*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:
Hawaiʻi Island isn’t my usual go-to for island hopping, but when a friend who once called it home invited me along, I couldn’t resist the chance to see the place through his local perspective. Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or a quick staycation, here’s how to experience the best of the Big Island
Hawaiian land snails are among the most threatened animal groups on the planet. Researchers believe 11 species of Endodonta once lived in the wild across the Hawaiian Islands—part of a family of about 200 species. Today, it is likely the last remaining species in the Endodonta genus. READ MORE: One Hawaiian Snail Dies, but the
While it shares its name with the canyon on Kauaʻi and the bay and valley on Oʻahu, the town of Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island stands apart in a delightful way. Located toward the northern tip of the Big Island, Waimea is unlike any other town on the Big Island—and it’s one of my favorites to
Since its founding in 2011, the Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival has continued to innovate and evolve, drawing locals and travelers from around the world to its epicurean experiences. This year, the 2025 festival introduces a variety of new events and programs spanning three weekends across Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. From savoring wagyu to
With its sunny weather, world-renowned coffee and rich history, region marked by fields of lava rock formations and, offshore, crystal clear waters. It’s also home to the community of Kailua-Kona, where the annual Ironman World Championship takes place. On Oct. 11, nearly 3,000 of the best triathletes in the world will take on the iconic
This story was originally published on Oct. 1, 2020 and updated on in September 2025. Autumn in Hawaiʻi is a subtle season. No golden foliage or snow days or apple-picking (apples don’t grow here). Fall is Hawaiʻi’s shoulder season—and is severely underrated. The weather starts to cool—the wettest months in Hawaiʻi are from November
One of my favorite towns in Hawaiʻi is tucked on Kauaʻi’s south shore, just west of Kōloa. When I walk through the charming town of Hanapēpē, it feels like time has stood still, which is just one of the reasons I love returning. It might come as a surprise that Hanapēpē is nicknamed Kauaʻi’s Biggest
With deep roots in local history, Wailuku has been significant since before the Hawaiian Kingdom—the nearby ʻĪao Valley was the site of Kamehameha’s infamous Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, a key turning point in his effort to unify the Hawaiian Islands. Today, this Central Maui town honors its past while embracing new businesses that bring
Tequila lovers are in for a treat at Waikulu Distillery, Hawai‘i’s only producer of blue agave spirits. Located in Makawao, this farm-to-bottle operation began as a horticulture experiment and has grown into an award-winning distillery crafting libations exclusive to Maui. “My plan wasn’t to make it an enormous distillery, just something that could get to
