How to Experience Hawaii like a Local

August 10, 2015

With back to back trips to Hawaii these last couple weeks for work (and a little exploring), I thought we’d do a couple consolidated Hawaii weeks on Land of Marvels! So look forward to finding out all the inside tips you need to know before a trip to the Islands all this week!

Hawaii is one of those places where being a local and a tourist are really different. The tourists spend most of their time on crowded beaches in crowded tourist areas paying high dollar prices for food and entertainment. The locals live a different existence, trying to stay away from the tourist spots and embracing the rest of the island. So if you want to experience the Hawaiian Islands as a local, here’s exactly how to experience Hawaii as a local.

Taste the local food.

From ramen to plate lunches, taste the real local food of the island. Whether you find a plate lunch place serving chicken katsu and mac salad or indulging in local ramen or udon, find a spot away from the tourist areas to try the local flavors. You’ll also pay a lot less than in the tourist spots.

Find a secluded beach.

To really experience the true beauty of Hawaii’s beaches, you’ll want to get out of the tourist spots and head around the island to the various beaches. Sitting on a secluded beach all to yourself is a pretty amazing feeling and you’ll enjoy the experience that much more. I like going early before everyone wakes up which makes you feel even more secluded.

Venture out of Waikiki.

This is hard to do if you don’t have a car, but on Oahu, if you can, venture out of Waikiki. You’ll get a much better sense of the local culture and see the vast landscapes of the island, instead of just the beach and Diamond Head. You’ll get a taste of what Hawaii is really about and you’ll experience the local feel even more.

Get on Island time.

Island time is legitly a real thing. Everything moves slower in Hawaii, due dates are more flexible and people really do go surfing before work. Realize that things don’t move as fast here as they do on the Mainland, so embrace is and just get on Island time when you arrive.

Understand local culture.

Hawaiian culture is vast and there is so much behind the history of the Hawaiian Islands. Do some research before heading to Hawaii to understand the social and political views there so you’re ready to start exploring and honoring the local culture!

Appreciate the beauty of the Islands.

One thing no one can contest is the natural beauty of the Hawaii Islands. Even though I’m not a real beach person and don’t love the heat, can’t say the Hawaiian Islands aren’t beautiful. From mountains to rainforests to coves and lava fields, the Hawaiian Island chain should be appreciated. The locals know their home is beautiful, so be sure to appreciate it while you visit.

Headed to Hawaii?

Check out our Oahu Travel Guide in the Land of Marvels Shop for only $5!

Travel Tips : Arriving in Honolulu

August 6, 2015

If you’re headed to Honolulu for the first time, there are some tricks to making your arrival in the Islands a whole lot easier than they often are! While millions of tourists flock to the Hawaiian Islands chain each year, the infrastructure (including the airport) in Honolulu hasn’t really been updated for a number of years. You’ll notice things as soon as you get off the plane, but while there may be some random issues to deal with upon arriving in Honolulu, here are some tricks to make it that much easier to start your vacation in paradise!

Don’t expect great signage at the airport.

The Honolulu airport is notorious for maze like ways to get to gates and horrible signage. You’ll most likely get off your flight, look around (like everyone does) trying to figure out where to go. Without a doubt, every flight I get off at Honolulu this happens and everyone bottle-necks outside the gate. Just follow the crowds to the main areas and from there you should be able to find some signage or ask someone if needed.

If you’re transferring to an inter-island flight, you’ll need to change terminals.

If you fly into Honolulu on any airline but Hawaiian Air (and then even with them sometimes), you’ll have to change terminals to get to the inter-island flights to connect to Maui, Big Island or Kauai. Most likely you’ll have to take a bus to transfer, though some gates will allow you to cut through from one terminal to another. Just give yourself time to figure out where you need to be.

Renting a car can take forever…but that’s changing.

Currently the rental car companies are down the road from the airport, so you have to take a shuttle. They are also incredibly disorganized and it can take quite a while to get through the process. However, construction is currently underway for a new modernized consolidated rental car facility, so be on the look out for that in the coming years to make it easier to rent cars at HNL.

Traffic can be really bad trying to get from the airport to Waikiki, so give yourself extra time.

If you’re renting a car and driving yourself from the airport to Waikiki, or wherever you’re staying, realize that traffic on Oahu can be really bad and back up really quickly. You can go the back way on the Nimitz Highway from the airport, but realize that if the H-1 is backed up, Nimitz probably is too. So give yourself extra time to get from place to place on Oahu.

Heading to Hawaii? You can download my newest Oahu Travel Guide on my Travel Guides page! The Oahu guide will be on sale for only $0.99 until Sunday 8/16!

Download it here!

Where to Watch the Sunset on Oahu

August 5, 2015

One of the things Hawaii is known for are its sunsets. The islands are obviously set on the ocean, making them a prime spot to find a beautiful spot under palm trees and watch as the sun sets over the horizon. Though there are certain spots around the island that offer a better view of the sunset than others, so if you’re looking to witness some amazing sunsets during your time in Hawaii on Oahu, here’s where I would suggest. Here is where to watch the sunset on Oahu!

There isn’t really a beach here, but find a restaurant with a view of the Harbor or wander China Town and watch as the colors light up the sky. I witnessed one of the most incredible sunsets of my life here last year (see photo above) and while it’s sort of a weird place to watch the sunset, if you’re in that general area, don’t miss it!

On the Western side of Oahu, past Wainae, is a spot on Yokohama Bay that offers a pretty stunning view as the sun is setting. Bring some beach chairs and set up a spot as the sun sets behind the ocean, with a stunning array of mountains behind you.

One of the most famous spots to watch the sunset, I like to head to the far Western side of Waikiki and watch the sunset from there. It’s less crowded with tourists and offers a pretty amazing backdrop of the whole strip of Waikiki.

If you drive out to the Eastern end of Oahu, you’ll arrive in the local area of Hawaii Kai. My parents lived there for a while when they first moved to Oahu and there are some spectacular sunsets from the area. There are a lot of great restaurants with lanais in this area, so enjoy a leisurely dinner and watch at the colors spill across the Hawaiian sky.

The Ala Moana Mall and beach park offer a great spot to watch the sun go down. Grab a spot in one of the restaurants at the mall or head to the beach park across the street and watch as the colors light up the sky at dusk.

Headed to Hawaii?

Check out our Oahu Travel Guide in the Land of Marvels Shop for only $5!

Sunrise at Kualoa Regional Park

August 4, 2015

Our trip last weekend to Hawaii was a super quick one (as the one coming up this weekend will be as well), flying over Friday night and leaving Sunday mid-day. Saturday we were working all day, taking photo after photo of my design projects which are finishing up construction, but Sunday morning we woke up early still on Oregon time and drove to the Windward side of Oahu for the sunrise. Even when we’re in Hawaii for a short time working, we always try to see at least one sunrise at a new point around the island.

I had seen a photo taken from the Kualoa Regional Park a while back on Instagram and loved the view of Chinaman’s Hat (the rock formation in the ocean) and the tall palm trees along the water’s edge. So about 5am we headed out of Honolulu, drove over the Like Like highway to Kaneohe on the Windward side of the island. Arriving just as the colors were popping in the early morning sky, we set ourselves up on the beach and watched as the sun rose and illuminated the world.

The sunrise at Kualoa Regional Park was so beautiful and I’d highly recommend this spot! It was so scenic, with the giant mountains behind and the ocean in front. So next time you’re on Oahu, hop in the car and head to this spot at sunrise (or anytime of the day)… you won’t regret it!

Headed to Hawaii?

Check out our Oahu Travel Guide in the Land of Marvels Shop for only $5!

Everything You Need to Know About Oahu (before you go)

August 3, 2015

I’ve spent a lot of time on Oahu, both living there and visiting for work often. As the most populated island in the Hawaiian chain, it’s often where you’ll head when vacationing in Hawaii, but the island also has a lot of locals living and working there which makes it much more than just the resorts you’ll find in Waikiki. So before you head out on your vacation to paradise, here’s everything you need to know about Oahu before you go.

Expect bad traffic if you’re driving.

Oahu has horrendous traffic. Rain or shine, Sunday afternoon or weekday rush hour, the traffic on the H-1 in particular is horrible. Expect to give yourself extra time to drive places on Oahu and never discount the fact that you might sit on the freeway for a while.

Local areas look a whole lot different than the resorts.

Most people just see the resorts of Waikiki or the touristy parts of the North Shore, but the real Oahu looks a whole lot different than you might expect. The rest of the island is a lot more run down and has a whole different set of aesthetic rules than the tourist areas. The infrastructure of the local areas is also majorly needing an upgrade, so expect rougher roads and less “finesse” than the tourist areas. Also expect the terrain to change as you see more of the island, as mountains and cliffs and rainforests replace beaches as you drive around Oahu.

Accept the annoyances and try to ignore them.

Hawaii has its fair share of annoyances. Like tropical bugs and “bulky garbage” pickup days where everything from mattresses to old bathtubs are strewn along all the sidewalks of the island. To thoroughly enjoy your stay and your exploration of the island, try to ignore some of the stuff that is annoying on Oahu and focus on the beauty of the island instead. Granted most of these annoyances will occur in the more local areas of the island, but if you’re headed out of your resort hotel, it’s good to be aware of them.

The culture is very different than the mainland.

When I moved back to Portland from Honolulu, I often got the shock look and comment “why would you leave Hawaii????” In truth, I had a hard time with the cultural differences living and working on Oahu. The working and local culture is a whole lot different than you might think and the differences from the mainland are vast. If you’re venturing into the local areas, realize that you might not understand some of the cultural issues so be polite and courteous if you’re not aware.

Realize that just because you’re on vacation, the rest of the island locals are living normal day to day lives.

One thing that I notice every time I’m in the Islands, is the lack of courteousness from tourists to the locals. Understandably if you’re on vacation in Hawaii you’re perhaps not thinking about the local population, but remember that as you’re relaxing on the beach, there are thousands of other locals trying to go about their day and work and live their lives. So be polite and courteous always.

Headed to Hawaii?

Check out our Oahu Travel Guide in the Land of Marvels Shop for only $5!

Travel Tips : How to Enjoy Flying

July 29, 2015

I’ve always loved flying. Maybe it’s because I’ve been doing it since I was a baby or maybe it’s just because I’ve never really stressed about it, but regardless, I know it’s something that a lot of people have a hard time with. Whether you’re scared of flying or just can’t seem to figure out a way to get comfortable, here are some tips on how to enjoy the long (or short) flight you’re headed out on. Here’s how to enjoy flying, once and for all!

Don’t Stress.

When you work yourself up before a flight, it’s only going to make your anxiety worse. So if possible, try to keep your mind off your upcoming flight and use techniques like meditation to calm your senses. If you can arrive at the airport feeling pretty good, your flight will be that much more enjoyable.

Embrace the time on the Airplane.

Get work done, watch movies, listen to music… one of my favorite things about flying is the time on the airplane when no one can bother you. You’re phone is off, you can’t be doing laundry or cleaning, there is literally nothing for you to but sit and just relax for however many hours. I love catching up on movies I’ve been wanting to watch or reading that book I keep putting off. Embrace those flying hours to do the things you don’t usually get to do when you’re busy at home.

Trust Your Crew and Fellow Passengers.

I know this is a hard one but if you trust that you’re all this together, things will go smoother. If you trust that your crew really does know what their doing, it will make your trip that much more enjoyable. Whether they act like it or not, airplane cabin crews are actually really well trained and react to situations really well when there are problems, so when in doubt trust that they will take care of you if they can. Your fellow passengers also deserve a little trust… granted you’re all in the plane together so when you realize that you’re in good hands, it makes flying easier.

Know Ahead of Time, that Everything Might Not Go According to Plan.

If you can prepare yourself ahead of time for the fact that everything with your flying experience might not necessarily go according to plan, you’ll be better off. Know that your flight might be delayed, you might have issues checking in or there might be turbulence. But following the advice of the other steps on this page will help a lot.

Let Go.

Sometimes you just have to train yourself to let go. Take flying for what it is, know the risks but also remember that you’re probably headed somewhere fun or off on an adventure or maybe just heading home. Take the time and embrace it, but also just learn to let go of those fears and leave it up to fate.

What to Wear: My All Time Favorite Travel Looks

July 27, 2015

More What to Wear posts for more destinations here!

One of my favorite parts of a trip is packing for it. I know a lot of you are probably thinking that’s your least favorite. But honestly, putting together outfits that fit a certain location and setting aside a wardrobe for a week or 10 days that everything can mix and match with everything else is an activity I genuinely enjoy. As I start packing for upcoming trips, I spent some time looking back at some of my all time favorite travel looks from previous trips and particularly looking at how I put the looks together to match certain places. So since you might be headed to some of these destinations too, here’s my top all time favorite travel style looks and why I love each one.

Casual Chic in Paris

One of my all time favorites, this look actually sort of came together spur of the moment while in Paris in the Fall. It was warmer outside than I had expected and had planned on having a trench over this for most of the day, though as the temperatures warmed, I used this long black sweater as my “coat” for the day. The scarf is also one of my all time favorites that I own and it doesn’t hurt that my long sleeved top and the scarf both have city names on them from all over the world.

Warm and Colorful in Dublin

I love packing for cold destinations. Coats and scarves are my favorite wardrobe staple, so when I get to pack warm clothes, I have so much fun. I love how the red in this outfit on my mittens and inside the jacket pop against the blues of my scarf and jacket and the green of the denim. It fit in very well in Dublin and was so comfortable for the trip.

Traditionally French in Nice

What’s more French than a trench coat and a scarf? Maybe wearing that and standing on your balcony in Nice overlooking the Mediterranean? I loved this outfit and it’s still one of my go-to’s at home too. This blue trench I picked up at Zara in Paris a few years back is one of my all time favorite coats… it’s not quite navy, but a dark royal blue that seems to brighten up any outfit. And as above, this same scarf from Madewell that I also wore in Paris paired with those sunglasses from Galleries Lafayette (that unfortunately broke recently after 2 years), this combo is a personal favorite and so very me.

Simliar Trench Coat | Similar Scarf | Sunglasses | Cross Body Purse

Color and Comfort in Marrakech

This dress is a favorite travel item in my wardrobe. I picked it up at Forever 21 years ago before and I’ve worn it non-stop since. It was also amazing for our India trip. I also like having a light jacket with me when I travel, specifically in conservative countries as well as walkable shoes, these tan loafers are super comfortable to travel in. This outfit fit perfectly with the colorful culture in Marrakech but also was conservative enough that I felt comfortable in the Muslim country. This photo and this outfit definitely are one of my faves.

Sea Adventure in Alaska

I love Alaska and there is such a sense of adventure there. We took a sea cruise off the Kenai Peninsula and got to see so much wildlife. It was one of those trips that you’re just so excited to be there and see it all and this look was perfect to keep me warm but also allow me to be out in the elements at sea in Alaska. The beanie is from Peru that we brought home from our trip there so it was special too and I love a good outfit where I can wear my favorite “wellies”.

Spring in the City in London

In London a couple years ago, I saw this coat in one of my favorite stores there, Boden, on our first day. I kept thinking about it all week and finally went back and bought it later in our trip and it’s become one of my favorite clothing staples. I paired it for a Spring evening in London with all black underneath so that the coat really got it’s moment to shine!

Boden Coat (sold out) | Black Leggings | Black Long Sleeve T-shirt | Black Boots | Tan Purse (similar)

Summer Café Life in Paris

One of my favorite photos that Nick has captured of me, this image is completely me when I’m in Paris. Paris has always felt like a second home to me and this easy Summer outfit in Paris is perfect for wandering and stopping at cafés along the way.

Black T-Shirt | Jean Mini Skirt | Black Sandals | Cross Body black Kate Spade Purse | Hat

Fall Weekend in New York City

New York City is one of my favorite cities and we try to go as often as we can to enjoy the city environment and visit out favorite restaurants. This particular trip was for my birthday and we started the day at my favorite spot, Fabrique for cinnamon buns and oat milk lattes, followed by a lovely day around the city. The air was crisp for an early Fall day and this look was perfect for an October Saturday in the city.

Zara Sweater (similar) | Navy Blue Beret |Cross Body black Kate Spade Purse | Shamrock necklace from Ireland (similar)

Travel Myths Debunked : Once You Start, it’s Easy to Stop

July 23, 2015

In this week long series, we’ll be looking at debunking some of the travel world’s myths and explaining the truth behind these sentiments. So follow along this week for some of the most well known travel myths and how we prove they aren’t true.

I recently had a good friend say to me, “you guys have seen so much now, I bet there aren’t a lot of places left to see.” It struck me as strange because as a traveler, the more you see, the more you want to see. But that’s often the mentality, that once you start traveling, once you start seeing the world, it’s easier to stop. In fact, in reality it’s the complete opposite and yet that sentiment is brought up a lot to me by people who haven’t traveled. So for the record, once you start traveling, it’s definitely not easy to stop and here’s why…

The world gets smaller as you see more.

When you travel, you realize how interconnected we all are. And while you start with this notion that the world is so big, you eventually come to the realization that actually it’s very small. The web of connections around the globe is getting smaller and more connected thanks to technology and ease of travel, so once you start seeing new places and see more and more of the world, the connections make you want to see everything even more.

Places that you never even knew existed are shared and found so easily on social media.

A large percentage of our travels to places have happened not by traditional research but merely through finding them on social media. Instagram and Twitter and blogs have revolutionized the way we travel, including more and more places that we want to see that we might have never even thought of before.

Travel is all about exploration and seeing all you can.

There is no such thing as a true traveler who travels to one landmark place and says, “ok I’m done, I’ve seen enough.” Travel is about exploration, it’s about trying new things, and it’s about doing it as often as you can. The mindset is that there really is no amount of time that you could offer to see everything. You have to keep doing it and know that you might not be able to get everywhere but you’ll try because you truly want to see and experience the world.

Travel Myths Debunked : Guidebooks are Best

July 22, 2015

You can always tell if people have traveled before if they rely solely on guidebooks when planning a trip. I started that way too, looking through Frommer’s guides and Lonely Planet books on countries I was going to visit. And while I still buy them as needed and use them for specific research, I have found over my years of traveling that guidebooks really don’t provide the best and most up to date information that you need to know when traveling. There are so many amazing resources out there now that provide better information than the old fashioned guidebooks that are heavy and clunky to travel with, that today we’re debunking the theory that guidebooks are best for travel research.

You’ll find the best, most current recommendations on Instagram and travel blogs.

Travel blogs and social media are truly the best source of information regarding traveling. I like to start following specific accounts and blogs when I know I’m headed to a specific destination. I also screenshot any restaurants, activities or hotels that look cool from people I follow and keep them filed so that when I’m headed to that destination, I can look into them. You’ll find the best, most current recommendations this way; things you’d never find in a standard guidebook.

Use travel guides like LUXE or Wallpaper guides that are small and can travel with you.

My favorite travel guides are the LUXE city guides and Wallpaper guides that are small, have relevant, modern information and that can be easily slipped into my purse when exploring without having to lug a giant book around. Both companies are really modern and offer great advice for young travelers in a fun sophisticated way.

Download travel apps before you leave home so you can access information on your phone.

Most travel guidebook companies now have apps, which means you don’t need that big guidebook anymore. Download the relevant apps before you leave for your trip and then you can access whatever you need to on the go on your smart phone.

Travel Myths Debunked : The World is Dangerous

July 21, 2015

For some reason, a large majority of people really believe the world is a dangerous place. It’s probably the media and the bad things being replayed over and over. But all in all, the majority of the world is totally safe to travel to. Of course you still need to be safe, but so do you at home, so with some planning and common sense, the world really isn’t all that dangerous and doesn’t need to be feared.

You should travel safe, no matter where you are but don’t let that hinder your experience.

One of the things that really bothers me from people I know are the comments that traveling is dangerous. The thing is, you can have more happen to you around your home than while traveling, so being safe no matter where you are is important. Travel safe, stay in well lit areas if you’re out at night, keep your belongings safe and use common sense and you won’t have issues. Don’t let the fear of danger hinder your experience, just be safe in general and you’ll be totally fine and enjoy the travel experience.

There are more kind people in the world than dangerous ones.

I’m constantly amazed, regardless of what you’ll hear in the media, by how many amazingly kind and helpful people you’ll come across while traveling. People want to help you if you let them. Put your faith in the good side of humanity (while still being safe of course and listening to your intuition) and you most likely will be blown away by how kind people can be. There is far more good in the world than bad.

Don’t believe everything you hear. But do your research.

I hear all sorts of things from people in my life about destinations we travel to. Before we went to Cambodia last year I got all sorts of comments from relatives about why we would travel to such a war-torn, unsafe country. It turned out to be some of the friendliest people we’ve ever encountered while traveling and we had no qualms about safety while there. People remember one bad thing they’ve heard over the years about a place and instead of looking into it or moving forward, they hold on to it and let it define a place for them. Don’t do that. Do your research and don’t believe everything you hear. Some of the most incredible places on this planet have had conflicts in the past or something negative in the media, move forward and embrace the country for what it is now.

Taste the local food.

Find a secluded beach.

Venture out of Waikiki.

Get on Island time.

Understand local culture.

Appreciate the beauty of the Islands.

Headed to Hawaii?

Don’t expect great signage at the airport.

If you’re transferring to an inter-island flight, you’ll need to change terminals.

Renting a car can take forever…but that’s changing.

Traffic can be really bad trying to get from the airport to Waikiki, so give yourself extra time.

Heading to Hawaii? You can download my newest Oahu Travel Guide on my Travel Guides page! The Oahu guide will be on sale for only $0.99 until Sunday 8/16!

Headed to Hawaii?

Headed to Hawaii?

Expect bad traffic if you’re driving.

Local areas look a whole lot different than the resorts.

Accept the annoyances and try to ignore them.

The culture is very different than the mainland.

Realize that just because you’re on vacation, the rest of the island locals are living normal day to day lives.

Headed to Hawaii?

Don’t Stress.

Embrace the time on the Airplane.

Trust Your Crew and Fellow Passengers.

Know Ahead of Time, that Everything Might Not Go According to Plan.

Let Go.

Casual Chic in Paris

Warm and Colorful in Dublin

Traditionally French in Nice

Color and Comfort in Marrakech

Sea Adventure in Alaska

Spring in the City in London

Summer Café Life in Paris

Fall Weekend in New York City

The world gets smaller as you see more.

Places that you never even knew existed are shared and found so easily on social media.

Travel is all about exploration and seeing all you can.

You’ll find the best, most current recommendations on Instagram and travel blogs.

Use travel guides like LUXE or Wallpaper guides that are small and can travel with you.

Download travel apps before you leave home so you can access information on your phone.

You should travel safe, no matter where you are but don’t let that hinder your experience.

There are more kind people in the world than dangerous ones.

Don’t believe everything you hear. But do your research.

Disclaimer