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Hawaii parks charge new fees.

It’s wonderful how places can evolve, and sometimes, those changes are all about making sure their magic lasts. Hawaii is certainly embracing that idea with some thoughtful updates coming to several of its beloved state parks. I’ve always found that when natural wonders are managed with care, everyone truly benefits. Park Enhancements Ahead Starting in 2026, Hawaii is introducing new systems at four special state parks. This is a thoughtful approach to park management. The goal is to keep these beautiful spots pristine and enjoyable for everyone, both now and way down the line. The Department of Land and

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California leads U.S. travel growth 2026.

The United States is buzzing with renewed travel excitement, and as we look towards 2026, many states are gearing up for an incredible influx of visitors. States like California, Hawaii, New York, Florida, Alaska, Nevada, and Texas are perfectly positioned to welcome travelers from near and far. This surge is fueled by a shift in how we approach travel today: a desire for genuine experiences, a greater concern for our planet, and a longing for trips that feel uniquely ours. California’s Diverse Appeal California truly sits at the forefront of this travel renaissance. As the most populous state, it

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Hawaii Volcano Eruption: Big Island Trip Report

Waikoloa on the Big Island has such a striking landscape. It’s a place where the dry, volcanic rock meets the vast blue ocean. It offers such a different vibe compared to the lushness of other Hawaiian islands. Waikoloa Resort Area We settled into our accommodation in the Waikoloa area. It feels like a meticulously planned resort community. Think wide roads, golf courses, and beautiful landscaping. Our place had a wonderful kitchen, which was a lifesaver for feeding the kids. Having that space made such a difference. We also loved having an in-unit washer and dryer. The resort pass we

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Hawaii: Snorkel Without Swimming, Veg Luau, Couple Massage, & Stay Tips

Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic caldera three miles off Maui’s south coast, shelters more than 250 fish species in waters that can reach 200 feet of visibility on calm mornings. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer to see them — the crater rim creates a natural shelter that keeps the inner basin flat even on days with offshore chop, and every visit is by boat with the boat nearby. And you don’t need to eat meat to enjoy a luau, either. Traditional Hawaiian feast foods include dishes that are naturally vegetarian — poi (pounded taro), haupia

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Hawaii Merrie Monarch 2026 tickets open.

The excitement builds each year as Hawaii prepares to celebrate its rich heritage with the Merrie Monarch Festival. Ticket requests for the 63rd annual event in 2026 open on December 1st, marking a significant moment for cultural enthusiasts and travelers. This festival is more than just a competition; it’s a vibrant immersion into the heart of Hawaiian culture, showcasing the power and beauty of hula. A Celebration of Hawaiian History The Merrie Monarch Festival is a profound celebration of Hawaiian identity. It beautifully weaves together the islands’ language, history, music, and artistry. For generations, it has served as a

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Hawaii: Best Places to Stay on Kauai

Kaua’i has roughly half the hotel rooms of Maui and a fraction of what O’ahu offers, and no new large resorts are in the development pipeline. That scarcity, combined with an island geography where a single coastal road means north and south shores can have completely different weather on the same afternoon, makes choosing your base the single most consequential decision of any trip. Kaua’i has roughly half the hotel rooms of Maui and a fraction of what O’ahu offers, and no new large resorts are in the pipeline — plan ahead or pay peak rates for leftovers. This

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Kalaupapa: History opens its doors again.

On a Thursday morning in late June, about two dozen residents of Molokaʻi gathered at the Pālāʻau State Park trailhead. They weren’t there to hike. They were there to block it — a protest against the National Park Service taking over public tours of Kalaupapa National Historical Park without, they said, any community consultation. The blockade lasted 15 minutes. No arrests were made. But the message landed: the next chapter of access to one of Hawaiʻi’s most restricted places was off to a contested start. More than 8,000 individuals are believed to have lived and died at Kalaupapa. Kalaupapa

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Your First Time in Hawaii? 2-Week Oahu Trip Plan

The scent of plumeria and the gentle rhythm of the waves are the first things that greet me when I arrive on Oahu. It’s a place I’ve returned to many times, each visit unveiling a new layer of its charm. This island, a vibrant tapestry of volcanic landscapes and rich culture, always draws me back. Arrival and Easy Start Landing in Honolulu late at night means the first order of business is always getting settled. A rental car is essential for the freedom to explore, and then it’s straight to our accommodation to rest up. The next morning, the

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Hawaii offers Black Friday, Cyber Monday deals.

It feels like just yesterday I was dreaming of booking that perfect getaway, and now here we are, with some of the most incredible travel deals I’ve ever seen popping up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s that magical time of year when wanderlust meets serious savings, and honestly, it makes it so much easier to just go for it. This year, Hawaii is leading the charge, but there are fantastic offers for places like Orlando, California, Seattle, and New York too. It’s the perfect excuse to finally book that dream vacation without a second thought. Global Travel

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Shipping cost hike raises Hawaii visitor costs.

It feels like just yesterday I was packing for a trip to Hawaii, and now as I reflect on my travels, I’m thinking about a change coming that will subtly shift the cost of visiting. It’s not about a new tourist tax or a flashy resort fee. It’s something much quieter, a rise in the cost of simply moving things around once you’re there. The Silent Cost of Distance Hawaii’s magic is undeniably tied to its remoteness. Being way out in the Pacific means many things have to travel a long way to get there. But what many don’t

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