Many people, of which I am one, consider Polynesians to be the greatest navigators in history. When Greeks and Romans were merely plying the Mediterraean Sea using a few rudimentary directional tools, Polynesians navigated long distances over open ocean without instruments, by using wayfinding techniques that included stargazing and other observations. In simple terms, wayfinding is the process of maintaining a course to a destination. A pet cat uses wayfinding … [Read more...] about Wayfinding: Polynesian navigation and the Hawaiian star compass
Oʻahu: HBL Honolulu Century Ride
As O‘ahu’s oldest and largest cycling organization, Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) advocates for positive changes that will help make Hawaiʻi a cycling paradise and encourage more people to ride bicycles. Whether you are an experienced rider, new to biking, or need more information about safe cycling on Oʻahu, HBL is a great resource for information about bike laws, bike registration, and safe riding. About HBL HBL offers riding and safety workshops for every skill … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: HBL Honolulu Century Ride
Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is the wildest place in Waikīkī. Situated in the shadow of Diamond Head crater at the corner of Kapahulu and Kalākaua Avenues, the zoo was stablished in 1877. In fact, it is the only zoo in the United States that originated in a King’s grant of royal lands to his people. History of the Honolulu Zoo In 1876, King David Kalākaua, Monarch of Hawai‘i, made lands of the Leahi Crown Holdings available to the people of Hawai‘i. One a year later, King … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo
Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Restoration Day) National Holiday of the Hawaiian kingdom
In 1843, after temporary occupation of the government by rogue British agents, led by Lord George Paulet, Queen Victoria dispatched Admiral Richard Thomas of the British Royal Navy to take down the Union Jack and return the Hawaiian flag to its rightful spot. Sovereignty was restored to the Hawaiian Kingdom and reigning (King Kamehameha III) established the holiday with a celebration. Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (LHE) was the first National Holiday of the Hawaiian kingdom … [Read more...] about Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Restoration Day) National Holiday of the Hawaiian kingdom
Oʻahu: History of Pu‘uloa and visiting Pearl Harbor today
When someone says "Pearl Harbor", it can refer to many different things. Historically, it was a large freshwater lagoon known to ancient Hawaiians as Ke-awa-lauo-Pu‘uloa or simply Pu‘uloa. It was a key site for loko ʻia (fish ponds) and for harvesting wild shellfish. Today, Pearl Harbor is surrounded by suburban neighborhoods. Along her shores, there is also a National Memorial Park and an active U.S. military base. When people visit Pearl Harbor today, it is … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: History of Pu‘uloa and visiting Pearl Harbor today
Oʻahu: visit historic treasure Hawaiian Mission Houses in Honolulu
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) is a one-acre site in downtown Honolulu. It is a National Historic Landmark, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The site preserves Hawai‘i’s oldest Western-style house, the 1821 Mission House, the 1831 Chamberlain House, the 1841 Bedroom Annex, a cemetery, and a collections storage vault. In addition, modern structures have been added: In 2011, a coral-and-grass performance arena was added, … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: visit historic treasure Hawaiian Mission Houses in Honolulu
Oʻahu: U.S. Navy Blue Angels headline Kāneʻohe Bay Air Show Aug 9-10, 2025
Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) is excited to open their gates to Oahu’s resident community and island visitors for the Kāneʻohe Bay (K-Bay) Air Show and MCBH Open House in August. Headlining the K-Bay air show is the U.S. Navy’s premier aerobatic flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels along with several other exciting aerobatic performers, as well as land-based displays and activities, including live music and food. Best of all, the event is free and open to … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: U.S. Navy Blue Angels headline Kāneʻohe Bay Air Show Aug 9-10, 2025
Free things to do in April
Listed below are the free things to do in April. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our April events calendar (hawaiionthecheap.com) Calendar of free things to do in April Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook. … [Read more...] about Free things to do in April
Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer
Our hearts go out to everyone on Maui. You will remain in our prayers through recovery and as rebuilding begins. Maui Wildfires ongoing updates On August 8, 2023, wildfires swept through West Maui and leveled business districts, destroyed historic sites, gutted homes, and caused many deaths. The full effects of the devastation will take many months to unravel and rebuild. March 5, 2024: The disaster emergency relief period has been extended through May 4, 2024. … [Read more...] about Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer
Best things to buy in April
Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for April in Hawai’i stores. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your spending to take advantage of the times of the year when what you buy is at the lowest possible price. Special events with shopping discounts and deals in April … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in April
Affordable April events and entertainment
Our April events calendar offers a wide variety of affordable entertainment across the Hawaiian Islands. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as many organizers announce new events. As always, we focus on “cheap” things to do with a kamaʻāina adult ticket price of $15 or less or a regular price of $25 or less. Sometimes we suggest events with higher ticket prices that we feel might be worth a splurge, mostly local music, film, and arts … [Read more...] about Affordable April events and entertainment
Target Stores annual child car seat trade-in event
Target Stores annual child car seat trade-in event every April allows you to trade in an old car seat and receive a 20%-off coupon toward a new car seat, stroller, or other select baby gear. You must be a member of the Target Circle™ loyalty rewards program, which is free and easy to join online. The next trade-in event is happening in stores in 2025. How does the target car seat trade-in program work? To participate in the trade-in and receive a coupon you must … [Read more...] about Target Stores annual child car seat trade-in event
Oʻahu: Food trucks & other cheap eats in Waikīkī
Here’s our list of food trucks, grab & go markets, and food courts throughout Waikīkī. They are great options when you are looking for an affordable meal or quick bite. All of them are located within Waikīkī, along a 1.5 mile stretch on Kalākaua and Kūhiō Avenues. These locations offer a variety of popular eateries that are enjoyed by tourists and locals. Waikīkī food trucks and food halls Peruse the list below or use our Google Map at the end of the … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Food trucks & other cheap eats in Waikīkī
Best places to buy Hawaiian gifts & souvenirs
Listed below, we offer a list of gifts and souvenirs that are uniquely Hawaiian, including Aloha wear, jewelry, crack seed, local honey, sea salts, quilts, tropical prints, koa wood carvings, and of course Hawaiian music. We also suggests some of the best places to buy Hawaiian made goods, including independent shops, craft stores, artist galleries, farmers markets, malls and stores, online retailers, and other locations around the Hawaiian Islands. House … [Read more...] about Best places to buy Hawaiian gifts & souvenirs
Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
Holiday weekends throughout the year are especially popular times for retailers to entice you to shop and save. You can find sales and discounts on a variety of seasonal goods. Stores, shopping malls, and major brands may also host special events and giveaways. Listed below is a list of the best holidays for shopping sales and discounts. Then, scroll down for a list of some of the biggest and best shopping malls throughout Hawaiʻi. Best holidays for shopping at … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
Contemporary Hawaiian Arts: Galleries, Craft Markets, Festivals
Listed below are resources for buying contemporary Hawaiian arts and crafts across the Hawaiian Paeʻāina (island group). You'll find several lists, including Art Galleries and permanent Craft Marketplaces, followed by seasonal Art Fairs, Craft Shows & Holiday Bazaars. If you're looking for hands-on art and craft making, we also offer a list of Visual Art Education centers where you can find workshops and classes in visual arts that are available to the … [Read more...] about Contemporary Hawaiian Arts: Galleries, Craft Markets, Festivals
All about Aloha Friday & how to celebrate
The tradition of Aloha Friday goes back to the mid-twentieth century. During summer, businesses relaxed their dress code requiring a business suit and allowed Hawaiian-made aloha shirts to be worn during the warmer months. Eventually, Aloha Friday became official, and wearing aloha wear was encourage every Friday all year long. In the 1990s, the tradition of establishing a day for a more relaxed dress code spread to California, becoming known as Casual … [Read more...] about All about Aloha Friday & how to celebrate
Hawaiian Islands Farmers Markets
Listed below are farmers markets currently operating throughout the paeʻāina (archipelago, i.e. Hawaiian Islands). We also provide tips for getting the most out of your shopping day and a guide to what’s in season throughout the year. Tips for shopping at farmers markets Bring shopping bags, baskets, or rolling cart Bring cash in small denominations ($1, $5, coins) Prepare a shopping list to help you shop efficiently Be flexible and adapt your … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Islands Farmers Markets
Maui Invitational college basketball tournament Thanksgiving Week
The Maui Invitational is an annual NCAA basketball tournament that takes place Thanksgiving Week in Lahaina, Hawaiʻi. The event has long been considered the nation's preeminent early season college basketball tournament. Eight NCAA Division I men's basketball teams are invited to compete, playing three games in three days. ESPN networks offer live television coverage of all 12 Championship Round games. The Maui tourney continues to provide schools an opportunity … [Read more...] about Maui Invitational college basketball tournament Thanksgiving Week
Budget-friendly ways to get around Hawai’i for work and play
Lucky you live in Hawai’i! For a budget-friendly island lifestyle, keeping transportation costs down is essential. We got you covered with this comprehensive list of transportation options, whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or heading to the beach. Listed below are many ways Hawai’i residents can shave costs like ice. We examined how to get around Hawaiʻi without a car using aloha 'aina alternatives like walking, bicycling, public transportation, … [Read more...] about Budget-friendly ways to get around Hawai’i for work and play
30 stunning botanical gardens you can visit in Hawai’i
One of the more relaxing and affordable ways to enjoy the outdoors in Hawai’i for residents or tourists is to spend time in one of the many botanical gardens or arboretums throughout the islands. Whether you desire a leisurely garden stroll, are a home gardener, or serious botany student, there is a garden for you to visit. Most of the gardens in the lists below are privately owned. All are open to visitors. Most have free admission, but a few have an admission … [Read more...] about 30 stunning botanical gardens you can visit in Hawai’i
Best concert venues in Hawaiʻi
Hawai’i has a range of concert halls and other venues for hosting music performances, from local talent to national touring acts. In addition, you can enjoy original plays as well as Broadway musicals, intimate jazz shows to on-your-feet rock concerts, plus film festivals, sporting events, consumer expos, and more. As you might suspect, Honolulu has the widest range of concert halls and performance venues, from the Blaisdell arena to the open-air Waikīkī Shell … [Read more...] about Best concert venues in Hawaiʻi
Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium – Hawaii’s largest outdoor arena
Aloha Stadium is Hawaii’s largest outdoor arena, replacing the Honolulu Stadium (hawaii.gov) (1926-1975). Aloha Stadium has become a Gathering Place where the spirit of achievement is nourished by the thrill of competition. The special venue is a place where everyone can share their cultural diversity with pride and a feeling of Aloha. Events at the stadium include sporting events as well as concerts, carnivals, markets, festivals, auto shows, and other seasonal … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Aloha Stadium – Hawaii’s largest outdoor arena
Waikīkī: history, beaches, and things to do
Waikīkī is a bustling urban neighborhood on the south shore of the island of O’ahu in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The district is bordered on the north and west by the manmade Ala Wai Canal, on the east by Kapiʻolani Regional Park, and on the south by the Pacific Ocean. The iconic Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) volcanic crater rises at the edge of Kapiʻolani Park. The neighborhood is surprisingly small, about 1.5 square miles. However, among the high-rise hotels and … [Read more...] about Waikīkī: history, beaches, and things to do
14 points of interest in Waikīkī are a fascinating self-guided walking tour
Among the high rises in the famous Waikīkī tourist mecca, there is much fascinating Hawaiian history to uncover about the once royal and rural area. Use the following list of tour stops, all located on Kalākaua Avenue for a self-guided tour. At each tour stop, you will be directed to statues, historic sites, and other points of interest that can enhance your knowledge of Hawai’i and the history of the area. The list is followed by a Google map of the tour stops … [Read more...] about 14 points of interest in Waikīkī are a fascinating self-guided walking tour
