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,…
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…
Hawaii is such a Neverland you won’t be surprised that each island has its own color, 8 islands, 8 colors. Most all given for the color of flowers growing on each isle. The Hawaiian islands is a lei of colorful flowers, strung across the sea. Is this a charming state or what? Here are the official colors and flowers of Hawaiian islands from the bottom to the top, Hawaii to Ni’ihau. The Big Island – Red – Lehua flower First,…
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…
This is a part of our 9-day Big Island Itinerary. Monday, December 25. We slept longer today, because it’s Christmas and some of the places we would see otherwise will be closed. We are driving north from Hilo, along the scenic Hamakua coast. Our first stop stop is Rainbow Falls, a 10-15 minute drive from the hotel. The waterfall view is just a few steps away from the parking lot. We took a trail on the left going up the waterfall….
The Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawaii’s largest fine arts museum. It was founded in 1922 by Anna Rice Cooke and has one of the largest collections of Asian and Pacific art in the United States, as well as art pieces from all over the world including big names like Van Gogh, Monet, Gaugin, Rivera. From oil paintings to ancient clothing to sculptures, you will find a universe of intriguing art. The Museum offers guided tours, walk around tours and…
This is a part of our 9-day Big Island Itinerary. Before Arrival: Planning the Trip The Big Island is called big for a reason – it’s biger than the rest of Hawaiian islands and has two airports. After searching the internet for ideas, I decided to fly into one airport and out of the other. I found flights from Oakland to Hilo and back from Kona to Oakland and paid some extra for the rental car to be able to…
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on this earth. On an island such as Lanai with very little commercial development, one must really take the time to admire nature in all of its untouched glory. There is something so beautiful about being surrounded by vast desert spaces, open oceans, untamed kiawe trees and free roaming animals. For visitors running away from the hustle and bustle of mainland life, Lanai gives a sense of calm and serenity, and introduces…