In 2002, Disney introduced “Lilo & Stitch,” a quirky but heartfelt story set in a small town in Hawaiʻi. Filled with vibrant scenery and homages to Hawaiʻi, the animated movie is imbued with strong themes of ʻohana and community, which resonated—and still does—with audiences around the world. Based in a town inspired by Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi, […]
The Pan-Pacific Festival is set to once again bring exciting cultural performances to Honolulu and Waikīkī, from June 13 to 15. This year’s festival is the second following a five-year hiatus. “We are thrilled to continue the tradition of bringing together cultures from around the Pan-Pacific to celebrate our global community,” says Yusuke Komoriya, president
From old-school bakeries and mom and pop restaurants to boutiques and surf schools, small businesses are vital to Hawaiʻi’s economy and often at the heart of local communities. Many of these businesses have helped shape the Islands’ cultural landscape while also evolving to meet the needs of the people. On the east side of
From paniolo (cowboy) and historic plantation districts to oceanfront streets, Hawaiʻi is dotted with one-of-a-kind neighborhoods. Filled with history and charm, you can explore vibrant towns across the Islands that are home to quirky cafés, fabulous boutiques, trendy restaurants and hidden gems, too. These are the best towns in Hawaiʻi that you’ll want to add
The prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival wrapped up competition this weekend in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island. Like every year, the hula and mele were incredible. Jaedyn Janae Puahualani Pavao took home the title of Miss Aloha Hula 2025 on Thursday night at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Pavao is a student and niece of Kumu Hula Leināʻala
Every year May 1 marks Lei Day in Hawaiʻi. It’s a tribute to the iconic Hawaiian lei, a beautiful symbol of aloha that is so tightly woven in Hawaiian culture. Originating in the 1920s during a period of steamship travel to the Islands, Lei Day has blossomed into a beloved tradition. Throughout the Islands, festivals
HAWAIʻI Magazine’s most anticipated issue, our annual Readers’ choice Awards, is out now! In these pages, you’ll find our list of the best towns, beaches, hotels, restaurants and more throughout Hawaiʻi. From great beginner surf spots on Oʻahu and epic waterfall hikes on Maui to top-notch coffee growers on Hawaiʻi Island, our Readers’ Choice
Referred to as the Olympics of hula, the Merrie Monarch Festival is one of the biggest events in Hawaiʻi. The 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival kicks off this week in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, which features three consecutive days of competition: The Miss Aloha Hula competition on April 24, the kahiko division on April 25 and
Situated at the foot of the Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu’s Windward Side, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden spans 400 beautiful acres. Opened in 1982, the garden is the youngest and largest botanical garden owned and operated by the city and county of Honolulu. The property features six tropical gardens—which are inspired by geographical regions—and it also boasts
The Seattle-based Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2026-27 Hawaiʻi cruises, with a choice of six itineraries ranging from 17 to 28 days. The cruises sail aboard Koningsdam, Noordam and Zaandam ships, and start or end in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Seattle, Washington; or San Diego, California. Each cruise to the Islands will feature
It’s no surprise Hawaiʻi has some of the best beaches in the U.S. That’s one of the main reasons travelers flock to the Islands. And travelers have also spoken, rating our beaches among the best in the country. Tripadvisor, the popular travel guidance platform, released its list of best beaches for 2024, and five Hawaiʻi
As one of the most isolated archipelagos in the world, the Hawaiian Islands are home to diverse ecosystems and an agricultural industry that produces a unique variety of crops. It’s this one-of-a-kind environment that lures millions of travelers to Hawaiʻi every year. But the Islands’ native forests and farmlands are also extremely susceptible to diseases
