*This story was originally published on Jan. 15, 2025, and updated in January 2026. The muʻumuʻu has come a long way from its reputation as a gaudy house dress. In fact, it’s very in vogue these days. So much so, January is Muʻumuʻu Month in Hawaiʻi. It started 11 years ago by Kauaʻi designer Shannon […]
*This story was originally published on Dec. 12, 20218, and updated in December 2025. Who says there’s no winter in Hawaiʻi? Here are 12 ways to enjoy the winter season across the Islands. 1. See Sand-ta Claus at Sheraton Waikiki View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheraton Waikiki Beach
*This story was originally published on Dec. 3, 2024, and updated in November 2025. A languid afternoon, a tray of desserts, maybe a glass of Champagne. That’s how I want to spend the holidays. And afternoon tea service, especially the ones on Oʻahu, offer all of that—and sometimes an ocean view. Here are six
*This story was originally published on Oct. 31, 2024. Years ago, I went on a ghost tour with Native Hawaiian storyteller Lopaka Kapanui, visiting haunted spots on Oʻahu. It was early evening, the sun had long set. We were standing in a remote area on the windward side of Pali Highway. And this is
Five years after closing his award-winning restaurant—which had been a HAWAIʻI Magazine reader favorite—local chef Alan Wong is moving to Kāhala. The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, to be exact. The James Beard Award-winning chef and pioneer of the Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine movement will open Alan Wong’s at the luxe hotel in early 2026. The restaurant
It’s been four years since Hilo-born chef Sheldon Simeon published his first cookbook, “Cook Real Hawaiʻi,” putting local favorites like pork adobo, wok-fried poke and Spam musubi on a culinary pedestal. And he’s been busy. The two-time “Top Chef” finalist, who continues to run Tin Roof in Kahului, Maui, earned a James Beard Award nomination in
*This story was originally published on Jan. 25, 2020, and updated in October 2025. What’s in an outdoor name? Many people know the story of how Diamond Head got its English-language name—19th-century British sailors initially mistook calcite crystals on its slopes for the precious stone. The Oʻahu volcanic crater’s original name, however, was Lēʻahi,
Kaua‘i is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands—and one of the most beloved by travelers. From verdant valleys to the majestic Nāpali Coast, the Garden Isle makes for an idyllic vacation. Although a top destination, the island remains dotted with secluded beaches and home to some of the best under-the-radar businesses. You just need to
The first time I learned about the Alakoko Fishpond on Kaua‘i was back in 2012, when I hopped on a stand-up paddleboard on the Hulē‘ia River and glided right past it. Back then it was referred to as the Menehune Fishpond, named after the legendary craftsmen who worked at night, building heiau (temples) and fishponds.
This story was originally published on Oct. 1, 2020 and updated on in September 2025. Autumn in Hawaiʻi is a subtle season. No golden foliage or snow days or apple-picking (apples don’t grow here). Fall is Hawaiʻi’s shoulder season—and is severely underrated. The weather starts to cool—the wettest months in Hawaiʻi are from November
*This story was originally published on Sept. 17, 2024. Today is World Manta Day, a day to celebrate these majestic marine creatures and raise awareness of the threats they’re facing. Swimming with manta rays on Hawaiʻi Island—specifically off the Kona Coast—is on a lot of travelers’ bucket list. It’s one of the most unique
