It may have seemed like your typical lū‘au—except, maybe, for the horses. But if you know the history of O‘ahu’s North Shore, where the Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay is perched, it all makes sense. The North Shore was once home to cattle ranches, where paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboys, worked the land on horseback. In fact, the hotel […]
The wait is over! HAWAIʻI Magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards is out and on newsstands. (Get your copy here.) From the best beaches and hiking trails to romantic resorts and top poke spots, our list celebrates the best of the best in Hawaiʻi. Over the next few weeks, you’ll get a snapshot of the winners, as we share stories about them—including the best islands
Staying at “the Grand,” as we affectionately called it, was like a dream vacation for us kids. With its epic waterslides, lazy river and hidden hot tubs scattered across its pools, the resort was the ultimate destination for families—and it still is. As a 7-year-old, the hours spent in the pool were bliss, and when
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
*This story was originally published on May 5, 2015, and updated in May 2026. While plenty of bars and restaurants throughout Hawaiʻi will break out the Dos Equis, chips and salsa for today’s Cinco de Mayo holiday, many family homes will celebrate May 5 a little bit differently: by flying koinobori, colorful carp-shaped flags, in
While every day we should be thankful, Mother’s Day is a beautiful reason to celebrate and show even more appreciation to all the mothers, tūtū, aunties, big sisters and mother figures in our lives. There are plenty of ways to treat the important wāhine in your life this Mother’s Day. 1. Take mom to brunch Across the Islands, many restaurants will be hosting a special
In my Oʻahu neighborhood, plumeria and pua kenikeni trees sit in yards of generous neighbors always willing to share their pua. Anytime I need to make lei, I ask a neighbor if I can pick a few dozen flowers. From birthdays to graduations, giving lei is how we celebrate special occasions in Hawaiʻi. Known for her vibrant, one-of-a-kind lei, Oʻahu-based lei lei maker
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
With its peaceful energy, Kauaʻi is often regarded as a place of healing. That energy—mixed with the island’s spiritual retreats, health clubs and unique spa services—has been attracting travelers and locals for years. While the wellness industry has boomed lately—today it’s worth about $2 trillion, according to McKinsey & Co.—communities on the Garden Isle have
Every year May 1 marks Lei Day in Hawaiʻi. It’s a tribute to the iconic Hawaiian lei, a beautiful symbol of aloha that is so tightly woven in Hawaiian culture. Originating in the 1920s during a period of steamship travel to the Islands, Lei Day has blossomed into a beloved tradition. Throughout the Islands, festivals
On a quiet morning, gray skies cloud Maui’s usually sunny West Side. But those familiar with the area know that clouds never linger long here: The sun always breaks through. By late afternoon, I’m already relishing the sun’s rays at The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. Perched on a serene shoreline in Kā‘anapali, the resort
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
