Tucked away in his eatery on South King Street in Mōʻiliʻili, Robin Abad is swiftly slicing fresh fish, prepping pohole fern salad and carefully plating a row of short rib pipi kaula, all while talking story with his customers from behind the counter. He hands over fresh poke bowls, pork belly bao buns and smoked […]
Many first timers to Hawaiʻi set their sights on Oʻahu, thanks to its visitor-friendly activities and locales known around the world. The island is home to the state’s capital city, Honolulu, and sites including Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head (the Hawaiian place name is Lēʻahi), Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. While travelers should certainly include
On a Thursday afternoon in the heart of old Makawao town, volunteers sew with great care and beneficence. The day’s project is stitching bags for kūpuna (elders) to attach to their wheelchairs. In the spring of 2020, a group of Maui residents began sewing together to address the severe shortage of face masks on the
Outside my car window, all I see are lava fields—an archetypal characteristic of the landscape in Kailua-Kona on Hawai‘i Island. Ancient Hawaiians classified the distinct types of lava here as ‘ā‘ā, denoting rough and jagged rocks, and pāhoehoe for lava that’s smooth and billowy. The expanses of lava rock are a sign of the Big
After a morning spent hiking in Kōke‘e State Park, I feel rejuvenated leisurely swimming from one end of a 30-foot saltwater pool to the other. Just 10 minutes pass at the infinity pool at our hidden Kauaʻi getaway, but that’s more than enough time to know that we’re scratching our dinner reservation. My friend and
Early on a crisp morning I flee rush hour in Honolulu for solitude in the Ko‘olau Mountains. I set out on the Pali Highway, the view through my windshield gradually changing from concrete towers and sprawling neighborhoods to dense forests and rugged mountain ridges. O‘ahu is known as the Gathering Place, where fast urban pursuits
Travelers are enthralled by Maui for many reasons and the splendor of the island’s beaches is right at the top of the list. With about 120 miles of coastline, the Valley Isle boasts over 30 miles of dazzling beaches, from powdery white-sand to jet-black and even red shorelines. But beyond the postcard-worthy appearance, the conditions
While forever altered by the pandemic, Hawaiʻi’s dining scene remains vibrant and diverse with restaurateurs and chefs ready to remind diners of the glory of eating out, whether it’s sharing plates of creative izakaya or feasting alone on an entire sourdough pizza. Even through economic turmoil, shipping delays and labor shortages, Hawaiʻi restaurants are persevering
ʻĪao Valley State Monument is a verdant 4,000-acre park home to one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot ʻĪao Needle. The peaceful area is popular among residents and regularly draws travelers. The park has been closed since Aug. 1, 2022, due to a slope stabilization project. After this nine-month closure, the Maui park is
Hawai‘i’s vibrant and extensive reef systems, unique marine life and year-round warm waters make for exceptional snorkeling. Beneath the ocean’s surface, you’ll see colorful schools of fish and vibrant coral reefs and maybe even a honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) or two leisurely swimming by. For them, getting around in the ocean is effortless; for
Towns across the Islands are filled with their own quirky personalities. Near the coast, visitors can spend an afternoon exploring a laid-back beach town lined with surf shops, vegan cafés and yoga studios. Head to a downtown district and the vibe changes. There you’ll find trendy boutiques and hip bars, old-school eateries and historic landmarks.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Merrie Monarch Festival returns in all its glory this year. After a mix of pandemic cancelations and hybrid festivals, competition hula performances are finally open those who snagged coveted general admission tickets. The event is set to run from April 9-15 in Hilo, on Hawaiʻi Island. Dedicated to perpetuating
