Lets talk story

What is that animal with the long brown body, long tail, short legs, pointy ears, and beady eyes you saw scurrying into or out of the bushes? Was it a squirrel? A muskrat, or maybe a ferret? More than likely, it was a mongoose in Hawaii. Mongooses (not mongeese) are native to Africa, Asia and some parts of Europe. However, the only place you will find them in the United States is in Hawaii. Although not native to Hawaii, mongooses are well established on Hawai’i Island (aka; The Big Island),

Planning on taking a trip and not sure which option is best for you? Here are a few tips to help you get started on planning the perfect getaway. Vacation Rentals A vacation rental might be a better option if you are traveling with more than one couple, as a family, or a group of friends. The cost tends to be cheaper than renting more than one hotel room if you are staying for a longer period. Many rentals require a minimum stay, usually 3-7 nights. A Vacation Rental can

When you’re visiting one of the most popular spots in the world, you’re going to expect to find crowds of people, long lines at your favorite restaurants, and the sensation of never being alone. Kapolei on Oahu has long been known as paradise to travelers from all over the world, but your vacation here doesn’t have to be an assault on the senses. We’ve provided this guide to the off the beaten path Kapolei attractions only locals know about to give our Ola Properties guests the serene and tranquil tropical

In the modern day, the conch is a commercial symbol of the Hawaiian culture and is featured in various pop culture scenes, such as the children’s show “Spongebob SquarePants.” However, this whimsical shell holds both historical and religious significance to Native Hawaiians and continues to represent a vital aspect of the continuation of their traditions.  History of the Hawaiian Culture The history of the pu dates back to prehistoric times and was shrouded in supernatural glory. It is believed that a group of biologically small native Hawaiians known as the Menehune

Hawaiian Holiday Rentals You are planning your yearly winter vacation and you want to spend the holidays somewhere truly different. Why not escape the winter weather with a trip to a fabulous tropical island? Don’t bother breaking out your passports, come and enjoy a Hawaiian holiday trip. The Hawaiian island of Oahu is the perfect place to spend the holidays, and Ola Properties can find you the ideal vacation home to stay. Our Homes We offer many rental options, including condos, houses and even homes that are located on the

Fun Winter Activities to Enjoy Outdoors Warm breezes, swaying palm trees, pristine beaches, and warm Pacific waters welcome you during Oahu winters. With the sun shining high overhead and temperatures hovering in the high 70s year-round, every month is ideal for a tropical beach vacation on Oahu. Pack your swimwear and a jacket for evenings with cool ocean breezes, and come ready for a warm Hawaiian winter getaway. Check out these fantastic and fun winter activities on Oahu. Enjoy a Whale Watching Tour If you’re traveling to Oahu during winter,

The Hawaiian language was originally an oral language, with no written version. All stories, traditions, and myths could only be passed down and shared through chants, hula, and song. Out of the necessity of needing it to be easy to remember for recitation, the language developed to be quite poetic in nature, with many Hawaiian words having multiple meanings or conveying a complex thought. Beautiful Hawaiian Words  Words in Hawaiian can have many layers and may be interpreted in slightly different ways depending on context. Aloha, for example, can mean both hello, goodbye

The mesmerizing hula dance you see performed on the islands of Hawaii today has a long history rooted in traditional culture. Most visitors will see hula at a luau or a special event. (Paradise Cove Luau near Ko Olina Resort is one of the best in Hawaii!) Hula is such a part of Hawaii that it might be surprising to learn there was a time when hula was in danger of disappearing from the islands. The history of hula is the history of Hawaii. Before the Hawaiian people had a written

Introducing the Rare Hawaiian Monk Seal Neomonachus Schauinslandi, more commonly known as the Hawaiian Monk Seal, is not only one of the rarest seals found in U.S. waters but one of the most endangered species on the planet. These beautiful animals are native to Hawaii and are primarily found inhabiting the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.   Habitat While most seals like to keep things cold, the Hawaiian monk seal is downright tropical and prefers the warm waters and sandy beaches found on the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands. They spend most of their

What does the Hawaiian Shaka sign mean? Anyone who has visited the islands has no doubt seen the famous hand gesture coupled with the “Shaka” greeting! A shaka sign – the unmistakable pinky and thumb salute – is the ultimate symbol of Aloha and local culture in Hawaii. Interpreted to mean “hang loose” or “right on,” the Hawaiian Shaka is a constant reminder that in Hawaii, it is not the norm to worry or rush. The shaka sign represents the embodiment of “island style.” It conveys friendship, understanding, compassion, and