• koko crater trail oahu 04
    Hawaii,  North America,  Oahu,  United States

    Why I didn’t summit Koko Crater Trail | Oahu, Hawaii

    1000 steps up to the top of an Oahu mountain on Koko Crater Trail can sound a little daunting. And when you pull up to Koko Head Trail, the view of the stairs in the distance is definitely a bit intimidating! But I am gloriously overconfident and was certain I could do it. At just .75 miles one way with an elevation gain of 880 feet, it didn’t seem that bad. Spoiler alert: I didn’t make it to the top, but the amazing views at the summit are worth the effort. Compared to Diamond Head (which I hiked on a previous trip), Koko Head offers a more challenging climb with…

  • waikiki oahu
    Hawaii,  North America,  Oahu,  United States

    3-Day Oahu Itinerary | The Best Things to Do on Oahu

    When it comes to Hawaii, Oahu tends to be the island that people fly into from the Continental US, and then hop to other islands but there are so many great things to do on Oahu! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite things to do on Oahu in this not-to-be-missed 3-day Oahu itinerary. Let’s start with the basics! How to Get There: Hawaiian Airlines is the official carrier of Hawaii, but most major airlines (American, United, Delta, Southwest) offer flights from the West Coast, Texas, or Chicago. Where to Stay: If you’re only going to be on Oahu for 3 days, I’d strongly suggest staying in the Waikiki…

  • haleakala maui hawaii
    Hawaii,  Maui,  North America,  United States

    How to Help Lāhaina, Maui

    Hawaii, and Maui in particular, is very near and dear to my heart. I’ve traveled there half a dozen times for work and for pleasure. For the past week, I’ve been glued to the news about the Maui fires and I wanted to share some resources should you wish to donate. To donate to individual families, which is preferred because it provides immediate access to funds to meet their needs, head over to @lahaina_ohana_venmo on Instagram. If you’re an animal lover like me, the Maui Humane Society is a good option. And to follow news and information follow Kāko’o Haleakalā on Instagram. More Maui

  • unko museum tokyo japan
    Asia,  Finances,  Japan

    What it Costs to Go to Tokyo

    Wondering what it costs to go to Tokyo? I planned this trip on a whim when I randomly saw the airfare deal. From there it became a challenge to myself to spend as little as possible on this trip. I wanted to cover air, hotel, Disney tickets, and anything else I reasonably could with credit card points. So how did I do? Affiliate links are included in this article. Any affiliate is a resource I use and recommend. If you click on a link and use their services or make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Airfare $ 433.87 Airfare is a big expense…

  • IMG 9754
    Asia,  Food,  Japan

    Exploring the Best Japanese KitKat Flavors You Need to Try

    Did I buy every flavor of Japanese KitKat that I found in Japan? Yes, yes I did and I’m rating them all here for you. Kit Kats are incredibly popular in Japan, boasting over 300 flavors, many of which are limited-edition and region-specific. They hold cultural significance, often associated with good luck and given as omiyage gifts, especially to students for success in exams. Exploring Unique Japanese KitKat Flavors Japan is renowned for its innovative and unique KitKat flavors, which have contributed significantly to the brand’s popularity in the country. One of the most iconic and beloved flavors is the Green Tea KitKat. This flavor combines the subtle bitterness of…