A crackle comes through the two-way headset snug over my ears. “Have you been on a helicopter before?” our pilot, Keith, asks me. “This is my first time,” I say. “How about that,” he answers. “Me, too!” Keith, of course, is joking. He’s a skilled pilot, trained and certified, with Paradise Helicopters. A locally owned […]
Inside each tank is an adult day octopus—called hee in Hawaiian—native to Hawaii waters and active during the daytime. At Kanaloa Octopus Farm, it’s a look and touch kind of experience. It’s a sunny Friday afternoon and I’m on a tour with 20 other people. Kanaloa Octopus Farm is located at scenic Keahole Point, about 10
It’s 4:30 a.m. and I’m sitting in the second row aboard the Ohana, a covered aluminum catamaran, en route to see 2,000-degree lava plunging into cool seawater. We’ve been bouncing along the choppy ocean for about 30 minutes when, in the distance, the sky transforms from inky black to a radiating reddish-orange. A collective “Whoa”
The Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is perhaps one of the park’s most underrated areas. Open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this grassy section was once a historic ranch and spans 116,000 acres. Guests can expect to see remnants of ohia lehua forests, unique plant and
Have you ever been on a flight from the mainland to the island of Maui? If you have, you will know the feeling of that final approach and your heart and mind sinking to your feet and the literal sigh of relief that follows when you finally realize that your vacation that you have saved
Imagine an island oasis complete with rolling mountains and seaside cliffs. A place where bright blue skies and tropical flowers create a lush vibrant retreat for all. In ancient Hawai‘i, well-being was achieved by honoring nature, people and nā akua (spiritual beings), all of which were valued and connected. Each entity had mana (power or
Whether you’re catching Henry Kapono live on Maui, learning archery on Molokai or attending the 50th anniversary of Oahu’s Byodo-In Temple, there’s so much to do and see in the Islands this August. Oahu Made in Hawaii Festival 8/17–8/19 If you’re looking to lighten your wallet and go home with tons of produce, jewelry, apparel,
Hawaii is like no place on Planet Earth, with spectacular golden sand-covered beaches and lush emerald valleys. And each island has its own distinct personality. Kauai is “The Garden island” and the oldest of the main islands. This is the place to chill and enjoy nature at its finest, with tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
With its soaring peaks and unbelievable coastlines, Maui will win you over. There’s a wild and close-to-the-earth element about some of those valleys and beaches, with a hopping resort scene and charming town vibes not far away. How do they cram so much onto one little island? And, more, importantly, how do you make sure
Ahh summer– where school’s out, the sun’s shining, and the events are plentiful. This month is packed with history as we celebrate the traditional Obon, the merry sounds of ukulele, the highly regarded hula and more. Oahu Waikiki Aquarium’s Ke Kani O Ke Kai Concert Series 7/12 Roll out a blanket and break out a
I’m whipping down Maui’s western coastline in a bright-red raft at just past 6 in the morning, watching the mountains and ridges of the Valley Isle grow smaller and smaller in the distance. Leaving from the Kihei Boat Ramp, Redline Rafting, a Maui-based ocean adventure tour company, has one mission in mind on our snorkeling
Fireworks fans rejoice, as the Fourth of July is just around the corner. With large-scale fireworks shows on every Island, visitors and residents from Kauai to Hawaii Island won’t miss out on this action-packed day. So get your red, white and blue on, and check out what goes boom in the night. OAHU Ala Moana
