It’s well-known among locals that if you’re visiting Hawaiʻi Island, you better return with delicious omiyage (gifts) to share. From fluffy sweet bread to delightful strawberry mochi, some seriously iconic sweet treats can be enjoyed on Hawaiʻi Island. According to HAWAIʻI Magazine readers, these are the best bakeries on the Big Island in 2025. […]
On an island known for its high prices, finding delicious cheap eats can feel like striking gold. Yet, many of Hawaiʻi’s iconic dishes are the result of creative cooking with humble ingredients. From the simple Spam musubi to no-frills saimin and shave ice (it’s literally just ice!), these foods prove that you don’t need to
Hawai‘i boasts an incredible and vibrant culinary scene. And with exciting restaurants opening every year, it’s hard to narrow down which new eateries are the best. Thanks to our savvy HAWAIʻI Magazine readers, here are the best five new restaurants in Hawaiʻi that rose to the top of our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. Makawao
Hawaiʻi is a top travel destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, which are among the best in the world. Stretches of golden coastlines and crystal-clear waters help define the Islands as paradise. It’s nearly impossible to create a list of the best beaches in the Islands, so we ask our readers every year. The results
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
After much anticipation, HAWAIʻI Magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards is available and on newsstands! (Get your copy here.) From the best beaches and hiking trails to family-friendly resorts and lūʻau, this list represents the best of the best in Hawaiʻi. Over the next few weeks, you’ll get a sneak peek of the winners, as
Even as one of the most isolated archipelagos in the world, the Hawaiian Islands are a bookmarked destination for many travelers. Its proximity to the equator results in a year-round tropical climate, luring many visitors. It’s this similar reason that makes the Islands an ideal place for growing an abundance of crops—including coffee. With its
Oʻahu has some of best—and most famous—bakeries in the Islands, and narrowing the list down of our favorites is nearly impossible. But thanks to our readers—who seem to love malasadas as much as we do!—we have the Top 5 bakeries on Oʻahu, as voted in our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. Leonard’s Bakery This family-run
There’s nothing more refreshing than a bowl—or cone!—of shave ice, especially on a hot day in the Islands. From its humble beginnings, over a century ago, when vendors peddled cups of powdered ice sweetened with fruit syrups out of pushcarts along the Honolulu Harbor, shave ice has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
When you think of Hawaiʻi, you think of beaches—and Oʻahu has some of the world’s best. From Waikīkī to Waimea Bay, here are your picks for the best beaches on Oʻahu, according to our 2024 Readers’ Choices Awards. 1. Waikīkī Beach Waikīkī Beach is one of the most recognizable shorelines in the world, stretching along
Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore the place I’m visiting. It’s a great way to learn about and appreciate its unique natural environment—and burn calories, too. (Because eating is my second favorite thing to do!) Kauaʻi boasts miles of trails, from hikes to waterfalls to paths meandering through majestic mahogany trees. Here
Snorkeling is like a stained-glass window into a world under the sea. The best part about it is, there is no expensive equipment or training needed. Anyone can jump in and experience a kaleidoscope of magnificent, tropical fish going about their day. Over 5 million people visit Oʻahu’s stunning, sandy coastlines and clear crystal water every
