While Hawaiʻi doesn’t experience dramatic seasonal changes, there are still plenty of ways to feel the holiday spirit throughout the Islands. From Christmas parades to Santa Claus paddling in a canoe, these festive events will help you get into the jolly spirit. Let the festivities begin! Oʻahu Honolulu City Lights Nov. 29 to Dec.31, 2025 […]
It may be hard to believe, but there are certainly signs winter has arrived in Hawaiʻi. On Oʻahu, you know it’s the holiday season when a jolly 21-foot Santa Clause is throwing a shaka outside of Honolulu Hale. The annual Honolulu City Lights is one of the most anticipated festivals every year. Residents and visitors
*This story was originally published on Dec. 3, 2024, and updated in November 2025. A languid afternoon, a tray of desserts, maybe a glass of Champagne. That’s how I want to spend the holidays. And afternoon tea service, especially the ones on Oʻahu, offer all of that—and sometimes an ocean view. Here are six
When my older brother came back to Maui on his college breaks, he would often pick me up from school and we’d spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach. Many days ended with us grabbing plates of poke at one of his favorite spots, a shave ice stand in Pāʻia—which remains one of
ʻIolani Palace invites guests to walk its halls during its Queen Kapiʻolani Evening Tours in late December. The experience celebrates the queen’s birthday, with tours available only on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28. Tickets are available now. “In the evening light, you feel the presence of our aliʻi in these halls,” said Paula Akana, president
*This story was originally published on Nov. 8, 2023, and was updated in November 2025. While traveling in the winter anywhere else in the world may subject visitors to colder weather, snow and darker days, Hawaiʻi sees tropical weather and perfectly sunny weather even in December and January. Sure, it may rain a bit
Dark chocolate melts on my tongue as I stand in the shade of the orchards at Maui Ku‘ia Estate Cacao Farm, grateful for the brief reprieve from the infamous Lahaina sun. I feel as close as I can get to savoring chocolate straight from the source. I’m here for the Maui Chocolate Tour’s newest offering:
Executive chef Brad Dodson is cooking up fresh culinary experiences at 855-Aloha, Romer House Waikīkī’s signature—and uber-cool—restaurant. Dodson took the helm of the restaurant in July, and by August he had reimagined a menu that brought 855-Aloha back to its old-school roots, perfectly complementing the nostalgic vibes of the hotel. The playful menu celebrates the
People travel thousands of miles to reach Hawaiʻi—one of the most isolated landmasses on Earth. Its eight main islands help form a 1,500-mile archipelago, the longest island chain in the world. Aptly nicknamed, the Big Island is the largest of Hawaiʻi’s islands and home to one of the most varied climate ranges anywhere. The island itself
Following the pandemic and the devastating fires of 2023, Maui’s businesses and residents have shown remarkable strength and perseverance. In the face of unimaginable challenges, local communities have proven invaluable coming together to heal and rebuild the island. For years, the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce has played a pivotal role in connecting Native
Voting is now open for HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards! Thousands of you voted in our 2025 awards, selecting your favorite hotels, restaurants and beaches—and we need your help again. From malasadas and poke bowls to hiking trails and lūʻau shows, this is your chance to vote for your favorite businesses and spots across
Year after year we’re amazed and inspired by the hundreds of images submitted to the annual HAWAI‘I Magazine Photo Contest—and this year is no different. From the Islands’ endemic species to its legendary surf breaks, these captivating images offer a glimpse into Hawai‘i’s dynamic landscapes. We recently launched a category dedicated to the island of
