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A “Funny” Handbook To The Hawaiian Islands

Perhaps the title of this blog is not as fitting as it seemed a minute ago when I was tapping it out on this page. It may not be perfect, but it is accurate. It’s also a rare event that I would write a blog promoting a handbook about my home state. But this one happens to be peppered quite a number of funny tales that I had to do it (hence the title of my blog). Author Michael Perkins has penned a book called “Surviving Paradise: True Life and Death Stories of Hawaii’s Hidden Dangers.” You’d be hard pressed … Continue reading →

Hawaiian Helicopter Tours

If you’ve been watching the news lately you may have heard about the rash of fatal helicopter crashes that have taken place in Hawaii—-specifically on the island of Kauai. For those of you out of the loop, several tourists visiting the state have died in the past two weeks—-all victims of helicopter crashes. Please note that this blog is not written with the intent to scare you from booking a helicopter tour. Rather, it is my goal to try to convince you to experience the once in a lifetime feeling you get gliding through the clouds and into valleys to … Continue reading →

A Great Guide For Your Hawaiian Vacation

A number of Families.com members have commented that they will soon be embarking on vacations to Hawaii. All I can say is: “WAH—Take me with you.” Yes, I am jealous, but at the same time, I am thrilled that you will get to partake in all that the Islands have to offer. There are many reasons Hawaii is called the “Jewel of the Pacific.” (See my many travel blogs on the Aloha State for several of them.) Another way you can learn about the opportunities that await you in paradise is to pick up the “Aloha Book.” The “Aloha Book” … Continue reading →

Girls-Only Getaway to Paradise

The day I gave birth to my daughter was the day I bid farewell to girls-only vacations. (Unless, of course, you count our mother-daughter trips to visit grandma and grandpa in Hawaii as girls-only getaways.) At this point in my life I can’t imagine jetting off to a tropical locale (not even my hometown of Hilo) with a group of gal pals for some much needed R&R. Still, I must admit, the travel packages designed for women-only, which are constantly being advertised on the Travel Channel are enticing. The one I found most appealing is being offered by Maui’s upscale … Continue reading →

Kids Score Big On Maui

I love autumn. It’s my favorite time of the year. Unfortunately, it goes by way too quickly and it’s always followed by the season I dread the most—winter. I grew up in Hawaii and now live in Wisconsin where the winters usually last about 9 months. Each year I find myself having to dig deeper and deeper to find the fortitude to withstand yet another round of brutal winter weather. Thankfully, my family still lives in Hawaii and winter is the ideal time to go home for a visit. There is very little that a few weeks in the Hawaiian … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Worth The Trip

Taking a family vacation often involves meticulous planning and more importantly, careful budgeting. If you haven’t gotten started on either these next travel treats may offer incentive for you to do so. One doesn’t take place until next summer (which gives you ample time to sock some money away) and the other is a priceless and popular mainstay in paradise. MINNESOTA Attention all “Star Wars” fans: Now is the time to start planning for the next great adventure involving your favorite movie characters. It requires traveling to Minnesota, but at least it will be during a time when the weather … Continue reading →

Travel Alert: Hurricane Flossie Headed For Hawaii

Right now my parents are preparing for the worst. They live on the Big Island of Hawaii just miles from where Hurricane Flossie is scheduled to make landfall. Currently, the storm is packing 120 mph sustained winds and is on course to hit south of the Big Island Tuesday. (Not to mention the fact that a 5.3 magnitude earthquake just struck the Big Island a few hours ago.) Forecasters are urging residents and visitors to Hawaii to be prepared for heavy rain and damaging winds. If you have a loved one vacationing in paradise right now I would urge you … Continue reading →

Travel Deals For Expectant Parents

I’ve written about Babymoons in previous blogs, but this is one deal for expectant parents that’s hard to pass up. First, the setting is hard to beat—Honolulu, Hawaii. If you can’t find serenity in this island paradise then you may be in for a real shocker when your new bundle of joy arrives. Second: Free goodies. Here are the details on the hotel deal: W Honolulu Diamond Head (located at the end of Waikiki) is offering a “Baby Me” travel package for parents-to-be. It includes room, daily breakfast, and a gift basket filled with essentials for your new arrival. The … Continue reading →

Luxury Camping Destinations

In previous blogs I’ve told you about some of my camping “adventures.” I wouldn’t consider any of them “luxury,” even though the hottest new trend in camping is lodging in high-end accommodations. (Yes, gone are the days of “roughing it.”) These days more and more families are opting to camp in a variety of spectacular locations with added amenities. The following properties combine the best of camping with creature comforts. Consider ditching the pup tent and soggy marshmallows and gear up for deluxe bungalows, maid service, and working showers… at a price even the most budget conscious camper couldn’t resist. … Continue reading →

Zip It—Zip It Good!

Did you catch last week’s edition of “The Bachelor?” (I promise the only reason I am watching parts of it this season is because Andy the “bachelor” lives in Hawaii and my sister-in-law knows some of his friends.) Last week bachelor Andy took three of his potential mates to the island of Kauai to do a bit of sightseeing. On one of his dates he and his love interest Tessa went on a zipline adventure. The same zipline that many of my friends and family members have rode on and raved about. Never heard of a zipline? You’d know one … Continue reading →