Aloha! The greeting known around the world! I am so glad you decided to visit my website.  Let me say first of all that it is my desire to help you get the most out of your visit to Hawaii.  I want to share with you information that can help you decide what to add to your "must do" list and "must see" list to make it the most memorable vacation you have ever had.  I would great appreciate if you would leave me some feedback before leaving my site and let me know what you thought of it.  The only way I can improve upon it is to hear your complaints on where you think I did not help you.  (Nobody likes hearing negative comments, but I'll get over it since its the only way I can turn this into the website I want it to be.) I participate in Yahoo Answers, in the Travel-United States-Honolulu section, and have designed this website to answer the most frequently asked questions there. The "Islands" section that gives a broad overview of what you might expect to find on an island-by-island basis to help you decide which island would fit you best.     There is an "Activities" section that outlines answers to what can you do on a Hawaiian vacation? Where can you go and how do you make reservations or get permits? If you are into cultural events, what can you see and what isn't worth the hype? If you're looking to find something tailored to the younger ones in the family, what's available?     And, there is a "Special Places" section that describes in more detail, what you might expect to find at a number of attractions and sites, both popular and out of the way. This list includes the "must see" places on everyone's list, but also a number of "out of the way" places, if you prefer to tailor your vacation to your specific interests.

You will find links to the official websites for the National Parks in Hawaii, where you can find specific information on making campsite reservations, hiking trails, and schedules of activities. One of the most popular activities is viewing the volcanic activity.  (The picture of the red hot lava entering the ocean is provided courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson.) You'll have access to common information such as the $10/car entrance fee, valid for 3 days, charged to get into several of the National Parks in Hawaii. Specifically, Haleakala National Park on Maui, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Puuhonua o' Honaunau (Place of Refuge) National Historical Park on the Big Island. And, you'll also learn about the lesser known Hawaii Tri-Park Annual Pass, which for $25 gives you access to all three parks for up to a year, which is rarely mentioned. Some of the state parks allow overnight camping which require a permit and you will need a permit to hike certain trails in some areas, so I have also provided a link to the official State of Hawaii Parks website, as well. In a few instances, I provide a link to Wikipedia pages that provide more detailed information and pictures on a subject. You will find information about many attractions and what you can expect to pay to get in or if its free. Odds are good that you will find out about activities that you were unaware of, giving you more options on things to do during your visit.

There is an "Album" section which will give you a glimpse of what to expect when you visit many of Hawaii's sites. There are also links on the "Links" page that will take you to sites that have even more pictures for you to enjoy.   You'll find a "Catalog" section, as well as a link to "MyHawaiiOnline Store", which offers mainly travel guides, activity guides, books on history and culture, birds, plants and fish, as well as the legends and ghostly appearances reported in the islands.   I was happy to be able to provide a direct link to the GoCard for both Oahu and Maui. The GoCard for Oahu can be a good bargain, if you're interested in doing a lot of activities and/or visiting a number of attractions. You'll find that link on the "Oahu" page, under "Islands", and also on some of the pages describing some of those attractions in the "Special Places" section.

It is my hope that you will find this site to be of considerable assistance in planning your Hawaii vacation or provide you with information you might just be curious about regarding the 50th state.  The latest page added to this site is a "Tidbits" tab that provides some trivia facts that most people are not aware of. By subscribing to the FREE Newsletter, I'll try to keep you posted on the bigger upcoming events in Hawaii.  Some of these events may affect your trip, whether its to attend the event or plan around the crowds.  For example, during the International Billfish Tournament or the Iron-Man World Championship held in Kailua-Kona, or the Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament, rooms and rental cars become very difficult to get and you should either plan well in advance to get a room and car or plan around those dates to avoid the excess crowds and higher rates. Subscribe to the Newsletter I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy

I should point out that after you enter your email to subscribe, you will be sent a confirmation email in order to start receiving the monthly newsletters.  Unless you confirm your subscription, you will not receive the newsletters. Among other topics covered is an update of current gas prices, so you won't go into shock when you arrive.  (Let's just say that its significantly higher than we pay on the mainland.  Note:  Gas hit the $4.00/gallon mark in December, 2010.)  Its where I will try to keep you apprised of any significant developments...like the decision made recently to replace the International Marketplace with an upscale mall. A frequent question I have seen on various blogs and posts is about the cost of living.  I will try to include some information in each newsletter that will give you an idea of what things cost there.  I can tell you that the current unemployment rate in Hawaii is quite high since they rely quite heavily on tourism for jobs.  You can always email me at randy@myhawaiionline.com.  Mahalo. P.S.  In an effort to stay even more current and be more responsive to questions and requests for information, I have started a new blog.   www.myhawaiifoodfun.com   One addition that is available there and not here, are some favorite recipes of some Hawaii favorites.  I hope that you will join me there and you can even sign up for an RSS feed to get updates and notifications whenever new posts are made.  And, hopefully, you will feel comfortable leaving your comments.