Our readers voted—and the results are in! We received thousands of votes in our annual Readers’ Choice Award, from the best beaches and hiking trails to shave ice spots and more. You can find out the winners in our 2026 SPRING/SUMMER issue, which is available now. Lookout for the latest issue on newsstands or purchase a copy from our online […]
The Merrie Monarch Festival is one of the biggest events in Hawaiʻi. The 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival kicks off on April 5 in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, which features three consecutive days of hula competition: The Miss Aloha Hula competition on April 9, the kahiko division on April 10 and the ʻauana division on April
HAWAIʻI Magazine 2026 Photo Contest Official Rules & Terms and Conditions Please read the following rules carefully before entering the HAWAIʻI Magazine Photo Contest. Contest Structure The HAWAIʻI Magazine Photo Contest consists of two phases: Phase 1: Photo Submissions Participants submit original photographs for consideration. Selected entries will advance to the voting phase. Phase 2:
Two powerful storms hit Hawaiʻi this March, bringing record rainfall, causing power outages, damage to roads and severe flooding to communities across the Islands. Some communities on Oʻahu’s North Shore were left nearly underwater. But residents quickly rallied together to support their neighbors and neighborhoods. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services
*Editor’s Note on March 31, 2026: Many businesses in Haleʻiwa have reopened, welcoming respectful visitors. These local businesses could use the support. Parts of Waialua and Mokulēʻia are still recovering. Avoid areas that are still recovery zones, and please follow signage and guidance by officials. Remember to show respect and compassion for what these residents
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department urges Oʻahu residents and visitors to stay out of the ocean following recent rains from the Kona low. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a brown water advisory for Oʻahu. The DOH recommends avoiding ocean water for at least 72 hours after the last rainfall. Even beyond that timeframe, the public should continue to
Chef Sheldon Simeon’s second cookbook “Ohana Style” is almost here. Available on March 31, 2026, the collection includes more than 100 approachable recipes celebrating the culinary traditions of the Islands. From nightly dinners to family-style potlucks and local snacks, the cookbook is rooted in ʻohana, embracing everyday moments and keeping the family cooks in mind. (You can preorder a copy on Amazon here.) This Friday, March
Following a powerful kona storm that caused severe flooding and damage across Hawaiʻi last weekend, another kona low is developing, bringing a new round of heavy rains. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for all of Hawaiʻi from 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, through 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. The developing low is expected to be weaker and hit leeward areas. However, the
*This story was originally published on Feb. 26, 2024, and updated in March 2026. From fresh fresh flower blooms to mild temperatures and less crowds, springtime is a severely underrated season in Hawaiʻi. Here’s proof why this time of year is great in Islands and these activities will help you spring into the season. 1.
A powerful kona low battered the Hawaiian Islands last week, unleashing torrential rain that caused widespread flooding, landslides, sinkholes, road closures and downed power lines. Governor Josh Green declared a State of Emergency in Hawaiʻi. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains that a kona low, or kona storm, typically forms during the winter months. The system is a type of
This playful and refreshing cocktail brings together two Hawaiʻi-Island based brands: Kōlea Sparkling Hop Water and Kuleana Rum Works. Both companies are crafted on Hawaiʻi Island, drawing inspiration from the land, its ingredients and the community. The collaboration celebrates local pride, blending the spirit of Kuleana’s rum with the crispness of Kōlea’s sparkliing water. READ MORE: The Beloved Kōlea Birds Return to Hawaiʻi Kōlea in the Tomato Patch Ingredients 1.5 oz Kōlea Classic Hop
The Kīlauea summit area in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is temporarily closed due to dangerous amounts of tephra falling. Highway 11 is closed between mile markers 24 and 40 due to dangerous road conditions. Kīlauea began erupting again at 9:17 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. Lava fountains reached as high as 1,300 feet, producing large amounts of volcanic rock, ash and glass particles. Light
