In my Oʻahu neighborhood, plumeria and pua kenikeni trees sit in yards of generous neighbors always willing to share their pua. Anytime I need to make lei, I ask a neighbor if I can pick a few dozen flowers. From birthdays to graduations, giving lei is how we celebrate special occasions in Hawaiʻi. Known for her vibrant, one-of-a-kind lei, Oʻahu-based lei lei maker […]
With its peaceful energy, Kauaʻi is often regarded as a place of healing. That energy—mixed with the island’s spiritual retreats, health clubs and unique spa services—has been attracting travelers and locals for years. While the wellness industry has boomed lately—today it’s worth about $2 trillion, according to McKinsey & Co.—communities on the Garden Isle have
On a quiet morning, gray skies cloud Maui’s usually sunny West Side. But those familiar with the area know that clouds never linger long here: The sun always breaks through. By late afternoon, I’m already relishing the sun’s rays at The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. Perched on a serene shoreline in Kā‘anapali, the resort
Raised on Maui, Alana Kysar is a down-to-earth recipe developer known for her debut cookbook, “Aloha Kitchen.” Sitting at her dining room table in Upcountry Maui, she recalls her favorite dish growing up was her mom’s mochiko chicken. “That’s what childhood tastes like to me.” As a kid, Kysar sharpened her cooking skills in her family home. “I grew up in the
At Kaʻana Kitchen’s expo line—a kind of traffic control center between the kitchen and dining area—“it’s controlled chaos,” Chance Savell says as he plates a dish. The executive sous chef has been on the resort’s culinary team since the Andaz Maui by Hyatt opened in Wailea in 2013, and like him, many on the restaurant’s
Whether it’s a trip to another island, the continental U.S. or abroad, locals like to bring home omiyage to share pieces of their travels with family and friends. The Japanese term omiyage generally refers to souvenirs or gifts—but it’s more than that. In Hawai‘i, it’s an endearing practice meant to express appreciation and aloha. The
The vastness of Hawai‘i Island has always felt like uncharted territory to me. It’s the Big Island, after all, nearly twice as large as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. I’ve traveled there numerous times, visiting Kailua-Kona on the west side, Waimea up north and Hilo on the east side. But I’ve never ventured far beyond those towns. In the last few
From flying saucers and saimin to kūlolo, Kauaʻi is known for a few signature dishes. But beyond its iconic foods, the Garden Isle is also home to unforgettable eateries that are off the beaten path. You just need to know where to look. 1. Japanese Grandma’s Café Tucked in the colorful town of Hanapēpē, Japanese Grandma’s Café serves a blend of authentic and
Halekūlani is a cherished resort that has been welcoming guests to for more than a century. Tucked in a peaceful cove in Waikīkī, it’s celebrated for its luxury amenities and top-tier service. What has always delighted me about Halekūlani is that you can easily spend an entire evening visit its unique collection of restaurants and
Born and raised on O‘ahu, Bianca McKee has been a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines for 10 years. Here, she shares what drew her to a career in the clouds and provides some insider tips for folks traveling to the Islands. What first drew you to being a flight attendant? I was attracted to working at Hawaiian
Hawaiʻi’s history is filled with inspirational wāhine who fought fearlessly to preserve Hawaiian culture and secure rights for women and minority groups across the Islands. They broke down barriers and empowered other women in Hawaiʻi and beyond. READ MORE: 14 Extraordinary Women in Hawaiʻi History Everyone Should Know From incredible aliʻi to impressive athletes, memoirs and biographies chronicle some of these pioneering wāhine. Their stories are fascinating and
Tucked on Oʻahu’s Windward Side, the once-sleepy town of Kailua often charms visitors and locals with its go-with-the-flow vibe and sandy coastlines. Just one look at Kailua Beach and Lanikai, and you’ll be enamored, and you might even be tempted to wake up before dawn to watch the sunrise from the top of Kaʻiwa Ridge.
