Traveling is in my blood... my mom was an international flight attendant and from a young age I was hitting the slopes in the Pacific Northwest, skipping along the beaches in New York, screaming at leeches in Vermont, skiing the mountains in New Zealand and so much more. As an adult I've trekked through Thailand, drank bubbly in Champagne, France and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge amongst many other memorable adventures. On a recent trip to Havana, Cuba I thought to jot down some interesting and easy travel tips for those who would like to save money, ease stress and maximize your vacation. 

Once you know when you are off from work, or the time period you want to travel, then you can start doing your research. I highly recommend not traveling during a 3-day weekend, or on a Friday, Saturday or Monday. Also if there is a major holiday the days leading up to the holiday will lead to less availability and higher rates overall. Supply and demand. 

If you are renting a car or staying in a hotel, it is advantageous to sign-up for the rewards, honors or preferred membership. Most of these are entirely free and you'll reap the MAJOR benefits. For example with car rental you will have preferred car pickup, less of a line, easier drop off and sometimes better rates. For hotel you could have free happy hour, complimentary upgrades, mixers, coupons for breakfast, discounted rooms, rewards points, etc. 

I am embarrassed to admit, but I have accidentally booked things in the wrong place multiple times. Like did you know there's a San Jose in Costa Rica and California, also I've booked a car rental in Florida but not at the airport. You type in a specific location but sometimes your booking is somewhere else. So when you arrive you are lost and don't know where to go. Well guess what the car isn't at the airport it's off-site and I often mistakenly took the cheaper option which wasn't at the airport at all. Look at the address and double check by inputting it into your maps. 

Third party apps and websites appear to offer great deals, but sometimes they don't include the taxes, parking and fees and you end up paying the same price at the hotel anyway. With that if you didn't book with the hotel direct you could see some problems and issues with your reservation... then the hotel can't do anything to help you because you didn't book with them. Most of the time it works out ok, but I have found that you think you're getting this great deal but you end up paying the same price or more and are at more of a risk. *Pro-tip, if the hotel is under renovation you will see cheaper rates, but with that comes some construction noise and mild inconvenience with the potential for stellar views.  

I like to use websites as a barometer to judge what the climate is going to look like. All these hotels offer this rate and this car rental has this rate. Then I go to the site direct and book straight from the source. My husband and I both do this and it helps with gauging where you want to stay and with whom you want to book. 

It's best to buy your snacks, meals, food and beverages off site. I mean if you are going to the airport and on a trip the cost for your meal is going to be way cheaper if you get it outside of the airport. (Example $4.99 sandwich versus $10.99 sandwich). Also if you buy water, gum or other essentials at a hotel the cost is going to be 3x higher on-site than if you stopped at a nearby market or even a convenience store. We get all our snacks and sandwiches/chips prior to heading to the airport. *Pro tip, remove the food from your carry-on luggage prior to TSA screening and keep it separate until you're in the terminal. TSA requires you take the food out and if you don't you may backup the line and have to send your bags through again. If coming from Kauai, Kulolo has to be taken out and unwrapped. 

Overall I am huge fan of Air BnB or VRBO, when looking for a place to stay always look for the amenities, Even in a hotel, do they offer free parking, free wifi, early or late checkin. These are conveniences that are essential and could end up costing you more if you are unaware of whether these are provided. It saves you a ton of time and peace of mind to know your next place to rest your head has everything you need to be comfortable. Look for pool, parking, AC, internet, transportation, location, the view, nearby eateries, are things walkable in this neighborhood, etc...

I am not sure if I am ready to talk about this... The fact that I am entertaining the idea of writing about this means I am ready to some degree. Writing has alway been so therapeutic for me and I know this will help. With it being Mother's Day of course the timing is appropriate, but at the same time it is also very hard, difficult, challenging, heartbreaking and emotional. But here I am with tears in my eyes hoping that down the road this will bring some relief...

Last year, in April 2018, my birth mom passed away at the home I grew up in on Kauai. She died after a very admirable years-long aggressive physical, emotional and taxing struggle with breast cancer. A few years before that my hanai mom also passed away, while I was on a trip out of state. Thinking about my life and how I am literally alone with no parents, no siblings and no biological family within a few thousand miles is hard to take. But I am grateful for the exceptional friends who have become my family over the years and my absolutely incredible husband who each and everyday goes above and beyond for me and shows me the utmost unconditional love. 

So why am I writing this? Well, no one wants to hear a sad story or a sob story for that matter... I almost always try to post positive, uplifting or educational/beneficial content for others to enjoy. But this is part of the healing process and this is how I cope.

My mom was from Brooklyn, New York. She wanted to get as far away from the east coast as possible and stumbled upon the island of Kauai. She felt the islands called to her and that this was where she was meant to be. She was a world traveler, an impeccable writer and a woman with a lot of passion. She raised me as a single parent and did the very best that she could. She taught me many lessons about life, focus, being driven and determined and also the importance of education. 

In many ways I am somewhat like my mom and she always said I got all the good parts. In the end she was very proud of me and my accomplishments. I feel as though she instilled in me to always pursue my dreams and to work very hard. She was an animal lover, a very elegant and classy lady who loved the ocean.

Before I was born she would swim the waters of Kalihiwai Bay. When I was a baby she would bring me to the beach in a portable crib and all the locals thought she was crazy. Even as an adult when I see neighbors they would comment about how she would swim back and forth in the bay and I was on the beach playing, swimming and etc. It was only fitting that we scatter her ashes there where she was most happy and when we did my husband paddled me out. I said a few words in my mind thanking her for everything and when I poured her remains in the water at sunset she appeared to swim out to sea. 

Every day is a new day... I will always remember the good times we had and the memories we shared. Mother's Day is a very hard day... but with that I am so grateful and know that she lived a great life. 

So, I am going to start by saying... this incident occurred in January of this year (2019) and my husband and I did not sustain any injuries from this event that took place. 

Ok, I am motivated to write this blog because this was a learning experience for us and it has impacted me for a few months now...

Let me paint the picture for you - every month I go to Maui for work. My amazing husband was able to come with me during a weekend getaway with a small mix of work. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning and we got some drinks, snacks (sandwiches, chips and treats) at the store on the block down the street from our hotel and we happily loaded up the car and proceeded to head to the beach. 

Parked next to us was a man in a utility plumbing truck, the one with all the metal on the back-end... he was lackadaisically sitting in his truck bumping some tunes and chilling in the driver's side seat. We carefully buckled up, started to back out of the parking space, of which the truck was directly next to us on the driver's side. We reversed, then pulled forward and started to make our way down the aisle and out of the parking lot. At that same moment the truck started up and all of sudden started backing up. It backed right into the rear end of the car we were driving and tore off the rental car's bumper. As you can imagine there wasn't even a scratch on his truck. 

The driver of the car immediately got out and said "I am so sorry this is all my fault, I didn't even see you guys. I watched as you both loaded up your car and got into your car, but I didn't even look..."
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So here's why I am writing this blog... (as you can see the photos above truly tell the story). The rental car agency was great. We took the car back and got a new one. I called my insurance and we got the business card, license plate, driver's license and insurance card from the guy who hit us. BTW his name is Jason, so I am just going to call him Jason from now on. 
There coincidentally was MPD at the same location we were at when the incident occurred, but the rental car agency said it wasn't necessary to file a police report since there were no injuries. 

In the months following the incident, Jason did claim responsibility for the accident, but I still had to file paperwork with the rental car and my insurance. Hawaii is a no-fault state but it appeared Jason's insurance was going to cover everything. My insurance even said that his insurance should cover all the cost- repair, fees, loss of use, etc. 
Fast forward to April, we are now 4 months after the incident and a collection company on the mainland is calling me because Jason's insurance did not pay for everything. They paid $7,800 (reportedly) for the damage and repairs. Now the collection agency was asking me to pay just under $400 for the loss of use. This translates into the days the car was not capable of being used or rented while it was in the shop. I texted Jason and asked him about it and he said he paid enough already. Which is untrue he only paid his deductible his insurance paid for the damage. He also felt that the additional fees were a scam and didn't think the car was even worth the amount paid to fix it. However it was a brand new Nissan. So here's what Jason says once the collection agency started asking me for the money...

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So in the end... when we did nothing wrong and this fool backs-up without looking into our car... he felt he had done everything he could. I asked him if he would at least split the other cost with me and he ignored me. Ok, I get it... your insurance paid most of it so you are done. 

Now here's where I learned a great deal, aside from this debacle that we were complete innocent bystanders, that were about 7 seconds in the wrong place at the wrong time...

Both insurance companies said they would not pay the loss of use fee from the car rental company. Essentially the rental is saying the car was not i use so we lost out on this daily amount of money. Both insurance companies (Jason's and mine - btw my insurance initially said it would have been covered) claim that the rental car company has to be able to show proof that all 100% of the cars on the lot were booked and they lost money from not having the car available. They suggested I call my credit card that held the deposit or take the rental company to small claims court. What a mess right?!

In the end, what it comes down to is when you book your rental car and they try to sell you on the added insurance and they tell you that the insurance you have doesn't cover the time the car is in the shop - they are telling the truth! if you opt to pay the $10-$12 a day for the additional insurance that would cover that issue, apparently. If you do your research it seems this can get pretty messy with people going back and forth with their credit card, insurance and even credit agencies and court documents getting involved. "in a 2012 Colorado case in which the state's supreme court ruled car rental companies could collect damages even if they didn't suffer any financial losses." according to USA Today. 

In the end, be sure to review your rental agreement, make sure you know your insurance policy and that of your credit card, consider getting the extra insurance, and drive carefully. Even though we were completely caught off guard and didn't do anything wrong I still had to pay hundreds of dollars to resolve the matter just because a guy named Jason admittedly saw us but didn't think to look before backing out - thus we got hit by a truck and the last thing he chose to tell me was... "Once again I am very sorry.' 

Located in Rotorua, New Zealand - Wai-O-Tapu is a national park of jaw dropping proportions. The Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park is an all natural wonderland highlighting an active geothermal area featuring volcanic remnants that teases the eyes and stings the nose. Created thousands of years ago this completely all natural landscape features 18-square kilometers of volcano craters, mud pools, green sulphur lakes, hot springs, and the Lady Knox Geyser (which erupts daily at 10:15am). 

When you arrive there is ample parking and if you go in the afternoon, be sure to bring an umbrella and some water. It can be very hot and very much like the dessert. There is a strong sulfur smell some people were slightly sickened because of the heat, the smell and the sulfur fumes. But it is not that bad. 

The visitor center is state of the art and has AC, restrooms and lots of things to buy from natural body products to amazing paintings and of course trinkets. The are open everyday, 365 days a year, tickets for entry range from $11 to $32.50. Once you enter the park it is like any national park with some trails, slopes, steps, outlooks, limited shade and lots of photo taking opportunities. 

Be sure the really enjoy the views, the Champagne Lake was phenomenal and breathtaking. The natural state of the former volcano is really unique to see and the colors are so vibrant. You make have to wait for the wind to shift as depending on the way the wind is blowing you can see less or more of the crater. When the wind blows the sulphur away, it reals brilliant colors and vibrant hues of green, blue, orange and yellow. 

The Devil's Bath is also a fluorescent green pool which is truly a sight to see. There are many tourists from all regions and of course lots of cameras, selfie sticks and etc. If you take your own course away from the crowds you will find it peaceful and tranquil. As with any other park please keep your litter to yourself, be sure to stay hydrated and eat prior. Be prepared for some mild walking. I would recommend shorts and covered toe shoes. 

You can choose one-three routes for your walk, which can take 30-75 minutes. Noted as one of the most surreal places in the world it definitely is a must see.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
201 Waiotapu Loop Rd
RD3
Waiotapu, Reporoa, Rotorua, New Zealand

https://www.waiotapu.co.nz/

Gosh, I must've been in elementary school when my mom took me to an allergist to find out the source of my allergies. The test came back and I was allergic to various things including pollen, dust and wheat. While over time I've heard much of the human race is allergic to wheat, or eventually grow out of it as a child and into adulthood... There are many people out there that are noticing a difference when they eliminate wheat or gluten from their diet. For me, I actually don't practice any elimination, I think as a result I may have one nostril that is habitually clogged, but I found that I can live with it. Overall, people tend to feel better when they eliminate wheat and gluten from their diet and I have found there are great options when it comes to making this decision. Before we dive into this I also want to note that there is a difference between wheat and gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains including wheat, wheat is a grain that contains gluten. So what does that mean exactly? Well, if you are allergic to gluten there are other items that may have gluten in them besides wheat. So it's best to get checked to find out what you are allergic to and how to best avoid those things. 
Fabulous health food store Down To Earth has a wide variety of wheat free and gluten free items. I wanted to showcase some of my favorites so you can try them with ease as well. 

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or in the medical field, these are my opinions and views alone and if you have any serious concerns please consult your doctor. 

I recently put together an episode of Da Best Hawaii featuring Lobster King, I had been before and they are known for their Chinese cuisine and of course fresh lobster, but what I didn't know is they have a huge selection of fresh crab. In fact, they have released a total of 6 variations of crab... much to my enjoyment (because my husband doesn't really care for seafood).

I got to devour all the flavors of crab in one sitting. Just kidding, we had a tasting with a bunch of my foodie friends and got to share and sample all the different crab recipes. So here ya go! I will showcase which crab recipe it is and let you know my favorite as well. 

Overall, this was a crabtastic meal! You have to put in all the work to get the meat out, but it is so worth it. 
For more on Lobster King and how this restaurant came to be watch Da Best Hawaii - https://youtu.be/npUaeBgLSNA
They have an interesting story - Korean bar owner comes together with a Chinese seafood seller. 

Not going to lie, my Driver's License was about to expire and I hadn't done anything to prepare. If you haven't heard - the requirements to getting a renewal have become a lot more stringent and are not as easy as showing up and taking an eye exam. But I found the process to be less painstaking then I had expected, thus I decided to write this blog to help others find their way through. 

1. You will need to fill out an Application form, you can find this online and fill it out in advance or fill it out in-person.
2. You will need an valid original or certified copy of your Birth and/or Marriage Certificate 
3. You may use a current Passport as a form of identification 
4. You will need to show your original Social Security Card
5. You have to prove your residence in Hawaii by way of 2 documents: unexpired ID, tax returns, utility bills, bank statements, rental agreements, payroll check, insurance cards, car registration, etc
6. All the above will show documentation of your: legal name, date of birth and principal residential address and everything needs to match - the name and the address.
7. Place all these items in a folder or bag, removing the excess envelopes, clips and etc. 

Now the fun part, you can renew your license up to 6 months prior to the expiration... But for some, like me, you forget all about it and realize you are going to be driving with an expired license soon. With that, if you visit online - the appointments fill up and depending on the location could have a 3-4 week wait. Here's the link: http://www.honolulu.gov/cms-csd-menu/site-csd-sitearticles/33564-csd-appointments.html 
You can also opt to get in line today, but for me the online version to do this wasn't working, so I had to go down in person, which if you plan right can be a pleasant experience. 

1. Head down before they open and get in line, then while you're in line you will get a number. 
2. Once open the line moves somewhat quickly, those getting Driver's Licenses (without an appointment) are given a ticket with a date and estimated time for your day-of appointment. Mine said number 24 at 10:45am, so I left, ran an errand or two and returned at 10:30am. 
3.  When I got back the number on the screen said 21. Once it hit 23 I went inside and sat down. Then at exactly 10:45am they called my number (extremely efficient and on schedule - this was great). 

I found this process to be very easy and well organized. Keep in mind that they may not be as on schedule as it was for me on that day, but it was well executed. As far as the number of people in the line in the morning, I believe it is limited, so if you don't get a number that morning you may have to come back again. You can also get an eye doctor vision clearance and skip the eye test on-site as well. Also, you receive a paper copy of your new license which doesn't come in for a week or two and the paper copy is not suitable for travel. 

*Disclaimer, I don't work for the city or state and this was my personal experience. This is my understanding of the requirements to the best of my ability. 

My master's degree is in communication, all of my life I have been in the service/hospitality or communication industry -- and there are a few things that I have noticed about people that never ceases to amaze and surprise me. I figured, I should write a blog about these things because I deal with them each and every day -- plus they are good reminders so you won't become frustrated, discouraged or disheartened in the future. 

1. People Are Inherently Selfish - hey I get it you gotta look out for #1, even Mother Teresa said she is the "greediest person" because of the feeling of kindness that she felt -- overall no one is going to care about the things you care about more than you... and you can't expect them to either because their priorities are focused on making it through their day and their life. 
2. Take The Easy Road - no matter how simple you can make something or even if you have completely spoon fed them, people will still do things based on what is easiest and most convenient for them. People like to do what saves time, energy and money and they will do things that are easier and provide that for them. 
3. We're too reliant on Labels - when I was in Miss America people called me Miss Hawaii, when I was on the news people called me The News Lady, after that people didn't know what to label me so they went back to calling me a former Miss Hawaii - i was like "can't I just be Olena?" Why do we need a label to validate who we are and tell people what our worth is?
4. Empty Promises - I can always tell when someone is going to flake or if they temporarily make plans by saying "maybe" or "might," if you don't want to do something say you can't or won't be able to do something. Don't just say it or put it out there if you had no intention of following through. Maybe we can have happy hour on Wednesday or Lets try have dinner next week -- usually doesn't pan out and nothing happens so it's honestly just a waste of words. 
5. Friends Flow - many many years ago I heard that friends flow in and out of your life. This is so very true, you have friends in different stages of your life and most of the time they are based on your activities, actions and those friends with common interests and who like to do the same things. Once your life changes (marriage, children, moving) your friends will change too. For some, they still have the same friends from childhood (often their lives are parallel) but for others it just flows and depends on where you are in your life right now. So don't be afraid to let it flow and let it go too! 

Wow, 2018 sure did have its peaks and valleys!!

I cried really hard, loved even harder, laughed until my stomach hurt and realized I can no longer drink wine/sake/champagne anymore (it literally makes me sick, some kind of allergic reaction or something)! 

I can honestly say that looking back, 2018 was filled with some truly treasured memories, amazing explorations and once in a lifetime opportunities.

As we move forward into 2019, it's important to me to be forever grateful, mindful, kind and truly live this life and each day as if it was your last. One thing I have learned, and reiterated in my mind, was to live without regret, take those chances and opportunities you wanted to take and don't hold back. Time here on Earth is short and we need to do what we can to maximize every second of each and every amazing day.