Sheila Beal

North Carolina

Engineer turned travel writer specializing in Hawaii @GoVisitHawaii. Besides travel, occasionally tweet about sports and faith.

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Articles

Aloha Friday Photo: Waikiki sun, surf and sand

1 week ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

Mahalo to Cheryl Morrison for sharing this sunset memory for Aloha Friday Photos. Here’s what Cheryl told us, “We live in Scotland. This was Waikiki beach outside the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We were married there in 2004, came back with kids in 2014 and canâ€™t wait to come back…” Happy Aloha Friday!
Take me there Tuesday: Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) on Lana'i

2 weeks ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

Keahiakawelo, also known as “garden of the gods”, is a hidden wonder for you to explore on the island of Lana’i. This unexpected, colorful landscape of haphazardly placed rocks seems to appear out of nowhere. Of course, you must stop to marvel at this scene. As many other incredible Hawaii sites, Keahiakawelo has an ancient legend to explain the landscape.
Aloha Friday Photo: Overlooking Hanalei Valley

2 weeks ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

Mahalo to Jacqueline for sharing this beautiful Aloha Friday Photo. This stunning scene is from the Hanalei Valley Lookout on the north side of Kauai. As you can tell, it’s a very worthy stop to view the taro fields and the surrounding mountains. The many lovely shades of green are a feast for the eyes. Kermit the Frog says, “I’s not easy being green.” I think Hanalei Valley would beg to differ. Happy Aloha Friday!
It's harvesting time for pineapple trees in Hawaii!

3 weeks ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

While harvest time is typically in August and September in the Northern Hemisphere, in Hawaii, early April is the prime time for picking a fresh pineapple straight off the tree. Today, April 1st, starts the official start of Pineapple Tree Picking Time in Hawaii. Do you plan to go pineapple tree picking on your Hawaii vacation? — We’re just having a little fun on April Fools Day. Actually pineapples grown directly in the ground and not on trees.
Aloha Friday Photo: Sunset from Michel's

3 weeks ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

Mahalo to Michelle Bakjac for sharing this sunset shot for Aloha Friday Photos. Michelle enjoyed this view from Michel’s at Colony Surf on the “Diamond Head side” of Waikiki Beach. This popular French restaurant is right on the beach with outstanding views.
What you need to know for an amazing Hawaii vacation in April

4 weeks ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

Planning an April vacation to Hawaii offers the perfect opportunity to experience the islands’ lush beauty and warm hospitality. With mild spring temperatures and blooming tropical landscapes April is one of our favorite months for a Hawaii vacation. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring volcanoes, or simply soaking in the aloha spirit, this guide will ensure you’re prepared for an unforgettable Hawaii getaway. How’s Hawaii’s weather in April?
Aloha Friday Photos: A view from Hideaways Beach Trail, Kauai

1 month ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

Mahalo to Bieke Peeters for sharing this neat shot for Aloha Friday Photos. Bieke’s photo was taken from the trail to Hideaway Beach in Princeville, Kauai. What a pretty scene looking out over the coral reefs and beyond! More than two decades have passed since we braved the steep, slippery trail down to Hideaway Beach. The hike left us both with scrapes and bruises, and, truth be told, it was a bit of a frightening experience.
Aloha Friday Photo: View from Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail

1 month ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

Mahalo to Cynthia Randolph for sharing this excellent Aloha Friday Photo with us. Cynthia’s photo was taken from the Makap’u Lighthouse Trail on Oahu’s east side. As you can tell, the views from this trail make this hike very much worth the effort. The jagged, volcano-formed cliffs seem to dramatically rise from the beautiful, blue Pacific Ocean. It’s a feast for the eyes. If you like lighthouses, the red-roofed Makap’u Lighthouse is a pretty one to see towards the end of the trail.
Aloha Friday Photo: Hawaii Island's Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

1 month ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

Mahalo to Julie Shank from Oregon for sharing this neat Aloha Friday Photo. This shot was taken in May 2023 during an anniversary celebration trip to Hawaii’s Big Island. Julie’s photo was taken at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, which is absolutely stunning to see. In addition to the scenery, Punalu’u Beach is also a great spot to observe honu (sea turtles) from a distance as they come to the beach to rest. Happy Aloha Friday!
When are the cheapest and most expensive times for a Hawaii vacation?

1 month ago | govisithawaii.com | Sheila Beal

We track and keep an eye on Hawaii visitor and accommodation performance statistics. Armed with this data, you can make the best decisions about when to plan your Hawaii vacation. Let’s dive in to view what the trends from 2024 tell us. Occupancy With a review of Hawaii hotel occupancy rates, we can determine when the busiest and quietest times to visit Hawaii. For 2024, the statewide average hotel occupancy was 73%.