Lahaina Walk, with Tongans, Kings & Prisons

Lahaina, Maui is a royal capital, a whaling town and now a tourist must-see. A walk through Lahaina uncovers surprising history and culture. My wife Nola and I took a stroll through southern Lahaina on a Sunday afternoon early this … Continue reading

Better Lemon Drop Martini with Rough Lemon

The Rough Lemon offers strong, fresh flavor to mixed drinks and island recipes. This bumpy citrus is 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter (6 to 7.5 cm) and you may find it in farmers’ markets in Hawaii. My familiarity with … Continue reading

Lemon Drop Martini, with Hawaiian Enhancements

Lemon drop martini, anyone? Hawaiian enhancements can bring this cocktail to an entirely new level! Note added 2/7/2019: In this and the following blog, I have corrected the name of the Hawaiian fruit from “Kaffir Lime” to “Rough Lemon.” What is a … Continue reading

Best Hawaii Lodging, Transport & Touring

Best Hawaii lodging is the third major element for the visitor planning that first Hawaii vacation. And as soon as you know where to sleep, you’ll be concerned with how to get around and how to make the best use … Continue reading

Best Hawaiian Islands for a First Visit

Best Hawaiian islands: How do you ever pick and choose? The previous blog (Visiting Hawaii) gave an overview of Hawaii designed for the first visitor – or for the repeat visitor wanting some additional commentary. This installment (Best Hawaiian Islands) … Continue reading

Maui Walk, with Zombies and Mongooses

A Maui walk is a healthy (and free) way to enjoy one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. Here’s a Maui walk with extra attractions: mongooses and zombies! Nola and I enjoy walking for exercise and our home in … Continue reading

New Website & New Vacation Discount

Announcing: a new website, and a new discount on Maui vacations. New Website: Maui114.net The new website Maui114.net presents Art and Nola’s vacation rental condo in full splendor, thanks to a great web design by Mike Bell. Our old website Maui114.com was … Continue reading

Snorkel Skills – Location, Entry & Enjoyment

This blog about snorkel skills covers how to select a snorkeling site, when to go snorkeling, and how to enter and exit the water comfortably. This is the third of three blogs that make up Snorkeling 101. Here are the … Continue reading

Snorkel Basics – Safety, Breathing & Vision

This blog about snorkel basics covers what to wear when snorkeling; water safety; and commonly encountered issues with breathing and vision. This short course in snorkel basics will ensure that your snorkel adventure is both safe and enjoyable. This is … Continue reading

Choosing the Perfect Snorkel Equipment

The perfect snorkel equipment can turn a seaside vacation into an unforgettable experience. Here’s a guide to choosing snorkel equipment that will let you enjoy all the pluses of snorkeling and avoid the inconveniences. The previous blog discussed snorkel versus … Continue reading

Snorkel Versus Scuba, plus Lookies & Subs

Snorkel versus scuba captures the tradeoffs of two great recreational sports. These are great activities to pursue during a Maui vacation, or anywhere in Hawaii or the Caribbean. This blog addresses the pros and cons of snorkel versus scuba. We’ll … Continue reading

Slack Key Guitar – Hawaii’s Secret Music

Slack key guitar is the secret music of Hawaii. It grew up on the ranches of the Big Island. Then it spread to the other Hawaiian islands as a private tradition for family and close friends. Hawaiians did not share … Continue reading

Humpback Whales: Singing, Dancing and 20 Feet from Stardom

Science Fact: Humpback whales make a great companion to the Green Sea Turtles in Wednesday’s blog. Not because they are friends, or symbiotes, or even spend much time in the same part of the ocean. But because they share other … Continue reading

Green Sea Turtles, Your New Friends

Green Sea Turtles, “honu” in Hawaiian, are denizens of the deep that may seem sleepy and lazy. However, a sea turtle shows quite a personality when you watch him engage in his “sea turtle” behavior. A Maui vacation offers many chances … Continue reading