Dessert Without Guilt
Sometimes I swear Ensen and Avery only eat dinner to get to dessert. Some nights it's all they talk about while they eat their meals. I'm not going to lie and say I don't enjoy ice cream or a piece…
Author: Honolulu Family Team
HONOLULU Family Blogs
Family Fun We find the best in local family fun and activities to do on Oahu. Go to blog>> Good Health On Hawaii dad's kid-friendly tips for eating well & staying healthy. Go to blog>>
Five Tips to Avoid Overeating on Thanksgiving
I don't know about you, but my mouth is watering just thinking about the Thanksgiving feast (or should I say feasts) I'll be enjoying with family and friends in just four days. Buttery roast turkey hot out of the…
Book Recommendations for Winter 2012
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh Reviewed by A. Kam Napier, editor, HONOLULU Magazine. Harriet M. Welsch, 11, carries a notebook with her everywhere she goes, filling it with brutally frank observations about her parents, her classmates and the people…
Chocolate Adventures on Oahu
Parents beware: Taking your family on this adventure will not only tempt chocolate consumption, but is likely to create lifelong chocolate aficionados, with a deep appreciation for homegrown Hawaii chocolate. “Sometimes,” my daughter has been known to say, “I wish…
Bugged Out. Gross!: Identifying and Treating Four Childhood Diseases
The Down and Dirty Facts About Four Easily Spread, Icky Childhood Diseases. Put your child with a group of kids and he or she will inevitably catch something that makes you squirm. The symptoms are usually worse than the ailment…
Curiosity: Important Trait for Honolulu Children
Understanding this trait and why it is so important to your child's well being. We are born curious creatures, able to see new worlds and possibilities. We ask questions, are observant of new ideas and are bound for an adventurous life.…
All Hail the Kale (Chips)!
Admittedly a little cheesy, but I couldn't resist using that headline for this week's blog post as it's become somewhat of a mantra in our household over the past year. After reading this piece, I hope your family becomes…
Dollars and Sense: The Importance of Kids’ Savings Accounts (Sponsored)
We've all heard the saying “Money doesn't grow on trees.” In fact, it seems most kids believe it grows, instead, in their parents' wallets!Learning to save is one of the most important financial lessons a parent can teach. However, it…
Dressing Up for Halloween and the Benefits of Pretend Play For Kids
I'm honestly not sure who's more excited about celebrating Halloween—the kids or me?As you've heard me say over the last few weeks, Ensen and Avery have been anxiously prepping for Halloween and getting into the holiday spirit—eagerly waiting to don…
Family Fun Activities in Honolulu
From singing princesses to swash-buckling knights, graceful ballerinas and realistic dinosaurs, celebrate festive holiday happenings for the entire family during the months of November and December.
Editor’s Page: What a Difference a Year Makes
Change is good. Last November, Island Family Magazine announced big plans to relaunch the publication under the HONOLULU Magazine brand. The goal was to evolve and strengthen the magazine so it could continue to be the best local resource for…
Tips from Hawaii chefs on eating well with your kids
Three local daddy chefs in Honolulu share ways to foster a child's appreciation for good food and eating well together. WEB EXCLUSIVE Fred DeAngelo. Chef/owner, Ola Restaurant, Turtle Bay Resort, and The Grove, Kailua. Dad to Maya, 5 years old.…
Top 30 College Choices
Which colleges are the most popular among Hawaii high school students? Which colleges are the most popular among Hawaii high school students?The list is interesting, according to a report published this year by Michael Weddington, a doctoral student at the…
How to Win Scholarships and Financial Aid
Applying to colleges can be daunting. To ease the process, here are tips from Cindy Montgomery, president of the Hawaii Association for College Admission Counseling and the director of college counseling for the American Renaissance Academy in Kapolei. Before…
Getting In: Navigating the Application Processes of Oahu’s Private Schools
Whether your child's academic path leads to private or public school, it's important to know what Hawaii schools look for when assessing children at different grade levels. The knowledge will help you prepare your child to do well in any school he or she…
Recipe: Brownie Pops and Goldfish Munch
Instructions The bewitching season is here. Gather the goblins, conjure up some creative costumes and prepare scary, scrumptious sweets for a great ghostly gathering. Making these frighteningly fabulous party treats together is a perfect way for parents and kids to…
Getting In: What to Expect When Applying for High School in Honolulu
For the 9th grade entry point, the requirements are the same as the younger grades: Interview. Testing. Academic transcripts. Teacher references.“Every school is different in exactly what they're looking for,” says Scott Siegfried, director of admissions for Mid-Pacific Institute, which…
Family Pets Can Make Kids Healthier
For someone who never really grew up with pets, I'm not sure how I turned into a cat lover. I have to think that meeting my wife Kelly had a huge influence. She had a plump fur ball named…
Power of Empathy and the APLUS Approach to Parenting
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Na Lei Aloha Foundation's Bridge of Friendship gathering at the Sheraton Waikiki. The invitation-only event brought close to 200 people together with the common goal of creating a better community. For…
Good Reads: Fall 2012
Dolphin Tale: The Junior Novel by Gabrielle Reyes (Ages 7 to 11) Reviewed by HONOLULU Family reader Joy Kimura and her daughter Jennifer. Young readers will enjoy this true and inspirational story about a dolphin named Winter, who is rescued by…
How To Prevent Medical Emergencies in Honolulu
Photography by Karen DB Photography Hawaii's warm weather and sunshine make for perfect outdoor conditions for kids to frolick in the surf or pool, run around the yard and bike or scooter through the neighborhood with friends and family. Accidents…
Building Character Through Community Giving
“It's better to give, than to receive.” An adage to live by and a life value I'm grateful my parents instilled in me at a young age. It's been engrained in the way I operate both personally and professionally and…
Raising Kids in the “Apple Generation”
My name is Nathan and I allow my kids to play with my iPhone, sometimes excessively, depending upon on the situation (restaurants, for example), but mostly in moderation. I try to keep to educational, mind-stimulating games, but, I have to…
Family Fun for Labor Day Weekend in Hawai‘i
I love long weekends and Labor Day is right around the corner, which not only means an extra day of sleeping, but the chance to get out and do some fun things with the family. While it's tempting to relax…
The Learning- Challenged Child in Honolulu
Have you ever suspected there was something different about your child, but couldn't quite put your finger on it? Maybe he or she takes hours to finish 20 minutes' worth of homework? Avoids playtime with other children? Is easily distracted…
Marine Debris: People Who Care About Hawaii
Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawaii (B.E.A.C.H.) is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that brings awareness and solutions to marine debris. B.E.A.C.H does this through environmental education, marine-debris removal, research and plastic reduction campaigns throughout the Islands. One of the organization's efforts…
Recipe: Nathan Kam’s Homemade Bagels
Ingredients 1 cup warm water, 80 degrees 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup bread flour 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 egg, beaten Optional toppings: garlic salt, dried onion, cheddar cheese, sesame seeds, togorashi (for spicy). Instructions Combining water,…
Benefits of Home Cooking Extends Beyond Nutritious Meals
“I remember hanging out at your house and watching cooking shows all the time,” reminisced an old high school friend I ran into a couple of months ago. “And Headbangers Ball on MTV.” I admit he has a pretty good…
Pure, Clean Enjoyment at Turtle Bay Resort
When I say Turtle Bay, what pops to mind? A pool, lounge chairs, pineapple-y adult beverages while the kids swim and slide, the spa, or maybe a day of golf followed by dinner at Lei Lei's? Fitness and education for…
Fun Learning at Home
Photography by David Croxford
Japanese Kendo: How Life Can Imitate Cartoons In a Positive Way
If you had told me in March that our son, Ensen, would be inspired to take kendo because of a visit to Legoland, I would have called you crazy. After all, what the heck do Legos have to do with…
Educational Road Map to Success in Honolulu
In our summer issue, we posed the question, “How does one raise a happy, good child?” We looked at this optimistically, but with a real sense of urgency. After all, parenting and schooling are adapting to a fast-changing world.In this…
Staycation: 4 Great Ways to Stay and Play
Look no further than your own backyard to plan your next vacation. Whether you're after family fun or a romantic getaway, your trip begins right here in the Aloha State. Check out these great ideas and stay and play the…
The Best Back-to-School Fashion
Photography by Karen DB Photography. Models: Chloe Boncato, Lua Bowman, Kalamaku Chock, Dilan Chock-Makiya, Noa Haine, Christopher Harris, India McNeil, Stuart Nakahara, Keau Thompson and Leyna Viertel. Shopping Guide Adore, Kahala Mall, 737-0608. The Children's Place, Ala Moana Center, 947-0003. Cinnamon Girl, Ward…
Families That Garden Together, Learn To Eat Healthier Together
I remember the night vividly. My wife Kelly, and I turned on the TV and watched in disbelief as English “Food Revolution” chef Jamie Oliver held up tomatoes in front of a first grade class in West Virginia and asked, “What…
Taming the 2-Foot Snack Monsters
Show me a family that doesn't enjoy snacking and I'll show you a unicorn. Our family is no exception. My wife, Kelly, and I enjoy munching on chips, crackers, pretzels, nuts, crack seed, fruits, veggies, chocolate, ice cream, malassadas, custard…
Five Steps to Organizing Your Kids’ Closet in Honolulu
Need help with a dysfunctional closet? Find out how you can organize your child's closet in a few easy steps.
Good Reads: August 2012
Book Recommendations for Your Keiki—from Preschool Through Eighth Grade, Plus a Little Something for Mom and Dad.
HONOLULU Family Recipe: Aloha Avocado-Mango Smoothie
Looking for a cool, refreshing treat the whole family will love? Try this yummy smoothie recipe featured in Meadow Gold and Me.
Seven Simple Solutions To Avoid Back-to-School Mayhem
Web Exclusive: Need help with a dysfunctional closet? Find out how you can organize your child's closet in a few easy steps. Visit honolulufamily.com and watch the step-by-step video. Calendars and Father Time may tell us the year begins on Jan.…
Introducing the Good Health Blog
As a family of four, I anticipate we encounter challenges most Hawaii families deal with on a daily basis. I'm not sure there's anything in life that can truly prepare someone to become a parent. My wife, Kelly, and I…
Family Fun Activities in Honolulu
Made in Hawaii Festival Featuring more than 400 local companies that produce “Made in Hawaii” food, books, unique gifts, art, crafts, music, plants and jewelry. madeinhawaiifestival.com. All AgesNeil Blaisdell Exposition Hall and ArenaAug. 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 9…
Editor’s Page: Jump Start the New School Year
Prepping for the new school year is always an exciting time. Shopping for new gear and supplies, picking out new outfits and pairs of shoes to replace ill-fitting, worn-out favorites (for exciting inspirations you and your kids will love, check…
Guiding Principles for Parents
Here are basic and timeless principles to help children at all ages grow up to be “good” and “smart,” whether making friends, developing skills and knowledge, or just navigating through life.What you do matters. Parents are their children’s first and…
