Hawai’i is a place that enables visitors to relax and recharge by enjoying mai tais, sunsets, and beach time. Through the growing voluntourism movement, some people are choosing to reinvest in the islands by spending a few hours of their vacation volunteering. What might seem at first like work that detracts from time off is […]
For World Oceans Day on June 8, the “Have Aloha Will Travel” podcast is thrilled to sit down with Tapani Vuori, the general manager at Maui Ocean Center. Located in Māʻalaea, the eco-conscious aquarium cares for one of the world’s largest collections of live Pacific coral. Its exhibits and educational programs engage with residents and
This World Ocean Day, join Pacific Whale Foundation as it celebrates visual storytellers who are passionate about protecting the ocean and marine wildlife during the 6th Annual World Whale Film Festival. Presented by the nonprofit ocean conservation organization with funding provided by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Fund, the film festival lights
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
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the world’s most endangered seal species—and for years its population in the Islands have been on a steady (and alarming) decline. But in May the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has been monitoring the seal’s population trend and taken action to save them, reported the total population
For the first time in documented history, green sea turtles nested at Bellows Field Beach Park on Oʻahu during the summer of 2020. Wildlife researchers claimed it was “unprecedented” behavior by sea turtles. Commonly referred to as honu in Hawaiʻi, green sea turtles are known to nest along Oʻahu’s various shorelines. However, according to the
This story originally appeared in the July 2019 issue of our sister publication, Honolulu Magazine. No matter where Peggy Farias goes, nēnē follow. They show up in every shape and form, at the most unexpected times and places. They filled her childhood, congregating on her family’s sprawling Big Island estate in Hā‘ena as uninvited (and
There’s been a movement in Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry since the Islands reopened again to travelers early last year, and it has taken on the name of “regenerative tourism.” Major hotels and resorts have begun working with non-profits and charitable causes to create initiatives and programs to help make the Islands a better place—thanks to the
In small batches, Haleakalā Creamery makes one-of-a-kind goat milk ice cream and cheeses. The Maui family business also hosts farm tours so people can meet its friendly goats, learn about local farming, and taste a spread of gourmet goat-milk products. Striving to be a part of the Islands’ farm movement, Rebecca Woodburn-Rist was determined to produce her own food from Maui’s agriculture
While volunteering in the Islands may sound like working on your vacation, it’s really the best way to meet and make friends with residents and to get a unique and authentic perspective of the real Hawaiʻi. Not only that but after you’re pau (finished), you’ll be left with a sense of accomplishment that will stay with
It’s that magical time of the year again when the North Pacific Humpback whales return once more to the shallow waters of the Hawaiian Islands to mate, raise their young and wow whale watchers. These beloved gentle giants, known in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) as koholā, have migrated to Hawaiʻi in the winter months through
The National Park Service is urging drivers at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to slow down, as the third nēnē (Hawaiian goose) was struck and killed by a car last week. October is the start of breeding and nesting season in Hawaiʻi for this native bird, listed as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In
