Kulia i ka Nu'u...Kapi'olani Community College

Campus map

"Kulia i ka Nu'u" in Hawaiian language means "Strive for the Highest", and it is the strong message of the Queen Kapi'olani Community College, especially for me, personally,  as it reminds me to be a better person everyday, to learn new things everyday and to go for a personal success.
Today, I would like to introduce you to the beautiful campus of Kapi'olani Community College, which is situated across the Diamond Head Volcano Crater. I ended up to start my education here for the purpose of learning the Polynesian Hospitality…the best one in the world, in my opinion. Through my two and a half years of studying here, I learned many good lessons in the class and outside the class. What it makes a special place here in Hawai'i  are beautiful gardens and  amazing views of the ocean and Diamond Head .

If you decide to visit this scenic campus, please come and dine in one of the two restaurants that are run by culinary and hospitality students, such as Ka'Ikena restaurant.  They prepare delicious sustainable food, bake amazing desserts and provide the highest service that you can encounter in the restaurant. I know that is true, as I was working in these restaurants during my class last semester. This is truly the place to be….

Great Lawn

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

Ocen view

Diamond Head Volcano Crater

On the top of the Diamond Head Volcano Crater

One of the most popular and famous hike on the O'ahu Island is the one called Diamond Head.It is the name of a volcanic tuff cone known to Hawaiian as Le'ahi, most likely from lae 'browridge', promontory plus 'ahi' 'tuna', because the shape of the ridge line resembles the shape of a tuna's dorsal fin. Its English name was given by British sailors in the 19th century, who mistook calcite crystals on the adjacent beach for diamonds.
Diamond Head is a pretty simple hike situated 15 minutes away from the center of Waikiki. I would definitely recommend to hike even for the sunrise in the early morning,or for the sunset in the evening. It is opened daily between 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. There is the entrance fee of $ 1.00. It will take you probably 20-30 minutes to climb to the top of the Volcano Crater. There is a small track of the tunnel, not a narrow one, but, if you may be claustrophobic, it can make you freak out, if there are too many tourists inside at the same time. When you at the top, you can admire the beautiful view of the ocean and Waikiki…I would recommend everyone to hike this one!

While getting to the top...

Almost there....

The view of Waikiki

And the Rainbowww ;)

Coffee time...

Island Vintage Coffee

What I really miss about being in Hawai'i is to be able to drink the coffee that is served in Europe, especially in France, Spain, Portugal or Italy. I am really fussy when it comes to drinking a coffee…it needs to be the best quality that can satisfy my caffeine taste. Fortunately, Hawai'i has its own, delicious  coffee called Kona coffee. The best place that serves this coffee, in my opinion, is the Island Vintage Coffee place, based in Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki. They offer a long  list  of different type of coffee, hot or ice ones, from black espresso through milky lattes and macchiatos. They use 100 % Kona coffee and you can get your customized coffee too….also if you feel hungry, I would recommend to try their super delicious acai or pitaya bowls, full of healthy and nutritious products, perfect as a midday snack.

For more information, please visit www.islandvintagecoffee.com…and enjoy the delicious taste of it :)

The view from the coffee shop

Delicious Latte

Acai Bowl

Aloha is in the air...

Aloha here, Aloha there...you can find Aloha everywhere...literally, everywhere in  Hawai'i. Aloha is the Hawaiian value that has several meanings...It is the expression for a greeting and for saying goodbye, but not only. The word ALOHA means love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. When you come to Hawaiian Islands, you quickly learn that this word has been used in any possible way, I would say that it has been even overused. You can find Aloha water, security alarm, beer,basically everything that you can sell has an Aloha name in it. That really discourage travelers for trying to learn the real meaning of the Aloha , as it became really commercialized.
Tourists quickly forgets what the real Aloha spirit in Hawai'i is....and it is this amazing feeling of welcoming that you can't experience anywhere else...well, at least I haven't experienced it in any other forty countries that I have visited so far. Hawaiian habitats carry the spirit of Aloha in their hearts, and if I have to describe this "spirit", that would be somehow a feeling of love, calmness, relaxation, great hospitality. It is one lifetime must experience to feel that amazing Aloha from others.
The reason why I moved so far away was to learn this unique hospitality that only people from Hawai'i can offer...I advise anyone to come and experience it!

A little bit of Heaven in the Paradise...yummy :)

Egg Benedicts with salamon and spinach ;P

Today, I would like to write about my favorite place on Earth....called Heavenly. This place is situated in the heart of Waikiki, O'ahu on the Seaside Ave., right next to the Shoreline Hotel. What can I say about their food...it is simply a heaven in your mouth. Heavenly is proud of serving organic food from "farm to table". They have delicious variety  " all day breakfast" egg benedicts with salmon, avocado, or Hawaiian style with Kailua pork. If you like have  a sweet-type breakfast, you can enjoy either Acai or Pitaya bowl mixed with Hawaiian fruits, or Big Island honey french toasts. You can also have  a Hawaiian Loco Moco plate or Kahuku Shrimps. For desert Heavenly offers Hawaiian Ginger Creme Brulee or House Made Kona Coffee tiramisu.
What I love about this place is a "surf shack" decor, a fabulous staff.  It is a definitely the place to visit while you are coming to O'ahu.

Bon Apetit everyone :)

Heavenly Decor

The painting of Californian artist from San Diego

Pearl Harbor is not just another Hollywood movie.

Pear Harbour

We all have most likely seen it…Pearl Harbor movie with Ben Affleck…and it is a good movie too.  What is interesting about the Pearl Harbor though, is the history of this place and its memorable battle of 1941. This place is special and the memory of the Japan attack is still vivid there, cause due this attack , the United States got involved into the World War II.
What I like about this place is not only the actual museum dedicated to this memorable event of the 7th December 1941. You can also read many interesting information regarding the diverse Hawaiian population, how the migration from different countries has started and how many different nations live on the Islands nowadays.
It is a great history lesson, that should be definitely included into the Hawaiian visitor's schedule.

Useful information:

Direct buses from Waikiki: 20,42
Book tickets in advance at : www.recreation.gov
Search for "Pearl Harbor Historic Sites (USS Arizona)"
                                                         
 ** You must arrive at the Visitor's Center one hour prior to your ticketed time **

                                                                   OR

Arrive at Pearl Harbor Visitor's Center by 7:30 AM to get walk-in tickets daily and they are given on a first come, first served basis.
 
                                                           Other Sites at Pearl Harbor:

USS Missouri:  site of Japanese surrender in 1945

USS Bowfin: Submarine museum with 4,000 submarine-related artifacts

Pacific Aviation Museum: Museum dedicated to the history of aviation

* Each of these sites has a separate admission price, but there is a bundle deal. Please see
          www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org for more information.

ENJOY :)

Peral harbour ( inside the museum)

Find your Beach...

Waikiki Beach

               
                               
The State of Hawai'i was statehood on 21st 1959, and during this event, it was granted that all beaches in Hawai'i stayed public for everyone.

If you are a "beach bum", and you will find your place here, on the island of O'ahu. The whole island has impressive beaches, and one of them, Waimanalo was voted the best beach in the United States of America in 2015. You can do some fun water sports including surfing, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and many more.

Here is the list of some few beaches which are worth visiting:

1. Waikiki Beach...one of the most famous
beaches in the world with a lookout on Diamond Head Crater. It is a great place for those who want to try surfing. There is plenty of surfboards rentals and surf lessons are also possible to be booked.I would recommend you to go to Moku store, located a block away from Waikiki Beach on Koa Ave., just behind the Hyatt Regency hotel.They are super nice people there and they have a very competitive prices comparing to these you can find directly at the beach.

2. Fort DeRussay Beach is only fifteen minutes away from the Waikiki beach, and it is my favorite beach in the Waikiki area. Why? The water is much calmer here than at the Waikiki beach, and you can do some paddle stand up boarding, aqua cycles, you can also have a barbecue there, play squash and join some locals to play beach volleyball.

3. Kailua and Lanika'i Beaches are situated on the east coat of the island. It is a great place for windsurfing and kayaking. Lanika'i Beach is the most beautiful beach, in my opinion.

4. Waimanalo has been voted the most beautiful beach in the USA in 2015, it is popular with newlyweds for photo shooting wedding pictures.

5. Sandy Beach  on the southern part of the Island is famous from very rough waves.It is not recommended to go into the water, as it can literally break your back.It is very popular beach with locals who love playing boogie boarding.

5. North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Lanikaea (great for snorkeling and watching turtles), Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline (famous from big waves and the most important surf competitions such as Triple Crown),Sunset Beach and Turtle Bay.

6. West O'ahu: Kahe Point (Electric Beach -nickname from the electric power plant located nearby) is popular scuba diving place, because of the water clarity. The warm water attracts there score of sea life. You may take Hawaii Nautical's Snorkel Dolphin Sail to see the Electric Beach.


Thank you for reading and have a great week :)

Kasia

Fort DeRussey Beach

Fort DeRussey Beach

Fort DeRussey Beach