Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. News

Kayak under starlit skies and glowing fireflies in Okinawa’s Yambaru Park

Discover the Island's Glow

Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa

As noctourism gains momentum (with 62% of travelers seeking dark-sky destinations in 2025) luxury hotel Halekulani Okinawa is offering an unforgettable way to experience nature after dark. Their exclusive Discover the Island’s Glow experience invites guests to explore the UNESCO-listed Yambaru National Park by kayak, guided by a local naturalist.

Drifting through the park’s serene mangroves, visitors are surrounded by fireflies and a beautiful starlit sky. With half of Japan’s 50 firefly species found in Okinawa, the spectacle is both rare and mesmerizing. This immersive nighttime adventure showcases the park’s beauty, offering a tranquil and almost otherworldly way to connect with Okinawa’s rich biodiversity.

Recommended Videos

Discover the Island’s Glow

Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa

This enchanting nighttime experience begins just before sunset at Yanbaru Quasi-National Park, where guests, guided by a local naturalist, paddle through the mangroves in a kayak. To conclude the journey, the naturalist serenades guests with soothing melodies on a sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument similar to a banjo, adding the perfect finishing touch to this fairytale-like adventure.

The exclusive tour runs on select dates: August 17–21, August 31–September 5, and September 16–20, 2025, at a cost of JPY 48,000 per person (approximately $320 USD).

Beyond this unforgettable excursion, guests can indulge in the luxury of Halekulani Okinawa. The five-star resort features 310 standard rooms, 45 suites, and five cliffside villas, each with private heated pools and natural hot spring baths. The hotel also offers gourmet dining, a private beach, a fitness center, multiple pools, a club lounge, a boutique, and more.

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio
New Scandinavian-inspired sauna house brings Nordic wellness to Cannon Beach
Adult, Female, Person

Travelers planning a trip to Oregon’s coast now have a new way to unwind. Loma Sauna House has officially opened in Cannon Beach, introducing the region’s first dedicated sauna house and a wellness experience inspired by traditional Finnish bathing rituals.

Designed for both visitors and locals, the new spa destination centers around hot-cold contrast therapy, a practice that alternates between intense heat, cold immersion, and periods of rest. The hydrotherapy circuit is designed to promote circulation, support muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and encourage deep relaxation.

Read more
Waikīkī hotel is offering a free fourth night for late summer getaways
Pool, Water, Swimming Pool

If you’re looking for an excuse to extend your Hawaii vacation, a new hotel deal in Waikīkī could make staying a little longer much more affordable.

Romer House Waikīkī has launched its new “Fourth Night On The House” package, giving guests a complimentary fourth night when they book a three-night stay. The offer also includes a $100 resort credit that can be used at the hotel’s restaurants, bar, and poolside dining, making it easy to settle into island life without rushing through your itinerary.

Read more
Derek Jeter Goes All In With ALUM— And the New Venture Looks Like a Home Run
Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter has an extensive business and investment portfolio. He founded a successful multimedia company (The Players’ Tribune) and launched Jeter Publishing in 2013 under the umbrella of publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster. He also serves on the board of directors of numerous business ventures. The list goes on and on for the former New York Yankees captain.

The overarching theme in Jeter’s approach is familiar to those who watched and admired his legendary career: Whatever he attaches his name to, there’s undoubtedly a clear vision. He surrounds himself with smart, driven people and groups, which explains his success on and off the diamond.

Read more