Hot Hawaiian Happenings

If the latest round of winter weather has inspired you to book a ticket to Hawaii then you are in luck. The state is gearing up to host a bevy of family friendly events from the Pro Bowl to a massive underwater celebration. Now is also a great time to take advantage of some spectacular deals featuring some of Hawaii’s greatest natural resources. The first deal is a Tri-Park pass that allows visitors to explore the natural wonders on the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui. For $25 your pass will get you into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (which is … Continue reading

Old Fashioned Hawaiian Holiday

I know we haven’t even eaten our way through Thanksgiving yet, but it’s no secret most people already have their holiday travel plans set in stone. If you are one of the lucky ones who plan to spend the holidays in paradise you may to add the following traditional Hawaiian Christmas event to your to-do list. This year on the Big Island of Hawaii the H.N. Greenwell Store is set to revive some local holiday customs during a series of special events called “An English Christmas in the Hawaiian Kingdom.” Henry Nicholas (H.N.) built the 1,000-square-foot structure located in Kealakekua … Continue reading

Hitting The High Seas On A “Bloggers Cruise”

Have you ever read an incredibly riveting blog and wished you could meet the blogger in person? You aren’t alone. In fact, according to a senior cruise director for Carnival Cruise Lines, the requests for a blogger convention on the high seas reached such a fever pitch that the cruise line decided to give it a shot. Next year Carnival Cruises will host its first-ever “Bloggers Cruise.” The seven-day Western Caribbean cruise will operate roundtrip from Miami, January 19-26, 2008, and will visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. Prices for the seven-day “Bloggers Cruise” start … Continue reading

A Hawaiian Hanukkah

When I first moved from Hawaii to the “mainland” (the continental United States) to attend college nearly 20 years ago I received a lot of attention from my fellow classmates (mainly because no one could believe I would willingly leave Hawaii for life in Wisconsin). I spent the better part of my first semester fielding questions including, “Do kids surf to school in Hawaii?” and “Does everyone live in grass shacks there?” Oh, and my personal favorite, “How long did it take you to drive from Hawaii?” To set the record straight: no, we don’t surf to school; we live … 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

Hot Hawaiian Festivals

My neighbors leave for Hawaii tomorrow. I am so jealous. They will be visiting Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. Initially, they were planning their trip for August, but they found a great deal on-line and changed their travel dates to take advantage of it. Knowing that I grew up in Hawaii, they asked me to put a list together of local cultural events that I would recommend they attend. Unfortunately, that was when we thought they would be visiting during the month of August. Long story short, I created a list detailing August events, but now they won’t … Continue reading

Save on a Trip to Paradise

From mid-September through mid-November you can score some of the cheapest airfare to Hawaii. What’s more, once you arrive in paradise, you can scoop up spectacular fall rates on hotels and rental cars as well. The Aloha State has something for everyone, from breathtaking beaches and active volcanoes to stunning waterfalls and dozens of award-winning golf courses. Hawaii is also home to some of the world’s best outdoor adventures, including year-round paragliding, windsurfing and snorkeling. Unlike most of the continental United States, Hawaii does not experience major temperature fluctuations in the fall. That means you can enjoy incredible weather and … Continue reading

Family-Friendly Holiday Travel Destinations

There’s no time like the holidays to travel with your extended family. However, you don’t have to break the bank jetting off to a tropical island or a high-end ski resort to bond with grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins. Instead, consider checking out these affordable holiday-themed events and attractions that are ideal for family members of all ages: CANADA The Zoolights event at the Calgary Zoo is a real crowd pleaser. In addition to viewing the animals, you can take in an interactive light show that features more than 1.5 million twinklers. The zoo is also home to an … Continue reading

Family Travel: Festive Christmas Displays

Last weekend my family traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to take in the city’s spectacular Christmas displays. My kindergartner squealed with delight at the botanical garden’s annual gingerbread mansion and holiday train show. She was equally thrilled when we headed over to the State Capitol building’s rotunda to view the stunning 60-foot Christmas tree decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and handmade ornaments. Finally, her jaw dropped when we got to the city’s popular outdoor Festival of Lights event featuring more than 250,000 colorful Christmas lights strung on elaborate moving displays. It was a great way to get into the Christmas … Continue reading

Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations

Looking to infuse your child’s spring break with a ton of fun? Then, consider traveling to one the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Forbes Traveler just published a list of “Fantastic Family-Friendly Attractions” that are ideal for keeping your little ones entertained while on the road. Some of the magazine’s top picks include: Independence National Historic Park. The Philadelphia site is home to the Liberty Bell as well as the hall where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. Bonus: Admission is free. National Mall. Located in Washington, D.C., it is home to the Smithsonian Institute’s 19 free museums. … Continue reading