Waikiki Aquarium Tide Pool Exploration: You Can Pet the Cucumber

I am standing ankle-deep in turquoise water that’s washing over a shoreline reef I’m doing something I have never done before: petting a cucumber. A black sea cucumber, to be exact, held by Mark Heckman, an educator at the Waikiki Aquarium in Kapiolani Park. The creature, which resembles an enormous, sandy stuffed sausage, has rough skin that I stroke gingerly…

Canoes in Waikiki

From a standing stop, the canoe seems way too heavy to move forward fast enough to catch the wave. The beach boy in the back of the boat is waiting for the perfect time. The surf is gentle, maybe 2 foot rollers, breaking in long, soft white pillows and slopes over the shallow reef and sandbars of Waikiki. The beachboy gives the word. Everyone on board grabs their paddle and pushes the water backwards…

Innovative Sushi: Hiroshi Eurasian Tapas Does Hamachi Right

Hiroshi Fukui rose from a job as a dishwasher through the ranks of Hawaii’s best kitchens to become a master of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and fusion cooking. His forte? Small plates that pack massive mixtures of Asian and Western flavors, often with a spicy twist. His innovative sushi is now legendary for the layering of flavors that fit together simply and produce…

Waikiki Aquarium: Helloooo, Mr. and Mrs. Hawaiian Monk Seal!

Hawaiian monk seals are endangered creatures (less than 1,000 are left) who are seen only in a few places around the Hawaiian Islands. The most predictable place to see them is the Waikiki Aquarium. Particularly at feeding time when their love of fish clearly kicks in. The trainers give an excellent presentation on what makes these critters tick. Feedings are twice a day. For kids…

Rum Fired Up in Waikiki – Hawaii’s Best Rum Bar

You knew that rum was the next boutique vodka, right? I’d been waiting for a bar like this to hit Hawaii for some time. I learned to love sipping rums (akin to single malts) on a trip to Venezuela 20 years ago when we got to sample the local goods — stuff you could never find stateside. With its connection to the sugar biz and its tropical street cred, Hawaii nei is a logical locale for RumFire,

House Without a Key Does Auana Hula Right

The House Without a Key is the ultimate Waikiki classic sunset destination. Full stop. This beachfront bar, at the classy Halekulani Hotel, has been a Honolulu institution since the early 20th century. The place is pure magic. The top-notch cocktails pack a wonderful punch and only come with the best ingredients. The house Mai Tai is among the best in the world.

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