While hula is the main attraction at the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the gorgeous flowers used in lei and other adornment are show-shoppers, too. Many of these flowers are native to the Islands and have cultural significance to Native Hawaiians. Here are some flowers you might see on stage this year. Read More: 6 Iconic Tropical […]
Hawaiʻi is the only U.S. state with two officials languages—English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian. The language had been banned in the public education system in 1896; Hawaiʻi was annexed by the U.S. two years later. The language was on the verge of vanishing. Then, in 1978 the state constitution gave the Hawaiian language the
Located about 34 miles west of Waikīkī is Kapolei, deemed Oʻahu’s second city about 50 years ago. The idea was to build up this mostly residential area to shorten the commutes for those who live in Central and West Oʻahu. There are government offices here and, over the years, shopping centers, restaurants and other attractions
There aren’t many options for all-inclusive vacations in Hawaiʻi, at least those provided by hotels. (The luxe Sensei Lānaʻi offers all-inclusive packages tailored for specific wellness experiences, and others have packages centered around dining or activities.) Now there’s a hotel in Waikīkī offering an all-inclusive package that makes planning a vacation to Oʻahu that much
Spring is one of the best times to visit the Islands. The weather is a little cooler, the days are getting longer, and the crowds are typically smaller during this time of the year. Emily and I chat about some of our favorite things to do during Spring Break in Hawaiʻi. And, really, these are
Spring Break is here—and if you’re traveling with the whole family to Hawaiʻi, you’re in luck. There’s a lot to do, from snorkeling in aquamarine waters to stargazing at night. Even your moodiest teenager can find something to smile about. Here’s a list of activities for your entire ʻohana to enjoy this month. 1. Go
Got a sweet tooth—and love Maui, too? Then this post is for you! We’ve rounded up some of the most popular desserts on Maui right now, from giant stuffed cookies to dreamy cream pies. 1. Da Half Baked, Maui Cookie Lady With a shop in Makawao, Maui Cookie Lady is best known for her colossal
Kauaʻi may be the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands—but it’s also one of the most beloved by visitors. Everything about the island—its lushness, its uncrowded beaches, its laid-back vibe—makes for an idyllic Hawaiʻi vacation. But there are things that are unique to the Garden Isle—things you won’t find anywhere else in Hawaiʻi. Read More: Our
Summer is one of the best times to visit Hawaiʻi. The days are longer, the weather is perfect—and there’s so much to do. From lounging on golden beaches to walking through botanical gardens, there’s already a lot to do in the Islands. And then there are the summer events and festivals. If you’re planning a
If you haven’t been to the North Shore—or haven’t been in awhile—this blog is for you. We ventured out to the northern part of Oʻahu, which has long lured visitors with its winter surf and beach-y towns, to find new things to do—and eat. Here are nine new things you need to put on your
Been to Oʻahu before—and want to explore neighborhoods outside of Waikīkī? This is the podcast for you! We recorded this from the lobby of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The luxe hotel is located a few miles east of Waikīkī, in an upscale residential area that makes
There may not be any national parks on Kauaʻi, but the island does boast five—yes, five—state parks with some of the island’s best beaches, trails and vistas. One of the most popular is Kōkeʻe State Park, perched 3,600 feet above sea level on the island’s west side. It’s truly a hiker’s paradise, with 45 miles
