If you’ve ever visited Kauaʻi and thought, this view looks like it was plucked straight from the big screen, it probably was. The epic Nāpali Coast dramatically cuts into the Pacific, offering up a quintessential picture of paradise. With sea-sprayed limestone cliffs, water-streaked emerald mountains, rich volcanic red dirt and a tropical jungle setting that […]
Clap, clap, stomp. Clap, clap, stomp. We keep the rhythm inside our double-hulled canoe as our guides chant, “E ala ē, ka lā i ka hikina.” As they continue with the remaining verses, repeating the oli (traditional Hawaiian chant) over and over, the sun begins to rise over Hawaiʻi Island as if summoned. Floating in
This story was originally published on Oct. 2, 2018. I glance at my hastily scribbled directions and drive back down the road I came from. I was told there’s a manapua man in Pearl City, Oʻahu, but without a proper address, all I can surmise is that he’s on the corner of Moanalua Road
No trip to Hawaiʻi—especially for first-time visitors—is complete without attending an authentic lūʻau. These immersive gatherings share Hawaiian and often Polynesian history, culture, cuisine and dance to offer a glimpse into local traditions and storytelling. From beachfront settings and mesmerizing performances to flavorful dishes like kālua pork and lau lau, bottomless mai tais, and warm
This story was originally published on Aug. 16, 2021. While many of us know Hawaiʻi’s natural wonders by the names they’ve been given in modern times, it is much less likely to hear them go by their original names, the ones bestowed upon them by the Native Hawaiians. And those names are so much
This story was originally published on Feb. 20, 2020. Hawaiʻi’s first premier big wave surf spot wasn’t always Waimea on Oʻahu or Peʻahi (aka Jaws) on Maui. It was a break located on the west side of Oʻahu, just up the coast from Waiʻanae, called Mākaha. In the 1930s, surfing in Hawaiʻi was very different
This story was originally published on July 8, 2020. Springer Kaye remembers growing up in Mānoa on Oʻahu with a neighbor who would share lychee with her family. It has always reminded her of summer in Hawaiʻi. “We would sit there, with that big paper bag of lychee, covered in the sticky sap,” says
In 2002, Disney introduced “Lilo & Stitch,” a quirky but heartfelt story set in a small town in Hawaiʻi. Filled with vibrant scenery and homages to Hawaiʻi, the animated movie is imbued with strong themes of ʻohana and community, which resonated—and still does—with audiences around the world. Based in a town inspired by Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi,
The Pan-Pacific Festival is set to once again bring exciting cultural performances to Honolulu and Waikīkī, from June 13 to 15. This year’s festival is the second following a five-year hiatus. “We are thrilled to continue the tradition of bringing together cultures from around the Pan-Pacific to celebrate our global community,” says Yusuke Komoriya, president
*This story was originally published on Jun. 28, 2019. After months of watching and waiting, it’s finally here: mango season, which, in Hawaiʻi, runs from March to November, depending on the variety. The sweet and tangy orange fruit first arrived in Hawaiʻi from Mexico in the early 1800s and has been an Island favorite
*This story was originally published on Mar. 17, 2020. It is another warm Saturday morning in downtown Honolulu. Gentle streams of light pour through the windows of ‘Iolani Palace’s former archives building and into the cool, air-conditioned room. Dozens of women are busily setting up space amongst the tables and chairs, arms full of
The prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival wrapped up competition this weekend in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island. Like every year, the hula and mele were incredible. Jaedyn Janae Puahualani Pavao took home the title of Miss Aloha Hula 2025 on Thursday night at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Pavao is a student and niece of Kumu Hula Leināʻala
