Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Nostalgia

Reliving old memories can be a profoundly enriching and beneficial experience, offering numerous insights and opportunities for growth. Whether through photos, conversations, music, or simple moments of introspection, revisiting the past can shape our present and future. Nostalgia is therapeutic! That’s why friends and family get together from time to time and reminisce. It’s healthy… Read More Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Nostalgia

November 16, 2024 Al W MoeLeave a comment

The Wonders of Hawaii’s Year-Round Vegetation

Hawaii has a mild tropical climate, and the Big Island – Hawaii Island – has 10 of the world’s defined climate zones. Did you know you can ski on Mauna Kea and go swimming on the Kona side of the Island about an hour later? It’s true! The rain we live with and love in… Read More The Wonders of Hawaii’s Year-Round Vegetation

February 10, 2017September 21, 2024 Al W MoeLeave a comment

Explore Pearl Harbor: History and Visitor Guide

Pearl Harbor sits with quiet grace west of Honolulu on Oahu. The Hawaiians named it Wai Momi—which means pearl waters—a loving nod to the bountiful pearl oysters that used to populate the ocean bed around Ford Island in the center of the harbor. The island was an ancient Hawaiian fertility ritual site for millennia but… Read More Explore Pearl Harbor: History and Visitor Guide

February 2, 2017September 21, 2024 Al W MoeLeave a comment

Progress on Our Hawaiian Homestead: Building in Puna District

The state of Hawaii is the world’s largest island chain. While Alaska, Florida, and California have longer overall coastlines, Hawaii offers 750 miles! The sights are amazing. And if you thought there were only eight islands, well, there are actually 137. We haven’t visited them all—and never will—but five are favorites. We are toiling away… Read More Progress on Our Hawaiian Homestead: Building in Puna District

January 24, 2017September 21, 2024 Al W Moe2 Comments

Home Shopping – Big Island Hawaii

We are definitely in for some surprises here on the Big Island of Hawaii. Most notably, there are friendly people, easy commutes, little traffic, and lots of rain compared to what we got in Scottsdale, AZ. We were indeed ready to get out of the 115-degree heat there, and now we are cruising around in… Read More Home Shopping – Big Island Hawaii

January 14, 2017September 21, 2024 Al W MoeLeave a comment

Is Minimalizing the Key to Happiness?

When 2015 rolled around, Shannon and I were considering a move and buying a home in Hawaii. That’s a mouthful because homes are anything but cheap across the Pacific. However, with my father now residing at the Veteran’s Hospital in Hilo, we wanted to be close. The good news was that the Big Island is… Read More Is Minimalizing the Key to Happiness?

November 3, 2016September 24, 2024 Al W Moe2 Comments

Our 2014 Decision: Embracing a Simpler, Happier Life

I’m going back a little to 2014 when we got the spark to change our lives, to become more self-sufficient, to cut our materialistic tendencies, and perhaps to become happier. We’re an average family. I have four terrific daughters, two of whom are still at home. The older girls got cheated a bit. There were… Read More Our 2014 Decision: Embracing a Simpler, Happier Life

September 11, 2015September 21, 2024 Al W Moe1 Comment

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hawaii This Year

Hawaii is indeed a remarkable vacation destination, and there are several compelling reasons why it’s a great place to visit: The Weather: Hawaii boasts some of the best weather in the world. With a relatively steady temperature throughout the year, you can enjoy sunshine and cool breezes. Whether relaxing on the beach or exploring the islands, the pleasant… Read More Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hawaii This Year

September 9, 2015September 21, 2024 Al W MoeLeave a comment

Discover Poipu Beach: A Hidden Gem in Kauai

Poipu Beach on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii is one of the most perfect spots on the island. Poipu (crashing waves) town has less than 2,000 residents, but the population swells each day as tourists and locals flock to the large beach area and the high-end hotels (including Sheraton, Outrigger, Hilton), shopping, and restaurants. It’s… Read More Discover Poipu Beach: A Hidden Gem in Kauai

September 1, 2015September 21, 2024 Al W Moe2 Comments

Explore the Koloa Tree Tunnel: A Hawaiian Gem

The Koloa Tree Tunnel on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, was severely damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Still, within a few years, it was back to providing an incredible, graceful canopy over the road to Koloa and Poipu Beach from Highway 50. Today, unlike this photo from 20 years ago, the trees are full,… Read More Explore the Koloa Tree Tunnel: A Hawaiian Gem

August 29, 2015September 21, 2024 Al W MoeLeave a comment