Situated about a 30-minute drive south of Hilo, the community in and around Pāhoa on Hawaiʻi Island boasts eclectic vibes and unique energy. Here, homesteaders farm and live off the land alongside neighborhoods of eco-villages and communes. They’re a strong and resourceful bunch, as many live in the area designated as Lava Zone 1, the […]
This story was originally published on July 8, 2020, and updated in May 2026. Springer Kaye remembers growing up in Mānoa on Oʻahu with a neighbor who would share lychee with her family. It has always reminded her of summer in Hawaiʻi. “We would sit there, with that big paper bag of lychee, covered in
Hawaiʻi is no stranger to great chefs, both homegrown and imported, and one of the newest ones that foodies are buzzing about is Hawaiʻi Island’s Rhoda Magbitang. Not only is Magbitang the executive chef at the prestigious CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection on Hawaiʻi Island, she’s also been on our TV screens for the
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
It makes sense that only in Hilo can you order something called a gravy burger. The sleepy town on Hawaiʻi Island has the distinction of being the birthplace of the loco moco, the classic local dish of hamburger patties, white rice, brown gravy and eggs being first served at the now-defunct Lincoln Grill in Hilo.
Waimea is widely talked about for its paniolo culture, but its neighbor in the east, Honoka‘a, deserves attention, too. The historic town is situated on the Hāmākua Coast and shares some of its neighbor’s rugged charm while boasting its own distinct and endearing qualities. Throughout town are relics showcasing the lasting contributions of immigrants who
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
We pull into the lush Keaʻau farm early, eager for dinner. Coming from SCP Hilo Hotel about 45 minutes north, our driver anticipated hitting rush hour traffic but instead made surprisingly good time. My partner and I are escorted to a standalone, open-air structure with farmhouse-style décor. A long dinner table is draped with gingham
ICYMI: Running clubs seem to be everywhere. You might have noticed while scrolling on your social media feed that many of your friends and colleagues are active in run clubs. In a place like Hawaiʻi where connection matters, these clubs offer a way to stay active, meet people and experience the Islands on foot. Whether you’re a kamaʻāina or a visitor, most clubs are free and you typically just have
It’s not at every hotel that, after mailing a coconut (yes, you read that right), you can hop on a beach bike and ride along a shoreline path to dinner. But that’s what it’s like at Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, a luxury retreat originally built in 1961 on a lava field fronting storied Kahuwai
It took a few months before I finally realized that my new normal really wasn’t so normal. For much of the summer I woke up with two numb fingers—middle and ring—sure signs of carpal tunnel that I’d forget about after coffee. And morning coffee was nonnegotiable: Interrupted sleep was the norm for me, and stress
*This story was updated on Dec. 24, 2025. A year ago on Dec. 23, 2024, one of the world’s most active volcanoes awoke. That morning, lava fountains spewed from a line of fissures at the base of the summit caldera. Declared episode one, the event was only a prelude to a series of dramatic eruptions at Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Prior to that, the
