DISCLAIMER: Reservations are required for a tour with the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary You’ll know you’ve entered a Hawaii tropical cloud forest by the smell: The sweet ozone-y scent of earth after rain mingles with cool, crisp mountain air. But one way you may not be able to tell a cloud forest from other forests […]
The Merrie Monarch Festival, held in Hilo, is both the world’s most prestigious hula competition and a cultural showcase of Native Hawaiian traditions and practices—a yearly institution watched around the world. The always sold-out tickets for the festival’s three competition days—beginning this Thursday, March 31 through Saturday April 2—have long since been doled out, but
Kau Coffee may not have the same recognizable ring to it as world-famous Kona Coffee, but many in-the-know coffee aficionados say, though the flavors are different, it’s just as good. Overshadowed by Kona, its northerly neighbor, when agricultural workers found the local sugar plantation more profitable, Hawaii Island’s southerly Kau district’s coffee industry began 1894. And,
The salt and pepper sands of Hookena Beach Park saw its first sunbathers in four months following a precautionary closure by Hawaii County and State Department of Health officials. The South Kona beach—popular with residents and visitors alike for swimming, boogie-boarding, kayaking, surfing and camping—has been closed to the public since November 4, 2015 after
As much of an annoyance vog, or volcanic smog, can be, it’s a part of island living. As we all respectfully understand, nature does what she does here, including filling our skies (and lungs) with the stuff courtesy of Kilauea’s constant activity on Hawaii Island. The toxic gas is attributed for causing headaches, watery eyes,
Though Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is one of the state’s largest draws, few visit or even know about its Kahuku Unit on the southerly slopes of Mauna Loa. Thirty miles southwest of the park’s main entrance, the 116,000-acre former ranch plot was acquired by the park in 2003. It’s only open to the public
Some of the best food in Kona can be found at small, pop-up roadside eateries along the Belt Road (Highway 11). Fire-roasted huli huli (repeatedly turning) chicken, sold-hot-out-of-the-back-of-the-van malasadas and fresh island-caught fish tacos are true local foodie gems, even if there are miles between them. Now, it seems, there will be a regular one-stop
The creamy green avocado is a staple of tropical eating, but did you know Hawaii Island harbors over 200 varieties of guacamole’s star ingredient? From pear-shaped to perfectly round and every shape in-between, avocados may have been introduced to the region by in-the-know visitors as early as 1794. Farmers’ markets from Hilo to Kona have
When most people think about active Hawaii Island volcanoes, Kilauea comes to mind. But did you know that there are actually four volcanoes * around the island that are considered active, and among them is Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive volcano? Last September, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) raised Mauna Loa’s alert level
While Kona agriculture for many is synonymous with coffee, Big Island Bees wants you to think a little sweeter. The company, under the direction of owners and fourth-generation beekeeper Garnett Puett and his wife Whendi produce as much as 600,000 lbs of the syrupy treat with their more than 190 million bees each year. If you’re up
Tennis fans in the 50th State are being treated to a world class match as the United States takes on Poland at the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II First Round in February. The Fed Cup is the largest annual international team competition for women’s tennis in the world with 100 nations competing
Humpback whales, or na kohola, migrate from Alaskan waters to Hawaii in the winter and spring months of November (sometimes earlier) through May every year, seeking warm waters for breeding and birthing new calves. From the islands’ beaches or lookouts, you might catch sight of them in the distance, but we highly recommend booking a
