The seasons are changing, and so is the cast of the “Have Aloha Will Travel” podcast. Taylon Faltas joins the podcast as its newest co-host—as editor Catherine Toth Fox has stepped away for the time being. And on her first episode Taylon, and Kevin, talk story with local Big Island comedian Justine Smith who not […]
When visitors think of coffee brands in Hawaiʻi, Kona Coffee is among the first to come to mind. Grown on the Island of Hawaiʻi—aka the Big Island—Kona Coffee has become an international sensation, being sought after by coffee aficionados around the globe. But what makes it so special? Well, a lot of things, and we’ve
We chat with former Miss Aloha Hulas Natalie Ai Kamauʻu (1990), TeHani Gonzado (2000), Malia Petersen Arakaki (2002), Māhealani Mika Hirao-Solem (2010) and Manalani (English) Souza (2013) as the 2021 Merrie Monarch Festival competition airs today through Sunday. When the 2020 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival was officially canceled last March, the impact on the
The Merrie Monarch Festival is back this year—and competition starts today in Hilo. There is one change: It will be broadcasted on television—meaning no spectators—due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The performances and announcement of winners will be broadcast on July 1 to 3. In 2020 festival president Luana Kawelu made the crucial decision to cancel
Found across Hawai‘i, anchialine ponds, with their unique ecosystems, are little-known treasures often overlooked as part of Hawai‘i’s narrative—both past and present. Along the South Kohala Coast of Hawai‘i Island, hidden within the Waikoloa Beach Resort, is a short gravel path leading to scenic ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay. Every time I walk through here it feels like I’m taking a
More often than not, the journey to a truly hidden gem starts on a small, bumpy dirt road. That applies to the bay that borders Kaloko Fishpond in Hawai‘i Island’s Kailua-Kona district. The area has many small, glassy little tide pools and a few picnic tables, often unoccupied. Located at the end of the Ala Nui Kaloko,
Over 700 years ago, ancient Hawaiian settlers founded Lapakahi, a small seaside village that for years prospered within Koai‘e Cove. The waters were abundant with marine life, the location was sheltered from the harsh Kohala winds and numerous thatched-roof hale (houses) were erected in the area. Today, it’s easy to see what once was at Lapakahi, now a historical
Jackson Dorian may only be 13, but he’s already being compared to his famous father—and rightfully so. The young, diminutive surfer from Kona has lived a dream life already. With idyllic surroundings, home schooling and strong support from his family and friends, Jackson is in an enviable position for any kid. His dad, Shane Dorian,
In ancient Hawaiʻi, loko iʻa (fishponds) served as vital resources for Hawaiian communities. By some accounts, there were an estimated 350 fishponds in operation in ancient Hawaiʻi, growing a variety of fresh and saltwater plants and fish, including ʻamaʻama (mullet) and ʻawa (milkfish). Loko kuapā, or walled shoreline ponds, were the most common. These had sluice gates, or mākāhā, to keep fish
Through these uncertain times, the Kona Historical Society continues to persevere. Known for its Portuguese sweet bread baking workshops, the Kona Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and shares the unique history of the Kona districts—located on Hawaiʻi Island—and no pandemic or COVID-19 will put a stop to that. In response to the social distancing
It sounds like the dream Hawaiʻi life: Buying an old farm in Puna on Hawaiʻi Island off an ad on Craiglist to start growing coffee. You wake up to the quiet of a farm, living minutes from the ocean, basking in the Island sunshine. Oh, and you’ve got your own coffee, too. Part of that
“Hi Meleana. This is Auntie Luana [Kawelu]. I’m calling to let you know that this is your formal invitation to participate in Merrie Monarch 2020.” This was the call that changed kumu hula Meleana Manuel’s life. A native of Volcano on Hawaiʻi Island, Manuel had competed in the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival, known as the Olympics
