I travel to Maui once a month for work. My husband Daniel can't make it for every single trip, so I have grown accustomed to adventuring with friends, making new ones or going solo. One of the great things about traveling is exploring new places and finding hidden gems. Sometimes, if I have the day free I will get up, eat something and just drive. This way I go with the flow and just discover new adventures, new places and new experiences... by just driving and letting the sun guide me. 

On a recent visit I discovered a gem in Makena. This is Keawala'i Church, first founded in 1832. There is a lot of history in regards to the church structure, ownership and restoration. Being on property reminded me of Moloka'i. So beautiful and peaceful. I took a moment to stroll through and captured these images to share. In a place that is busy with tourists, shopping malls and taco trucks it's nice to see a piece of history on beachfront property nestled near one of Maui's greatest beaches. 

For more on the history of this charming church visit their comprehensive website full of information. Click here. 

​The first day of summer is about a month away and while most are enjoying the warm sun and longer days, it’s time to start thinking about your next vacation. That’s right, it’s never too early to start thinking about another trip away from work, exploring a new place and time away from home. Here’s some advice, take advantage of the slightly cooler weather, lower airfare and discounted room rates during the off-season. Knowing these facts may bring an added spring to your step as you realize the summer travelers will have returned home, the kids will be back in school and the best local experiences are ready to shine come autumn. Imagine the beaches, the surf, the museums, the hikes and all the other experiences you can enjoy without having to pay those summer rates. 
The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau agrees that summer is a great time to vacation and is also the most popular, but they also offer this top secret tip for those looking to visit Hawaii away from the peak travel period. “Ahh summer. Everyone has their memories of summer travel. Exploring, going on little adventures, finding ways to get to that ‘secret spot’ before everyone else does. Well here’s a little insider knowledge, this fall it’ll still be summer in Hawaii - except for the crowds and the peak-season rates.  The weather will be the same. The activities will be more available, same for the restaurants, and it’s a great time to upgrade to that oceanfront room, too. Hawaii. This fall may be the best time to visit, tell your friends, but otherwise let’s keep it our little secret,” said HVCB chief marketing officer, Jay Talwar. 
Typically, weather, school schedules and public holidays dictate the high and low seasons of travel. In Hawaii, we are lucky to have beautiful weather year-round, but we do have high and low seasons too. Trip Advisor reports there are tradeoffs to booking during low season windows, which include saving money and avoiding the crowds. But, just because summer is over doesn’t mean the fun is over.

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If you really take the time to carefully plan your trip, and do some research, you could really have a grand ol’ time. Here are a few helpful tips when it comes to booking your off peak/low-season adventure.

1. Be flexible when searching for travel dates to score the best rates. Research your destination using the local visitor, or tourist/convention, bureau website. 
2. Book direct with the hotel, car rental agency and air carrier as most of the time you can nab better deals than through a third party. Most companies strive to remain competitive, some may even offer price matching, added incentives and special rates if you book direct. 
3. Explore the option of going on a cruise. Both ships big and small tend to have better deals when it’s not peak travel/vacation time. 

4.   Visit National Parks and Theme Parks without having to wait in those ridiculously long lines. 
5. Research the local paper, and online event websites, to find out what the locals are doing and what sort of street, culture and ethnic festivals are taking place. Experience the destination the way the local community does with authentic food, dance, music and more. 
​Happy travels!

Growing up in Hawaii, I can honestly say that May Day is one of the most memorable moments of my childhood. I was never selected at May Day Princess or Queen, but my first emcee gig was emceeing our Kilauea Elementary school May Day program. I can remember the audition clearly in my mind and the queen's name forever embedded in my memory... Kalikokalehua-opanaeewa Ham Young. Yup, I had to say that a few hundred times.

Anyway, I was invited to checkout the 3rd Annual "May Day Waikiki: Beach Boys, Memories & Music" 2016 - event fronting the Royal Hawaiian and Outrigger Waikiki on the beach. I didn't know what to expect accept that their would be a halau, Melveen Leed and Henry Kapono were scheduled to perform. 
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It was a picture-pefect day with the sun shining brightly, the vibrant blue ocean as the backdrop and some of Hawaii's most distinguished in entertainment, surf, tourism and government in attendance. What is different about this celebration is that they pay tribute to the iconic and legendary Waikiki Beach Boys. Each year, the HTA and this event recognize some of these living (and past) legends who are literally responsible for the perpetuation of the aloha spirit and surf culture in Hawaii. 

Honored this year were:
Rabbit Kekai
Blackout Whaley
George Downing
Harry Robello
Tally Ho Blears 
Buffalo Keaulana

It was beautiful to see these amazing watermen and their families celebrating their life, legacy and commitment to sharing the love of the ocean with others. 

The event also raises money for a Waikiki Beach Boy Memorial Wall which would commemorate and recognize those Beach Boys who have passed and whose legacy lives on beyond the reef. What a beautiful idea! 

_For more information, or to become a sponsor, visit www.maydaywaikiki.com_

Here's a look at the event: