As we say goodbye to 2025 and look to 2026, I've decided to revamp my blog, my website and newsletter. A huge undertaking that will take some time so sit back and enjoy the ride!
This month's destination is Hawaii, our 50th state.
When you think Hawaii, what comes to mind? Is it Don Ho and Tiny Bubbles? (Ok, I'm dating myself)
Or maybe Magnum?
Hawaii is all this and so much more.
This archipelago is made up of over 100 islands, some of which are unhabituated and some private owned. There are 6 islands that most people visit.
Island of Hawaii (The big island)
Each of these islands share commonality and yet each are distinct and offer different experiences for visitors.
If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, Hawaii has you covered.
Want to learn to surf? Take some lessons where the sport started.
Enjoy history? Culture? Food? Oh yeah, Hawaii has it! Enjoy one (or more) of the luau's on any of the islands, each with its own style. Attend one of the many festivals celebrating the uniqueness of the islands.
One of the most endearing custom of Hawaii is the tradition of the Lei. From the Hawaii visitor guide:
Lei Aloha- A lei given with love
"It's common to see people covered in dozens of lei at graduation ceremonies, birthdays and almost any celebration. The garlands of fragrant island flowers often include delicate plumeria, pikake (jasmine), tuberose and white ginger. this traditional gift can also be created from kukui, shells or ribbon. Regardless of the material, giving or receiving a lei is an expression of love, gratitude, congratulations or friendship between two people."
The lei's make lovely keepsakes but, make sure you are able to bring one back to the mainland. From custom and boarder control:
"Know the Lei of the Land:
How To Make Sure Your Leis Can Come Back to the
U.S. Mainland.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
prohibits certain items, including some flowers
used in Hawaiian leis, from entering the U.S.
mainland to protect against harmful plant
pests.
If you wish to bring Hawaiian leis back
to the U.S. mainland, you’ll want to make sure
all the components in your lei are allowed to
return with you.
Ask the seller to confirm that it does not
include fresh botanical fruits, such as berries
and pandunus fruit, or any of the following
prohibited items: any citrus or citrus-related
flowers, leaves, or other plant parts, as well
as jade vine or Mauna Loa. Leis with these
items cannot enter the U.S. mainland.
Please
be aware that citrus-related plant parts include
mock orange flowers and leaves, which are
sometimes used in making leis.
USDA enforces a Federal quarantine to prevent
the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid, a gnat sized insect capable of transmitting one of the
world’s most serious citrus diseases—citrus
greening disease. This harmful pest feeds on all
citrus and closely related plants.
Some kukuinut and other types of leis often contain citrus
or citrus-related leaves. USDA inspectors will
examine your leis for prohibited items and any
signs of plant infestation or infection.
Help protect America’s citrus and other
agricultural industries. Before you buy a lei
to take back to the U.S. mainland, ask the
seller to confirm that it does not contain
prohibited materials.
For More Information
Learn more about what you can bring to
the U.S. mainland from Hawaii on USDA’s
“Traveler Information” Web page at
www.aphis.usda.gov/travel.
For questions or for more information, call the
USDA office in Hawaii at (808) 834-3240 or
(808) 834-3241."
In this month's newsletters I'll dive into each island and highlight just a few of the many options you can experience for yourself. In my private facebook page, Travel by Becky: Cruises, Guided Vacations & Custom Getaways.
If you have not already signed up for the newsletter, send me an email at: becky@tripalongtravel.com with your first and last name, city/state and of course your email and we'll get you all set.
Make sure to join the facebook page to get all the skinny (and more) at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1547666296201024
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