*This story was originally published on Mar. 17, 2020. It is another warm Saturday morning in downtown Honolulu. Gentle streams of light pour through the windows of ‘Iolani Palace’s former archives building and into the cool, air-conditioned room. Dozens of women are busily setting up space amongst the tables and chairs, arms full of […]
*This story was originally published on Jun. 24, 2015 Where did the Spam musubi originate? What does “manapua” mean? We traced the history of five Hawaiʻi comfort food favorites all the way back to their earliest origins to decipher the roots of their modern-day multicultural appeal. Malasadas These chewy, steamed or baked buns, filled
After much anticipation, HAWAIʻI Magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards is available and on newsstands! (Get your copy here.) From the best beaches and hiking trails to family-friendly resorts and lūʻau, this list represents the best of the best in Hawaiʻi. Over the next few weeks, you’ll get a sneak peek of the winners, as
Waikīkī is welcoming a new addition to the neighborhood—just in time for Hawaiʻi’s annual “May Day is Lei Day” celebration on May 1. Tucked in the Romer House Waikīkī, The Lei Stand Waikīkī pays tribute to the legacy of local lei shops and the timeless symbol of aloha, all while embodying modern Island style. From
At Waiola Shave Ice, there’s a comforting sense of nostalgia, even for first-timers. Whether it’s the familiar syrup flavors or the charm of the shop—or both—Waiola Shave Ice remains an endearing classic on Oʻahu. The family-run shop, tucked in Mōʻiliʻili about a 10-minute drive from Waikīkī, has specialized in shave ice since the late 1970s,
At 8 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2024, a crowd of over 100 people hovered around the TVs at Coco Deck Kitchen + Bar in West Maui. Chef and co-owner Alvin Savella put a blast out on social media announcing the restaurant would be opening early that day to show the Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
Maui is known for its golden shores, from Mākena to Kāʻanapali. But the beauty of the Valley Isle extends beyond its gorgeous beaches, all the way to its tallest mountain. Upcountry Maui is a peaceful region marked by pastures, rolling hills, a sea of purple jacaranda trees and panoramic views. Among it all, you’ll discover
The prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival wrapped up competition this weekend in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island. Like every year, the hula and mele were incredible. Jaedyn Janae Puahualani Pavao took home the title of Miss Aloha Hula 2025 on Thursday night at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Pavao is a student and niece of Kumu Hula Leināʻala
Every year May 1 marks Lei Day in Hawaiʻi. It’s a tribute to the iconic Hawaiian lei, a beautiful symbol of aloha that is so tightly woven in Hawaiian culture. Originating in the 1920s during a period of steamship travel to the Islands, Lei Day has blossomed into a beloved tradition. Throughout the Islands, festivals
*This story was originally published on May 19, 2020. Every surf break on Oʻahu, even the ones that only emerge during historic swells, has a name. And these backstories can be intriguing, clever—or downright hilarious. Here are some of the stories behind Oʻahu’s surf breaks, thanks to the manaʻo (thought, belief, theory) of historian John
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
HAWAIʻI Magazine’s most anticipated issue, our annual Readers’ choice Awards, is out now! In these pages, you’ll find our list of the best towns, beaches, hotels, restaurants and more throughout Hawaiʻi. From great beginner surf spots on Oʻahu and epic waterfall hikes on Maui to top-notch coffee growers on Hawaiʻi Island, our Readers’ Choice
