The 46th annual Merrie Monarch Festival kicks off tonight. For many hula halau (troupes), the festival is their Super Bowl. They spend much of the year practicing and preparing for this weekend. Hundreds of dancers from around the world congregate to Edith Kanakaole Stadium in the Big Island town of Hilo for a weekend filled […]
In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the home of the gods. On Oahu we have our own Olympus. You won’t find Zeus here, but remarkable views of Honolulu, the Manoa and Palolo Valleys and East Oahu await those who make the trek. The best way to get to Mount Olympus is up the Waahila Ridge
Spring is here. No better time for some great art-house cinema. The Hawaii International Film Festival’s Spring Showcase will feature 23 films from more than 10 countries. The event runs from April 3-9. Unlike the two-week festival in October, the Spring Showcase offers far fewer films—2008’s HIFF had over 100 films—but the eclectic spirit that
The thought of waking up early on a Sunday and heading to the quaint Oahu north shore town of Haleiwa generally holds serious appeal only for surfers and beachgoers. Starting this weekend, you can add fresh produce devotees to the mix. The Haleiwa Farmers’ Market is set to debut this Sunday morning, April 5, at
Attention Pacific Northwest residents! Want to trade your drizzly skies and extra tall lattes for a dose of Hawaii sunshine this summer? Act now and you’ll be able to for a seriously reasonable price, with Hawaiian Airlines. The catch? You must book the end of March, which, unfortunately, happens to be tomorrow. The Hawaii-based air
One of Hawaii’s most visited military historical sites is getting a facelift. Preliminary construction has begun on a new 17,750 square-foot USS Arizona Memorial visitor center at Pearl Harbor. The $58 million project includes other additions and landscaping changes to the visitor center grounds. The world famous edifice of the Alfred Preis-designed memorial, constructed above
You ask. We answer. Reader Faye Waltman writes: When my husband and I last visited Oahu, construction had just started on the new Donald Trump property on Waikiki Beach. I haven’t heard any more about the progress of the hotel. Is it open? Or did construction stop due to the economy? The real estate market
A rare Molokai vine has been added to the federal endangered species list this week—the first plant to receive the designation from the Obama administration. Phyllostegia hispida can only be found in the thick, damp forests of eastern Molokai, 2,300 to 4,200 feet above sea level. The vine is distinguishable by its loosely spreading branches
Hawaii and Ireland have a lot in common. Both are islands. Ireland is known for its verdant “emerald” countryside, while Hawaii has more than its fair share of lush green surroundings. Also, both places know how to have a good time come St. Patrick’s Day. Hawaii’s St. Paddy’s Day festivities begin this afternoon. A parade,
Love lei? On Oahu this weekend? We’ve found the festival for you. A Celebration of Hawaiian Lei Making will take place March 20-22 at the Academy Art Center at Linekona, across the street from the Honolulu Academy of Arts—with hands-on lei-making demonstrations, talk story sessions and photo exhibits. The weekend’s events will culminate with an
The Islands’ rich ecological diversity is reflected in its bird population. Hundreds of avian species call Hawaii home. With the countless number of species—many bearing similarities to one another—distinguishing our feathered friends can be a daunting task. A new publication details all you need to know about Hawaii’s birds. The Checklist of Birds in the
After 10 days of patient waiting, the sea-starved crew of the Hokulea finally left Hawaii yesterday evening just before sunset. The voyaging canoe’s course is now set for the remote Palmyra Atoll, some 1,000 miles south of Hawaii in the Line Islands. As previously reported here, Hokulea was originally scheduled to leave Friday, Feb. 27
