The forecast called for sunshine—after all, this was Kaua‘i—and we planned accordingly. That meant leaving rain jackets and backpack shells behind. Luckily, that was the only mistake we made that weekend. When I turned 40, my husband took me on a hiking adventure to Kaua‘i. We stayed in one of the rustic cabins at Kōke‘e […]
I’m all about New Year’s resolutions—but the kind you can actually do. No “running a marathon in under 3 hours” or “visiting 12 new countries in 12 months.” I like attainable goals—and ones that I’m excited about. I decided to have my own travel goals for 2024. Now that my son is at an age
Hollywood and Hawaiʻi go way back. From filming classic flicks like “From Here to Eternity” and “Blue Hawaii” to newer blockbusters such as “Jurassic World” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” the Islands—and its exceptionally verdant backdrops, are no strangers to the big screen. Fortunately for you, it’s easy to see some of these filming locations up-close-and-personal,
Last month Foster Botanical Garden, the oldest of five city-run gardens on Oʻahu, reopened after it had been closed for improvements to pathways and bathrooms. Not much has changed at the 14-acre botanical garden, which can trace its roots back to 1853. That year Queen Kalama, the wife of King Kamehameha III, leased a 4.6-acre
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular visitor attractions on Oʻahu—and for good reason. The protected marine bay in East Honolulu is easily the premier snorkeling spot on the island, with its pristine waters teeming with a diverse array of marine life. Prior to COVID-19, the bay received nearly 3,000 visitors a day. Today,
Maui may be the perfect destination for honeymooners—but the Valley Isle has a lot to offer vacationing families, too. There are kid-friendly hikes, beaches great for snorkeling, farms to visit, even fun playgrounds that will give parents a much-needed break. Here are our picks for the best things to do with kids if you’re planning
Exploring the various flora and fauna of O‘ahu is always a welcome getaway. Our readers shared their favorite botanical gardens on the island—and they are our favorites, too. 1. Waimea Valley A site rich in history and culture, Waimea Valley is home to a 45-foot-tall waterfall—and call ahead to see if conditions are right for
Maui has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaiʻi, from the pristine environment of Molokini Crater to the turtle haven at Maluaka Beach in Kīhei. These spots were voted as the best on the Valley Isle by our readers for the 2023 HAWAIʻI Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. (Note: Snorkeling is fun and great way to
Although you can spend years on Kauaʻi continuously discovering new parts you never knew existed, the Garden Island makes it easy for visitors to tour the entire island within a week. When the furthest you can drive is under three hours, the possibilities are endless. We recommend spending some time on each side of the
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
Most visitors to Oʻahu end up staying in Waikīkī—and for good reason. The beachside neighborhood offers a wide variety of accommodations—from high-end oceanfront resorts to cozy boutique hotels to cheap hostels—and tons of things to do. But if you’re looking to ditch the crowds—and you should!—get in a car (or hop on the city bus)
There’s no better way to explore the natural beauty of Oʻahu than by hiking. You’ll venture into native rainforests, marvel at panoramic views of the coastline and see places most visitors don’t—and burn off that breakfast, too. So if you like to stay active on your vacations or you’re brand-new to hiking, Oʻahu has dozens
