We thoroughly enjoyed reading your favorite places after we posed the question on the blog and on Facebook a couple of weeks ago. We found ourselves nodding in agreement with so many of your choices, but we also learned of some spots we didn’t know. Let’s take a look at your responses. How do your favorite islands stack up per ... Read More »

Mahalo to Patricia Mazurkiewich for sharing this nice shot of Oahu’s Hanauma Bay with us. Hanauma Bay is arguably one of Hawaii’s most famous snorkeling spots, but this bay has another claim to fame. Hanauma Bay has been the setting for Elvis Presley movies. When Patricia shared her photo with us, she said, “Elvis Presley’s paradise is our paradise.” It ... Read More »

Mahalo to Sharon Ferguson for sharing this gorgeous Oahu shot from Koko Head. Sharon took this photo while hiking to the top of Koko Head on October 31, 2013. We’ve never hiked Koko Head, though we’d like to do so someday. Per TripAdvisor, this hike is described as a very strenuous, but with scenes like this one that Sharon has ... Read More »

Mahalo to Rochelle Rebello for sending this beautiful panoramic shot of Hanauma Bay on Oahu — one of Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling spots. I love how Rochelle’s shot captures this expanse of warm golden sand, clear blue water and the reefs all naturally sheltered by the bay. Rochelle and her husband traveled all the way from Mumbai, India to visit ... Read More »

Professional surfers from around the world converge on Oahu’s North Shore each winter for the world’s top surfing competitions.  Vans Triple Crown of Surfing opens this week signaling the start of the season. You can watch the Vans’ competitions live online when they are in action. I’ll be bookmarking that link to check in on the action that’s set to take place through ... Read More »

Mahalo to Mick Veljanovski of New South Wales, Australia for sharing his photo for Aloha Friday Photos. I believe Mick’s photo is the first we’ve received from beautiful Australia. Yay! Mick took this photo at sunset by the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. He snapped this shot just before the Waikiki Friday night fireworks ... Read More »

If you’re looking for ideas for what to do on your first Oahu vacation or perhaps some fresh ideas for your repeat visit, check out this newly published guide to Oahu that I wrote for CheapFlights. The guide is written in the format of five categories with five ideas listed in each category. Those categories are: Five must-see attractions Five ... Read More »

November 2013 update:  The Tuesday night show has been cancelled. The longstanding Friday night show will continue. Hilton Hawaiian Village announced the addition of a Tuesday night fireworks show. The new Tuesday night show is in addition to the longstanding Friday night Waikiki fireworks show that has been a tradition enjoyed by visitors and local residents since 1988. Visitors and ... Read More »

Mahalo nui loa to Jason O’Rourke Photography for sharing today’s stunning Aloha Friday Photo. Jason took this amazing photo at “Turtle Beach” (Laniakea Beach) on Oahu’s North Shore. (We describe how to get to Turtle Beach in this Oahu sights post.) This beach is popular with honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) for eating and coming to shore to rest. Turtle ... Read More »

Need suggestions for what to do and see on your Oahu vacations? We’ve compiled a list of the top adventures, attractions and special foods to try. Whether you’re planning your first Oahu trip or your tenth, you’ll certainly find this list includes plenty of great ideas for a very happy vacation and lasting memories. We’ve organized this list into the ... Read More »