You can’t have a Spam musubi or the makings of a decent Hawaii-style plate lunch without one very necessary ingredient: rice. So it’s no wonder that (as with Spam Jam for Spam) this starchy staple has a popular local celebration dedicated to it every year. The 4th annual Hawaii Rice Fest, happening from noon to […]
So you’re on Maui this Labor Day weekend, consider yourself something of a foodie and, maybe, feel like noshing on some of the best cuisine on the island? Plan on a visit to the second annual Kaanapali Fresh, a three-day series of culinary events at the hotels and resorts of the Kaanapali Beach Resort, dedicated
For more than three decades, the annual Okinawan Festival has celebrated the music, dance and, of course, delicious food of the Okinawan culture in Hawaii. What started as a small gathering for Hawaii residents with Okinawan ancestry is now a two-day extravaganza at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki for anyone interested in learning about and experiencing
We weren’t even three minutes into the craggy dirt roadway to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve when one of our companions busted a tire on his bicycle. A not-exactly welcome, if unexpected chance to absorb my surroundings. It was the first time in years I had been on the coastal trail traversing remote Kaena Point,
On your next visit to Pololu Valley Lookout, at the end of the Big Island’s northernmost highway, do the following. Take a seat on the lookout’s rock wall. Close your eyes. Inhale the salt-kissed air of the meeting of rugged North Kohala and Hamakua coastline. Exhale slowly. Then open your eyes and take in the
When I found out there was a guided day hike of the majestic natural wonder that is the Napali Coast, I was off to Kauai as soon as I could book a flight. Before I continue, some clarification is in order. I’m fairly certain there’s still no humanly means of hiking the 22 miles of
There’s nothing like a lively kanikapila (Hawaiian for “impromptu jam session”) on the beach. And when that kanikapila honors the late, legendary Hawaii slack-key guitarist/vocalist Gabby Pahinui, in his hometown no less, you can expect some of the best musicians in the Islands to show up to jam. The 6th annual Gabby Pahinui Waimanalo Kanikapila
Missed an episode—or an entire season—of the CBS crime drama Hawaii Five-0 and want to catch up on what’s up with crime lord Wo-Fat? Shrimp truck entrepreneur Kamekona? Oh, and maybe the Five-0 crime fighting unit, too? The Oahu-filmed series—about to begin its fourth season in September—will launch the syndicated run of episodes from its
There are legends behind most places in Hawaii, and the Kahuku area in the south Big Island district of Kau is no different. The story goes that Kahuku, now largely barren and overrun by hardened, jagged a‘a lava, was once lush with forests and taro fields. Lush, that is, until Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of
The Honolulu Museum of Art seems to have more live music than ever radiating from its Beretania Street location these days. And starting in August, there will be even more. On Aug. 21, the museum kicks off “Music of Hawaii,” a third monthly concert series to accompany its “Secret Sound Showcase” alternative music and “Last
Banned earlier this year from lighting up at a handful of popular Oahu beaches and parks, smokers will now have to contend with smoke-free zones at all Oahu parks, beaches and bus stops. On Sunday, Honolulu mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law two bills passed by the Honolulu City Council earlier this month banning smoking
Celestino Drago knows how deep the connection between food and culture is. His childhood roots in Sicily are evident in his cooking and have made him one of Los Angeles’ most lauded Italian chefs. “Everything I create is a reflection of my culture because it is what I grew up with,” says Drago, who runs
