Hawaiʻi is the land of beautiful pua (flowers). From the coastlines to the fiery crater of Kīlauea, rare and stunning flowers can be found growing across the Islands. These flowers have been important symbols in Hawaiian culture. Stories of the Hawaiian gods are often connected to many flowers, while some varieties were once used for […]
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the world’s most endangered seal species—and for years its population in the Islands have been on a steady (and alarming) decline. But in May the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has been monitoring the seal’s population trend and taken action to save them, reported the total population
For the first time in documented history, green sea turtles nested at Bellows Field Beach Park on Oʻahu during the summer of 2020. Wildlife researchers claimed it was “unprecedented” behavior by sea turtles. Commonly referred to as honu in Hawaiʻi, green sea turtles are known to nest along Oʻahu’s various shorelines. However, according to the
This story originally appeared in the July 2019 issue of our sister publication, Honolulu Magazine. No matter where Peggy Farias goes, nēnē follow. They show up in every shape and form, at the most unexpected times and places. They filled her childhood, congregating on her family’s sprawling Big Island estate in Hā‘ena as uninvited (and
There’s been a movement in Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry since the Islands reopened again to travelers early last year, and it has taken on the name of “regenerative tourism.” Major hotels and resorts have begun working with non-profits and charitable causes to create initiatives and programs to help make the Islands a better place—thanks to the
In small batches, Haleakalā Creamery makes one-of-a-kind goat milk ice cream and cheeses. The Maui family business also hosts farm tours so people can meet its friendly goats, learn about local farming, and taste a spread of gourmet goat-milk products. Striving to be a part of the Islands’ farm movement, Rebecca Woodburn-Rist was determined to produce her own food from Maui’s agriculture
While volunteering in the Islands may sound like working on your vacation, it’s really the best way to meet and make friends with residents and to get a unique and authentic perspective of the real Hawaiʻi. Not only that but after you’re pau (finished), you’ll be left with a sense of accomplishment that will stay with
It’s that magical time of the year again when the North Pacific Humpback whales return once more to the shallow waters of the Hawaiian Islands to mate, raise their young and wow whale watchers. These beloved gentle giants, known in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) as koholā, have migrated to Hawaiʻi in the winter months through
The National Park Service is urging drivers at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to slow down, as the third nēnē (Hawaiian goose) was struck and killed by a car last week. October is the start of breeding and nesting season in Hawaiʻi for this native bird, listed as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In
Hawaiʻi has long been considered the endangered species capital of the world, as the Islands are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened plants and animals. On Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed delisting nine more Hawaiʻi species from the Endangered Species Act—meaning, wildlife officials will stop searching for them. The nine—eight birds
Kekoa means “warrior” in Hawaiian. And this warrior—an endangered Hawaiian monk seal known as KE18—lived for about a decade at the Long Marine Laboratory at the University of California at Santa Cruz. Now he’s back—and living at Sea Life Park in Waimānalo on Oʻahu. Kekoa, a 9-foot-long male, was removed from the wild years ago
If there‘s one thing park rangers do best is give advice. And the friendly—and knowledgeable—rangers at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island have put together a list of tips for anyone planning a trip to its sprawling 333,308-acre park. Here’s how you can plan like a ranger—and trust us, you may want to bookmark
