Disembarking at Aloha Tower one cannot help but think back to a time when intercontinental steamships transported visitors donning aloha shirts and wide brimmed hats with champagne flutes in one hand while waving goodbye with the other. The flamingo pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel sat regally to the left as the vessel pushed forward towards Lēʻahi […]
Thanks to a history full of sugar cane production, the mai tai has become synonymous with Hawaiʻi, even though the tiki cocktail didn’t originate in the Islands. To celebrate this National Mai Tai Day (Aug. 30), make your cocktails with more of a Hawaiʻi vibe by using locally made ingredients and shopping at local stores
You’re on vacation. So you probably want to sleep in, right? Don’t. Get up early—at least one day—and hit one of these spots on Oʻahu to catch the sunrise. Sip Kona coffee in your Hydroflask, marvel at the glorious start to the day—then grab breakfast somewhere close by. (We provide recommendations below.) Trust us, you
While attending the famed Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona Weaving Conference nearly a decade ago, weaver Kā‘eo Izon realized his kuleana (responsibility). The weaving club president asked his then 12-year-old protege, Kaha‘i Chan, to stand and be recognized. The crowd acknowledged her presence as a poignant first: Chan was among the youngest participants to ever attend
For 30 years the Made In Hawaiʻi Festival has offered the largest selection of Hawaiʻi-made goods under one roof. This year’s event, presented by Hawaiian Airlines, will be the biggest one yet, boasting over 700 makers and thousands of products from clothing, jewelry, arts, crafts, food and more. Local chefs will present cooking demonstrations to
What started as a vacation to Kona turned into a second career for Jean and Danielle Orlowski. In 2012 the couple bought a neglected 6-acre coffee farm in Captain Cook, about 20 miles south of Kailua-Kona, and grew it to become one of the biggest certified organic coffee farms in the state. Now, Hala Tree
Overlooking one of the best beaches in the world, Kāʻanapali Beach Resort has proudly served as Maui’s most Hawaiian hotel since 1964—an accolade earned through its continued commitment to authentic Hawaiian culture and experiences. Honored with prestigious readers’ choice awards from the likes of Condé Nast Traveler for Top Hawaiʻi Resort in 2023 as well
Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore the place I’m visiting. It’s a great way to learn about and appreciate its unique natural environment—and burn calories, too. (Because eating is my second favorite thing to do!) Kauaʻi boasts miles of trails, from hikes to waterfalls to paths meandering through majestic mahogany trees. Here
Last year Honolulu-based lei maker and stylist Meleana Estes made her debut in the publishing world with her gorgeous book “Lei Aloha: Celebrating the Vibrant Flowers and Lei of Hawai‘i,” a touching homage to lei making and the people in Hawai‘i’s lei community. Brimming with beautiful photos of lei and flowers, the book shares the
Downtown Honolulu hasn’t had a new hotel open since the Executive Centre was built in 1984. With the pandemic fading and efforts towards the revitalization of the neighborhood on the rise, it was time. Located at 1111 Bishop Street between the Hawai’i Theatre, Capital Modern Museum and ʻIolani Palace, the AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu
Before the pandemic one of the highlights at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oʻahu for many visitors was the canoe show, where dancers, singers and musicians rode double-hulled canoes and surfboards through the canals that run through the 42-acre, Polynesian-themed park in Lāʻie. Here’s what “Huki: A Canoe Celebration” looked like in 2018: During the
Snorkeling is like a stained-glass window into a world under the sea. The best part about it is, there is no expensive equipment or training needed. Anyone can jump in and experience a kaleidoscope of magnificent, tropical fish going about their day. Over 5 million people visit Oʻahu’s stunning, sandy coastlines and clear crystal water every
