With its retro neon sign, pink-and-white-striped awning, blue script logo, and the usual line outside, Leonard’s Bakery has become a can’t miss destination for foodies on Oʻahu. The bakery, a family business that’s been famously featured in guidebooks, food blogs, Instagram roundups and more, is dedicated to keeping a local tradition alive. Since opening in […]
With its refreshing cool climate and sprawling ranchland, Makawao is a picturesque little town in Upcountry Maui. When I was a kid, home was just a 15-minute drive from the area, and on weekends my family would pick up cream puffs and sticks of doughnuts from T. Komoda Store & Bakery, and on special occasions,
*This story was originally published on Dec. 24, 2024, and updated in December 2025. With its year-round tropical climate and an endless-summer energy, it’s no surprise snowbirds flock to Maui every winter. But that doesn’t mean the island lacks holiday spirit. Across the Valley Isle, you can enjoy festive celebrations throughout December. From
While it shares its name with the canyon on Kauaʻi and the bay and valley on Oʻahu, the town of Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island stands apart in a delightful way. Located toward the northern tip of the Big Island, Waimea is unlike any other town on the Big Island—and it’s one of my favorites to
Whether you’re on a vacation, staycation or just playing hooky from work, sipping on your favorite drink in a hotel bar is a getaway in its own right. From panoramic views of the Pacific to being surrounded by larger-than-life sculptures, these hotels in Wailea, Maui, have turned the typical lobby bar experience into a destination-worthy
In Hawai‘i, from baby lū‘au to backyard potlucks, the sounds of Hawaiian slack-key guitar—or kī hō‘alu—fill the air. These mele (songs) tell stories about life in the Islands, transporting listeners back in time and evoking a sweet sense of nostalgia. From joyful, energetic tunes about Waimea’s cowboy country to passionate odes to sweethearts in Waikīkī,
With its sunny weather, world-renowned coffee and rich history, region marked by fields of lava rock formations and, offshore, crystal clear waters. It’s also home to the community of Kailua-Kona, where the annual Ironman World Championship takes place. On Oct. 11, nearly 3,000 of the best triathletes in the world will take on the iconic
Kīlauea continues to keep the world enthralled with its epic eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which started on Dec. 23, 2024. Ten months later, the volcano remains active and mesmerizing. On Oct. 1, 2025, episode 34 began at 12:53 a.m. HST. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, lava fountains soared to an estimated 1,300 feet. By
One of my favorite towns in Hawaiʻi is tucked on Kauaʻi’s south shore, just west of Kōloa. When I walk through the charming town of Hanapēpē, it feels like time has stood still, which is just one of the reasons I love returning. It might come as a surprise that Hanapēpē is nicknamed Kauaʻi’s Biggest
While growing up on Maui, it was always a treat to visit Oʻahu. Here, the energy is electric, from the crazy shorebreak at Sandy Beach and the bustling nightlife of Waikīkī to the trailblazing adventures of Kualoa Ranch. Oʻahu is the third-largest Hawaiian Island. However, it’s also “the Gathering Place,” home to about 1 million
Spanning just a few blocks, the colorful town of Pāʻia is packed with unique boutiques, surf shops, art galleries and must-try eateries. It’s also just a short walk to Pāʻia Bay, a popular beach for locals, and just a short drive from Hoʻokipa Beach Park, one of the best windsurfing spots in Hawaiʻi. Once a
There’s a local saying (at least on the Valley Isle): “Maui nō ka ʻoi,” essentially meaning “Maui is the best.” Of course, I agree—but I’m biased. I’m fortunate to have been born and raised on the island famous for its beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian
