Kaua‘i’s rainy North Shore is particularly verdant as I make my way to Common Ground in Kīlauea from my home on the south side. The 83-acre property, once home to the Kīlauea Sugar and Guava Kai plantations, has been repurposed as a community gathering place and a starting point for future agricultural projects. The sun-soaked […]
Born and raised on O‘ahu, Bianca McKee has been a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines for 10 years. Here, she shares what drew her to a career in the clouds and provides some insider tips for folks traveling to the Islands. What first drew you to being a flight attendant? I was attracted to working at Hawaiian
To me, the best part of traveling is eating. You can learn a lot about the history and culture of a place through its foods; take Hawai‘i, for example. The Islands’ diverse cultures and rich history are showcased through its varied cuisine. You can find everything from Vietnamese pho to Portuguese bacalao to Puerto Rican
Hula, surfing, Kona coffee and Spam musubi are all at home in Hawai‘i. But did you know we have the only commercial vanilla farms in the U.S., or that cowboys roamed the Islands before the Wild West? Here are five things that are distinctive to Hawai‘i that you may not have known about. (We didn’t, either!) Rock-Walled Fishponds According to Hawaiian moʻolelo
Year after year we’re amazed and inspired by the hundreds of images submitted to the annual HAWAI‘I Magazine Photo Contest—and this year is no different. From the Islands’ endemic species to its legendary surf breaks, these captivating images offer a glimpse into Hawai‘i’s dynamic landscapes. We recently launched a category dedicated to the island of
In Hawai‘i, from baby lū‘au to backyard potlucks, the sounds of Hawaiian slack-key guitar—or kī hō‘alu—fill the air. These mele (songs) tell stories about life in the Islands, transporting listeners back in time and evoking a sweet sense of nostalgia. From joyful, energetic tunes about Waimea’s cowboy country to passionate odes to sweethearts in Waikīkī,
Kaua‘i is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands—and one of the most beloved by travelers. From verdant valleys to the majestic Nāpali Coast, the Garden Isle makes for an idyllic vacation. Although a top destination, the island remains dotted with secluded beaches and home to some of the best under-the-radar businesses. You just need to
The first time I learned about the Alakoko Fishpond on Kaua‘i was back in 2012, when I hopped on a stand-up paddleboard on the Hulē‘ia River and glided right past it. Back then it was referred to as the Menehune Fishpond, named after the legendary craftsmen who worked at night, building heiau (temples) and fishponds.
The wait is over: HAWAIʻI Magazine’s latest edition is here! Flip through our 2025 FALL/WINTER issue to discover 24 dishes that define the Island’s one-of-a-kind cuisine, get a glimpse of Kīlauea’s ongoing eruption and check out unique local products—perfect for gifts or keepsakes for yourself. From a paniolo-themed lūʻau on Oʻahu to a traditional lomilomi spa
Tequila lovers are in for a treat at Waikulu Distillery, Hawai‘i’s only producer of blue agave spirits. Located in Makawao, this farm-to-bottle operation began as a horticulture experiment and has grown into an award-winning distillery crafting libations exclusive to Maui. “My plan wasn’t to make it an enormous distillery, just something that could get to
*This story was originally published on Sept. 12, 2017. The 2025 Nā Wāhine o Ke Kai will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28. For more information, visit nawahineokekai.com. Considered the pinnacle of long-distance Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing, the Kaiwi Channel is a grueling 41-mile stretch of open ocean separating the Hawaiian Islands of Molokaʻi
My family and I stand steps from the ocean, just south of Kona’s airport. Salt is everywhere—we smell it in the air, even taste it, and soon we’ll soak our feet in the briny water. We are on a tour of Kona Sea Salt Farm, a small operation that harvests salt made from the deep-ocean
