have it all, though (even if they really do have most things), because last year saw the release of Hawaiian film…
This is a part of our 9-day Big Island Itinerary. Day 6, Part 2. Saturday, December 30, afternoon. A friend mentioned the famous Merriman’s Waimea Restaurant, and we decided to give it a try and book for tomorrow for a New Year dinner. Alas, too late! Everything was booked for the next few days, with the only time available today at 5 pm for an early dinner. We are taking it. After doing Kohala Waterfall Adventure with Hawaii Forest &…