This story was originally published on Sept. 26, 2017. Beginning in the 1850s, as the sugar industry grew and plantations began to multiply throughout Hawaiʻi, plantation owners—many tracing their ancestry to English and American missionary families—began importing contracted laborers from outside the Islands to supplement Hawaiian laborers. By the early 20th century, thousands of […]
If you’ve ever visited Kauaʻi and thought, this view looks like it was plucked straight from the big screen, it probably was. The epic Nāpali Coast dramatically cuts into the Pacific, offering up a quintessential picture of paradise. With sea-sprayed limestone cliffs, water-streaked emerald mountains, rich volcanic red dirt and a tropical jungle setting that
Clap, clap, stomp. Clap, clap, stomp. We keep the rhythm inside our double-hulled canoe as our guides chant, “E ala ē, ka lā i ka hikina.” As they continue with the remaining verses, repeating the oli (traditional Hawaiian chant) over and over, the sun begins to rise over Hawaiʻi Island as if summoned. Floating in
Two scoops white rice, a scoop mac salad and a generous portion of a protein like teriyaki beef, chicken katsu or grilled fish—and you have the quintessential plate lunch in Hawaiʻi. The plate lunch—or mixed plate—is a symbol of the Islands’ plantation era when workers from different backgrounds shared home-cooked meals, resulting in a blend
Checking into your room and hitting the hotel bar for a mai tai has long been step one for many travelers to Hawaiʻi. And the next time they’re in town, those travelers might notice something different about their favorite watering holes. Throughout Honolulu and Waikīkī, hotels are reenvisioning basic lobby bars and swapping them for
Family-friendly and foodie approved, these immersive farm tours highlight commodities being grown and produced on Maui. From juicy pineapple and decadent chocolate to fragrant lavender and tangy goat cheese, you’ll ignite your senses as you peek behind the scenes of the island’s agricultural industry. These farm tours invite visitors to slow down and engage with
This story was originally published on Feb. 24, 2014. “You didn’t pre-order?” As she says this, the woman behind the counter at Two Ladies Kitchen stares at me in disbelief. A line of customers winds behind me and out of the small downtown Hilo mochi shop and onto the sidewalk alongside bustling Kīlauea Avenue.
With year-round sunshine and a warm, tropical climate, it’s no surprise the Hawaiian Islands are a top travel destination. These conditions also make the Islands a great place to grow a variety of crops—including some that can’t be grown anywhere else in the U.S. Hawaiʻi is the only state in the country where cacao—the plant
This story was originally published on Oct. 2, 2018. I glance at my hastily scribbled directions and drive back down the road I came from. I was told there’s a manapua man in Pearl City, Oʻahu, but without a proper address, all I can surmise is that he’s on the corner of Moanalua Road
Celebrating hula along with traditional Hawaiian arts, the 48th annual Prince Lot Hula Festival is taking place this weekend, July 19-20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds in Honolulu, Oʻahu. The festival was founded in 1978 to recognize Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who ruled as Kamehameha V. He
This story was originally published on July 31, 2019. Perhaps you’ve seen the friendly, distinctively-colored nēnē (pronounced “nay-nay”) at a park, wildlife refuge, ranch, golf course or zoo in Hawaiʻi. But there’s more to these inquisitive birds than meets the eye. 1. The goose descends from the Canadian goose. Photo: Getty Images Did you
Whether you’re a visitor on holiday or a local looking forward to a staycation, these luxury resorts on Oʻahu are known for their sumptuous atmosphere, top-tier service and memorable experiences. Here are the best luxury resorts on Oʻahu that topped our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. The Kahala Hotel & Resort The Kahala Hotel &
