Remember when a trip to Hawaii felt like a simple indulgence? That $500 vacation is now closer to $1,000, and it’s making many of us rethink our plans. Consider Ken, who’d visited the islands annually for 15 years. This year, his usual budget couldn’t stretch. The hotel he loved had doubled in price, golf rates shot up, and even flights felt less like a deal. It’s a stark new reality. This isn’t just about Hawaii being expensive; it’s about the
My adventures on this island have largely been on the eastern side. My choices reflect that. I’m hoping to find out about more options, especially on the North Shore. Wa’ahila Ridge Trail The Wa’ahila Ridge Trail is a great starting point. It has really good parking, which is always a plus. It’s also super easy to find and get to. This trail is about 5 to 5.5 miles long. I’d say it’s a medium difficulty hike. There are a few
Get ready for some exciting golf action! The Kansas women’s golf team is heading to the beautiful beaches of Lihue, Hawaii, for the 2025 Rainbow Wahine Invitational. They’ll be competing at the Ocean Course at Hokuala from October 20-22. Fresh off a triumphant win at the Marilyn Smith Invitational, the Jayhawks are eager to keep that winning energy going as they close out a successful fall season. A Tropical Challenge Awaits Imagine this: the Hawaiian sun, ocean breezes, and a
I recently had a profound experience at Sandy Beach in Oʻahu. It felt deeply spiritual. The ocean seemed to speak to me in a way I hadn’t expected. A Voice from the Waves During a ceremony near the water, I felt completely still. For several minutes, I couldn’t move. The waves crashed around me. Then, I heard a deep male voice. It was carried by the sound of the surf. The words were very clear. It said, “I never left
Before you pack your bags for Hawai’i, I challenge you to take a moment and dive into its rich history. Understanding how this independent kingdom became America’s 50th state isn’t just polite; it offers crucial context for your visit. It helps you appreciate the true spirit of the islands and why tourism here is so often a complex topic. A Different Kind of Tourism: Beyond the Resort Bubble You’ve probably heard stories about tourists rubbing locals the wrong way in
I was looking into a Christmas trip to Hawaii this year. I’ve been to Maui before, and I thought it would be nice for my kids to see it. But, my five-year-old really wants to see the volcanoes on the Big Island. I wanted to make sure there would be plenty of fun things for everyone. My two-year-old will be happy anywhere, I’m sure. I don’t know much about the Big Island. I’ve heard there’s a lot of driving there,
Hawaii’s beaches offer an unparalleled escape, a blend of lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and serene sandy shores. With eight main islands and countless smaller islets, this tropical paradise boasts an incredible variety of coastal experiences. From tranquil relaxation to exhilarating water sports, Hawaii’s coastlines captivate every visitor. Discovering Hawaii’s Coastal Wonders Imagine sinking your toes into both black and white sands, spotting sea turtles gracefully gliding through turquoise waters, and gazing at majestic mountainous backdrops framed by swaying palm trees.
Aloha! We just finished a two-week trip to Oahu and the Big Island. I found many helpful tips in other travel posts, so I want to share our experience. We like to walk but aren’t hardcore hikers. We aren’t big on lounging or snorkeling. We eat vegetarian food, so we looked for places that offered good options. We arrived in Honolulu quite late one Friday, around 9:30 PM. It was a long journey, 30 hours from the UK. We checked
Get ready, travel bugs! 2025 is shaping up to be an epic year for tourism in the United States, with Florida, Nevada, and Hawaii leading a record-breaking surge. Forget the pandemic slump; travelers are back with a vengeance, seeking amazing adventures and unforgettable getaways. The Great American Escape: Why Everyone’s Traveling It’s official: American tourism is not just back; it’s better than ever, and 2025 is proving to be a landmark year. We’re seeing a massive comeback across the nation,
I’ve been diving into planning a trip to Hawaii. It’s a big trip, and I want to make it truly special. I’m exploring options beyond the initial quote I received, looking for the best fit. The idea of a substantial credit for a vacation got me thinking about Hawaii, and I’ve been researching to refine the plan. It’s clear that I might need to add a bit more financially to make this an unforgettable experience. Considering the Journey My travel
Remember when a trip to Hawaii felt like a simple indulgence? That $500 vacation is now closer to $1,000, and it’s making many of us rethink our plans. Consider Ken, who’d visited the islands annually for 15 years. This year, his usual budget couldn’t stretch. The hotel he loved had doubled in price, golf rates shot up, and even flights felt less like a deal. It’s a stark new reality. This isn’t just about Hawaii being expensive; it’s about the price increases outpacing our loyalty. Across countless online forums and flight search results, a common sentiment echoes: the game
My adventures on this island have largely been on the eastern side. My choices reflect that. I’m hoping to find out about more options, especially on the North Shore. Wa’ahila Ridge Trail The Wa’ahila Ridge Trail is a great starting point. It has really good parking, which is always a plus. It’s also super easy to find and get to. This trail is about 5 to 5.5 miles long. I’d say it’s a medium difficulty hike. There are a few spots where you need to use your hands. You’ll climb up and down a bit. After it rains, it
Get ready for some exciting golf action! The Kansas women’s golf team is heading to the beautiful beaches of Lihue, Hawaii, for the 2025 Rainbow Wahine Invitational. They’ll be competing at the Ocean Course at Hokuala from October 20-22. Fresh off a triumphant win at the Marilyn Smith Invitational, the Jayhawks are eager to keep that winning energy going as they close out a successful fall season. A Tropical Challenge Awaits Imagine this: the Hawaiian sun, ocean breezes, and a challenging course. The Ocean Course at Hokuala, a par-72, 6,039-yard layout, promises to test the skills of every golfer.
I recently had a profound experience at Sandy Beach in Oʻahu. It felt deeply spiritual. The ocean seemed to speak to me in a way I hadn’t expected. A Voice from the Waves During a ceremony near the water, I felt completely still. For several minutes, I couldn’t move. The waves crashed around me. Then, I heard a deep male voice. It was carried by the sound of the surf. The words were very clear. It said, “I never left you.” It also said, “I am always inside you.” The voice offered blessings and wished me good fortune. It
Before you pack your bags for Hawai’i, I challenge you to take a moment and dive into its rich history. Understanding how this independent kingdom became America’s 50th state isn’t just polite; it offers crucial context for your visit. It helps you appreciate the true spirit of the islands and why tourism here is so often a complex topic. A Different Kind of Tourism: Beyond the Resort Bubble You’ve probably heard stories about tourists rubbing locals the wrong way in Hawai’i. And honestly, those stories aren’t always fiction. People who call Hawai’i home, especially those indigenous to the islands,
I was looking into a Christmas trip to Hawaii this year. I’ve been to Maui before, and I thought it would be nice for my kids to see it. But, my five-year-old really wants to see the volcanoes on the Big Island. I wanted to make sure there would be plenty of fun things for everyone. My two-year-old will be happy anywhere, I’m sure. I don’t know much about the Big Island. I’ve heard there’s a lot of driving there, but that’s okay for me. My kids are good on longer car rides. I’m more curious about what we’d
I was looking into renting a car for two months this summer. I found a corporate discount code for National Car Rental. This code would save me about $800, which is a lot of money. The problem is, I’m not actually part of the company that owns the code. So, technically, I shouldn’t be using it. The code also includes a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). National won’t let me remove the CDW unless I also remove the discount code. This got me thinking about what might happen if things went wrong. My credit card offers primary rental car insurance.
Barbados’ Colony Club Reopens: A New Dawn of Luxury on the Platinum Coast Imagine stepping into a world where classic elegance meets modern comfort, all wrapped in the breathtaking beauty of Barbados. That’s exactly what awaits with the grand reopening of Colony Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, on September 24, 2025. This isn’t just another hotel; it’s a piece of Barbadian history meticulously revitalized, ready to offer an unparalleled escape on the island’s famous Platinum Coast. If you’ve been dreaming of a truly unforgettable Caribbean getaway, Colony Club is now poised to redefine luxury tourism. A Legacy Reimagined: From
Remember when a trip to Hawaii felt like a simple indulgence? That $500 vacation is now closer to $1,000, and it’s making many of us rethink our plans. Consider Ken, who’d visited the islands annually for 15 years. This year, his usual budget couldn’t stretch. The hotel he loved had doubled in price, golf rates shot up, and even flights felt less like a deal. It’s a stark new reality. This isn’t just about Hawaii being expensive; it’s about the price increases outpacing our loyalty. Across countless online forums and flight search results, a common sentiment echoes: the game
Dreaming of Maldives? You’re not alone. This archipelago, with its stunning white sands, tropical climate, and iconic overwater villas, tops many travel wish lists. But with over 150 hotels and resorts scattered across the atolls, choosing the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking a back-to-nature escape, a trendy beach club, a holistic spa retreat, or an ultra-luxury private island, figuring out where to stay requires careful consideration. That’s where I come in! I’ve done the groundwork to help you find the absolute best, ensuring your trip is truly unforgettable. When to Visit Paradise Timing your trip to
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Feast: Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival Returns in 2026! Picture this: the sun-drenched Bahamas, the gentle ocean breeze, and a symphony of incredible flavors. Get ready because the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival (NPIWFF) is making its grand return to Atlantis Paradise Island from March 11 to 15, 2026. This isn’t just another event; it’s a celebration of global cuisine, Bahamian culture, and pure joy. I remember my first time at this festival. The air was buzzing with excitement, and every corner offered a new taste sensation. It’s more than
Hurricane Erin has stirred up a lot of trouble for travelers this week. If you had plans for Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, or the Cayman Islands, you’re likely seeing schedule changes. Even folks on the US East Coast are feeling the storm’s effects, with dangerous waves and rip currents making beach days a no-go. Travel companies are scrambling to keep everyone safe, shifting flights and cruise routes to avoid the worst of it. A Traveler’s Tale: Navigating Hurricane Erin’s Wake I remember a trip to the Jersey Shore years ago, right after a tropical storm skirted the coast.
