For some people I know, hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai makes them break into a sweat.  Others I know won't even think about driving the famous road to Hana.  For those people, I do not recommend ziplining.

The Society of Seven got their start in 1969. You would have probably called them a variety act then. Their success led to a regular gig in Las Vegas. Before they left—almost 10 years ago—they trained a troupe to carry on in Waikiki. Through September 20, the Vegas version is home, performing at the showroom at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. 

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.

It’s no surprise to hear that studies show vacation can lower blood pressure, lower stress hormones and generate overall feelings of well-being. For me, vacation gave me a new home. My husband and I moved to Hawaii for the same reasons we vacationed here: The warm weather, the ocean and the myriad of activities available to us--from golf, running and hiking to paddling outrigger canoes, snorkeling and diving.  Now that we live in Hawaii, we get asked all the time: When you live in paradise, where do you go on vacation? 

When you live in Hawaii, there are certain items essential to life in Hawaii and no where else.  (Those cheap, plastic, uni-sex flip-flops, for example, that sell for $2.99 at Long's and which we wear to hike, run, walk the dog, attend a luau, go to church and shop, among a million other every day and special events.) On the flip side, when you live in Hawaii, there are certain items necessary to life elsewhere and absolutely meaningless in Hawaii.  (Case in point:  long john's.)

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. 

Now, Hawaii is quite a distance from Chicago. And, when it comes to food, Hawaii is known for items that never passed my lips when I was growing up in the Midwest. Shoots, most I had never heard of before vacationing in Hawaii. Like saimin. Manapua. Poke. Lomilomi salmon. Poi.  But even Hawaii has its hot dogs.

You've probably noticed it in your community.  Farmers markets are popping up everywhere.  Boxes of produce from CSAs are appearing on the doorsteps of residential homes in your neigborhood.  Instead of lemonade, kids are putting up roadside stands for fruits and vegetables with a box and a slot for your coins and bills.  It's the same in Hawaii.

Some of my favorite childhood memories include sitting at my grandpa’s feet with my brothers and cousins while the storyteller of our family shared tales of his own childhood. My grandfather’s stories of growing up in the country on the

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.