This story was originally published on Aug. 5, 2016. The monster winter swells on Oʻahu’s North Shore is world famous, but summertime is a different story. While the surf may be flat and professional surfers are chasing waves elsewhere, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Here are four reasons why the North […]
In 1927 a stunning Olympic-size saltwater pool opened on a stretch of Waikīkī Beach, dedicated to the 10,000 soldiers, sailors and other volunteers from Hawai‘i who served in World War I. It featured a grand beaux arts archway leading to an ocean-water swim basin, with bleachers, bathhouses and a panoramic ocean view. Fittingly, on opening
This story was originally published on Feb. 20, 2020. Hawaiʻi’s first premier big wave surf spot wasn’t always Waimea on Oʻahu or Peʻahi (aka Jaws) on Maui. It was a break located on the west side of Oʻahu, just up the coast from Waiʻanae, called Mākaha. In the 1930s, surfing in Hawaiʻi was very different
Oʻahu’s Chinatown is home to dozens of markets, restaurants and shops. Packed within just a few blocks, they’re brimming with local and imported produce, fresh meats and fish, Chinese herbal medicines, authentic dim sum, and plenty of lei and libations. Here are four places that have opened within the past year that are worth visiting
Every year, we invite our readers to cast their votes for their favorite places across the Islands—including surf breaks. Here are the best surf spots on O‘ahu, according to our readers. Whether this is your first time in the lineup or you’re already shredding, you’ll want to check out these Oʻahu surf breaks. 1. Waikīkī
*This story was originally published on Mar. 17, 2020. It is another warm Saturday morning in downtown Honolulu. Gentle streams of light pour through the windows of ‘Iolani Palace’s former archives building and into the cool, air-conditioned room. Dozens of women are busily setting up space amongst the tables and chairs, arms full of
Waikīkī is welcoming a new addition to the neighborhood—just in time for Hawaiʻi’s annual “May Day is Lei Day” celebration on May 1. Tucked in the Romer House Waikīkī, The Lei Stand Waikīkī pays tribute to the legacy of local lei shops and the timeless symbol of aloha, all while embodying modern Island style. From
At Waiola Shave Ice, there’s a comforting sense of nostalgia, even for first-timers. Whether it’s the familiar syrup flavors or the charm of the shop—or both—Waiola Shave Ice remains an endearing classic on Oʻahu. The family-run shop, tucked in Mōʻiliʻili about a 10-minute drive from Waikīkī, has specialized in shave ice since the late 1970s,
*This story was originally published on May 19, 2020. Every surf break on Oʻahu, even the ones that only emerge during historic swells, has a name. And these backstories can be intriguing, clever—or downright hilarious. Here are some of the stories behind Oʻahu’s surf breaks, thanks to the manaʻo (thought, belief, theory) of historian John
It’s 9 a.m. in Hale‘iwa on O‘ahu’s North Shore and surfers, paddlers and visitors are already hitting the beach and surf shops. But there’s another side to the world’s surfing capital: Tucked back from the main road, behind eateries and a row of palm trees, is the nonprofit Mālama Loko Ea, which has been restoring
Situated at the foot of the Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu’s Windward Side, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden spans 400 beautiful acres. Opened in 1982, the garden is the youngest and largest botanical garden owned and operated by the city and county of Honolulu. The property features six tropical gardens—which are inspired by geographical regions—and it also boasts
Known as the Gathering Place, Oʻahu boasts enough gorgeous beaches, picturesque hiking trails, award-winning restaurants and world-class museums to please everyone in your ʻohana. But with all of its thrilling activities, it’s difficult to narrow down what to do in a single weekend. Here’s what it takes to create an exciting weekend on Oʻahu with
