The Hawaii Traveler

The Honolulu Weekly recently came out with a "Cheap Finds" issue for visitors and residents on a budget, and I’m following up on their list of cheapies by providing a short list of my own. 
If you traveled to Hawaii the right way, the only thing you packed was your bathing suit.  That really is all you need to survive in this tropical paradise.  Once you’ve settled into your newfound island lifestyle and you’re looking for some good ole cheap island attire, here’s a quick guide to some really decently priced apparel stores in the Honolulu area.
1. Savers
This is a …read more

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    We call it “Hangover Sunday” and, hungover or not, my friends and I have established a water sport tradition: we wake up as early as possible on Sunday morning, drive to Makapu’u Beach, and drink a beer (or two) before jumping in the romping surf for at least a full hour of bodysurfing enjoyment.  Indeed, Makapu’u Beach is world-famous for its perfectly bodysurfable waves, but to my friend and me it means so much more.    Ask anyone in Hawaii where to go if you want to surf without a board and, unless they want you to break your neck …read more

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b5media recently welcomed a new blogger to its Travel and Culture lineup. Liz Lewis, come on down!
Liz is the voice and typing fingers behind Traveling the Green Way. As someone who’s always looking for ways to reuse, reduce, and recycle (just as Hawaii native Jack Johnson sang), I’m looking forward to putting Liz’s blog on my regular to-read list.
Aloha, Liz.

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Last Tuesday, we learned that the humumunukunukuapua’a regained its status as Hawaii’s state fish, even though there was some controversy over the matter. The humu’s opponents reminded legislators that the fish, also known as the rectangular trigger fish, isn’t unique to Hawai’i, and that the ancient Hawaiians held the less tasty humu in such low esteem that they used the dried carcasses as fuel for their fires.
Who knew a funny looking fish could be so controversial? Don’t worry, one thing is for sure: Eating fish in Hawaii is much simpler than declaring it a representative of the state. …read more

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by © marcinkamil

Let’s say you’re a family of four or more, living on an annual income that equals the amount Paris Hilton usually blows on gum. Are your hopes and dreams of taking an island vacation dashed? Not necessarily.
Yes, with gas prices what they are, and inflation, and all of the other financial hubbub that’s making the news today, it’s easy to make assumptions about the ability of mere mortals to afford the journey. (But you know what happens when we assume, don’t you?) Here’s a collection of quick tips to keep you in the know about …read more

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Don’t let the name fool you; TNT has nothing to do with blowing anything up, unless you consider that Travel ‘N Tourism News Hawaii is a great way to –KABLAM!–expand your knowledge of Hawai’i travel. With features such as Ask the Big Kahuna, Best (Hidden) Places, local tips, and a calendar categorized by island, you’re sure to have a blast during your trip.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by Syriloth

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For those of you playing along at home, we’ll get to the answers of yesterday’s (May 27th) Tuesday Test after we jump ahead to a more detailed answer to question #5: How many varieties of snake are there in Hawaii?A bit of a trick question, the official answer is: One. It’s the island blind snake, or Ramphotyphlops braminus (shown).
While there may be other snakes on the islands that were introduced illegally or accidentally, federal and state governments invest high stakes in keeping snakes from entering the state. For example, commercial and private jets from other snake-infested …read more

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This week–and every Tuesday–it’s time to ask yourself, “How Knowledgeable am I about Hawaii?” Really, the answer is, “Who cares?” No one’s keeping score. But just for fun, here’s this week’s pop quiz about everyone’s favorite South Pacific destination. Answers revealed tomorrow. Here we go…

1. What Hawaiian island will someday be two islands?
2. What Hawaiian island is getting bigger?
3. What is the state fish?
4. What is the highest mountain in the world, measured from its base to its peak?
5. How many varieties of snake are there in Hawaii?
6. Which island boasts 10 of the 13 climate zones?
7. What …read more

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It’s on Memorial Day that we take extra care and time to remember and honor those who have served our country, and those who paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom. One of the most awe inspiring memorial on the islands is the USS Arizona Memorial, on Oahu.
Located on the Pearl Harbor Navy Base, the memorial is a National Park Service site spanning ten and a half acres. The memorial of the Arizona itself, a structure over the sunken remains of the ship in memory of the US military men who perished there, is accessible only by boat.
Tickets …read more

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If you’re looking for a place to wind down with locals in a comfortable setting, the new Therapy Sports Bar and Grill in Koko Marina Shopping Center might be the place.
I stopped in with a friend two months ago just after the bar opened, and the bar was relatively uncrowded. It has a nice clean setting with a bar in the front, games along the wall (including basketball and computerized darts), karaoke TV’s, and two pool tables in the back. I imagine a day visit would be worthwhile too, as the entire back wall overlooks the lagoon and boat harbor.
My …read more

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