In Hawaiʻi winter brings cooler weather, humpback whales and, of course, massive surf to north-facing shores. Surfing—or heʻe nalu in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language)—is believed to have originated in ancient Polynesia and brought to the Islands, where it thrived. Once a sport reserved for aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty), commoners were allowed to hit the waves when […]
If you’ve ever explored the Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve on Oʻahu westernmost promontory, you’ll know how special it is. Not only is it one of the last intact sand dune ecosystems in the main Hawaiian Islands, but the area is also home to wedge-tailed shearwaters, Laysan albatross and Hawaiian monk seals. (Winter months bring humpback whales
The early morning sun streaks through monkeypod trees as my wife, Kaila, and I walk the aisles of the Kapi‘olani Community College Farmers Market, run by the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau. Here, dozens of local farms and businesses sell their produce and products every week. And, it turns out, it’s also the perfect starting point for
Mention a mai tai and people might think of dimly lit bars adorned with tiki torches and wooden masks, or maybe people lounging under swaying palms sipping cocktails garnished with tiny umbrellas. No matter the specific imagery, when most people think of mai tais they also think of Hawai‘i. And while the mai tai didn’t
Whether you enjoy mangoes fresh, blended, pickled or juiced, these succulent fruits are one of the most beloved in Hawai‘i. Introduced to the Islands in the early 19th century, many popular varieties of mangoes can be found in local stores and farmers markets and maybe even hanging from your own backyard tree. The first mango
You don’t have to be a Disney fan to enjoy a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa on Oʻahu. There’s lots to do on and around the 21-acre oceanfront property in Ko ʻOlina, about 27 miles west of Waikīkī. The resort boasts three swimming pools—all heated—including a saltwater lagoon filled with Hawaiʻi reef
Oʻahu has some of best—and most famous—bakeries in the Islands, and narrowing the list down of our favorites is nearly impossible. But thanks to our readers—who seem to love malasadas as much as we do!—we have the Top 5 bakeries on Oʻahu, as voted in our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. Leonard’s Bakery This family-run
Earlier this year the new Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach reopened after LXR Hotels & Resorts rebranded it from the Trump International Hotel Waikīkī. But that’s all that’s really changed, at least for now. The 38-story, 462-room hotel near Fort DeRussy Park marks the Hilton luxury brand’s first Oʻahu property. (The hotel itself is owned by
When you think of Hawaiʻi, you think of beaches—and Oʻahu has some of the world’s best. From Waikīkī to Waimea Bay, here are your picks for the best beaches on Oʻahu, according to our 2024 Readers’ Choices Awards. 1. Waikīkī Beach Waikīkī Beach is one of the most recognizable shorelines in the world, stretching along
The 78th annual Aloha Festivals takes place in September, culminating in an annual floral parade on Saturday down Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī. This year’s parade—the 76th one, presented by ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach—will feature a procession of festive floral floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands and, of course, traditional pāʻū riders. The parade runs from 9
I love everything about afternoon tea. I love the small bites, the typically beautiful locations and, well, an excuse to indulge in afternoon cocktails. (I’m not much of a tea drinker, ironically.) So when I heard Dean & DeLuca in the in the Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī had launched a new tea service—and it was only $60
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
