From witnessing the fiery eruption at Kīlauea to hiking through tropical forests, nature lovers have plenty to do on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island. And the charming town of Hilo is the perfect home base for them and other adventurous travelers. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is just a 45-minute drive south of Hilo International […]
Passing by a series of subterranean geological features named cave chocolate, cave bacon and cave popcorn, I start to wonder if Oompa-Loompas might also be found in Kula Kai Caverns, part of a vast underworld beneath the southwestern slopes of Mauna Loa. While I don’t end up nibbling the scenery like the kids in “Charlie
The Seattle-based Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2026-27 Hawaiʻi cruises, with a choice of six itineraries ranging from 17 to 28 days. The cruises sail aboard Koningsdam, Noordam and Zaandam ships, and start or end in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Seattle, Washington; or San Diego, California. Each cruise to the Islands will feature
Our morning began on a verdant mountaintop overlooking central and west Maui with hot coffee in hand. As we tasted estate-grown Kaʻū, a honey-processed estate blend and a Mokka grown in Kāʻanapali, Molly Leoso, one of the farmers and our tour guide from Oʻo Farm, walked us through the process of coffeemaking. “I often liken
From highways to backcountry roads, if you spend just a little time driving in Hawaiʻi you’ll spot cars, minivans and trucks decked in decals with Island-style messages. One common bumper sticker advises folks to “Slow down, this ain’t the mainland.” Although it’s meant as a quip, the phrase is a helpful reminder to enjoy the
It’s always a good idea to head outdoors in Hawaiʻi—and Maui has dozens of reasons to lace up and hit the trails. The Valley Isle boasts a variety of hikes, from grueling ridge treks to leisurely strolls through native rainforests. If you’re planning to explore Maui’s hiking trails on your next visit—or maybe you need
From stargazing on the tallest mountain in Hawaiʻi to staying at an exclusive, adults-only resort, the Islands offer unforgettable experiences. For anyone planning a trip to the Islands in 2025, these activities and excursions are worth adding to your bucket list. 1. Hike in Haleakalā National Park, Maui Venturing to the highest point on the
Got a trip planned to Oʻahu—but want to visit Kauaʻi, too? I don’t blame you. Kauaʻi is one of my favorite places to visit, especially when I want to decompress and relax. It’s a great island for exploring, with miles of uncrowded hiking trails and secluded beaches. If you’re planning to spend at least a
It’s not every day you walk through a forest of Honduras mahogany trees in Hawai‘i—or anywhere, really. And yet, here we are, standing among more than 85,000 of these trees, planted in perfect rows on the Wai Koa Plantation, a 500-acre working farm on the north shore of Kaua‘i. Wai Koa is the largest mahogany
They say that sunsets in Hawaiʻi are unmatched. And while it’s true, there’s something just as magnificent about rising before dawn to catch the first rays of sunlight as they illuminate the Islands. Stirring before the sun might not be at the top of your list of things to do during your Valley Isle vacation
In Hawaiʻi winter brings cooler weather, humpback whales and, of course, massive surf to north-facing shores. Surfing—or heʻe nalu in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language)—is believed to have originated in ancient Polynesia and brought to the Islands, where it thrived. Once a sport reserved for aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty), commoners were allowed to hit the waves when
The first humpback whale of the 2024-2025 season was spotted off the coast of Kāʻanapali, Maui, on Oct. 8 by Capt. Matt Talbot and his crew. “Our crew and guests were ecstatic to be able to witness the season’s first sighted individual making its way through Maui Nui just a mile offshore, marking the start
