Five years after closing his award-winning restaurant—which had been a HAWAIʻI Magazine reader favorite—local chef Alan Wong is moving to Kāhala. The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, to be exact. The James Beard Award-winning chef and pioneer of the Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine movement will open Alan Wong’s at the luxe hotel in early 2026. The restaurant […]
The walk to the new premiere suite at the luxe Halekūlani threw me off. Instead of walking toward the main elevators, I was led toward the hotel’s spa, then down a dark hallway and around a corner. Just outside two huge double doors was a desk outfitted with a small lamp. “This is where your
Whether you’re a visitor on holiday or a local looking forward to a staycation, these luxury resorts on Oʻahu are known for their sumptuous atmosphere, top-tier service and memorable experiences. Here are the best luxury resorts on Oʻahu that topped our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. The Kahala Hotel & Resort The Kahala Hotel &
One of my favorite beaches on Maui is on the island’s West Side—and no, it’s not Kāʻanapali Beach. It’s Kahekili Beach, right around the corner. The lesser-known shoreline is just north of its famous next-door neighbor, on the other side of Puʻu Kekaʻa, aka Black Rock. Like many of the beaches on this side of
It seems like everyone is chatting about the latest episode of the HBO Original Series “The White Lotus.” Now in its third season, the wildly funny satirical drama takes audiences across the world to grand destinations while poking fun at luxury travel. From beautiful beaches to scandals and murder, it’s no surprise the show has
From once-in-a-life time activities to connecting with the local culture of a destination, travelers are seeking memorable and meaningful experiences. And sometimes these experiences come from celestial activity in sky. Last April, a total solar eclipse moved across North America, crossing 15 U.S. states. During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the
If you’ve even planned a trip to Japan, you might have stumbled on something called “capsule hotels,” or kapuseru hoteru in Japanese. These are pod-style rooms, just big enough for a bed, meant for quick and cheap overnight stays. Amenities such as toilets, showers and dining rooms are communal. Like hostels but way nicer—and more
There are two things I love about hotels: robes in the room and resort pools. But the pools, really, are at the top of that short list. There are a lot of great hotels in Hawaiʻi with less-than-spectacular pools, and I get it. The Islands have some of the best beaches in the world, so
Do you remember a family vacation when all the kids, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents squeezed around a table that seemed way too small—but nobody cared? Or the raucous family barbecue after a long beach day, when you got sand all over the floor but everyone was having the best time? Do you recall
Set in a picturesque cove along the Kauaʻi coastline, Timbers Kauaʻi Ocean Club & Residences is the centerpiece of an expansive 450-acre property. With exceptional amenities such as two- to four-bedroom residences, the island’s only Jack Nicklaus signature 18-hole golf course and oceanfront fine dining at Hualani’s—featuring fresh produce from an on-site 16.5-acre organic farm—the
Despite facing unprecedented challenges following last year’s fires, Maui has remained resilient. But with visitor numbers at a fraction of what they were pre-disaster, the local economy continues to feel this financial strain. As a result, local resorts—in partnership with Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority—have come together to offer special discounts and perks to help revitalize responsible
You don’t have to be a Disney fan to enjoy a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa on Oʻahu. There’s lots to do on and around the 21-acre oceanfront property in Ko ʻOlina, about 27 miles west of Waikīkī. The resort boasts three swimming pools—all heated—including a saltwater lagoon filled with Hawaiʻi reef
