The vastness of Hawai‘i Island has always felt like uncharted territory to me. It’s the Big Island, after all, nearly twice as large as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. I’ve traveled there numerous times, visiting Kailua-Kona on the west side, Waimea up north and Hilo on the east side. But I’ve never ventured far beyond those towns. In the last few […]
Like the Islands themselves, tea culture encourages a slower pace, inviting us to savor the present. On Maui, the herbal traditions of Hawaiʻi are woven into a variety of tea experiences, from walking tours of misty farmlands to traditional ceremonies in cozy teahouses. In these places you witness firsthand tea’s journey, from leaf to cup.
*This story was originally published on Feb. 26, 2024, and updated in March 2026. From fresh fresh flower blooms to mild temperatures and less crowds, springtime is a severely underrated season in Hawaiʻi. Here’s proof why this time of year is great in Islands and these activities will help you spring into the season. 1.
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
Tucked on Oʻahu’s Windward Side, the once-sleepy town of Kailua often charms visitors and locals with its go-with-the-flow vibe and sandy coastlines. Just one look at Kailua Beach and Lanikai, and you’ll be enamored, and you might even be tempted to wake up before dawn to watch the sunrise from the top of Kaʻiwa Ridge.
The soft glow of the string lights shines down on groups of customers, some seated at a high top while others play giant Jenga around a picnic table, and a few dance to a local funk band called The New Salts. This place, “it’s about bringing the sugar mill back to life,” says Nate Sisler,
After miraculously finding a spot in the Pāʻia public parking lot, the day already feels auspicious. It’s been over a year since I last spent a full day in this bohemian coastal town on Maui’s north shore, and I’m eager to see what—if anything—has changed. Classic spots like Māna Foods, which has been around since
*This story was originally published on April 22, 2021, and updated in February 2026. Latin superstar Bad Bunny took the stage as the halftime show performer at the 2026 Super Bowl on Feb. 8. Earlier in February, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer took home the Grammy for album of the year with “Debí Tirar
According to Chinese zodiac, Feb. 17, 2026, marks the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. Locals and visitors are invited to celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome in good fortune at Chinatown 808’s 50th Chinatown Festival and Parade on Saturday, Feb. 14. The all-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. In partnership with American Savings Bank (ASB), Chinatown
The essence of Valentine’s Day is spending time with your kuʻuipo, or sweetheart. In Hawaiʻi, there’s no shortage of ways to make Feb. 14 memorable. Here are creative ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Hawaiʻi. 1. Share a Sweet Treat Local bakeries and confection shops are rolling out Valentine’s Day-themed treats. At Chinatown bakery
*This story was originally published on Feb. 3, 2025, and updated in January 2026. February is Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Language Month, and it’s now more important than ever to celebrate this living language by learning, embracing and respecting it. Three years after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, the Hawaiian language was
*This story was originally published on Feb. 4, 2021, and updated in January 2026. Romance and Hawaiʻi seem to go hand-in-hand. If you happen to be in the Islands for Valentine’s Day—lucky you!—here are some of the most romantic beaches, lookouts and places in Hawaiʻi. 1. Watch the Sunrise at Lanikai Beach Imagine watching the
