Special Offers at Aulani, Disney’s Hawaii Resort

As winter approaches (or does more than approach, slamming some parts of the country with storms), we already want to turn our thoughts toward spring.  While there’s nothing we can do to make the months go by faster, perhaps what we can do is avoid the cold weather for a while by vacationing somewhere warm.  A dream vacation for many is Hawaii, and for Disney fans, that can mean one thing: Aulani. Disney’s Aulani Resort, located on Oahu, has recently joined the list of Disney destinations that get their own special offers page.  The resort is so popular that even … Continue reading

Information About Medicaid in Hawaii

Every state has their own Medicaid program. Most of the states officially call it Medicaid, but some change it to a name that is more individuated. In Hawaii, the Medicaid program is called Med-Quest. Here is some basic information about the Med-Quest program. Medicaid is a public, or government run, health insurance program. It is designed to provide health insurance coverage for individuals and families who are low income and who cannot afford to purchase a health insurance plan from a private insurance company. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also funded, in part, by … Continue reading

Cool Places to Visit in 2012

There’s one thing I learned very quickly working in TV news in Wisconsin during the winter months: Never do a happy dance on-air when the meteorologist says there’s no snow in sight for the foreseeable future. For someone born and raised in Hawaii, that’s great news. For skiers, snowboarders and business owners, who rely on the white stuff, not so much. So, anyway, I learned quick to keep my lip zipped and refrain from busting a move when I would hear that there was no snow in the forecast. I saved my happy dance for the commercial breaks. I suppose … Continue reading

10 Ways to Save on Your Next Trip to Hawaii

Last year, my then six-old daughter celebrated her 12th visit to Hawaii. However, to her, the Aloha State is more than just a top tourist destination, it’s also home to grandma, grandpa, and a huge network of aunts, uncles and cousins. I kid that she would have been marking trip number 20 if it weren’t so dang expensive to fly from Wisconsin to Hilo. Fortunately, once we land in the “Land of Aloha” we score free room and board. Bottom line: traveling to Hawaii is not cheap. However, there are ways you can save on your next vacation there provided … Continue reading

Don’t Let MTV’s “Jersey Shore” Stop You From Visiting the Jersey Shore

I used to spend summers in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. No joke. Each year my family would leave the sunny shores of Hilo, Hawaii, and fly 5000 miles to Newark, New Jersey, to visit my parental grandparents, 44 aunts and uncles, 60 plus cousins, and the rest of my dad’s humongous family. During week two of our annual trips we’d load up the clan and head down to the shore. It’s where I visited my first water park (Rainbow Rapids) and witnessed my first ever seaweed-entangled hypodermic needle floating in the white wash near Point Pleasant Beach. Ah, the memories. … Continue reading

Homeschooling Groups and Resources in Hawaii

Getting involved with other homeschoolers is very important to a family’s success in homeschooling. It is important to join a homeschool network or support group in your area, There are also many homeschooling groups as well as many homeschooling classes, and programs that your students can enjoy. In this series, we are covering home schooling groups and resources across the country. This installment is for the State of Hawaii. Big Island Homeschoolers Is a support group for homeschooling families on the Big Island of Hawaii. Catholic Homeschooling in Hawaii/Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Homeschoolers of Hawaii is the website for … Continue reading

Visit the Best of the Best During Spring Break

Where will you be spending spring break this year? Parents looking for fun, yet affordable ways to spend spring break with their kids should check out The 10 Best of Everything Families: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers. For about 20 bucks the handy guide provides information on the best locations for family reunions, skiing, biking, extreme adventures, factory tours, museums, zoos, gardens, historic sites, roller coasters, music festivals, wildlife-watching and much more. There are also sections on seasonal celebrations, such as Easter and Christmas. Some sample lists include: Education Vacations–10 Best Innovators’ Homes Samuel Morse, Poughkeepsie, New York Rachel Carson, … Continue reading

Spring Break Menu—Aloha Hawaii

I’m continuing my Spring Break Menu theme today with selections from the string of pearls in the Pacific known as the Hawaiian Islands. Since I was born and raised in the Aloha State I toyed with the idea of sharing some of the authentic Hawaiian recipes I grew up eating, but then I realized how hard it was to get some of the local ingredients, so I opted to go with these quasi-Hawaiian recipes instead. These simple dishes still pack a Hawaiian punch (despite being generic in nature). In addition, they are wonderful party recipes, should you feel the desire … Continue reading

Disney Hikes Prices—How Much You’ll Have to Spend to Visit Mickey

Getting into the House of Mouse is going to cost you more. New admission prices went into effect today at Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida. Tickets for guests aged 10 and older to Walt Disney World in Orlando now cost $75 (up from $71), while tickets for children aged 3 to 9 are now priced at $63 (up from $60). At Disneyland in Anaheim, one-day prices are now selling for $69 (up from $66) for those aged 10 and older, and $59 (up from $56) for children aged 3 to 9. In addition, the park hopper option, … Continue reading

Hot Hawaiian Travel Deals: Luaus and Love

It’s been a while, but it appears the traditional Hawaiian luau is headed back to Waikiki Beach. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa located near downtown Honolulu on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu recently announced that it is resurrecting the traditional local feast on the shores of the world’s most famous beach. The “Waikiki Lu’au on the Lagoon” is being offered twice weekly, on Sundays and Wednesdays. It includes a lei greeting, traditional luau meal and a Polynesian entertainment extravaganza. Beginning just before sunset guests will be greeted with live Hawaiian music and a flower lei on the … Continue reading