*This story was originally published on Dec. 5, 2013. It’s not uncommon to walk right past an important archaeological site on Oʻahu and not even know it. It happens all the time in Waikīkī. Right outside of a police substation on Kalākaua Avenue, near the beachside statue of Hawaiʻi Olympian Duke Kahanamoku, stands a […]
“Ichi…ni…san…sake bomb!” The chant from a young man a table over is followed by a thundering response from his eight friends, who pound on the table and yell back, “Sake bomb!” Shots of sake suspended by chopsticks over half-full glasses of beer shake, then drop into the suds as the 18 sticks that held them
If you love the famous coconut cake from Halekūlani—and trust us, if you’ve ever had it, you’d love it—now you can get it any day of the week without having to dine at the iconic Waikīkī hotel. Halekūlani Bakery, which first opened in 2019, serves artisanal breads, pastries, croissants and, yes, the hotel’s coconut cake
There’s a lot to love about the Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikīkī, from its beachfront Hau Tree restaurant with unobstructed ocean views to the laid-back retro vibe that permeates the boutique hotel. And now there’s one more reason to visit: happy hour. Last month the hotel launched a new pau hana (which roughly translates to
Hiking to a waterfall is a popular bucket-list item for many travelers to Hawaiʻi. On Oʻahu, a variety of trails lead to gorgeous falls. Ranging in skill level, from easy to challenging, these three trails offer a starting point for your next waterfall adventure. Note: Check weather conditions before visiting any waterfall in Hawaiʻi. Flash
When I visit O‘ahu’s North Shore, I take Kamehameha Highway along the Windward Coast so I can marvel at the rugged ridges of the Ko‘olau Mountains, from Kāne‘ohe to Lā‘ie. During these short road trips, I look forward to catching glimpses of the quaint neighborhoods and small oceanfront establishments along the way, many of them
This March, Hawaiʻi is honoring the 50th birthday of Hōkūleʻa, a symbolic voyaging canoe. When the vessel was first built and launched in the 1970s, it sparked a cultural renewal in the Islands and around the world. To celebrate the momentous 50th anniversary, the Polynesian Voyaging Society invites the public to a series of special
Oʻahu is home to some of the most well-known restaurants in Hawaiʻi. From beloved bakeries to plate-lunch spots, these places have been influential in shaping the culinary culture throughout the Islands. From malasadas to manapua, you’ll want to try these 13 iconic dishes on Oʻahu. 1. A mega meat plate from Rainbow Drive-In Rainbow Drive-In
If you’ve even planned a trip to Japan, you might have stumbled on something called “capsule hotels,” or kapuseru hoteru in Japanese. These are pod-style rooms, just big enough for a bed, meant for quick and cheap overnight stays. Amenities such as toilets, showers and dining rooms are communal. Like hostels but way nicer—and more
If hiking to the summit of Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) is on your travel bucket list this spring, keep reading. An ongoing construction project at Diamond Head State Monument—where the trailhead starts—will be closed during certain weeks in March and April. On other days, the park is closing early. The closure will allow workers to
Just before sunset, the lānai at Hau Tree restaurant fills with diners clinking glasses of rosé and frozen piña coladas. Each table, tucked beneath hau trees ornamented with wicker globe lanterns, is just steps from the sand. As the sun dips into the Pacific Ocean, a rainbow sherbet-colored sky serves as a backdrop for dinner
It’s the start of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Wood Snake. During the new year festivities, it’s important to gather with loved ones and kick off the festivities with a “reunion dinner” or meal, and one of the most interactive ways is with a fun dim sum lunch. Although you can enjoy
