It always happens when I’m standing at the overlook at the start of the Kilauea Iki trail, seeing the barren floor of the caldera, the scene of a spectacular eruption in 1959. The once-geologist major in me stirs. This roughly 4-mile hike is one of my favorites in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island. […]
We’re half a mile off Maui’s northern coastline when Nick Moran says the magic words: “My hands aren’t on the controls. You’re flying all by yourself.” I glance to my left, where Moran is seated in the pilot’s chair of the helicopter, and his hands are completely removed from the cyclic, which helps to control
It had rained for nearly a week straight, and the thick mud along the steepest road of its length in the United States filled the air with the heady scent of fresh, wet, vegetative earth. The sun was shining, finally, and it was the perfect time to visit: The abundant rain left waterfalls streaming down
Grab your camera, water bottle, sunblock and snacks, these trails aren’t messing around when it comes to seriously amazing views. Peahi Overlook Broken surfboards serve as a warning of the ocean’s fury at this legendary surf spot. Photo: David Croxford Although I know the reward at the end of the trail will be worth it,
My feet may be dangling 20 feet above the turquoise water below, but my eyes are focused straight ahead at Leahi (Diamond Head) looming in the distance. It’s an incredibly clear afternoon in Hawaii Kai on the southern coastline of Oahu, and from one of H2O Sports Hawaii’s jet packs, it’s the first time I’m
From the islet of Molokini to the popular lava rock at the north end of Kaanapali Beach, Maui has some incredible snorkeling options, and our readers have voted on the ones they think are the best of the best. Truthfully, you can’t go wrong dipping your head underwater at any Maui beach, but here are
Located on Kauai’s northwest shore, the towering green bluffs of the Napali, which means “the cliffs” in Hawaiian, rise from the edge of the island like an emerald-encrusted crown. There are only three ways to see the Napali Coast: on foot, by air and by sea, and for this trip, I’ve chosen the latter. Aa
Tent? Check. Sleeping bag? Check. Food, water, boots, rain jacket, headlamp, extra socks, sunscreen? Check. My packing list scrolls on repeat through my head as I pass the last store selling basic supplies before starting the drive up the mountain. If I reach tonight’s campsite and there’s something I’ve missed, it’s a six-hour hike and
A short and easy hike for people of all ages, Manoa Falls Trail, just outside Honolulu, is known for its lush vegetation and dramatic 100-foot waterfall. It’s a view that’s definitely worth the trip. Have Aloha Will Travel, powered by HAWAII Magazine, creates micro-documentaries and short films about the Islands. Our storytellers and videographers travel throughout Hawaii
Every winter from November through May, between 10,000 and 12,000 North Pacific humpback whales make the six-week journey south from Alaska to bask in Maui’s warm waters. They’re here to mingle, mate and give birth—and it all takes place just a couple miles off Maui’s leeward coast. It’s one of nature’s most mesmerizing shows, and
For the past 25 years, Hawaii Forest and Trail has cultivated a reputation for fun, knowledgeable tours of some of Hawaii Island’s most thrilling locales. Founded by husband and wife, Rob and Cindy Pacheco, their company is known for taking visitors and residents on adventurous activities, such as stargazing atop Mauna Kea and hiking on
The volcano is the first part of Maui you see through the airplane window, and while driving through Kihei, Wailea, or Paia, it occupies half of the sky. It calls to you from down at sea level, just begging to be explored, so if you do end up visiting the “House of The Sun” on
