It’s a crisp Saturday morning, and I’m thoroughly enjoying myself as I pick through baskets of laua‘e, kupukupu and palapalai ferns, allspice, red and green ti leaves, Song of India leaves, carnations, baby’s breath, fuchsia bougainvillea, red ‘awapuhi (ginger), roses and other flowers and foliage I don’t know the names of. I’m gathering materials to […]
On Dec. 20 Hawaiʻi Island residents once again saw black plumes of smoke rising from the Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. The volcanic hotspot had returned to life (though it currently poses no threat to residents). Read More: Here’s How To Safely View the New Eruption on Hawaiʻi Island The natural phenomenon continues to be a sight
Stacy Farias holds up a strand of precious pakalana, strung together with hundreds of delicate flowers, and the sweet scent perfumes the air. More flower lei are arrayed on the table in front of her: pale orange pua kenikeni, plumeria in rainbow shades, precious pakalana, ti twisted into handsome lei for men. Sophia’s—the place is
Who doesn’t love the plucky sounds created by the ʻukulele, one of Hawaiʻi’s favorite and most iconic instruments. A distant member of the lute family, the ʻuke was actually brought over to the Islands by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira, however, Hawaiʻi locals—and monarchs like King Kalālakaua—quickly adopted the four-stringed noisemaker. Now, the ʻuke has gone global,
Over 700 years ago, ancient Hawaiian settlers founded Lapakahi, a small seaside village that for years prospered within Koai‘e Cove. The waters were abundant with marine life, the location was sheltered from the harsh Kohala winds and numerous thatched-roof hale (houses) were erected in the area. Today, it’s easy to see what once was at Lapakahi, now a historical
There was something great that happened in 2020. A new Hawaiian monk seal was born. And this month that pup (RM90) got a name. It’s Mele, the Hawaiian word for “song.” The pup, who was born in either late spring or early summer on Oʻahu, was given her name by a group of third graders
Jackson Dorian may only be 13, but he’s already being compared to his famous father—and rightfully so. The young, diminutive surfer from Kona has lived a dream life already. With idyllic surroundings, home schooling and strong support from his family and friends, Jackson is in an enviable position for any kid. His dad, Shane Dorian,
November is when the koholā (humpback whales) return to Hawaiʻi to breed, birth and nurse calves. An estimated 8,000 to 12,000 of the protected marine mammals migrate from Alaska to the Islands’ warm, shallow waters through April, when they head back north again. This year, though, the first North Pacific humpback whale sighting was reported on Oct.
It’s a warm afternoon as I sit on the lawn at Kilohana Plantation in Līhuʻe on Kauaʻi. I’m covered by shade from a tent and yet a slight sweat breaks across my brow as I put all my concentration into my task at hand—weaving half of a fresh coconut frond into an open-top pāpale (the
The Diaries of Queen Lili‘uokalani of Hawai‘i, 1885–1900 Edited and Annotated by David Forbes Longtime Honolulu-based narcotics agent John Madinger has penned an unexpected novel that includes a new take on the infamous Massie case. Not to worry, the Punahou School alum isn’t making up new evidence. Without giving away too much, Madinger’s novel toggles between a
The best lū‘au in Hawai‘i will serve the authentic stuff: succulent kālua pig, creamy haupia and, of course, poi. So if you are lucky enough to get handed that perfect plate, here’s what you’ll be eating: Squid lūʻau (top right), poi (bottom right) and chicken long rice (left). Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino Squid lū‘au: A classic lū‘au dish made with taro leaves (aka lū‘au or kalo leaves) simmered with octopus (tako) and coconut
In ancient Hawaiʻi, loko iʻa (fishponds) served as vital resources for Hawaiian communities. By some accounts, there were an estimated 350 fishponds in operation in ancient Hawaiʻi, growing a variety of fresh and saltwater plants and fish, including ʻamaʻama (mullet) and ʻawa (milkfish). Loko kuapā, or walled shoreline ponds, were the most common. These had sluice gates, or mākāhā, to keep fish
