As schools of shiny silver fish dart by, a creature much larger catches my eye. A spotted eagle ray glides gracefully beneath me, the first one I’ve seen in the wild, its pectoral fins fluttering like wings. I’m in the ocean off Kahe Point, and I’m captivated. The waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands are home […]
Maui has long held a reputation for being home to some of the world’s best beaches. From expansive, sun-soaked shorelines to sheltered coves with abundant marine life, Maui offers something for every type of beachgoer. Whether you’re looking to swim, snorkel, sunbathe or simply soak in the views, the Valley Isle delivers—and our readers seem
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
Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauaʻi is known for its emerald valleys, lush scenery and epic hiking trails. However, the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are filled with vibrant coral formations and a beautiful array of marine life, offering a unique adventure under the sea. Snorkeling in the waters off the Garden Isle provides a window
Every year, we invite our readers to cast their votes for their favorite places across the Islands—including surf breaks. Here are the best surf spots on O‘ahu, according to our readers. Whether this is your first time in the lineup or you’re already shredding, you’ll want to check out these Oʻahu surf breaks. 1. Waikīkī
Hawaiʻi is a top travel destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, which are among the best in the world. Stretches of golden coastlines and crystal-clear waters help define the Islands as paradise. It’s nearly impossible to create a list of the best beaches in the Islands, so we ask our readers every year. The results
*This story was originally published on May 19, 2020. Every surf break on Oʻahu, even the ones that only emerge during historic swells, has a name. And these backstories can be intriguing, clever—or downright hilarious. Here are some of the stories behind Oʻahu’s surf breaks, thanks to the manaʻo (thought, belief, theory) of historian John
It’s no surprise Hawaiʻi has some of the best beaches in the U.S. That’s one of the main reasons travelers flock to the Islands. And travelers have also spoken, rating our beaches among the best in the country. Tripadvisor, the popular travel guidance platform, released its list of best beaches for 2024, and five Hawaiʻi
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
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
Picture relaxing in Hawai‘i. We’re pretty sure you imagined a beach. Hawai‘i has some of the best ones in the world, from the glittering sands of Lanikai on O‘ahu to the jet-black sands of Punalu‘u on Hawai‘i Island. And some of these beach locales have more than just sandy shores: You’ll find great restaurants, cute
Move over, Molokini. Kāʻanapali Beach is now the No. 1 snorkeling spot on Maui, according to our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Not that should be a huge surprise since the popular West Maui beach—27 miles west of Kahului Airport—has been on the list for years. (Rounding out the Top 5 are Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay,
