The Hawaii Traveler

If you’re like most people who live on-island, you’re going to need to work.  Finding work anywhere can be an adventure, but now you’re someplace that seems…so far away from everything you’ve ever known.  Don’t despair, Marshall, Will, Holly.  All is not lost.
First off, make a cursory investigation of online job boards. There’s Yahoo HotJobs, Monster.com, Jobster, and the rest.   Make calls to temp agencies if you’re willing to do some piece work here and there.   Check the mainstream papers such as the Honolulu Advertiser and Maui News.  And then, pick up the phone and actually start speaking …read more

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The last time we were at Mauna Kea beach on the Big Island, the red flags were up, indicating rough conditions. We had our boogie boards with us, and as a lifeguard came out of the water, he warned us, “Be careful out there. People get their necks snapped on days like today.”  It sounds harsh, but he knew what a lot of people don’t: That sharks may make the headlines, but drownings claim far more lives.
Although the state of Hawai’i is serious about their lifeguards, most drownings occur at beaches where there aren’t any.  
The City and …read more

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Smokers heading for Hawai’i, beware:  Hawaii is a smoke-free state, and in fact boasts some of the toughest smoking restrictions in the country.
For example
It is against the law to smoke in public buildings, including airports, shopping malls, grocery stores, retail shops, buses, movie theaters, banks, convention facilities, and all government buildings and facilities. And that’s not all.  There’s no smoking in restaurants, bars, or nightclubs–even the open-air ones.
There’s no smoking in parking garages, public lobbies, pools, lanais, patios, covered walkways, or bus stops that have a roof or have two sides enclosed. In fact, …read more

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If you’re an inter-island commuter or just looking to see another island for a day or so, you probably already know that your choice of commercial airlines in Hawai’i just became a little more limited with the closure of Aloha Airlines. Even other forms of inter-island transportation, such as ferries, are feeling the economic squeeze and limiting the number of trips they’re able to make from the major islands to the smaller ones.
In the interests of freedom of choice, I’d like to introduce some small, public carriers that provide inter-island flights.
Mokulele Airlines is a small, public carrier that provides inter-island …read more

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It’s Hawaii’s 49th birthday, and you know what that means, don’t you?  That next year will be Hawaii’s five-oh.   If that’s not a birthday you can get behind, the aloha spirit is in big trouble.
You can read all about the finer points of Hawai’i today at Be Three, and get a little taster of what Hawaiian life, culture, and attitude is all about.   Until next time, happy birthday, Hawaii, you old dog, you.

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Make a whole day of it!  The Honolulu Academy of Art is well worth a fully day’s activities and really packs a punch with its world-class art exhibitions — both permanent and temporary — as well as its gorgeously built Doris Duke Theater, attached to it on Kinau Street.  The best way to enjoy your visit would be to start in the museum, take a lunch break in the popular Pavillion Cafe (which serves some of the best healthy lunches in town), watch a matinee film in the Theater and then, if you plan ahead, pay a visit to Doris …read more

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It’s not a “snow cone” and it’s not called “shaved ice” (as in the adjective) either.  It’s “shave ice” to locals, and it’s one of the most delectable desserts or midday snacks anyone can have on a hot day.  Admittedly, "shave ice" doesn’t make any sense as a term, but it makes perfect sense as local food.  For so long, the well-known shave ice shacks have been neighbors on the North Shore of Oahu, with Matsumoto’s being the most famous store — often having an enormous line out the front door.  However, for the past ten years, a little store …read more

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News from the This Oil Crisis Sucks files: the Moloka’i ferry I’ve mentioned here at The Hawaii Traveler raised its rates today by adding a temporary fuel surcharge.  The regular $40 one-way fare to/from Maui and Moloka’i will now cost you $66.  Work commuters are certainly going to be the most hard-hit from the hike, but Sea Link, the ferry operator is appealing to the PUC for a special concession to avoid shutting down.Unlike other operators like the Superferry, Sea Link  receives no subsidies, loan guarantees or other special considerations from government; gas prices combined with declining tourist turn-out in …read more

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Oh the island of Oahu is a place popular with locals and tourists alike, called Magic Island. You won’t David Copperfield groping a supermodel there, nor will you find a supermodel trying to grope Chris Angel.  What you will find is a park situated on a scenic peninsula near Ala Moana Beach Park
What’s There: Concerts, Fourth of July fireworks, theatrical performances, family gatherings, picnics, swimming, and the like. There is no overnight camping allowed.
Getting There: 1201 Ala Moana Bouldevard, between the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and Ala Moana Beach. Arrive early, as parking is competitive on weekends.

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“Plate lunch” is a special plate of food that locals like to eat for lunch or dinner.  In a lot of senses, plate lunch is the Hawaiian version of fast food (like McDonald’s and Burger King), except some dishes can in fact be healthy.  The most accessible plate lunch restaurant chain is L&L Drive Inn.  Other popular joints are Grace’s Inn or Rainbow Drive-In.  These restaurants are also similar to fast food joints because they are typically take-out restaurants where you walk in, order at the counter, and take your food home with you or to a park or the …read more

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