My dear friend, Lori Abe, arranged for us to take a private tour of the Hawaii Governor’s Mansion. The mansion is about to close for renovations, so it was the perfect timing. Lori is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Josh Greene. As we walked towards the State House, she called to…
Category: Family Vacation
Ideas and resources for planning a family reunion vacation. These are the actual family reunion vacations I’ve planned and taken.
Visiting Koko Crater Botanical Garden on Oahu
The Koko Crater Botanical Garden was near where we were staying in Hawaii Kai. It’s an interesting microclimate that is desert-like, despite being located in Hawaii. The cactus garden is the star of the garden, donated by Charles M. Wills. This is a gentle 2-mile loop, and the hike is pretty flat. It took us…
Why Winter Is Actually the Best Time to Visit the Bahamas
When most people think about visiting the Bahamas, they imagine summer beach days and tropical heat. But here’s a secret that savvy travelers have known for years: winter is actually the absolute best time to experience these stunning islands. Perfect Weather Without the Swelter While much of North America shivers through freezing temperatures and…
I’m Planning a Trip to San Sebastian
We are going to San Sebastian, sans kids, to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. My husband has planned the logistics of this trip, and I thought I’d chime in with some sights and restaurants. He booked a food tour with Devour San Sebastian Food Tours to get a lay of the land. I’m up for…
Maui: Kū’au Beach Park to see green sea turtles
My son spotted the lone green sea turtle on the Kū’au Beach Park in Maui. It was high tide so there wasn’t much beach. The turtle was very still for a long time and we worried that it was dead, but then it moved its eyes and we were relieved. We stayed back, as the…
10 Essential Safety Tips Every Traveler Must Know Before Leaving Home
Traveling opens our world to new experiences, cultures, and adventures. Yet amid the excitement of planning trips, essential vacation staples, and safety considerations can sometimes take a backseat. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first international journey, understanding how to protect yourself and your belongings can make the difference between a dream vacation…
Maui: Kapalua Coastal Trail Hike
This gentle hike within the Kapalua golf course complex has spectacular views and showcases endangered birds who dig burrows for their nests. The parking is probably the most challenging aspect. While there is a small parking lot near the Kapalua public beach where the hike begins, it’s pricey at $35. Park instead at the convenience…







