Today is World Manta Day, a day to celebrate these majestic marine creatures and raise awareness of the threats they’re facing. Swimming with manta rays on Hawaiʻi Island—specifically off the Kona Coast—is on a lot of travelers’ bucket list. It’s one of the most unique experiences you can have in the Islands—floating in the warm […]
Just getting to Kauaʻi is expensive. Airfare, car rental, hotel rooms. We get it. But there’s lots to do on the Garden Isle that won’t cost you a thing. 1. Hit the Beach Most beaches in Hawaiʻi are free to visit. (There are some exceptions, including Hāʻena State Park on Kauaʻi’s North Shore, which now
Hawaiʻi is ranked as the healthiest state in the U.S., according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health index scores. While the mild, consistent weather and close proximity to the ocean and mountains enable year-round outdoor activities, a daily vitamin D boost from the sun and a deep connection to nature all contribute
The quaint Kauaʻi town of Kōloa stretches from Old Kōloa Town all the way to Poʻipū on the island’s sunny south shore. It was the site of Hawaiʻi’s first commercial sugar mill, which opened in 1835, and its rich history is evident all around the small town. Walk around and see cute boutiques and art
Disembarking at Aloha Tower one cannot help but think back to a time when intercontinental steamships transported visitors donning aloha shirts and wide brimmed hats with champagne flutes in one hand while waving goodbye with the other. The flamingo pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel sat regally to the left as the vessel pushed forward towards Lēʻahi
You’ve probably heard of the age-old question: If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? For the team at Bizia Surf, falling trees not only do make a sound, they also make an impact. Founders and owners, Joey and Christine Valenti, opened a
Thanks to a history full of sugar cane production, the mai tai has become synonymous with Hawaiʻi, even though the tiki cocktail didn’t originate in the Islands. To celebrate this National Mai Tai Day (Aug. 30), make your cocktails with more of a Hawaiʻi vibe by using locally made ingredients and shopping at local stores
You’re on vacation. So you probably want to sleep in, right? Don’t. Get up early—at least one day—and hit one of these spots on Oʻahu to catch the sunrise. Sip Kona coffee in your Hydroflask, marvel at the glorious start to the day—then grab breakfast somewhere close by. (We provide recommendations below.) Trust us, you
While attending the famed Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona Weaving Conference nearly a decade ago, weaver Kā‘eo Izon realized his kuleana (responsibility). The weaving club president asked his then 12-year-old protege, Kaha‘i Chan, to stand and be recognized. The crowd acknowledged her presence as a poignant first: Chan was among the youngest participants to ever attend
For 30 years the Made In Hawaiʻi Festival has offered the largest selection of Hawaiʻi-made goods under one roof. This year’s event, presented by Hawaiian Airlines, will be the biggest one yet, boasting over 700 makers and thousands of products from clothing, jewelry, arts, crafts, food and more. Local chefs will present cooking demonstrations to
Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore the place I’m visiting. It’s a great way to learn about and appreciate its unique natural environment—and burn calories, too. (Because eating is my second favorite thing to do!) Kauaʻi boasts miles of trails, from hikes to waterfalls to paths meandering through majestic mahogany trees. Here
Before the pandemic one of the highlights at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oʻahu for many visitors was the canoe show, where dancers, singers and musicians rode double-hulled canoes and surfboards through the canals that run through the 42-acre, Polynesian-themed park in Lāʻie. Here’s what “Huki: A Canoe Celebration” looked like in 2018: During the
