There’s a local saying (at least on the Valley Isle): “Maui nō ka ʻoi,” essentially meaning “Maui is the best.” Of course, I agree—but I’m biased. I’m fortunate to have been born and raised on the island famous for its beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian […]
It had been a long day. While I’d love to complain about a hectic schedule or long commute, I was actually exhausted from all the fun I was having. Once I checked into the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, a sprawling oceanfront luxe resort that looks carved into lava rock, I felt immediately energized. I donned
There is a surprising treasure trove of world history nestled on the slopes of Lēʻahi on Oʻahu. And thanks to a new partnership with Bishop Museum, there are now more opportunities to explore Shangri La Musuem of Islamic Art, Culture & Design—the former estate of the billionaire heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke. The late Duke
The walk to the new premiere suite at the luxe Halekūlani threw me off. Instead of walking toward the main elevators, I was led toward the hotel’s spa, then down a dark hallway and around a corner. Just outside two huge double doors was a desk outfitted with a small lamp. “This is where your
It’s official: This September is the first Hawaiian History Month. Earlier this year, the Hawaiʻi State Senate adopted Act 167, designating September as a time to honor, reflect and recognize the complex history of Hawaiʻi. The month commemorates remarkable contributions of Native Hawaiians who have helped perpetuate Hawaiian culture—both in the past and today.
*This story was originally published on Dec. 11, 2019, and updated on Sept. 1, 2025. It’s pretty hard to have a proper road trip in Hawaiʻi. Driving from Oʻahu’s central city of Honolulu to the North Shore, for example, takes less than an hour (without traffic). This is not the case on Hawaiʻi Island, which
Locals love liliko‘i. Whether you pluck it off a backyard vine, barter with neighbors for it or pick it up at a farmers market, there’s something so satisfying about scooping the sweet, tangy seeds straight out of a passion fruit. Although the fruit bears the Hawaiian name liliko‘i, the two varieties found in the Islands
Tucked on Oʻahu’s Windward Side, the charming town of Kailua is known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque beaches. But beyond Kailua Beach and Lanikai, the town is home to a variety of cozy cafés, hip eateries and top-notch restaurants. And new businesses continue to open, adding to the colorful lineup of places worth checking
Kauaʻi has always been one of my favorite Hawaiian Islands to visit. Whether I’m hiking and exploring or just spending a few days lounging on a secluded shoreline, the Garden Isle offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Kauaʻi, the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, is known for its emerald valleys and the grand
*This story was originally published on Aug. 5, 2021. From her shaded treehouse bakery, Auntie Julia watches the cars roll by. Her establishment is quaint, a small green treehouse perched along Kahekili Highway, located in the hard-to-reach town of Kahakuloa, but her product—succulent loaves of homemade banana bread—is famous. When people ask where the
As schools of shiny silver fish dart by, a creature much larger catches my eye. A spotted eagle ray glides gracefully beneath me, the first one I’ve seen in the wild, its pectoral fins fluttering like wings. I’m in the ocean off Kahe Point, and I’m captivated. The waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands are home
*This story was originally published on Aug. 24, 2020. Born Aug. 24, 1890, Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku became one of Hawaiʻi’s most celebrated citizens during his lifetime. From winning gold medals for the U.S. Olympic swim team to serving as sheriff of Honolulu, the ever-suave Kahanamoku ended up becoming the Islands’ ambassador
