Hawai‘i’s vibrant and extensive reef systems, unique marine life and year-round warm waters make for exceptional snorkeling. Beneath the ocean’s surface, you’ll see colorful schools of fish and vibrant coral reefs and maybe even a honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) or two leisurely swimming by. For them, getting around in the ocean is effortless; for […]
Hawaiʻi has some of the world’s best beaches, from the magical shores of Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi to the aquamarine waters off Lanikai on Oʻahu. Putting together a list of the best beaches is nearly impossible—so we asked our readers. The results are in, and here are the best beaches from around the Islands that
About a few miles outside of Waikīkī is the charming town of Kaimukī. One of the oldest communities on Oʻahu, Kaimukī (pronounced ky-moo-kee) was once the site of King Kalākaua’s ostrich farm. The first road paved here was Waiʻalae Avenue—still the main thoroughfare—in 1925. It’s now a bustling little town with some of Oʻahu’s best
This March, HAWAIʻI Magazine readers spent a lot of time preparing to travel to Kauaʻi—whether they’re first-timers or seasoned regulars—visitors wanted to know what to expect on a trip to the beloved Garden Isle. Along with what to pack and where to make reservations across the Islands, readers wanted to know what not to do
Festivals are popping up across Hawaiʻi this April. You can kick off the month on Maui with the 31st annual Celebration of the Arts hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. The event brings together artisans, educators, speakers and entertainers, who work to perpetuate Hawaiian art and traditions. Over on Hawaiʻi Island, the second annual Hawaiʻi
Most people travel to Kauaʻi to escape from bustling city life, to unwind and relax on one of the island’s many quiet beaches. Kids and relaxation don’t always go hand-in-hand. But the Garden Isle actually offers a lot to do for vacationing families, from kid-friendly hikes and beaches to epic playgrounds that will occupy your
On a cool Saturday morning, 45 volunteers wearing water shoes and hats start a 10-minute trek from Kuli‘ou‘ou Beach Park to Paikō Beach on O‘ahu, nets in hand. The group is on its way to the Paikō Restoration Area to pull out invasive algae with folks from Mālama Maunalua. The nonprofit stewardship organization is committed
From birthdays and graduations to weddings and momentous achievements, lei is a ubiquitous gift commemorating celebrations and life transitions. The gift is considered a symbol of gratitude, love and honor in Hawaiʻi. For many long-time residents, it’s a ritual to visit the neighborhood lei stand to pick a gift made from fresh pua (flower) such as
Most visitors to Oʻahu end up staying in Waikīkī—and for good reason. The beachside neighborhood offers a wide variety of accommodations—from high-end oceanfront resorts to cozy boutique hotels to cheap hostels—and tons of things to do. But if you’re looking to ditch the crowds—and you should!—get in a car (or hop on the city bus)
You haven’t been to Oʻahu until you’ve been to Waikīkī, the bustling, beachfront neighborhood on the island’s sunny south shore. It’s a mix of modern resorts and historic landmarks with a perfect view of Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head). There are high-end shops and dive bars, upscale restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries—and you don’t need a rental
Regardless of the season, Hawaiʻi lures travelers with its warm weather, clear skies and cooling trade winds. But that doesn’t mean all seasons in the Islands are equal. Take the rainy season, which runs from November through March. This February, Hawaiʻi experienced a storm system referred to as a Kona low, a type of subtropical
The first time Markus Stolz ate baumkuchen, a traditional German cake that resembles a hollowed cross-section of a tree trunk, he was in Japan—not Germany. “It’s really soft and moist,” says Stolz, whose parents moved from Germany to Japan, where he was born and raised. “That makes this version much more different.” The German version
