View From Here - Hawaii Travel Blog

Molokai to Oahu in a Canoe

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Thu 9/30/2010

Every third Sunday in September, I look at the ocean and wonder what the conditions are like on the Ka’iwi Channel, the stretch of open ocean between Oahu and Molokai. Are there whitecaps? Is there a swell rippling across the ocean? What’s the wind doing? Is there a current?  Certain experiences in life create a bond among people. Things people do together that take grit, that are a challenge, that require teamwork. Running a marathon qualifies. So does Na Wahine O Ke Kai.

Adventure Napali and Beyond to Niihau

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Fri 8/27/2010

Earlier this summer, we asked our Facebook fans to share their favorite Hawaii adventures.  Far and away, the number one favorite adventure in Hawaii takes place on the ocean.  At least, for our Facebook fans.  Of all the water related activities mentioned, experiencing Kauai's Napali Coastline ranked right at the top.

Warning Box Jellyfish Invasion

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Fri 8/6/2010

Once a month, Hawaii receives a visit from alien invaders.  Instead of the air, they come from the sea.  They are box jellyfish, and they particularly like the beaches along Waikiki.  I've always heard they arrive a week or so after the full moon.  I've seen warning signs placed on beaches.  I've read about their "victims" in the newspapers.  This month, when an email crossed my desk announcing the the pending arrival of these critters, I decided I wanted some more information.  So, I went to the experts--the Waikiki Aquarium--and Karen Quinn patiently and thoroughly answered my questions.

How To Surf Without Getting Wet

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Wed 7/21/2010

Stop by Nico’s at Pier 38, because a surfer has to fill up the tank for a good workout. If you’re up for the dawn patrol, order the fish and eggs. If you’re more of a late riser, go for the Furikake Pan-Seared Ahi with Ginger-Garlic-Cilantro dip. And you don’t have to stop at the ATM before you head out. Prices are shockingly reasonable, especially for the portions and quality.

A Weekend On Kauai

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Tue 7/20/2010

Saturday night found us at the Kapaa Jodo Mission for their annual bon dance festival. We ate “pronto pups” (you may know them as corn dogs) and “flying saucers” (a.k.a sloppy joe’s) and chili rice, the staple foods of these events happening most every weekend throughout the summer across the Hawaiians Islands.

From the Photo Files

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Sat 7/17/2010

Our Oceans Connect the World

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Thu 6/10/2010

According to a press release from The Ocean Project, the goal of World Oceans Day is “to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in our lives, and the important ways people can help to protect our shared world ocean.”  In the United States, Hawaii became the first state to recognize and celebrate World Oceans Day. On Tuesday, volunteers around the state participated in beach clean ups and reef surveys. Seminars and movie screenings educated the public on the prevalence of plastic in our Pacific Ocean.

Sailing into the Sunset off Waikiki

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Tue 5/4/2010

I climbed aboard in front of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach at 3:00 p.m. While the captain turned the boat around, “Rabbit” gave us our briefing. Yes, his name was Rabbit. At least, that’s what he said. “In case of a water landing,” Rabbit said, “Put on your life jacket like this, grab two beers and jump overboard.”

What's Your Favorite Hawaii Adventure?

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Wed 4/28/2010

A few weeks ago, we conducted an informal poll on Facebook. We asked, “What’s your favorite Hawaii adventure?” 168 of our fans responded. Many of you could not make up your mind and reeled off a laundry list of your favorite adventures. We ran all those responses through our not-so-very-scientific analysis—called hand tabulating—to give you this report.

In Memory of Heroes in Hawaii

Kim Steutermann Rogers  on Tue 12/8/2009

When you live in Hawai'i, you don't forget December 7, the anniversary of the attack of Pearl Harbor 68 years ago. It's a day of remembrance. Today is another such day. The 25th anniversary of the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. It only runs when the surf reaches heights of 20 feet at Waimea on O'ahu during the annual one-month holding period. In its 25-year history, the event has only run seven times. Today makes eight.