It’s no surprise the Hawaiian Islands are a top travel destination. While the scenic beaches, lush tropical forests and ‘ono (delicious) food are unforgettable, it’s the welcoming people willing to share Hawai‘i and its rich culture that make a trip to the Islands exceptional. However, Hawai‘i isn’t just a destination—it’s home to 1.5 million […]
When vacationing on O‘ahu, visitors almost always include a lūʻau on their to-do list. Add award-winning entertainment, a 750-seat theater and Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson tribute artists to the mix, and you’re in for a memorable one-of-a-kind treat. It’s not every day you get to spend an evening in the heart of Waikīkī, so
A question we often receive from readers is how they can ship haku lei—or any lei—from Hawaiʻi to the Mainland (continental United States). The answer is really just knowing which local lei companies to use. The gesture of giving and receiving lei is incomparable. To adorn someone you love with a colorful, fragrant accessory made entirely
Set on Hawaiʻi Island’s Kohala Coast, the beautiful Floating Lantern Festival brings together hundreds of residents and visitors to commemorate loved ones who have passed. The enchanting festival derives from Toro Nagashi, a Japanese tradition which translates to “lantern offerings on water.” During the Floating Lantern Festival on the Big Island, hundreds of paper
The smell of fresh cut flowers fills the air as jubilant ʻukulele melodies provide the soundtrack for a tropical evening. Kālua pork and fresh poi are loaded onto plates and accompanied by sweet mai tais. After a feast of Island cuisine, the heart pounding thunder of drums begins, and an exciting show unfolds for a
On episode 88 of the “Have Aloha Will Travel” podcast, co-hosts Catherine Toth Fox and Grace Maeda welcome HAWAIʻI Magazine’s editorial intern, Mia Anzalone. Like Cat, Mia was born and raised on Oʻahu, so we decided to test the two on all things Hawaiʻi. Do you have what it takes to beat these two
Not many people are familiar with kapa (Hawaiian bark cloth), but designer and artist Page Chang is turning that around. Chang is the owner of Pūkoʻa Studios, a business that sells kapa as fine and wearable works of art. Through prints and fashion accessories, Chang is revitalizing this traditional artform. The mixed-race Hawaiian artist was
On this episode of the “Have Aloha Will Travel” podcast, co-hosts Catherine Toth Fox and Grace Maeda sit down with expert wedding planner Tessa Gomes and professional wedding photographer Joseph Esser. From gathering inspiration and creating mood boards, to keeping guests under control, Tessa and Joseph provide valuable insight and tips on how to get
As Hawai‘i once again welcomes travel, it does so with new avenues for visitors to partake in “trips that give back.” At the helm of establishing this regenerative tourism model is Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s chief brand officer. Born and raised on O‘ahu, Ka‘anā‘anā assumed the newly created position last summer and sees regenerative
It was a strange year for the annual HAWAI‘I Magazine Photo Contest as COVID-19 limited photographers’ opportunities to travel and capture Hawai‘i. However, HAWAI‘I Magazine still received hundreds of eye-catching, award-worthy photos from readers. These are the first-place winners in the categories of land, ocean, people, wildlife and sunsets, as well as the grand-prize winner
Throughout the Islands, residents and visitors alike are looking forward to the return of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved summer events. Over the years, many of these festivals have become community traditions. And for the last two years, summers haven’t felt quite the same—for many reasons—one being the absent festivals. Fortunately, many of these festivals are making
Hawaiʻi is the land of beautiful pua (flowers). From the coastlines to the fiery crater of Kīlauea, rare and stunning flowers can be found growing across the Islands. These flowers have been important symbols in Hawaiian culture. Stories of the Hawaiian gods are often connected to many flowers, while some varieties were once used for
