Tag Archives: Hawaii

5 Recipes for Your Next Hawaiian Luau

Need weekend inspiration that doesn’t break the bank? Almost any budget can enjoy a backyard tropical vacation without any reservations or TSA hassles.

Pin up some pictures of Hawaii to your vision board. Then, take a look at these simple recipes of Hawaiian food and BBQ specialties that’ll bring a little lei-sure time to your next weekend.

 

Main Dishes

Hoisin Honey Glazed Pork

Read full recipe at Delish.com

 

Hawaiian Ahi Poke

Read full recipe at A Spicy Perspective

 

Side Dishes

Lomi Lomi Salmon

Read full recipe at Hawaii for Visitors

 

Skinny Hawaiian Slaw

Read full recipe at The Skinny Fork

 

Dessert

Guava Cake

Read full recipe at Valerie Kukahiko of Kuki’s Kookbook

 

5 Island Vacations to Escape the Cold

For many of us around the world, the cold has arrived. As much as we love sweater weather, mulled wine and cozying up around the hearth, we can’t help but start to fantasize about warmer climates and escaping for the beach. To help with your vacation dreaming, we’ve gathered our top five destinations for winter island vacations.

1. Mo’orea, French Polynesia

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Photo by: Flickr/Saïda Under License CC BY-SA 2.0

You’ve probably heard of Tahiti and Bora Bora, but Mo’orea is the lesser-known crown jewel in French Polynesia. Accessible by ferry or a short plane ride from Tahiti, Mo’orea, which means “yellow lizard” and is shaped like a heart, is the Platonic Ideal of a tropical island. White sand beaches, crystal clear water and laidback hospitality greet you on your arrival. Visitors can partake in world-class snorkeling and scuba diving among the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, or simply hold hands while watching the sunset. Paradise.

 

2. Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii

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Photo by: Flickr/Blake Handley Under License CC BY 2.0

Because of volcanic activity, Hawaii’s beaches come in all shades of white, green and even black. None is more breathtaking or mind-bending than Punalu’u Beach on the southeastern Kau coast of the Big Island. Inhabited by endangered species of turtles, seals and other flora and fauna, Punalu’u, also called Black Sand Beach, offers an unusual glimpse of some of the rarest creatures in the world. With a consistency closer to coffee grounds than sugar, the beach’s black sand is made of basalt, created by lava that flows into the ocean. So, pitch a tent (camping is permitted) and drift to sleep as you listen to the waves crash on shore.

 

3. Vieques, Puerto Rico

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Photo by: Flickr/karlnorling Under License CC BY 2.0

What’s better than horses frolicking on the beach? Frolicking puppies, of course. Vieques has both. Just a short 25-minute plane ride from Puerto Rico, Vieques is a world unto itself. Until recently, the 21-mile island was used as a bombing range and testing ground by the US Navy, which lead to massive protests, shutting down the operation in 2003. Because of that, tourism hasn’t infiltrated this gorgeous island in the same way it has other locations in the Caribbean. The W opened a luxury resort not far from the airport, but there are plenty of rentable beach cottages and apartments throughout the island. If horses and puppies aren’t your thing, you can take a nighttime canoe tour of Puerto Mosquito, considered the best example of a bioluminescent bay in the United States.

 

4. Tulum, Mexico

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Photo by: Flickr/mdanys Under License CC BY 2.0

If Cancún is a party girl, Tulum is her hippie (or some would argue, hipster) sister. An hour and a half away from Cancún, Tulum is a gem of a town on the Yucatan nestled among Mayan ruins and pristine white sand beaches. In recent years, it’s been “discovered” by jet-setting fashion editors and media types drawn to the plentiful yoga classes and spicy cuisine. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who are torn between experiencing the scene and the scenery. In Tulum, you can easily have both and at prices that aren’t New York level. Yet.

 

5. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

island vacations
Photo by: Flickr/Curtis Simmons Under License CC BY-NC 2.0

The main attraction on Virgin Gorda, the sleepiest and third-largest of the British Virgin Islands, are The Baths. On the southern part of the island, enormous granite boulders emerge along the beach, forming natural tidal pools of warm water that visitors can tour for just a few dollars. When done visiting The Baths, relax on the beach and enjoy the quintessential breeze that can only be found in the Caribbean.

Pick Up Good Vibrations in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

There’s nothing as humbling as standing on the precipice of Earth’s most violent and unpredictable nature. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will remind you of our planet’s origin and the ever-changing primordial forces constantly in motion. Preserving one of the world’s most active shield volcanoes, this emphatic park offers an ecological phenomenon unlike any other in the United States. The park features hiking, driving, camping and recreational opportunities that allow visitors to abscond the politicized rhetoric targeting public lands for an immersive, wild experience.

The park is home to hundreds of protected species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the country. Carnivorous caterpillars, endangered sea turtles, and the country’s largest dragonfly are just a sample of atypical wildlife you may encounter. The island’s position in the middle of the Pacific Ocean offers heavenly night sky views for astronomy buffs, too. With 323,431 acres of history, culture, and mind-boggling landscape to explore, it can be difficult to settle on what to do. If you’re a first time visitor, these are the sights to see first in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park.

 

Crater Rim Drive Tour

This 11-mile road trip winds along the Kilauea Caldera and includes nine scenic stops for hiking and landscape viewing. Beginning at the Kilauea Visitor Center, you’ll be treated to views of steam vents, volcanic activity, and striking, walkable, lava tubes. One of your last stops, Devastation Trail, is a 1/2-mile hike through remnants of cinder outfall following the 1950s eruption of Kīlauea Iki, resulting in a massive pit crater. Near the Devastation Trail trailhead you’ll have access to the Keanakāko’i Crater, which recently reopened to visitors after an eruptive vent opened in 2008.

Lava spotted through the Pu'O'O vent of the Kilauea Volcano on Big Island, Hawaii
Lava spotted through the Pu’O’O vent of the Kilauea Volcano.

Kīlauea

One of the only active shield volcanoes in the United States, Kīlauea is a must-see in the park. Best seen along the Crater Rim Drive Tour at the Kīlauea Overlook or Jaggar Museum stops, the volcano is unbelievably accessible — even for a roadside picnic. Volcano House, the only hotel and restaurant located within the boundaries of the park, sits along the edge of Kilauea Caldera, if you’re looking for luxury.

Volcanic steam rising from the crater of the active volcano Kilauea in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Big Island, Hawaii, USA.
Volcanic steam rising from the crater of the active volcano Kilauea in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Chain of Craters Road

Arguably even more impressive than the Crater Rim drive, Chain of Craters Road yields a handful of craters, wind cliffs, and sacred ancient petroglyphs dating back to 1450 A.D. The Hōlei Sea Arch puts the finishing touches on the drive with views of the ocean and a sea arch cut into a cliff by ancient lava flow more than 500 years ago. Experts believe the arch will eventually fall away into the sea thanks to erosion, so take the time to check it out.

Holei Sea Arch, located at the end of the Chain of Craters Road and a highlight of the Volcanoes National Park.
Holei Sea Arch, located at the end of Chain of Craters Road and a highlight of the Volcanoes National Park.

Mauna Loa

Historically considered one of the largest and most active subaerial volcanoes on earth in both mass and volume, visitors shouldn’t take Mauna Loa for granted. Translating from “long mountain” in Hawaiian, Mauna Loa is 500 times greater in volume than Mount Rainier. While its last eruption was in 1984, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates the volcano has erupted an average of once every six years since data collection began. It’s so large it’s even earned a 17-mile scenic drive off of Saddle Road that takes you up the volcano’s edge.

Admiring Mauna Loa from afar
Admiring Mauna Loa from afar

 

After Dark in the Park

The phrase “half the park is after dark” is no truer than in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park officials regularly offer free educational astronomy presentations in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

Erupting volcano at night in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Erupting volcano at night in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

5 Last-Minute Warm Weather Getaways

Temperatures are dropping and there’s a smell of snow in the air that can only mean one thing. Winter is upon us and as magical as it can be it only takes one below-freezing morning or afternoon of shoveling snow before you’re daydreaming of a warm weather getaway.

There’s something extraordinary about sitting at your computer, realizing you need a break, booking a hotel, packing a bag, and hopping on a flight without a second thought. And while getting away this time of year, especially at the last-minute, can be frightful, it is possible. Whether you want to be at the beach by the end of the day or want to wake up to the desert sun, satisfy your winter wanderlust at one of these spots.

 

Costalegre, Mexico

Mexico is a no-brainer for a last-minute getaway but if you’re thinking Cancun or Cabo, stop right now. Yes, they’re beautiful but they’re also crowded and expensive. Instead, opt for often-overlooked Costalegre. Located on a 150-mile stretch of the Pacific coastline, it’s only a two-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta. Rent out a villa or stay at one of the numerous oceanfront hotels and prepare to post Instagram pics that will leave all your followers jealous.

Photo: Doug Matthews on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Photo: Doug Matthews on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

With more than 91,000 acres to explore, Saguaro National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Prepare to see everything from desert tortoises to real horned lizards to roadrunners. While not as warm as a beach in Mexico, winters are mild, averaging in the 60s during the day. From ranches offering a detailed list of activities, to smaller inns that are simply a place to rest your head, to one of the park’s six designated camp sites, there is a place to stay near or in this park for every type of traveler.

Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park

 

Key West, Florida

Settle into a hammock and let all thoughts of snow fade away. For those seeking sun and sand without needing a passport, look no further than Key West. The city’s peaceful, laid back vibe makes it perfect for a last-minute vacation. You don’t need an itinerary here. Hop a flight and head to the The Marquesa Hotel for a romantic getaway or the Pier House Resort & Spa if you need to be as close to the beach as possible. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is if you want to spend your day lounging in that hammock, jetskiing, or shopping in town.

key west florida

 

Maui, Hawaii

No list of warm weather destinations would be complete without a mention of Hawaii. While Hawaii can be expensive and require some planning, especially if you’ve never been, it is possible to do it last minute. Book an AirBnB on beach-bum favorite Maui for sun, surf, outdoor adventures, and food. You can spend your days wandering past waterfalls, sampling local food, or learning how to surf, and forget all about winter in the process.

Bamboo Forest, Maui, Hawaii
Bamboo Forest, Maui, Hawaii

 

Escondido, California

Nestled in the heart of San Pasqual Valley, the city of Escondido literally means “hidden” in Spanish, and while it’s only 30 minutes outside of San Diego, it feels truly off the beaten path. It’s a localvore paradise full of wineries, breweries, and restaurants and the mild Southern California weather means you can work up your appetite hiking. For a truly remote last-minute getaway, make The Ranch at Bandy Canyon your destination, where you can choose to stay at the main-lodge or in one of the cottages with 144 acres of nature surrounding you.

ranch at bandy canyon
Image courtesy of The Ranch at Bandy Canyon

The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live In

When the time finally came to move out of my mom’s apartment and venture off onto my own, I left Michigan and settled on Las Vegas for a few reasons: my sister was here, I liked the weather, and the cost of living is very reasonable. It surprised me a bit, since Las Vegas is considered by many as the entertainment capital of the world. Sure, you can head to the Strip and the prices soar; but outside that stretch of road, things are relatively affordable.

Such is not the case everywhere else in the US. Depending on where you are, you can expect to pay quite a bit more in living expenses. Here are the cities and states that rank as some of the priciest in the United States.

1. Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY

The Big Apple is so popular that about one in every 38 US residents live there! Both Manhattan and Brooklyn make it onto the list of some of the most expensive cities. The average rent for a furnished 900-square-foot space in New York comes out at around $2,800.

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2. Honolulu, HI

It’s estimated that in general, things in Hawaii cost about 30% more than they do elsewhere in the country. Why? There are a few reasons, namely the fact that it costs more to get goods there. Hawaii is about 2,400 miles from California!

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3. San Francisco, CA

There’s more to San Fran than you might think, with its 11 historical districts and 14,000 Victorian homes. To fall in line with the standard of living in California, you need an annual salary of at least $95,000.

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4. Stamford, CT

The cost of living in Connecticut is higher than average on all counts — including housing, health, transportation, groceries, and utilities. Not too surprising, considering Connecticut is home to one of the most prestigious colleges in our country: Yale.

most expensive cities

5. Washington, D.C.

Unbeknownst to many, living in our nation’s capital isn’t cheap. (It is, after all, the seat of our country’s government.) You can expect to pay around $2,000 for 900 square feet of furnished living space.

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6. Dallas, TX

While Dallas isn’t as pricey as a place like New York, you can still expect your monthly expenses for a family of four — minus rent — to be around $3,000, easily making it one of the most expensive cities to live in. (The average monthly salary after taxes is estimated around $3,200.)

expensive homes

7. Seattle, WA

Seattle: Home of the Starbucks headquarters! While food and transportation aren’t much higher than the national average (and utilities are actually less expensive), housing skyrockets. On a national average of 100, Seattle checks in at 252.

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8. Miami, FL

Miami is beautiful; and plenty of people are willing to pay over $1,000 for a furnished, 450-square-foot studio. Even breakfast can be a bit pricey, with a dozen eggs costing you around $5.30.

expensive cities to live in

9. Chicago, IL

Chicago is one of those must-see destinations for travelers. While the city rivals the architecture of New York, the prices aren’t quite as steep — although they’re still up there. The average rent for a one-bedroom comes in at around $1,300. A three-bedroom will cost you approximately $2,200.

expensive city

10. Boston, MA

Full of history, Boston is home to the first US chocolate factory and our country’s oldest public park. The average renter pays around $1,600 to live here, but this is referring to residents with roommates. Live alone and you can expect the cost to hit about $2,200 a month.

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