When Buddy asked if I wanted to use our Hilton Points to stay at a fancy resort on the Big Island, I responded with: “Yes, that sounds amazing, but can we also finally go see the lava glow at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?!?!” Ever since we saw it from... Read more
Budget travel and Hawaiian resorts don't often go together … ever. Unless you use travel points, then you may be surprised how cheaply you can get away with visiting a hotel you'd never dream of booking. We recently took a points trip to Hilton Waikoloa Village... Read more
With a birthday coming up, the travel bug sinking its teeth in, and whale-watching in full swing, I was determined to get over to Maui from our home on Oahu to go on a tour in the best spot for seeing whales in Hawaii. The only problem was our commitment to stick to a... Read more
Ever since visiting Hawaii for the first time in 2018, we knew that (if we ever decided to stop traveling full-time and pick a home base), that's where we wanted to plant roots again. Of course, 2020 changed travel for all of us. While it is possible again in many... Read more
We've been extremely fortunate to have just spent our second summer house sitting in Hawaii and enjoying island life. It's such a unique and special place – far removed from the hectic hustle of the mainland. We have truly found our happy place there, with its... Read more
When we heard we could swim with wild dolphins on the Big Island of Hawaii, we knew we had to prioritize this unique activity. No tour guide needed! We just got set up with a tandem kayak from Bay Side Adventures and were on our way to search for dolphins and go... Read more
Few places really give you a taste of local culture. Often, it is a show put on for tourists and nothing like what the real experience would be like. But, a visit to Uncle Robert’s Night Market in Pahoa is an exception to the rule. Yes, you’ll see tourists scattered... Read more
On a sunny day, we set out with a well-researched plan to hike to the stunning Green Sand Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island. Just kidding. We left on a whim in crappy weather with no idea how far we would have to drive or walk to get to the scenic beach we had seen in a... Read more
Nestled in the dense jungle north of Hilo, is a magical place for nature lovers to escape. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (now renamed Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden) offers a beautiful oasis in a lush ocean-side valley. When we first visited the Big Island... Read more
We didn't plan to take the almost 14,000-ft adventure friving to Mauna Kea Summit on this trip to the Big Island. Although we loved the idea, we knew four-wheel drive was necessary, adverse conditions were possible, most rental car companies forbid you from taking... Read more
