The United States has quietly become the world's leading eco-tourism market, overtaking Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica to claim the top spot in the Americas and Caribbean region, with the domestic sustainable tourism industry valued at over $258 million in 2023 and projected to climb past $663 million by 2033. Behind that growth is a genuine bench of destinations doing the hard, unglamorous work of conservation instead of just marketing themselves as green. If you're vetting operators be
hawaii (23)
There are at least 600 towns across the planet which can boast gnarly waves, great vibes, and top-notch schools to get you on board, so to speak. And while it´s super hard to choose just ten of the best, here´s my stab at it, listed from priciest to cheapest.
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
The birthplace of surfing, it´s not cheap, in terms of lesson costs as well as Honolulu´s surrounding places to stay and eat. But the tropical (and family-friendly) vibe and spectacular view of the Diamond Head volcan
The "Big Island" of Hawaii is the largest of the state´s eight islands, and full of extraordinary natural, historical, and cultural wonders. and here are ten not to miss on your visit here:
´Akaka Falls State Park
Visiting this 11 miles from Hilo involves a half-mile hike to a pair of lovely waterfalls, Kahuna Falls and the spectacular ´Akaka Falls, plunging from a cliff into a pool 442 feet below. A natural must!
Anaeho'omalu Bay
In the island´s northwest, 20 minutes or so north of Kailu
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory
When you come to the Aloha State, go beyond the mai tais and and enjoy some divine, locally grown chocolate!
The Hawaiian islands are home a number of chocolate-making companies, and most are bean-to-bar businesses. Hawaii is the only U.S. state which grows cacao, then processes and makes it into bars and other cocoa products. I've done my share of eating chocolates on the different islands, and I find the chocolate confections not overly sweet and with
If there's one place on Earth that's synonymous with ocean beauty, it's Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands, with their lush landscapes, volcanic wonders, and miles of pristine coastline, are a dream come true for ocean lovers. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking thrilling water adventures or someone who prefers to float serenely on the gentle waves, Hawaii offers something for everyone.
In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through five of the best sea experiences in Hawaii, where you
Whether you want to catch the glimpse of awe-inspiring sunrise at Haleakala National Park; take to the water on a whale-watching adventure; snorkel around Molokini; or taste some of the Hawaiian Islands' best pineapples, there's is a tour in this list that fits well with your interests. Analyzing both expert opinion and traveller sentiment, we've determined more than a dozen of the best, which all feature trained veteran guides keen to share their insights about the Valley Isle’s astonishing
Ali'i Kula Lavender
“Ve vere bored in Hamburg,” Eva Kafsack mused to me as I had at a plateful of her divinely creamy chevre. Had I made a wrong turn at the sugarcane factory and ended up in a Monty Python sketch (“blessed are the cheesemakers…”)? Nein, mein Schatz, this very German-looking retired teacher sitting across from me, along with her former software entrepreneur husband Thomas, was the real deal: a goat farmer in the fertile “upcountry” of Maui. Sugar may once have been king hereabo
Hawaii is famous for its many beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It has always been one of the world’s favorite destinations for water sports lovers. The islands there boast of some of the best stands up paddle board locations in the world.
There are so many great paddle board locations to choose from in Hawaii, but here are my favorite spots for paddleboarding;
Ala Moana, Oahu
Ala Moana is one of the top spot for surfers especially for beginners because it has a protected bay and flat wate
Today I headed south on Rt. 11. Through Kailua, past Captain Cook. We turned south on the South Point Rd. and drove the 12 miles to the end of land–”the southernmost point in the USA”. We watched and talked to the local fishermen, walked the cliffs and climbed the rocks out as far as we could go. Stunning, gorgeous. The one lane narrow rutted road, the rock walls across pastures, the cliffs, crashing waves and gray skies all bring England to mind–reminded me alot of Cornwall and Land’s End–not Q
Costa Rican surfer, Carlos Muñoz, is making his mark and earning Costa Rica a place in world surfing fame at many international competitions such as Volcom Pipe Pro competition in Hawaii .
The 18-year-old wave rider from Playa Esterillos scored the first perfect 10 of the world-famous international competition. – Day 2 of the event. Beating out 64 surfers from around the globe, including Hawaiian legends Kalani Chapman and defending Volcom Pipe Pro Champion John Florence, Muñoz won the “highest s
Halona Cove is where they filmed the 1953 film From Here to Eternity. It's a small cove right next to the Halona Blowhole, where water sprays up through an opening on the lava rock. The Halona beach area is on Kalanianole Highway (72) between Makapu'u Point and Koko Head and features a great lookout point toward the vast Pacific. A small parking lot accommodates visitors. To get to the cove, walk down the boulder stone steps right next to the highway and the southernmost end of the lot.
Although
Ho'oumaluhia Botanical Garden means "to make a place of peace and tranquility" and it surely lives up to its name. It's hard to believe the garden is located just shy of a residential and urban area.
The garden sprawls for 400-acres at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains in Kaneohe, Oahu. With free admission, a scenic lake, picnic areas, walking trails and weekend campsites, Ho'omaluhia garden is not only a boon for locals, but also for tourists. Botany enthusiasts will love the plant collections f
The Kahuka area in Oahu, approaching the North Shore off the Kamehameha Highway, features food trucks and shacks that serve delicious locally farm-raised shrimp in variety of forms, from garlic and butter sauce to curried or with lemongrass. Don't be dissuaded by the rustic appearance of these eateries -- the freshness and quality is a steal at dishes all under $20 a plate. I promise you'll become instantly addicted to this rich but simple pleasure.
Kahuka's terrain includes marshy areas where fa
I'm back from Oahu and I miss it already! I'm so fortunate I got to stay with family because this way I could see Hawaii more like a local. Below are some tidbits you might enjoy if you're blessed with the opportunity to visit this beautiful island.
- Eat shrimp in the Kahuka area.
- Visit Chinatown on a busy Sunday morning.
- Take in the sweeping views at the Punchbowl Cemetery lookout (and honor the military service men and women, too).
- Stop at Buzz's for a wickedly strong Mai Tai and calamari "steak" a
View of Honolulu with Waikiki and Diamond Head in the background.
Drive to the top of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (also known as Punchbowl Crater), stroll uphill the Memorial Walk and you will be rewarded with not only the opportunity to honor those who gave their lives in battle, but also with an extraordinary panoramic view of Honolulu. The cemetery is beautiful and solemn; the view from atop offers an opportunity for reflection.
Forget the kitschy song and dance show at the Hilton on Waikiki; it barely scratches the surface of the amazing richness and depth of Hawaiian natural and cultural history. Here are three recommended spots to wet your feet in what will hopefully be a lifelong interest in and admiration of this beautiful chain of islands.
Bishop Museum
Polynesia and Hawaii 101 starts here. Good thing there's not a quiz at the end ... there's much to learn.
Begin your exploration here. The Hawaiian Hall consis
Located inside the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Kaneohe, the Byodo-In Temple is a scale replica of a 900 year-old Japanese temple and was established in 1968 to honor the first Japanese immigrants to Hawai'i. The temple is home to a unique golden Buddha sculpture, more than 18 feet tall. A three ton brass bell rings occasionally from the bell house and is the only sound, besides a small stream, that pierces through the serenity of this spot at the foot of the Koo'lau Mountains. Come here
Spotted today in Hawaii: two lovers relaxing in the afternoon sun in Kailua Beach, Oahu. Yes, it is idyllic ... perhaps they were inspired by the famous love scene From Here to Eternity. Can you guess where that was filmed?
There is so much to see and do in Hawaii that you'll soon
