As you’re touring along on a scenic drive in Hawaii, you can enhance the experience with some excellent Hawaii tunes to accompany the view. So, let’s create the perfect Hawaii vacation playlist.
I need your help, so please comment to share your favorite song(s) from or about Hawaii. If you know the artist’s name, please add that as well.
I’ll be giving away a a copy of Facing Future to one lucky commenter from here on the blog. I’ll also be giving away another CD from our facebook community, too. So, you can increase your chances of winning by commenting in both places, if you wish.
I’m planning a visit to Oahu this Fall. So, I can’t wait to tour the island while listening to our perfect playlist.
Hawaii’s casual lifestyle leaves some wondering what is expected when dining out. Although most places are specific, there are two simple questions that will help you decide what to wear (and pack).
First, when and where are you eating? Most dining establishments are pretty relaxed for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is the only meal where I have seen any sort of dress code mentioned. Several restaurants note on the door or the menu that they do not allow tank tops and/or shorts during dinner hours. For men, this means a shirt with a collar is preferred (either an aloha shirt or a polo is fine) and long pants. Women are always fine with a sundress or a skirt/pants and shirt. While aloha shirts are common everywhere in Hawaii, at least one fine dining venue requests that men wear a jacket. It is clearly stated when making reservations. Second, what are you comfortable wearing? Often at luaus or sunset dinner cruises, I see women wearing newly-acquired aloha wear (floral sun dresses, mu‘umu‘us or shirts). That is a perfect opportunity to try out your new purchases, but it is not required. Many locals wear the same sort of clothing you’d see on the mainland. For women at upscale restaurants or clubs, the little black dress is common. A skirt and nice top will suffice anywhere I can think of. If you don’t want to dress up, there are many options. Casual dining places abound where shorts and tee shirts are welcome around the clock. You can also experience Hawaii’s fabulous fusion cuisine by eating earlier in the day, getting take-out, or looking for a beach location that might be less formal. Some restaurants serve from their dinner menus in the bar area, which may have no dress code. Actually, happy hour specials offer an inexpensive way to sample offerings from even upscale locations. If you do plan to make a nice meal part of your vacation experience, either bring along a nicer outfit or plan to purchase one here and take it back as a souvenir of your experience. Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner
Luxury Vacation Home on Poipu Beach
I was invited to a cocktail party at this luxury beachfront vacation home on a recent trip to Kauai. Well, it was absolutely cruel and lovely at the same time. It was cruel in that I can’t afford a daily rental rate starting at $1,500, but it was lovely to dream of staying there.
I thought you might enjoy taking a peak at this luxury home too. We can all dream together. Prepare to sigh.
A private pool and hot tub with an oceanview. Sigh, sigh, sigh!
I wouldn't mind waking up to that view. Would you?
The cocktail party was hosted by the nice folks at Kauai Vacation Rentals who offer a wide range of vacation rentals to suit any budget. They even offer properties that better fit my budget, like this cute garden view, one-bedroom studio that rents for $85 per day. Bargain!
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Explore the ancient Royal Coconut Coast in Kauai with a stop at Kapaa Town.
Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kaua‘i. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa, which means ‘the solid”, in early Kaua‘i history. In 1877, 13,400 acres were leased from the government by Makee Sugar Company. The venture failed because the operators had little knowledge about growing and processing sugar and the town was doomed to become “a backwater habitat of isolated squatter shanties of expatriate Chinese laborers.” Nevertheless, Kapaa turned its fortune around with a unique identity of mixed cultures and cheap land.Emanating the American Dream, Kapaa’s early settlers created a thriving town. Visit Kapaa town today and you’ll see a large city (for Kaua‘i) bustling with cars, stores, award winning restaurants, hotels, resorts, shopping centers and tourist attractions. Snuggled on the windward side, it’s three beaches are accessible year round for swimming, surfing and snorkeling. Rent a bike at Coconut Coasters and ride beside the ocean on the 2.5 mile paved Ke Ala Hele Makalae or “the path that goes by the coast.” Kapaa has five streams, Hoopi Falls, and five parks. Nounou or “Sleeping Giant” provides day hikes with ocean views. You can enjoy a self guided tour of the beautiful 300 acre Hindu monastery, take a chocolate tour at Steelgrass Farms, kayak along the Wailua River or play golf. One of the best ways to explore Kapaa is leisurely and on foot. Old Town Kapaa is filled with funky clothes stores, ethnic restaurants, hand made Hawaiian crafts, music, fruit stands, coffee shops, yoga studios, art galleries, beachside watering holes and surf shops. As you walk along the paved bike path shaded by coconut palms, neighborhood events, keiki (children) swimming in the oceanside pool, and local fisherman enjoying an afternoon brew all add to the ambiance. Take time to enjoy the Royal Coconut Coast lined with acres of ancient coconut groves; a magical place filled with history and culture. Posted by Marta Lane
Windward Oahu is a peaceful contrast to lively Waikiki.
A few weeks ago, I asked the Go Visit Hawaii facebook community why they like Oahu. As I read each comment, I must have been nodding my head in agreement. I also felt the urge to book a ticket to Oahu ASAP. That’s just a warning for you before you start reading them. 
From your thoughts on Oahu, I think we can all agree that there’s bunches to love about Oahu. Bunches! The community’s responses were too good not to share, so here’s a sampling:
Clarice says, “My memories of Oahu span 35 years beginning with a second honeymoon on a “zero” budget. We stayed in a wonderful inn blocks from the beach for $7 a day and lived on Guava juice and plate lunches. On later trips we stayed at more upscale hotels, including Hilton Hawaiian Village but it was always the magic of the beach, the joy and hospitality of the people and diversity of the island–from surfing on the North Shore to the cultural center and rides over the Pali –that kept us coming back. Quite simply, there is no place on earth that feels as rich with happiness and spiritual awe as Oahu.”
Folks who haven’t experienced Oahu yet, already love it. Steve shared this: “I love Oahu because it’s always been my and my wife’s dream to go. We always look at the travel books and online and imagine how great it is. Now we are planning to go next year for our 30th anniversary so we can experience it finally for ourselves.”
Jennifer is also planning her Oahu visit next year. She says, “I can’t wait to visit Oahu next April –I’m already in love with the island –it’s blend of historical and modern, glorious beaches and pali, and warmth of spirit and sky—-April can’t come soon enough”
Even our taste buds love Oahu. Janet tells us. “I love Oahu because of the North Shore waves in winter and Teds Bakery!”
Waikiki lights up with romance after the sunset.
Tom also reminds us of the tasty Oahu treats and more. “Great place to visit all around! Wonderful beaches, great restaurants, shrimp @ Giovannis on the North Shore, Haleiwa Shave Ice and good shopping too!”
Aloha Kilikina explains that she lives in two states simultaneously. “My heart lives on Oahu… my body just resides in Pennsylvania. I believe that Oahu is the most understated of the Hawaiian Islands. So many people will “skip” over this beautiful island when visiting. They say “Oh, it’s like a city, it’s too crowded!” And I tell them; to compare the whole island of Oahu to Waikiki and/or Honolulu is like comparing the entire state of New York to just the City. It’s not fair to do so. Oahu has it all. It has the nightlife, the shopping and people-watching of a busy beach resort area… but a quick drive to the windward coast will offer you vistas to take your breath away. Oahu offers some of the best swimmable beaches the islands have to offer. I’ve been going to Oahu for about 20 years now… and I still haven’t seen or done it all. Oahu is home to me.
Teresa reminds us that life is short and that Oahu will make you fall in love. “From the time i was a child i always wanted to go to OAHU. As our 20th anniv. approached they thought i had breast cancer. After 3 months they determined it was not. So , I emptied my change bottle and booked a 8 day 7 night trip to OAHU, best trip ever taken. Fell in love twice on that trip , first fell in love with my husband all over again , then the Beautiful Paradise Island of OAHU. It felt like we had arrived home at last there!!!!!” By the way, Teresa was the randomly selected winner of the framed print giveaway.
Susie describes how Oahu suits so many. “Oahu has action, it has tranquility, it has whatever you want in a lush tropical setting. There is a feeling there hard to describe, but understood by everyone that goes there. I cried when I left after my first trip there.” I bet Susie isn’t the only person who has cried when leaving Oahu.
A hike to Manoa Falls is a fun Oahu adventure.
I think Nicole succinctly summed up Oahu with her comment. “ANYONE can find something for them on Oahu. It has everything: beaches, a big city, the country, gorgeous scenery and did I mention the beaches.”
I hope you enjoyed reading these thoughts on why Oahu is so lovable. If you didn’t have a chance to share your love of Oahu earlier, please comment. The more the merrier.
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