Every year we like to look back at the stories HAWAIʻI Magazine readers viewed and engaged with the most. From new restaurants in Lahaina, Maui, to the best beaches across the Islands, here are the 10 articles that received the highest number of views on hawaiimagazine.com in 2025.

(Click on the headlines of the stories to read more!)

10. Best Towns in Hawaiʻi in 2025

Lahainamaui — Lahaina in West Maui continues to be loved by HAWAIʻI Magazine Readers.
*Photo: Getty Images/LifeofRileyDesign*

One-of-a-kind towns dot the Islands. Filled with history, you can explore vibrant districts that are home to charming cafés, chic boutiques, mom-and-pop shops and memorable restaurants. Be sure to add this list of the best towns in Hawaiʻi to your Island itinerary. Read more here.

9. The 5 Best Beaches on Maui in 2025

Kaanapalibeach — Kāʻanapali Beach consistently ranks among the best beaches in the U.S. and the world.
*Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino*

From golden shorelines to sheltered coves with vibrant marine life, the Valley Isle is known for its world-class beaches. Here, we spotlight the top five beaches on Maui in HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Read more here.

8. 15 of Our Favorite Things to Do on Maui

Haleakalaay — From the highest point on the Valley Isle—which is the summit of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano—you can watch as wispy clouds erupt in orange and red as the sun sinks below the horizon.
*Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino*

From lounging on a black-sand beach in Hāna to witnessing the sunset from just about 10,000 feet above sea level summit, Maui’s unique geography makes for some epic excursions. And between your adventures, you can explore quaint family-run farms and the island’s charming towns. These are 15 of the top things to do on Maui. Read more here.

7. 15 Dishes Every Traveler to Maui ShouldTry

Komodabakery — At T. Komoda Store & Bakery on Maui, the glazed doughnuts and malasadas come on sticks. You’ll pluck every one of them off before you know it.
*Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tommy Lundberg*

Start adding glazed doug buttery banana bread, deep-fried musubi and mouthwatering mochiko chicken to your must-try list on the Valley Isle. The island is famous for its natural wonders, but it’s also home to top-notch food trucks, bakeries that have stood the test of time and some seriously ʻono plate lunch spots. These are 15 iconic dishes every traveler to Maui should try. Read more here.

6. Best New Restaurants in Hawaiʻi in 2025

Onkeemarinatedshortrib — Onkee Korean Grill House is known for bringing contemporary South Korean cuisine to Oʻahu.
*Photo: Courtesy of Onkee Korean Grill House*

Every year a crop of exciting eateries opens across the Islands, adding to Hawaiʻi’s vibrant culinary scene. These are the best five new restaurants in Hawaiʻi in 2025 according to HAWAIʻI Magazine readers. Read more here.

5. 10 Eateries Every Traveler to Hawaiʻi Island Should Visit

Twoladieskitchenhta — Travelers can indulge in some of the Islands’ most popular foods on Hawaiʻi Island, like colorful mochi from Two Ladies Kitchen in Hilo.
*Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono*

Travelers can swim with manta rays, trek to a green-sand beach, witness a fiery eruption at Kīlauea—and more, all on the largest Hawaiian Island. But you can also eat at the state’s oldest restaurant and pick up sweet bread from the country’s southernmost bakery. These are 10 eateries every traveler to Hawaiʻi Island should visit. Read more here.

4. 9 Must-Try New and Reopened Lahaina Restaurants

Starnoodlelahainarestaurants — Star Noodle specializes in family-style fare.
*Photo: Courtesy of Star Noodle*

Lahaina is forever changed by the devastating wildfire in 2023. Many of its cherished businesses were lost completely or forced to close.

More than two years later, the West Maui community continues to heal, recover and rebuild together. Here is a list of must-try restaurants in Lahaina, featuring both new concepts and beloved favorites. Read more here.

3. The Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi in 2025

Hanaleibaygetty — Our readers voted Hanalei Bay as the best beach in Hawaiʻi in 2025.
*Photo: Getty Images/M.M. Sweet*

Stretches of golden coastlines surrounded by crystal-clear waters help define the Islands as paradise. After all, Hawaiʻi’s beautiful beaches make it a top travel destination. But it’s nearly impossible to curate a list of the best beaches in the Islands. So, we ask our readers to vote every year. These are the best beaches across Hawaiʻi in 2025. Read more here.

2. Why You Shouldn’t Take Lava Rocks from Hawaiʻi

Porous Black Volcanic Rock Isolated On White Background. Lava Stone, Pumice Stone, Or Volcanic Pumice With Distinctive Pores, Isolated On White. Close Up. — Taking rocks alters the geologic story for future generations and can negatively impact native biodiversity.
*Photo: Getty Images/Su Nitram*

For decades, visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park have taken lava rocks as souvenirs. For just as many decades, they’ve been sending them back. Often apology notes are attached. Apparently, they caught wind of the myth that says anyone who takes rocks from Hawai‘i will be cursed. So, we break it down why you shouldn’t take lava rocks from anywhere in Hawai‘i. Read more here.

1. 10 Bucket-ListHawaiʻi Experiences for 2025

Maunakeagetty — Add stargazing atop Mauna Kea on Hawaiʻi Island to your bucket list.
*Photo: Getty Images / JTSorrell*

From running in the Honolulu Marathon to stargazing on the tallest mountain in Hawaiʻi, our most popular story published in 2025 was a list of experiences to try across the Islands. Fortunately, if you didn’t do all of these activities, you can add them to your bucket list for 2026. Read more here.

Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.

HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 10 Most Popular Stories of 2025
From iconic dishes to epic outdoor experiences, these are the articles that captured readers’ attention in 2025.