Late last November, family-owned and -operated Hawaii coffee farm Buddha’s Sanctuary won the highest honors at the Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products (AVPA) international coffee cupping competition, a prestigious event where the world’s best growers vie for awards and medals. This agricultural contest, held in Paris, received 117 entries from 25 different countries. […]
It seems like something out of a fantasyland. Kiholo Bay’s dazzling coastline features black sand beaches, anchialine ponds, towering coconut tree groves and abundant marine life. The main attraction amid this idyllic tropical setting, however, is the spectacular Wainanalii Pond. Big Island locals simply refer to the vibrant-looking pool as the “blue lagoon.” Having resided
A new road to the Isaac Hale Beach Park, which goes over the lava flow that covered Highway 137, opened yesterday, Dec. 6. The road to Isaac Hale Beach Park, also referred to Pohoiki, had been closed for months after heavy lava flow from the eruption of Kilauea carpeted the highway. This new thoroughfare comes
I first spot them as I rumble along the long gravel road. The soft, bristled flowers are like mini red fireworks dotting the forest. I’m in Mountain View, a small town about 15 miles east of Hilo, visiting a tucked-away property called the Lyons Estate. True to its name, Mountain View is known for its scenic
The 48th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival toasts the roast with 10 days of coffee events from Friday, November 9 through Sunday, November 18. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is a unique and enriching experience that ensures the story of Kona coffee’s cultural heritage continues to be shared with residents and visitors. The cultural heritage
Earlier this month, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows started a yearlong renovation and has closed its doors to guests. In May, it was revealed that the resort will be operated by luxury brand Auberge Resorts and plans were made for the extensive $100 million redesign. The resort, which opened in 1983, is scheduled
After being closed for 134 days, most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopened on Sept. 22, marking a miraculous comeback from months of eruptions, seismic activity and lava flows at Kilauea. And although the visitor center, which is the first building you see when you enter the park, looks nearly the same as it did
It’s undeniable that the destruction and loss of homes caused by Kilauea’s most recent eruption is tragic. However, as the lava has stopped flowing, we’re beginning to see another side of this inevitable force of nature, the side of creation. Aside from the tiny peninsula and miles of land created by this flow, a new
As the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park gets ready to allow public access on September 22, a sad bit of information has been released by the park’s spokeswoman, Alexis Brooks. According to Brooks, the Jaggar Museum, which housed geological and cultural exhibits focused on the study of volcanoes, as well as the Hawaiian culture surrounding it,
Are you game? If so, the 40-minute tour of the Subaru Telescope will literally whisk you out of this world. Mauna Kea, on Hawaii Island, is regarded as one of the best sites in the world for astronomical research. Thirteen observatories operated by 11 countries are clustered on its peak; the Subaru Telescope, part of
A crackle comes through the two-way headset snug over my ears. “Have you been on a helicopter before?” our pilot, Keith, asks me. “This is my first time,” I say. “How about that,” he answers. “Me, too!” Keith, of course, is joking. He’s a skilled pilot, trained and certified, with Paradise Helicopters. A locally owned
Inside each tank is an adult day octopus—called hee in Hawaiian—native to Hawaii waters and active during the daytime. At Kanaloa Octopus Farm, it’s a look and touch kind of experience. It’s a sunny Friday afternoon and I’m on a tour with 20 other people. Kanaloa Octopus Farm is located at scenic Keahole Point, about 10
