Travel blog

Poké is as synonymous with Hawaii as cheesesteak is with Philadelphia. You’ll find it everywhere from food trucks and gas stations, to grocery stores and surf shacks.

For years, locals have been enjoying poké out of plastic storage dishes while seated on the hoods of cars or standing in food parks overlooking the beach. But recently, poké has made its way ashore, finding a place on upscale restaurant menus across the mainland.

So just what is it? And, why should we by rushing to try a bite of this Hawaiian raw fish recipe that is suddenly getting its due?

It’s hard to miss the Polynesian man in the sulu sarong. The grass skirt the tour guide wears has been passed down for generations from his grandmother who wove the coconut hind herself. It’s just one of the ways Walter Tonga stays connected to the islands and his own rich cultural heritage.

In ancient times, the Hawaiians used a bowl-shaped crater known as Puowaina for human sacrifices. Today, the site, which is shaped like a punchbowl, is sacred for another reason. It is home to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific where 33,000 soldiers lie in rest under rows and rows of stone markers. Here are some tips for making the most of your time at this moving memorial to American sacrifice:

Built by a Hawaiian Princess, the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum was created to preserve the Polynesian culture for local residents and the rest of the world who would arrive on these beautiful shores. It houses the largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and natural history specimens -- much of it donated by Hawaiian royalty. As one of Oahu’s historic places, the museum began with a treasure trove of royal heirlooms collected by the princess herself, the last direct descendant of King Kamehameha I.

With endless sunshine, miles of sandy beaches and a fascinating local culture, it’s no wonder Hawaii tops most everyone’s bucket list. But for many travelers, the allure of the Aloha State is at odds with the cost, and enjoying a getaway without breaking the bank can be a challenge.

Here are 10 tips on how to afford a Hawaii vacation on a budget:

Somewhere off the beaten path, in a scenic sight not mentioned in the guidebooks, there’s an old picnic table at the edge of nowhere where you can enjoy a picnic lunch in the closest you’ll ever get to the Garden of Eden. The site is just one of the many unexpected treasures along the Hana Highway, a remote stretch of road that connects Kahului to Hana and then snakes its way up the mountain pass to the desert side of Maui.

The black sands that cover some of Hawaii’s most spectacular beaches are the result of volcanic activity. As hot, molten lava hits the water it instantly cools and hardens. Then, the waves continue to pound the lava until it begins to shatter into tiny pieces of volcanic ash which eventually becomes sand.

Since only the islands with the most recent volcanic activity have these ebony-tainted beaches, you find them on the islands of Maui and Hawaii, or the Big Island.

So you’re going to Hawaii. You’ll no doubt want to experience the imposing volcano and the lush vegetation, the black-sand beaches and the surfers who hang ten on the local waves, but how can you make these memories last? One of the ways is to purchase some of the unique items made right here on the Islands. Here are our recommendations for the best gifts and souvenirs to take back from your visit to Hawaii.

So you’re going to Hawaii. You’ve already read the guide books and decided on the popular attractions you’ll visit but what about those little-known, out-of-the-way spots the locals love? Since we often remember the flavors of our travels almost as much as the sights, just what are the favorite native hangouts and the tastes we’ll want to savor? Here are our recommendations for the best-loved local eats in Hawaii:

So you’re going to Hawaii. You already know you’ll go to Pear Harbor and Volcanoes National Park, but what about those lesser-known experiences that you won’t want to miss?

Here are five unforgettable things that may not have made your travel radar but are sure to make a memory.