May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

Lei Day festivities May Day is Lei Day here in Hawaii. Lei Day, unlike in other parts of the world, is all about giving and receiving aloha — and wearing leis that are one of eight colors, each representing one of Hawaii’s eight major islands. Most of the islands’ schools are off today, and surfers will likely be in the water (as the first legitimate south swell of the summer season is here). You will find me and most of the Oahu’s daytime party goers celebrating Lei Day...

May 1st, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Put opala (“trash”) in the right place

Great news! The Department of Environmental Services recently added new neighborhoods to their curbside recycling program. What began late last year as a trial run is now spreading throughout the island, which is great news for eco-friendly citizens of the islands. New neighborhoods (which include areas like Kahalu’u and Manoa) will receive a green trash bin, a calendar of new solid waste pick-up days, and instructions on how to use all current bins. There should be three bins in all:...

April 23rd, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

The Oahu cell phone ban

On the heels of other state bans of handheld devices, Oahu is quickly following suit. Yesterday, the city council voted 6-1 on a statewide ban of cell phones, which will likely go into effect July 1st. The ban still needs approval from Mayor Hanneman, but should pass. What this means for drivers? Starting July 1, police could fine drivers up to $100 if caught using a handheld device while on the road. It would be a good idea, therefore, to get used to a hands-free device now. What kinds...

April 23rd, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Earth Day activities in Honolulu

You should feel even luckier to be living in Hawaii now that it’s Earth Day! There are so many great activities going on today, so be sure to check out at least one of the following great festivities on the GREENEST day of the year! Honolulu’s organic food market, Down to Earth (at the corner of King and University) is having a storewide 30% off sale. Whole Foods is teaming up with the Waikiki Aquarium, and having its own fill of fun by having a week-long celebration of Earth Day, which...

April 21st, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

The Merrie Monarch Festival

It was 46 years ago that the Merrie Monarch Festival commenced and, since then, it has become one of Hawaii’s premiere events. The Festival, held in Hilo on the Big Island, honors the art of hula and aims to educate people of Hawaiian music, art, and culture. It starts today, April 12 and ends on April 18 and features arts and crafts, performances and demonstrations, a Hawaiian cultural parade, and (my favorite) a 3-day a hula competition. In preparation of the Merrie Monarch...

April 12th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Easter in Hawaii

Despite the fact that I didn’t get the state holiday of Good Friday off, Hawaii is not short of Easter Sunday activities. The two most popular events this Sunday will be Easter brunch or family fun in the early afternoon. If you’re looking for just the right way to cap off your Easter celebrations, feel free to give one of these venues a try. EASTER LUNCH/BRUNCH: Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand in the Waikiki Grand Hotel (corner of Kapahulu and Kalakaua) is having a very reasonable...

April 11th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Tidepooling in Hawaii

When I was in middle school, my favorite weekend activity would be to hike to the Makapu’u tidepools with my girlfriends and spend the day peeking underwater at what lay beneath. Almost always I could poke large sea cucumbers, observe vibrant yellow butterfly fish and observe the subtle spine movements of sea urchins through my goggles. Then last year I was treated to a little night reef patrol, and realized this is the time when sea life is most active in Hawaii. Not only can you spot...

April 9th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

“Haole”: What does it mean?

If you are a first-time visitor to Hawaii and you have white skin, don’t be surprised if locals refer to you as a “haole” — but also don’t take it too seriously. The word “haole” goes as far back as the 17th century, before Captain James Cook’s arrival to Hawaii in 1778. Some etymologists believe “haole” is a combination of two Hawaiian words, ‘hā’ and “‘ole,” which mean ‘breath’ and ‘not.’ Linguists still debate whether “haole” is meant to suggest that...

April 8th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

How to plan travel to Hawaii

Pristine beaches, active volcanoes, epic surfing, towering waterfalls, world-class golf courses and historical landmarks. These are just a few things that make Hawaii one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Knowing you want to travel there is one thing, getting there is a whole other daunting task. Getting there by air: Those with just a week or two weeks to spare for a Hawaii vacation are best off flying. The typical approach to traveling to Hawaii is by air. During “off-peak”...

April 8th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Restaurant Row’s dollar movie theater

Spend an inexpensive and lazy evening out watching newish movie releases in a decent enough theater near downtown! You really can’t beat the price at just $1 per movie! Years ago, this small eight-screen art house hosted independent films and other great local events, but it has since been converted into a popular weekend hotspot. For certain, the theater doesn’t earn revenue from movie ticket sales. Instead, it generates money from dozens of arcade games and virtual reality machines in...

April 7th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Oahu’s best beaches for chilling out

As a dedicated south shore surfer, I guess I can be thankful for one thing: not everyone likes to surf. There are plenty of people who are perfectly content chilling out on the beach, which fortunately keeps the crowds at surf breaks tolerable enough for everyone to catch something. If you have a baby or little ones in tow and just looking for a relaxing beach to tan or read a book, head to one of these three fantastic sandy beaches — where soft white sand is plentiful and big waves are not. Kaimana...

April 7th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Hawaiian Mochi

Hawaiian Mochi If you’re looking for a unique taste of the islands, might I suggest trying Hawaii’s brand of mochi. While this special snack or dessert originated in Japan, Hawaii adopted this recipe and it is now one of the most popular snacks around. Mochi is made from a highly glutinous short-grain japonica rice. The rice itself is ground into a flour and then mixed with water and steamed several times over to form a thick goo. Pastel colors (especially pink and green) are added to give...

April 7th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Tidepooling

When I was in middle school, my favorite weekend activity would be to hike to the Makapu’u tidepools with my girlfriends and spend the day peeking underwater at what lay beneath. Almost always I could poke large sea cucumbers, observe vibrant yellow butterfly fish and observe the subtle spine movements of sea urchins through my goggles. Then last year I was treated to a little night reef patrol, and realized this is the time when sea life is most active in Hawaii. Tidepooling is the alternative...

March 19th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Kona Coffee Calendar Girls

For the third year in a row, the Kona Coffee calendar girls have brought major attention to the Kona coffee establishment. The 2009 calendar features eleven female farmers (all of whom are over 50 years of age), who aside from baring all in their provocative photos want to do what they can to protect the Kona coffee brand. The tradition was inspired by the movie “Calendar Girls,” which features older women classily posing for a calendar to raise money and awareness. Kona coffee, for...

March 15th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

The New Hawaii Traveler

Aloha! I wanted to briefly introduce myself, as I am new to the b5media team and TheHawaiiTraveler site. My name’s Brenda, and I’ll be your new Hawaii expert, replacing the irreplaceable Jody Reale. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I hope readers will find my Hawaii travel tips helpful and useful. I grew up here in Honolulu and am a total island girl. I love being in the ocean and the sights and sounds of the islands. There’s PLENTY to be excited about as I’m also...

March 14th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Wai’ale’ale Kava Source

Taking part in an awa drinking ceremony is a unique cultural experience that is very difficult to find here in Hawaii. Awa, otherwise known as kava, is an indigenous Pacific root that is ground, filtered, and turned into a drink. There used to be a few kava bars in the state, but within the past few years, awa can only be found in select smoothie stores. Now, the only kind of kava that can be had on the islands is the traveling awa bar offered through Oshi Grady and his Wai’ale’ale...

March 13th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More

Wahoo’s Fish Taco

Some Punahou classmates of mine, the Pietsch’s, came up with the brilliant idea of bringing the mainland franchise, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, to the islands a few years ago, and they haven’t looked back since. Wahoo’s has established itself as one of the best tasty (not to mention afforedable) taquerias in town. There’s a massive menu on the wall, with offerings where you can choose the sauce as well as the spicyness of your dish. There’s bottle beer and beer on tap,...

March 12th, 2009 | Hawaii | Read More