Don't underestimate the power of marketing, especially when it comes to kids. Last week, during dinner at my in-law's house, Ensen mentioned to Nana (the name our kids affectionately call my mother-in-law) that he saw a commercial on television that…
The end of the school year is near. Here are sweet ways to celebrate and congratulate your little graduate. Brownie-Pop Graduation Caps Materials: 1 box of brownie mix 1 can of pumpkin purée Mini M&M'S Ghirardelli Squares Fruit leather…
After a long day at the office, the last thing Kelly and I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. The kids need to be bathed, cats need to be fed, and homework needs to…
Here's an easy, delicious granola recipe that has become a favorite with some of the teachers at my kids' school. We dressed it up a bit and added a bookstore gift card and a colorful spoon. Get the kids…
There's nothing that makes me prouder than to hear my kids say, “Dad, can I have more broccoli” or “Daddy, I want more yummy tomatoes.” The latter being a common request from our 3-year-old Avery these days. How can…
Every year HONOLULU Magazine looks at official state Department of Education data to rank our Island schools on parent, teacher and student satisfaction, as well as academic performance. This year, we also take a look at something that worries every parent: school safety. Here’s how Hawaii’s schools stack up.
After a two-year break, the dinosaurs are back at Bishop Museum. Add some interactive activities for even the little ones, and kids of all ages were having a blast at the new, interactive exhibit "Life Through Time: Dinosaurs and Ice…
It’s been 20 years since a class-action lawsuit forced the state to dramatically overhaul the way it provided special-education services to the students who needed them. Two decades after the Felix consent decree, here is what special education looks like in Hawai‘i’s schools today.
Through the magic of social media, more specifically Instagram, I recently reconnected with a long lost friend after 15 plus years. It happened one day after stumbling upon a delicious photo stream posted by someone by the name “iheartnatto”…
Don't throw away that celery! Save the banana peels! Turn your kitchen scraps into rich fertilizer for your garden. Several years ago, when our garden was under way and we just started raising chickens, our gardener friend Dusty suggested we…
One of the perks of working in downtown Honolulu on Bishop Street is the abundance of restaurant options that surround you, all within walking distance. It's a blessing for convenience, but a curse to your wallet, especially for me…
If you've ever seen a performance by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY), you know it's much more than just a show; it's an experience. The up-close-and-personal drama, the music, the costumes, the laughs, the joy and excitement in the…
Geobunga can turn black or brown thumbs green. That's what Geobunga owner Andrew Dedrick said when I asked him to tell me about his company, during a recent visit to his shop on Lawehana Street (across from Target in Salt…
As the old adage goes, “Don't knock it till you've try it.” That's what Kelly told me years ago when she kindly announced were have frozen Brussels sprouts with Velveeta cheese as a side dish one night. I confessed…
“I think Avery has Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFM). She has a sore on her tongue.” This was the text message my wife Kelly sent me last week after Avery mentioned she had what she thought was a…
Is it just me or have mornings on Oahu been colder than usual over the last several months? It sure feels that way and as a result it's been harder and harder for me to pull myself out of…
Cooking at home is one of the most rewarding things a family can do together for a number of reasons. Not only is it an incredible way to bond and inspire creativity, it allows you to control what your family…
I walked into Luca's room the other day to find a long, winding path of blocks that began at the door, went under his bed, and led to a box of tiny LEGO tools. I knew what it was without…
I'm trying to recall the last time I had a legitimate tan that covered more than 50 percent of my body. Nothing in recent memory comes to mind. Honestly, the last time was probably back in high school when my…
University of Hawai‘i baseball games are very family friendly, and affordable. Here are our tips for the ballpark.