So this year, I’m feeling the need to celebrate all things frigid. I cranked the A/C on Christmas Day so I could wear something long-sleeved. When it’s rainy, I secretly rejoice (sorry to all the visitors for the bad karma). I eat far too much eggnog-flavored ice cream.

And I finally went to visit the penguin colony at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Granted, these are warm-weather penguins from Africa so they’re probably more comfortable in a hot tub than on an ice floe, but allow me to indulge in the fantasy.

This absolutely FREE exhibit features about a half-dozen African black-footed penguins, happily frolicking for visitors. They’re so cute, you want to reach out and pet them. Males are banded on the right wing, females on the left. They’re fed at 8 a.m., so pop by in the morning and get an extra treat.

While you’re there, you’re not limited to just ogling penguins. Stroll around the Hilton Hawaiian Village grounds and you’ll see flamingos, noisy macaws and more koi than you can shake a stick at. My personal favorite was the wood ducks that let you get so close, you could almost pet them. But that would be bad. So just stick to looking, folks, and enjoy!

For more information visit http://tr.im/hiltonwildlife

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For Kama’aina, the location makes you feel a little like you’re on vacation right at home. Visitors to our islands can catch a nice view of the western side of the island and enjoy the resort without having to pay the steep prices. I’d suggest dining at Azul restaurant in the main hotel, or take in the Paradise Cove Luau, also located right at the resort. Sit on the beach a spell, then head over to gorge yourself. Life just doesn’t get better.

The four manmade lagoons are mostly sheltered from rough surf making it perfect for everyone, keiki included. Swimming here is also easy because the Marriott folks have nicely cleared away all sharp volcanic rock from the ocean floor. Snorkeling near the rocks can be good—I’ve seen honu and lots of cool fish. No sharks, thank goodness.

One note: the parking is notoriously slim. I’d suggest getting there early or late (after 4 p.m.) in order to snag a spot. Also, immediately before the first lagoon is a large parking lot, but only the back is open to the public.

For directions to the resort, visit the resort website at http://www.koolina.com

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So I was happy to find the blissfully un-crowded Ka’ena Point trail on Oahu’s North Shore. The hike is easy, only about 5 miles roundtrip, but bring lots of water and a snack—there’s virtually no shade along the way.

The whole trail provides fantastic views up to Oahu’s westernmost point: natural stone arches, noisy blowholes and big tide pools. If you hike in winter, you’ll see the largest waves in the state—sometimes reaching 40 feet. At the point, you can get lucky and spot sharks in the water or a coastal seabird’s nest.

The best part was that unspoiled feeling: there were locals fishing along rocky outcroppings and kids running along the trail, playing tag. We were even treated to a group of nudists frolicking in a tide pool (but don’t quote me on that one—there are no bare-bottom guarantees).

It’s an easy drive from H1. Take the highway west to the end and just keep going, continuing on Hwy 93 and 930 until the road ends at Ka’ena Point State Park.

Park at the far end of the beach, right at the trailhead. Unless you have a serious 4-wheel-drive, don’t attempt to take your car up the trail. Make sure to never leave valuables in the car. It’s just plain dumb to tempt sticky fingers.

Though there’s a northern hike to the point from the Mokule’ia side, I wouldn’t suggest it. It’s much more dusty and frequented by four-wheelers who tear around the dunes. Cool for them, not so cool for us. Happy trekking!

Ka’ena State Park is open daily during daylight hours. Park includes restrooms, trash cans and payphone. Visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/ for more information.

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