• Hawaii,  Lanai,  North America,  United States

    What It’s Like to Visit Lanai Cat Sanctuary

    What is the Lanai Cat Sanctuary? The beginnings of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary date back to 2004 when founders Kathy and Mike Carroll led efforts to sterilize and later shelter Lanai’s street cats in a horse corral in Koele. The sanctuary relocated to its current site in 2009 with its primary goal being to protect Lanai’s cats as well as its endangered birds (from said cats). Since then the non-profit sanctuary has grown, not only in size, but in scope. Each cat in the sanctuary—these days numbering around 600—has an individual medical care plan and is sterilized on-site. Since 2014, the sanctuary has rescued over 1800 cats, and over 1000…

  • Hawaii,  North America,  Oahu,  United States

    Diamond Head Hike

    One of Hawaii’s most recognizable landmarks, Diamond Head (Hawaiian name: Le’ahi) is located on Oahu’s southeastern coast. Diamond Head Hike is one of the best things to do in Hawaii and here’s everything you need to know to enjoy it! The saucer-shaped crater was formed during a volcanic eruption 300,000 years ago. In 1908 the .8 mile trail to the summit was built as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system. With a 560-foot ascent, the Diamond Head hike features natural turf, switchbacks, steep stairs, and a 225-foot lighted tunnel. Once you reach the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a lighthouse that was built in 1971. Diamond Head Hike Reservations Entry…

  • hanalei valley kauai 09 scaled
    Hawaii

    Best Things to Do in Hawaii

    Choosing which island and planning a trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming, so I’m sharing the best things to do in Hawaii to help you with your travels! What is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii? While its temperate weather makes Hawaii a great place to visit year-round, March through September is the best time to visit Hawaii in terms of weather. This timeframe sees the lowest rainfall and the highest temperatures in the islands. As you might expect, crowds in Hawaii are high during school breaks. Summer, Christmas, and Spring Break all see high hotel occupancy (which translates to higher costs). September and October are Hawaii’s shoulder season—the weather…

  • haliimaile general store 001
    Food,  Hawaii,  Maui

    Hali’imaile General Store, Maui, Hawaii

    I’m just going to say it: Hali’imaile General Store is my favorite restaurant. Not just on Maui, not just in Hawaii, but anywhere. Bold statement, I know, especially when fan favorites like Mama’s Fish House are so good and so popular, but HGS has my heart. And here’s why. Pull up a chair and order a cocktail. HGS has a solid list of handcrafted cocktails that feature local ingredients and Hawaiian flavors. Their beer list includes local favorites from Kona Brewing and Honolulu Beerworks. The vibes are peak laid-back Hawaiian hospitality, with Upcountry flair. Keep in mind that you’re not at one of Maui’s world-famous beaches here. Upcountry is fertile…

  • surfing goat dairy 004
    Hawaii,  Maui,  North America,  United States

    Surfing Goat Dairy

    For two decades Surfing Goat Dairy has flourished with a herd of over 100 goats, making it Maui’s largest commercial dairy. Located in Upcountry, Surfing Goat Dairy not only raises goats and makes cheese, it also allows guests to get up close and personal with the herd and the milking and making processes. Casual tours of the farm where you can spend 30 minutes learning about the milking and cheese-making process while snapping some goat selfies. And trust me, your camera roll will be full of fun shots of these cuties! Play with Kids Kid goats, that is! Surfing Goat Dairy’s 30-minute Kid Goat Interaction, suitable for ages 8 and…