Must Do Activities on Oahu

As you might know, I used to be a travel agent. More importantly, I am a self-proclaimed Hawaii expert. This post is about must do activities on Oahu.  Remember, I don't ever tell you about things I have not done and I never make money off these recommendations.  If you have questions, leave me a comment!

Must Do Activities on Maui

As you might know, I used to be a travel agent. More importantly, I am a self-proclaimed Hawaii expert. This post is about must do activities on Maui.  Remember, I don't ever tell you about things I have not done and I never make money off these recommendations.  If you have questions, leave me a comment!

Must Do Dining on Oahu

As you might know, I used to be a travel agent. More importantly, I am a self-proclaimed Hawaii expert. This post is about must do dining on Oahu.  Remember, I don't ever tell you about things I have not done and I never make money off these recommendations.  If you have questions, leave me a comment!

Descanso Gardens

This year, on Free Museum Day, we opted to attend an outdoor "museum" called Descanso Gardens.  It's a beautiful venue that offers miles of walking trails through gorgeously landscaped gardens.  Join us on this journey, won't you?

Dries My Sack: Six Flags Magic Mountain Management

Welcome to the next entry in my, ongoing, op-ed. This series is titled "Dries My Sack" and can be compared to the Grinds My Gears segment in Family Guy Presents - Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story. As I find things in life that piss me off, they'll become part of this series. The title for the series comes from a joke my father made while kayaking. I have a "Dry Sack" for keeping things dry during water sports and he made the joke that I should see a doctor. There you go...

A Day at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

We generally prefer giving Experience over Material as gifts.  For my youngest son's birthday this year, we got memberships to the San Diego Zoological Society.  This means we can go, for a full year, to both the San Diego Zoo AND the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, née, Wild Animal Park.  On January 2nd, 2017, we made the first of many trips to come to the Safari Park, along with my parents.  Here's my review.

Must Do Dining on The Big Island

As you might know, I used to be a travel agent. More importantly, I am a self-proclaimed Hawaii expert. This post is about must do dining on The Big Island of Hawaii.  Remember, I don't ever tell you about things I have not done and I never make money off these recommendations.  If you have questions, leave me a comment!

A Day at Magic Mountain's Holiday in the Park

Six Flag's Magic Mountain has never really been known for their family friendly attitude.  In fact, I have always maintained that Disneyland is where you take a date, Knott's Berry Farm is where you go with family, and Magic Mountain is where you go with friends.  Magic Mountain has changed in the last few years with their Holiday in the Park celebration.

How to Travel to Hawaii on a Budget

In case you have been living under a rock, let me educate you.  I love Hawaii.  I am a self-proclaimed expert in Hawaiian Travel.  That began when I was a travel agent but I continue to study the islands and keep up with the costs and attractions because I try to go regularly.  A big question that comes up with regards to Hawaiian travel is budget.  You can absolutely travel to Hawaii on a budget and I am going to tell you how!

Must Do Activities on The Big Island

As you might know, I used to be a travel agent. More importantly, I am a self-proclaimed Hawaii expert. This post is about must do activities on The Big Island of Hawaii.  Remember, I don't ever tell you about things I have not done and I never make money off these recommendations.  If you have questions, leave me a comment!

Pearl Harbor Day

I have been to Pearl Harbor thrice in my life.  The first time was in the early nineties.  The second time was in 2015 on my wedding trip. The third was with my wife and kids on our 5 year anniversary trip.  Emotionally, nothing has changed.  December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day and yes, it's a very important holiday.  It remembers the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.  Yes, I proudly fly my flag that day.  Yes, you should too...but why?  Let's learn more about it...

An Evening at Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest

As many of you know, my wife and I and my oldest son have memberships to Six Flags Magic Mountain.  It started some years back when my son wanted to go there for his birthday.  We did some research and realized it was cheaper to sign up for a membership than to go once.  We have continued to renew that membership regularly because it makes for cheap entertainment.  That may soon change based upon this past weekend.

The Exploration Trail

As some of you know, I am having surgery on Tuesday and won't be able to do a whole lot for a few weeks.  As a last hurrah of sorts, my wife and I took the boys on one of our favorite hikes.  It's funny, because we hadn't done this hike in a few years and couldn't remember where it was.  I can't seem to find any of my photos from other times we did it.  It took 2 hours last week of Googling and guessing and finally, I can present to you, The Exploration Trail...

2016 Los Angeles County Fair

So, Alyssa and I had the day together and decided to attend the 2016 Los Angeles County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona. We went ahead and got our $12 tickets at Cardenas a couple of days before to avoid paying the gate price of $20 per person. After a delicious breakfast with my parents at Stevie Dee's in Rancho Cucamonga (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!), we headed to Fairplex.  Now, if you're like me, you probably have felt that the fair has gone down hill in the recent past.  In 2016, they brought it!  I am talking "A" game!

Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries in Hawaii

Hey all!  Here's a little bonus post for your weekend!  I love Hawaii and I love drinking.  Putting these two things together is like heaven on Earth.  I have personally visited each location mentioned here.  I would never recommend a product that I don't personally love.  None of these locations are paying me to write about them. (but if they'd like to...I'm just saying.)  These truly are some of my favorite drinks in all the world and they just happen to be made in my favorite place.

The Road to Hana

As you might know, I used to be a travel agent.  More importantly, I am a self-proclaimed Hawaii expert.  The Road to Hana is probably the most reviewed Maui adventure on the web. There are countless schools of thought and everybody has an opinion. Drive it in a day? Stay the night in Hana? Stop everywhere? Stop in only select spots? Drive past Hana? Will it void my rental agreement? Is it safe? Grab a cup of coffee, because this is going to be a long post.