oahu guidebook:

molokai and maui guidebook:

oahu guidebook:

Driving and Discovering Hawaii, your virtual Hawaii guidebook to Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Oahu, the Big Island, and driving in Hawaii. Locate secret Hawaiian beaches, visit an active volcano, hidden waterfalls, and deserted islands. Revisit VJ Day 1945. Tips on Hawaiian weddings, hotels, bargain restaurants, cruises, ultimate condo rentals, and vacation packages. Famous film and TV locations for LOST and Elvis movies revealed here!

Hey Los Angeles Times! MOLOKAI Deserves Better Than This. click

oahu guidebook:

discoveringhawaii.com’s

THE LATEST DEALS

JOY RIDE ON

THE BIG ISLAND

Our friend Joy zips right along at Honopueo Falls at the World Botanical Garden on the Big Island, at mile marker 16 north of Hilo. Built to the highest specs by Experience Based

Learning, a company that has installed Zip Lines worldwide, you can experience exhilaration thru the Honomu treetops with confidence.

UPCOUNTRY MAUI WINERY

In wonderful, cool, spectacularly green Ulupalakua, you’ll find sweeping panoramic views of West Maui, a lovely climate, a beautiful winery, and a great general store with lots of cool Maui Paniolo (cowboy) duds and great made-to-order sandwiches to enjoy on the front porch, as the upcountry breezes rustle the fragrant eucalyptus. Some of the most enormous Norfolk Pines we’ve ever seen shade the winery grounds. Cool off: go upcountry!

DIAMOND HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

One of our favorite places to watch the sun set is from the wall on Diamond Head Rd. adjacent to the lighthouse. We pick up something to eat and drink, kick back, have some sips and good conversation as the sunset back-lights this venerable Oahu landmark,

SeaWatch

LAUPAHOEHOE

This film was shot just months before the infamous April Fool’s Day Tsunami wiped out Laupahoehoe in 1946.

SOUTH MAUI’S KAUPO STORE is as much artifact museum as a dispensary of refreshments for the thirsty traveler. Shelves display everyday articles from days gone by, including underwear packaging from the 1920s, kitchen supplies, and tools. It’s the only place you’ll be able to grab something to eat for many many desolate miles, so be sure to stop in after visiting Hui Aloha Church.

hawaii guidebook:

DO WE REALLY HAVE TO RENT A CAR?

Spending thousands to travel to the middle of the Pacific to just lie by a pool doesn’t make a lot of sense, especially in a locale as stunning and awesome as Hawaii. Oahu has more beaches than any other island, as well as a million things to do outside of Waikiki. We get sad when we see people on a bus, allowing someone else to determine what they will see and experience. People who intended to just lie by the pool for a week always come down with the “3rd-day-itch” to start exploring, once they decompress, and a rental is the only way to scratch that bugger.

Don’t end up regretting your untaken chance to fully experience Hawaii’s back roads and off-the-beaten-path wonders. Rent a vehicle! We favor Budget Rent A Car because they include lots of freebies. These freebies are really FREE, not just “2 for 1” or BOGOs. You get free admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center, free scuba lesson, free golf club rental at multiple courses, free orchid plant, free snorkel rentals, free Aloha Tower parking, free museum admissions, etc.

FREE WiFi

Why pay for WiFi at hotels when you can surf for free?

See individual island pages for locations.

DON’T GET OLDER

—GET YOUNGER

Reclaim Your Youth: Growing Younger After 40 174 pp. Now Available in Paperback for only $12.00. Click the book cover above to purchase, or visit our Fitness page in the menu at the top of this page to read all about it.

MAUI’S BLUE ANGEL FALLS IN HANA

is the epitome of Paradise and is easy to reach. It’s clear cold spring waters form a pool just yards from the crashing surf. Turn mauka on Ulaino Road, drive to the end, cross the stream on foot, and boulder-hop about 100 yards. You’re there!

big island guidebook:

HAWAII VIDEOS

Few people realize that commercial color photography became available to the masses in 1907. Because of its expense, color photos pre-1950 are relatively unusual. Here are some very rare color views of Hawaii from the 1920s.

The Captain Cook Monument in the Big Island’s Kealakekua Bay fronts the eerily-vacant slopes in the background, which today are filled with homes.

The Rainbow Bridge in Haleiwa, on Oahu’s North Shore, is seen here soon after its construction. Notice the Model T automobile parked to the extreme right.

Old Volcano Road on the Big Island still exists in short stretches, but has been replaced by modern Hwy. 11. Here, a 1920-era automobile makes the trek up to Halemaumau.

The Moana Hotel in Waikiki was (almost) completely restored in recent years in celebration its 100th birthday, but the old pier, and the dining hall annex seen here on stilts, were not rebuilt.

hawaii guide book:

COLOR IN THE BLACK & WHITE WORLD OF THE 1920s

Distances & Drive Times

We have added a handy feature to Driving & Discovering Hawaii’s island destination pages: a map of the island showing distances and drive times to make calculating  your exploration easier and more accurate.

oahu summer guidebook:

MOKULEIA

on the western end of Oahu’s famous North Shore, boasts and unbroken string of amazing beaches that runs for miles. During the week you’ll more often than not find that nobody is around but you, and the coastal views are unforgettable. Slipper lobsters can be snatched off the reef just yards from shore, and with summer comes placid conditions ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Photos, Top-to-Bottom:

—Celebrants zoom past Lippy’s Service Station on Kalakaua Ave..

—Cheering Navy men fly past the House of Coral store on Kalakaua.

—The official September 2nd, 1945  VJ Day Parade down Beretania St. toward downtown Honolulu.

—Navy men pose: the man in blue is wearing a non-regulation uniform due to the uniform shortage.

—The scene in front of the Moana Hotel.

—Troops march in the official Septemeber 1945 VJ Day parade,

—Officers smile on Waikiki Beach in front of the Halekulani Hotel.

Zeke puts his huge foot down and says “Enough is enough. I ain’t goin’ down there. Buy me some ice cream.” The Big Island hike at Halemaumau Crater isn’t for everyone. But for those who love ethereal primeval landscapes, it’s a paradise. Visit Zeke’s Page

VJ Day Honolulu

August 14, 1945

Watch as Hawaii erupts with unbridled joy as the Japanese surrender ends WWII. These scenes are along Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki, in the immediate vicinity of today’s still-thriving beaux-arts jewel, the Moana Hotel (Sheraton).

big island guidebook:

1923

1927

1923

1923

MURPHY BEACH PARK

People long for the Hawaii Of Yesteryear, yet incongruously they want it to be located just a stone’s throw from their luxury resort. That just can’t be. You’ll need to travel to the decidedly untouristed isle of Molokai to experience Olde Hawaii, and all the lack of convenience that characterized that bygone era, but man, is it ever worth it.

Spectacular Murphy Beach (pictured above)  looks and acts every bit like paradise, with its swaying coconut tees, pristine sands, kid-safe reef-protected aqua waters, wonderful snorkeling, and world-class wind and kiteboard surfing. Despite all these wonders, usually nobody else is there except you, gazing dreamily at beautiful Maui across the channel. Located at the 20 mile marker, we find more to love about Murphy than any other Hawaii beach. And we’ve seen them all. Many times over.

Natural Pools

The Kapoho Pools

The Big Island

Natural Pools

Alexander’s Bath

Kauai

Located on Puna’s sunny shore, forty minutes outside Hilo, scores of crystal clear pools at KAPOHO, warmed by the sun and removed from the force of the surf, are a favorite leisure spot in Hawaii. Privacy abounds on weekdays, but weekends can get a little crowded.

Located in the Princeville Resort, Prince Alexander’s Bath is just a minute’s hike past the much larger, more famous, and more visited Queen’s Bath. Alexander’s measures 30 feet by ten feet at its widest, and is a beautiful aquamarine jewel. Posted signs warn against swimming here.

Natural Pools

Alexander’s Pool

Maui

Located on West Maui’s North Shore, a short distance from famous surfer’s paradise Honolua Bay,  Lipoa Point’s, Prince Alexander’s Pool is seen here at the center of the photo. The climb down is rough. Cactus lines the way, so  hikers are warned to watch their okole! In any case, summer or winter, low tide or high, the ocean is unpredictable, so whenever walking along Hawaii shores, it is advised that one keep one’s back to the shore and eyes on incoming waves.

1927

1927

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Grand Opening, 1927 in Waikiki was a big event for Hawaii’s burgeoning cruise ship market. On the right are the famous gardens as they first appeared.

How To Choose Your Hotel

We recently heard from someone who was very disappointed with their stay at the wonderful beachfront  Sheraton Waikiki, because it had no beach. I asked, "Did you research your choices?"

"Yes, of course I did." she exclaimed. "But who'd ever think that a hotel located right on the water at Waikiki would

have no beach!?

She had a good point.

So to make it clear, The Sheraton Waikiki has no beach, nor does the luxe Halekulani. They both have very nice pools, however, so if a beach at your doorstep is not a doorstop, then don't hesitate to book at these fine hotels.

The Ilikai, at the west end of Waikiki, made famous in the old Hawaii 5-O TV series, is newly refurbished: it too has no beach, but what they neglected to focus on in their renovation was the uninviting pool. We personally feel that unless a Hawaii hotel has an atmospheric attraction that REALLY says "Aloha", —such as a beautiful pool that takes full advantage of the view, with comfortable lounges and a handsome dispensary for poolside food and drink— then the owners don't have a clue.

In the Olden Days (the late '70s) the Hilton Hawaiian Village had no such open area, and instead allowed a bazaar of tacky shops to completely obscure its ground-level views of the ocean. The Hilton's subsequent spectacular makeover truly set the Gold Standard for future Waikiki renovations right up to the present day, for which the Ilikai has (again) missed the mark, at least in this particular respect.

For many people, neither a beach located right outside nor a pool is necessarily a make-or-break situation. In that case, those people need to research what is important to them: luxurious bedding, low room rates, proximity to shopping, award-winning restaurants on the premises (or a short stroll away), available parking for your rental car, in-room electronics, luxurious bathrooms and bath amenities, distance from construction noise or the racket from the evening musical entertainment. If you turn in early, when booking your room at your hotel of choice ask about the evening music, i.e., if your room overlooks it, how late it goes, etc.

Common sense prevails: if you love to party, you want to be near the action. If you love to shop, chow down, lay on the beach, get blottoed on mai-tais by the pool —choose your hotel accordingly to make the most of your vacation location.

Most people have free long distance these days, so call the hotels on your short list and ask all the important questions. Online or brochure photos can be misleading, so be clear about what you're getting for your room-rate, such as a REAL ocean view (and not a little slice you have to dangle over your balcony to see), free meals or drinks, or whatever the hotel is booming to draw you in.

The Princess Kaiulani, located right on Kalakaua Ave. across from the historic Sheraton Moana Hotel will be torn down and replaced, so neighboring hotels should be offering reduced rates for ear-plug owners. The modern Sheraton tower right next to the Moana is slated to be demolished as well, so call your hotel of choice to make sure you know what to expect during your visit. Very important: it never hurts to smile pretty and ask for an upgrade when you check in. You might just get it.

If you like nightlife, pick up a free copy of the Honolulu Weekly all over Honolulu for the latest and the trendiest places.

The Ala Moana Shopping Center, just over the west border of Waikiki, is still the largest outdoor shopping mall in the world, and is a shopper's dream, with a terrific mix of both high-end and more pedestrian choices. In central Waikiki, in the BEACHWALK area, you'll find all the top names in world-class luxury shopping. Set aside at least one late afternoon to visit a classic hotel for drinks, music, hula and sunset-watching. The Halekulani, the Sheraton Moana and the Royal Hawaiian all fit that bill unforgettably.

Union Street, Honolulu 1870

The tallest landmark in Honolulu was the bell tower of the Honolulu Central Fire Station. All night long a watchman manned the tower, prepared to ring the alarm bell if he spotted a blaze.

The Hawaii Nature “Conservancy”

They’ve Set A Dangerous Trap For You & Yours

Hundreds Of Pig Snares Lie Hidden In Deadly Wait For The Unwary—Both Animal and Human—In Hawaii’s Forests

Many hundreds of PIG SNARES, arguably just a step or two below land mines in their potential cruelty, have been HIDDEN by the Hawaii Nature Conservancy in Hawaii forests where unsuspecting weekend families and Paradise-struck tourists roam, with no markings to warn anyone, nor any responsibility taken on the part of the Nature Conservancy to check these snares to see what unfortunate creature might be dying in their traps other than the feral pigs they seek to eradicate.

Inga Gibson of the Humane Society of the United States has been working tirelessly to get a law passed requiring those who set snare traps to clearly mark them, and to check them every 24 hours. In other words, to take responsibility, a novel concept for all too many individuals and organizations these days.

Nature Conservancy TV spokesmodel Mark Fox vehemently opposes Inga Gibson’s no-nonsense, humane requirement of those who set these barbaric death traps, because, well, it would be too expensive, the Nature Conservancy representative argues, to actually hire someone to go check on the things!

Puni Freitas’ beloved dog Mamalu lost a front leg last year to a pig snare near her home. It was touch-and-go for Mamalu for six days before the family was told their pet would survive and recover. “Knowing it was a snare that had done it,” Freitas says, “we were really upset that people were leaving snares and not checking them. Most of the pig hunting families, they don’t support the use of snares. It’s too dangerous for our dogs and for our kids who still have the opportunity to go run in the mountains.

Posters of lost pets abound in rural areas of Hawaii especially. We suspect that there might be some possibility that when the Nature Conservancy finds a cherished family pet dead or driven insane with a gangrened limb in one of their traps, they might not report it. A dead missing child who’s wandered off and become ensnared might be a little more difficult to ignore, an inevitable tragedy the likes of which the Humane Society’s law seeks to prevent before it can occur.

KITV Honolulu Video:

http://www.kitv.com/news/28924466/detail.html

This Discovery Channel video (click the link) is misleading by ignoring the fact that if this dog were not heard and rescued, it would have chewed off its own leg, or died here, as would a child. When it comes to unintended victims, there’s no such thing as a “humane” trap of any kind whatsoever.

http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/hogs-gone-wild-a-soft-snare.html

Diamond Head

Lighthouse

CHINATOWN

The only way you can really enjoy HONOLULU’S authentic thriving Chinatown is on foot. The area is compact and filled with surprises and oddities. Street parking is limited, restricting you from doing a whole lot due to the limited time that meters allow, so drive around and scope out public parking. Small self-service lots are dotted around Chinatown and most take credit cards as well as cash. Eat at Indigo for glamour and cool, and at Maunakea Marketplace for bargain Asian fare and the freshest produce for your condo-meal prep and picnic outings.

The 70th Anniversary of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor Is Being Commemorated This Year.

The overwhelming military casualties inflicted by the Japanese overshadowed the painful civilians’ toll.

Ironically it was Hawaii’s Japanese-American civilians who suffered the greatest civilian losses.

Kurusu was the Japanese envoy to the United States. The Honolulu Advertiser headlined (see above) previous to the attack fearing a Japanese strike was imminent, and it is now known that Washington was warned of the approaching attack by numerous sources, including friendly nations with foreign embassies in Japan.

At the top is a rare color photograph of the USS Arizona exploding.

-Civilians shown here riding in their car were caught in the deadly attack a full 11 miles from Pearl Harbor. A backseat female passenger’s blonde curls lie splayed across the back of the front seat as her two companions slump dead.

-A soldier runs past a house set afire by a Japanese plane shot down.

-A family inspects the severe damage to their home caused by an exploding bomb.

These civilian casualties were located well away from the military targets.

Below is a postcard printed in Japan boasting of the attack.

NEW! Honolii Surf T shirt

THE BEST OF HONOLULU

The very best of Oahu is voted upon annually by the HONOLULU WEEKLY’S Oahu readers.

Click the cover to read the issue and make your list of locals’ favorites to visit while you’re in Hawaii.