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 […]
It’s well known that the Hawaiian Islands are dotted with exciting activities and adventures, and seeing these breathtaking islands from high above has always topped my list of can’t-miss experiences. And now that I’ve done it, what can I say? My helicopter adventure took me over the legendary Nāpali Coast, which stretches along the remote
The Hawaiʻi National Park Service announced this week that the Uēkahuna observation deck in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened to the public. Located at the summit of Kīlauea, park visitors can look across the caldera to see Halemaʻumaʻu crater and also gaze up at Mauna Loa. For generations, Uēkahuna has been revered by Native Hawaiians
It’s 9 a.m. in Hale‘iwa on O‘ahu’s North Shore and surfers, paddlers and visitors are already hitting the beach and surf shops. But there’s another side to the world’s surfing capital: Tucked back from the main road, behind eateries and a row of palm trees, is the nonprofit Mālama Loko Ea, which has been restoring
Situated at the foot of the Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu’s Windward Side, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden spans 400 beautiful acres. Opened in 1982, the garden is the youngest and largest botanical garden owned and operated by the city and county of Honolulu. The property features six tropical gardens—which are inspired by geographical regions—and it also boasts
At least we weren’t the only ones. Like many of you, we had been captivated by the fountains of lava from Kīlauea, shooting up over 1,000 feet above Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The recent eruption—now exiting its Episode 16—has lured volcano enthusiasts from around the world to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to witness this extraordinary sight. It
Ever heard of the phrase, “Leave No Trace”? It’s an accepted set of seven principles—a mantra in national parks and other protected outdoor spaces—that remind visitors to minimize their impact on the environment. One of those principles can directly be applied to national parks in Hawai‘i: Leave what you find. For decades, people have taken
From a single garden bed at Kīhei Elementary School to a flourishing network of green spaces across Maui County, Grow Some Good has blossomed into a beacon of sustainable education, food security and community resilience. Established in 2008, this nonprofit offers a project-oriented, place-based educational program that transforms school gardens into living classrooms. Since its
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
Tucked away in an urban jungle of concrete buildings and bustling streets, Foster Botanical Garden is a hidden gem and provides a peaceful respite. Opened to the public in 1931, it’s the oldest of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, which includes Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, Wahiawā Botanical Garden and Koko Crater Botanical Garden. READ MORE:
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
A popular attraction—and one of our favorite places on Kauaʻi—closed on Oct. 31, 2024. Makauwahi Cave Reserve, the largest limestone cave in Hawaiʻi and has preserved over 10,000 years of sedimentary history, is no longer accessible to the public. After 20 years the leaseholders of the cave returned the property back to the landowner, Grove
