Being a big fan of waterfalls and having seen many in upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire,…read moreWashington State, and Oregon, I wanted to check out some of Hawaii's famous cascades during my stay there. I set out first to Kapena Falls, a little known waterfall located only a 15-minute drive from where I was staying in Honolulu. The most difficult thing about the short hike to Kapena Falls was finding the trailhead. The directions given to me by Apple Maps brought me to Pali Highway, and after just a short distance from where I entered the roadway, I passed it, not catching any signs or markers noting the trail. I made a u-turn to go back to where the map said it was, and luckily, on the other side of the road, there was a turnoff on the highway that I exited onto. I got out of my car, walked over to the guardrail to see if I could see anything below, but nothing. Finally, and I can't recall exactly how I figured this out, but I came upon a website that pointed me to Nuuanu Cemetery, down the hill from Pali Highway. I found the cemetery, but I still had some figuring out to do once I got there in order to find the trailhead for the falls. Eventually, I ended up driving through to the back of the cemetery, where there was a small parking lot with a garage at the end of it. Some hikers in another car pointed me to an unmarked trail towards the left of the garage where I finally reached the beginning of my hike. The hike to the falls was short, only about a half of a mile, and very easy. The trail was beautiful, with lush tropical plants everywhere, and the calming sound of running water from the creek beyond. The atmosphere was much more comfortable in the shade of the trees than my previous hike, and I was the only one around. The falls were unimpressive, but still the experience was worth it. Moments of zen, for sure! In all, I spent about 20 minutes exploring this one, and it was a nice preview for the other waterfall hikes on my list.

Beautiful little trail next to a stream leading to low falls that flow into a deep pool at the base…read moreof a cliff jump that locals take advantage of. There are a few petroglyphs next trail. I didn't see any homeless and the trail was clean of any trash. No problems with mosquitos, however I always expect them near water sources and carry spray. It's a nice little hike with a pleasant falls and can be combined with other eating points of interest nearby.

Wat Thai of Hawaii…read more.. Every Sunday they have a market along with meditation session at this hidden oasis in the midst of the twisted roadways and rails of Pearl City. This tricky one way road coming from Waipahu is the only way into this village and yes it's basically that with an open market setting selling various produce and food vendors on Sunday this deserted place comes alive. I was lucky enough to find a parking right outside along the highway as I really didn't want to park inside with the assumption that is full it's an easy walk in. Love the foods they have there with spring rolls, friend chicken to braised pork noodles all at such reasonable prices it's like your transported to Thailand though mindfully it is very rustic but a great destination for something different...explore! Thank you!

Hidden Sunday gem! 10 am to 2 pm. Cash only…read more It's off Farrington highway, past the bus station, to your right. You can't miss it. There are a lot of flags along the highway. There's a lot of parking but it gets packed fast. Get there early so you can find a spot. It was hard to get out though cause the roads are so narrow and some cars would be blocking the exit. We had to wait for them to move their cars before we could get out. There's pho, with a condiments station. A lot of thai food. The best part, papaya salad that's made in front of you. Everything is good! I can't wait to go back to try the pho and fried chicken! Everyone seems to be lining up for that.

My second time here and it always gets better. The views are breathtaking, the crew is amazing, and…read morethe experience unforgettable. You experience "aloha" and "ohana" while working the "Aina". Definitely coming back.

It's awesome what they are doing here. They upkeep the land and teach future generations about how…read morethe land was taken cared of in traditional Hawaiian ways. I was lucky to have the opportunity to come here with my school and with my nephew's school. From kalo plants to other Hawaiian plants, there are wonderful things to see here. I especially liked how there were fish swimming in the taro patches. Not sure if you can park inside, but there are places to park right outside. Be careful of falling coconuts from the tree in front.

I've been asking my college professor all semester when would we be visiting Hooulu Aina after…read morehearing how the class last year got to learn about planting awa. So when the chance came I was definitely excited and ended up learning a lot. To teachers especially if you have handicap students: Do it!! There was a hike (which my professor forgot to tell me about) to the site we worked at, but depending on the severity of the students disability it's doable (though they may complain a lot especially if you don't prepare them ahead of time). Plus there is a road where the guys were able to take me back down in a truck (which if my professor had let them know ahead of time they probably could have brought me up, though I won't tell him, but the minor discomfort I felt was well worth the satisfaction of what we accomplished that day).

This place is amaze. My family friend told me about it, since she's the psychologist at Kokua…read moreKalihi Valley clinics and has been here a few times herself. I came for the first time last month and was treated to an amazingly therapeutic day of clearing invasives in order to allow koa to naturally come up. Learned about a few plants and how to identify them and was treated to an amazing lunch after, cooked by volunteers, and took some edible hibiscus home for cooking. Although I spent three hours clearing, I definitely feel like I came away with so much more than I put in and regretted putting off coming for wanting to sleep in, or do other errands, in the few months prior. I have been missing out on a lot. I came for the second time this past weekend and we spent some time clearing weeds from several different sites on the farm, which we then fed to the pigs. Other activities include kapa pounding, hale building, garden maintenance, and cooking, so lots of opportunity to do what suits you and your abilities. The staff is great. I worked with Aulani this weekend, who is a total gem and a staffer there for the last six years. She introduced me to maile hohono, which puts a stop to mosquito bites and OMFG it's a miracle plant. Lots of people here fulfilling volunteer requirements, but I'm just doing it cuz I love it. Make sure to dress appropriately with things you can get dirty in. Bring your own water, even better bring your own plates/silverware for lunch, and be prepared for a day of well-being and rejuvenation. Make sure to also check out Roots Cafe to support local farms/food. I haven't been myself, but can't wait to go.

Super dope to experience and read about the Kahuku sugar mill where a lot of Filipinos and locals…read moremoved here. It's crazy how much this place has transformed. It was also my first time visiting this place and visiting my girlfriend's family in Kahuku. There is also local shops like da bald guy 7 brothers Giovanni's and they also have a swap meet where you can buy clothes and etc. Make sure check them out

Lots of food trucks to choose from! Had Mike's Hulu chicken, two of the pineapple smoothies (go to…read morethe one that's furthest North with fresh fruit all around the stall. They are legit. The other one is just a slurpee. Also had baked good from the coffee shop. Anyway lots to choose from.

Chocolate fact: In 1847, the British chocolate company J.S. Fry & Sons, led by Joseph Fry and his…read moresons, created the first commercial chocolate bar. By mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and melted cocoa butter, they produced a moldable paste that solidified into a "chocolate délicieux à manger" (delicious chocolate to eat), revolutionizing the industry. Bringing peace to our world, one chocolate at a time. Got the sweetest gift from my Cycle Buddy, Randy S. There was a Spring Dubai Chocolate Bar, delicate mango slices dipped in chocolate, Classic Crunch a le'a (white chocolate, peanut butter, puffed rice cereal, marshmallows, toasted macadamia nuts, dark chocolate chips with a chocolate drizzle), and a trio of delicious truffles (one was definitely rainbow shave ice and two were these had an amazing Hibiki whisky filled center.

Hidden treat…read more.. Manoa has this cute spot tucked around the corner from Manoa Marketplace which can be easily missed as this cozy spot is quite tiny though prepared yourself from some crafted explosion once you enter their shop. With space for just a few folks to browse their massive display case home to majority of their treats all labeled with description of each item really doesn't help with making the decision of what exactly you came for which was me in a nutshell though knowing it wasn't just for me I wasn't prepared for items like the collab with Fujiya Hawaii with their yummy wafers a pink for Spring/Sakura in my opinion along with their white chocolate was a stunning work of art. Truffles with local vibes like their Rainbow Shave Ice that has the layered flavors, Lilikoi and even Birthday Cake makes celebrating any occasion or just some girls night fun and delicious. You can choose your favorites or a prepackaged box all are done with such care smiles galore are guaranteed. The staff here is just so friendly and helpful as I signed up for their loyalty program as returning here is something that I can see myself doing in the near future. Thank you!

Beautiful! A misty day is THE TIME to visit! It lets you see the swirling winds (using the mist)…read moreas they come up the ridge line. Its is really cool! (No really, you'll need a jacket.) The views are incredible! The park is quite beautiful! (Tip: Understand the historical significance of the warring Hawaiian tribes and thus park before you come to see it.)

We had family visiting from the mainland and since their hotel wasn't ready and they never went to…read morePali decided to take them there which they really enjoyed also because they are watching the Hawaii series with Jason Mamoa. The Park is well kept and they have parking meters self pay for visitors, if you're kamaina or military no parking fee. No restrooms

A giant wave... It…read moregot me at "hello" whenever I drive up and down Waiakamilo Road and you just can't miss it though it's behind a chained fenced surrounded by parked cars you can never really get a clear view of it but this stunning work of art is something so worth seeing or at least drive by it for a closer look. I'm clueless of the details like my friend Nadine C but know that it's always so stunning to get a quick glance at regardless and I did have that chance as I was dropping off some cans for recycling and to see that it was located right next to the wall which was really cool. Whatever reasons you may find yourself here, as a crafter I appreciate the joy it brings to everyone and hope that it stays there forever and ever. Thank you!

Only in Honolulu…read more.. On a little Hawaiian island named O'ahu, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is the World's Largest Wave Mural! Standing 5 stories high, this 14,000 square foot masterpiece was created by Hilton Alves from Brazil. It took him just 8 days to complete on October 26, 2013. However, 6 months of planning,150 gallons of paint, and $10,000 (for supplies) went into it! This Landmark in Kalihi, on the corner of Waiakamilo and Kalani Streets, reminds me of the Angel Wings project by Colette Miller. Colette has artwork all over the world, and so does Hilton Alves. While Ms. Miller reminds us that "We are the angels of the earth", Mr. Alves has more of an environmental theme and has educational projects which call upon children in our communities to get involved. There are about 11 wave murals in 5 different cities and 3 countries! For more information, visit the website: TheArtOfHilton.com Aloha!

Beautiful sunrise Christmas Morning in Kaimuki . Merry Christmas everyone be safe and enjoy SYOYread more

Located in Honolulu, Kaimuki Town has really changed and developed into a foodie city!…read more There are municipal parking lots and metered street parking. I try to visit on a holiday or Sundays when metered parking is free. My mom and her family moved to Kaimuki (a very long time ago) from Downtown Honolulu because new buildings and urban improvement were happening. Kaimuki is a rather dry area of Oahu, compared with the valleys and the Windward side of the island. It's "north" of Waikiki, so tourists are more likely to explore here. There's a "Keep It Kaimuki" movement in which small businesses support each other. It's quite a nice town!

Pretty neat place but also a little sketchy…read more There is a no loitering sign above the tunnel - I did hear there was people who used to hang out in the tunnel and smoke in there (so luckily i was the only one there!) Its very easy to find with google maps/directions. You just park in the residential area and just walk right up. We didnt stay no more than 15 minutes here. Its not that big of a tunnel and there isnt much to see. Alot of the rainbow has been repainted white (probably from the graffiti)

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." --Maya Angelou…read more I saw this Mililani Rainbow Tunnel on Instagram and HAD TO see it for myself and get a few photos! The location is kind of vague. I drove around the perimeter of Mililani High School, but didn't see anything that resembled an entrance. Luckily, there were a couple of early morning joggers coming my way. I rolled down the window of my car and asked a woman if she knew where The Rainbow Tunnel was... Nope. She turned around and asked the guy behind her if he knew... Yes! He pointed behind me and said that I had to cross Kam Highway. Hmmm... I'm a townie. I have no idea about the layout of Mililani. It's confusing as heck! Luckily, there was an address attached to the Instagram page! It was quite accurate, so, I added it to this Yelp page. I parked on Hakupokano Loop when I could see the entrance to the Rainbow Tunnel. The other end of the tunnel is close to the Mililani High School football field on Kipapa Drive. However, there's no parking there and the entrance isn't visible from the street. Go to the Hakupokano side! This is a really cool landmark! No wonder it's an Instagram sensation! I didn't count how many photos there are of The Mililani Rainbow Tunnel... there are over 300 photos for sure. Note: There is also a Rainbow Tunnel in Canada, so make sure that you specify "Mililani Rainbow Tunnel" if you're searching online. Good luck, be happy, and enjoy!