"Never mistake your street address for where you really live!"
James Parks

Welcome to the island paradise that inspired the beginnings of Victorian House Photography. On these pages you will discover some of the real Hawaii that awaits the adventurer who is willing to go a little out of the way while in the land of aloha.  Here I will not try and sell Photography, rather, I would like to sell you on the places in our 50th state that go beyond simple tourism.  I want you to feel that you became "local" for a week or two after your next visit to Hawaii.  When you look through that camera view finder, I want you to see centuries of rich history instead of just beautiful scenery.  I'd like to help you discover a Hawaii that most never see!  And most important, perhaps you will consider returning to the islands often to renew your spirit and determination to live life to the fullest.

The Photo above it representative of just that kind of discovery.  There is a place on the island of Kauai that Mark Twain first called "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific".  Here one is able to see the State Symbol of Hawaii, the rainbow, just about every day of the year!  More on special places as we go on.  First lets explore a few general guidelines for a memorable, trouble free and cost effective Hawaii vacation.  These suggestions are tried and true over many visits to Hawaii over the last 15 years but are not "hard and fast" rules.  If windsurfing or volcanology is all you are into, then target your visit very site specific.  What we are providing is insight on how to see and feel what Hawaii is all about with an eye towards discovery away from the beaten track, so to speak. 

Air Fare to Hawaii is a shoppers paradise all by itself!   Apply yourself and you can fly name brand air for bargain prices.  You can plan your trip 6 months out, or be ready to go in just 6 weeks .......... both strategies are good.  Pick the one that applies to your situation.  As an example, on New Years day 2002, my internet air fare tracker flashed an unbelievable deal in front of me.   Round trip SLC to Honolulu on Delta Airlines dropped from $816.00 to $331.00 overnight.  I purchased 2 tickets and 5 days later it went back up to $816.00 again.   More about our most recent trip later, but watch for those huge fare cuts ............ they really happen.  Break fares when it is advantageous also.  Right now LAX to Honolulu is $290.00 and I can get to LAX from SLC easy for $120.00.  Add the two together and it saves $500.00 or so over the non-stop fare of $816.00.  Do your homework!  Put together that two island dream vacation and live a little!!

Lodging Can be had in some unbelievable spots in Hawaii for any size family.  This latest trip a private home on 5 lush acres was rented for 3 nights in Hana Bay Maui for $100.00 per night.  See the links page for info to this little known resource.  You can rent condo's with kitchens and laundry, 1 to 3 bedrooms on the Kaanapalli (the best) side of Maui starting at $85.00!  Unless you are Bill Gates, why would you want to stay in a hotel?  The secret here is to get a copy of the accommodation and rental car guide from HCVB.  You must contact them by mail for at: Hawaiian Visitors Bureau 2270 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 923-1811.  The guide is awesome as it lists and prices EVERYTHING available.  Don't confuse this with vacation planners .............. this book is lodging and cars only and lists them all!!  We'll have more insider hints on pages to follow.

Ok Then, lets take a look at the islands and some places to stay and see.  Click on your choice at the bottom of the page and start discovering the real Hawaii!  If you are directed away from these pages for additional information, just use the "back" button on your browser to return to The Hawaii Pages.

O'ahu      Maui       LanaŽi       Moloka'i      The Big Island      Kaua'i     NiŽihau