Articles by Jackie Kojima

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Arts + Culture, Culture, Food, Oʻahu

Why We Eat Mochi on New Year’s in Hawaiʻi

*This story was originally published on Dec. 31, 2019. People worldwide are welcoming the new year with spectacular firework shows and glasses of Champagne. In Hawaiʻi, we celebrate with popping firecrackers (to ward off evil spirits), eating noodles (which symbolize longevity), cleaning our homes (so you don’t carry your old life into the new year) […]

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Arts + Culture, First-Time, Oʻahu, O‘ahu Arts + Culture, O‘ahu Where To Eat, Restaurants, The Latest, Where To Eat

8 Foods to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Honolulu

This story was originally published on Jan. 24, 2020. Eight is a lucky number in Chinese culture since it sounds similar to the word for wealth or fortune. Here are eight lucky foods we eat in Hawaiʻi during Lunar New Year. Noodles   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by MIAN Honolulu|ミアン・ホノルル (@miantastehi)

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Best of Blog, Best of the Best, Family, Hotels, O‘ahu Where To Stay, Where To Stay

The 5 Best Hotels for Families on Oʻahu

When booking a family vacation, it’s important to choose a hotel that everyone can enjoy. With stellar accommodations and ample on-site activities, these five family hotels on Oʻahu topped the list of our 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Photo: Courtesy of Hilton Hawaiian Village The Waikīkī Starlight Lūʻau at

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Adventure, Adventure, Best of Blog, Kaua'i What To Do, Kauaʻi

The 5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi is home to lush greenery, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, making the oldest Hawaiian island an ideal spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. These five snorkeling spots topped the list of our 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. Mākua Beach (aka Tunnels Beach) Poʻipū Beach. Photo: Getty Images This popular family-friendly beach on Kauaʻi’s South Shore is

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Arts + Culture, Culture, Food, O‘ahu Arts + Culture, Recipes, The Latest

How We Celebrate Girls’ Day in Hawaiʻi

During Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868), families began displaying hina-ningyo or dolls, on the third day of the third month. Timed with the blooming of vibrant pink peach blossoms, displaying hina-ningyo was believed to ward off evil spirits. The custom became known as “Momo no Sekku (Peach Blossom Festival),” “Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival),” and “Girls’ Day,” slowly

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Food, From Our Magazine, Oʻahu, O‘ahu Arts + Culture, Shopping

Find Handcrafted Japanese Shochu in Oʻahu’s Surfing Town of Haleʻiwa

When Ken Hirata vacationed in Hawai‘i more than 20 years ago, he tried poi, a traditional Hawaiian staple made from mashed taro. Realizing that fermentation was a key process in making both poi and shochu, a beloved distilled spirit made in his home country, Japan, Hirata wondered if he could craft good shochu with Hawai‘i-grown

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Activities, Couples, The Latest

7 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Hawaiʻi

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner—Friday, actually—and if you didn’t already make dinner reservations, you might be out of luck. That’s OK. Here are seven creative ways you can celebrate with your special someone. Visit a Museum The lunch basket from Hotel Wailea on Maui. Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Wailea Ditch your usual restaurant

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Family, Travel Tips

What To Do on a Rainy Day in Hawaii

It’s a nightmare that haunts every traveler: You’ve spent countless hours perfecting your ideal vacation itinerary, only to be welcomed by a downpour. Hawaii has its fair share of rainy days, especially this time of the year, but don’t let the cloudy skies get you down. Here are several ways you can make the most

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