*This web story was originally published in November 2020, and updated in March 2026. The short list was included in our FALL/WINTER 2025 issue. The best lū‘au in Hawai‘i will serve the authentic stuff: succulent kālua pig, creamy haupia and, of course, poi. So if you are lucky enough to get handed that perfect plate, here’s what you’ll be eating: From […]
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
With its retro neon sign, pink-and-white-striped awning, blue script logo, and the usual line outside, Leonard’s Bakery has become a can’t miss destination for foodies on Oʻahu. The bakery, a family business that’s been famously featured in guidebooks, food blogs, Instagram roundups and more, is dedicated to keeping a local tradition alive. Since opening in
Hawaiʻi may be renowned for its mai tais and lava flows, but those classic tiki drinks are being reimagined for a new kind of bar guest. Whether you’re participating in Dry January or joining the growing number of people ditching alcohol altogether, Maui is a place to explore zero-proof tropical creations. I scoured bars across
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 may be a simple concept, but you can’t help but smile in awe at Reef’s Real Fruit Ice Cream truck. And that’s the goal for Abby Alvin, owner of the vibrant food truck in Kīhei, Maui. With a huge grin, she says it brings her joy watching her customers’ reactions—whether it’s their first or tenth time to her business—as they watch their ice cream swirl out of the machines. Real fruit
Step into The Dotted Line on a weekday around noon, and you’re likely to see tables of business professionals making deals over Wagyu burgers and miso yuzu salmon. By 5 p.m., a similar crowd gathers to sip cocktails and enjoy pūpū. The Dotted Line is tucked in The AC Hotel by Marriott, which opened in
From Kō, its signature and recently refreshed restaurant, to Pilina, its new lounge, Fairmont Kea Lani is creating a dining scene within its beautiful grounds. Known for its spacious suites and luxe villas perched along Wailea’s golden sands, the resort continues to raise the restaurant bar by thoughtfully showcasing local ingredients in imaginative dishes and
I did a lot of interisland travel this year—at least 10 trips I can remember—all for food. There were several notable restaurant openings, but four stood out. They’re the places I would return to again and again—and in some cases, I already have. One restaurant is tucked in Maui’s ritzy Wailea, which is having a
*This story was originally published on Dec. 3, 2024, and updated in November 2025. A languid afternoon, a tray of desserts, maybe a glass of Champagne. That’s how I want to spend the holidays. And afternoon tea service, especially the ones on Oʻahu, offer all of that—and sometimes an ocean view. Here are six
When my older brother came back to Maui on his college breaks, he would often pick me up from school and we’d spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach. Many days ended with us grabbing plates of poke at one of his favorite spots, a shave ice stand in Pāʻia—which remains one of
Red Salt at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipū Beach is an ode to Kauaʻi’s red earth and the red ʻalaea (salt) it produces. The restaurant pays homage to this sacred ingredient by incorporating it with the island’s bounty—from the land to the sea. With fresh, local ingredients, Red Salt weaves together Hawaiian tradition and the
