Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Oʻahu’s diverse terrain. The island boasts miles of trails, including hikes to waterfalls, across ridges and to the top of summits. Here are the 5 best hikes on Oʻahu, according to HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. Diamond Head Summit Trail Leading to the summit […]
The waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands are home to an incredible array of marine life, from vibrant schools of fish to playful dolphins and magnificent manta rays. Whether you’re snorkeling, surfing or relaxing on the beach, you may encounter some of Hawaiʻi’s marine wildlife. For their protection and your safety, always observe wildlife respectfully and
Hawaiʻi is home to dozens of state parks scattered across the Islands. However, there are only a few national parks in Hawaiʻi. Like state parks, Hawaiʻi’s national parks and national historic sites are vital to protecting its natural environments and rich culture. From witnessing a volcanic eruption at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island
Every June is World Ocean Month, with June 8 designated as World Ocean Day, a global observance recognizing the importance of our planet’s oceans. The ocean plays a vital role in sustaining marine ecosystems, economies, cultures and communities around the world. In Hawaiʻi, the ocean and its coral reefs have long been essential to the
Plumeria, pīkake, pua kenikeni. These flowers—and their scents—conjure up memories of Hawai‘i, but none of them are actually native to the Islands. Plumeria are endemic to Mexico and Central America, pīkake to India and pua kenikeni to the South Pacific. In fact, many of the tropical flowers commonly associated with Hawai‘i, like birds of paradise
Most visitors to Hawai‘i Island know the Keaukaha area for its beautiful lava rock beaches, its spectacular sunrise views, and the bustling Port of Hilo. It’s no surprise that this coastal shoreline, with access not only to the ocean but also an abundance of freshwater springs, holds significant cultural and historical value. Today, Keaukaha is a common gathering place for
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
With its lush rainforests and fewer crowds, Kauaʻi feels wild and uncharted. As the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, its beauty has been shaped by millions of years of wind, rain and waves, and its natural wonders are unrivaled. Here are five incredible landmarks on Kauaʻi that you won’t soon forget. 1. Waimea Canyon
As Earth Month approaches, many people are looking for meaningful ways to give back to Hawaiʻi and to support the long-term health of the Islands they love. Hawaiʻi’s native forests play a vital role in protecting fresh water, stabilizing soils, supporting native plants and wildlife, and strengthening the long‑term resilience of the Islands. Yet decades
*This story was originally published on April 22, 2021, and updated in February 2026. Latin superstar Bad Bunny took the stage as the halftime show performer at the 2026 Super Bowl on Feb. 8. Earlier in February, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer took home the Grammy for album of the year with “Debí Tirar
*This story was updated on April 1, 2026. From ancient fishponds and lush rainforests to a beautiful tapestry of traditions and culture woven into our communities, Hawaiʻi is an extraordinary place. This remote archipelago in the Pacific thrived as an independent kingdom for nearly a century before being overthrown by American and European businessmen.
On Jan. 1, 2026, Hawaiʻi increased the statewide transient accommodations tax, or TAT, from 10.25% to 11%, with each county allowed to impose a surcharge of up to 3%. Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green signed off on the increase in May 2025; the initiative establishes what state officials call the nation’s first climate impact fee, referred
