Aloha Reader! Let me tell you something about Kauai that travel bloggers don't usually admit: It's harder to visit with kids than the other islands. There. I said it. Fewer kid-specific activities. More driving. Limited restaurant options. Beaches that require more supervision. Activities that book up months in advance. And yet... it's absolutely magical. We keep going back. How many days in Kauai do you need? → If you're going to Kauai, trip length matters MORE than other islands. Too short...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Aloha Reader! Here's something most Hawaii visitors don't know: there's an island with zero traffic lights, one hotel, and some of the most untouched beauty you'll find in Hawaii. It's called Molokai. And almost nobody goes there. Which is exactly why you should. I had a dream about Molokai last night and I can't stop thinking about it. While everyone's fighting for parking at Waikiki or navigating the crowds on the Road to Hana, this incredible island sits just 30 minutes from Maui......
7 days ago • 1 min read
Aloha Reader! I need to be honest with you about something. I almost canceled our February trip to Oahu and Maui. Not because I didn't want to go. I've been looking forward to this for months. But because even though I do this for a living, I still had to sit at my kitchen table in December and have a real conversation with my 12yo about whether we could actually swing it. I'd booked our hotels back in the fall using Hyatt points (free stays on both islands, check!). I figured I'd worry about...
9 days ago • 3 min read
Aloha Reader! Quick question for you: As I mentioned a couple days ago, I'm heading to Oahu and Maui in mid-February. I'm already planning to test out new luaus and restaurants, but I want to know: What else should I check out for you? New activities? Hidden gems? A specific beach or snack spot? A hotel you're considering? Anything you've been curious about? I'm open to any and all suggestions, though I probably won't re-test the big classics I've already covered extensively (Pearl Harbor,...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Aloha Reader! I've been getting a LOT of questions lately about visiting Hawaii in February, so I wanted to address this directly. The short answer: Yes. February is actually one of my favorite times to visit Hawaii with kids. The longer answer: Visiting Hawaii in February with family → This guide covers everything you need to know: What the weather is ACTUALLY like (spoiler: better than you think) Which islands are best in February How to score better deals What to pack (this is different...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Aloha Reader! I need to talk about Maui for a second. It's an incredible island. Truly magical. But I see families make the same planning mistakes again and again, and it breaks my heart because these are SO easy to avoid. Mistake #1: Not staying long enough Maui is deceptively big. The drive from one side to the other takes longer than you think, and there's just SO much to see. How many days on Maui do you need? → This guide breaks down exactly how long to plan based on what you want to do....
23 days ago • 1 min read
Aloha Reader! Someone asked me yesterday: "If you could only take your kids to ONE Hawaiian island for the rest of your life, which would it be?" Oof. That's like asking which kid is your favorite. But here's what I told her: it depends entirely on what kind of vacation recharges YOU. Oahu or Kauai - which is best for kids? → I wrote this comparison after taking my own kids to both islands multiple times. It's not about which island is "better" – it's about which one matches your family's...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Aloha Reader! If you're planning your first Hawaii trip (or your first trip WITH kids), I have a confession: Oahu is probably your best bet. I know, I know. Everyone says Maui is more beautiful, Kauai is less crowded, the Big Island is more "authentic." And sure, they're not wrong. But Oahu – specifically Waikiki – is THE most forgiving place for first-timers and families. Here's why: Things to do in Waikiki with kids → Waikiki gives you everything within walking distance. Kid melts down?...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Aloha Reader! Now that the holiday dust has settled and you're back into your routine, I'm betting one of two things is happening: Option 1: You just got back from an amazing Hawaii trip over Winter Break and you're already dreaming about your next visit (because once you experience Hawaii magic with the family, once is never enough!) Option 2: You watched everyone else's Hawaii vacation photos on social media over the holidays and thought, "We NEED to do this for Spring Break or this...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read