Haleakala National Park recently stated on its Facebook page that it had received “1,275 rocks in 2017—about 100 rocks per month” in the mail. A Hawaii superstition that is shared widely in the Islands, taking a rock from Hawaii will supposedly bring down a curse on the thief from Pele, the volcano goddess, which is why Hawaii’s parks—and Hawaiian Airlines—receive rocks in […]
When I first catch sight of Armin Engert outside his hangar in Hana, he’s wheeling a Radio Flyer wagon—and it’s filled with three jugs of gasoline. It’s a practical means of transporting fuel out here at the Hana Airport, where bananas and papayas grow right by the runway and pigs rustle in the bush. Compared
While on a whale watching tour with Maui Kayak Adventure, a mile-and-a-half offshore from Makena Beach, guests got more than they expected as they caught the attention of a juvenile humpback whale. Young and curious, the whale saw the group and swam over to say hello. And to the kayakers delight, the young humpback decided to stick around
This year marks 20 years since the Maui Ocean Center opened its doors in Maalaea, committing itself to fostering understanding, wonder and respect for Hawaii’s marine life through educational programs and community initiatives. This includes incorporating Native Hawaiian perspectives and values, such as malama aina, or caring for the earth. Curatorial director John Gorman, a
Whether you’re looking for a 21-and-over party with DJs and lots of booze or a romantic dinner for two with music and champagne, here is our list of recommended parties, dinners and cruises to ring in the New Year. OAHU New Year’s Eve 2018 at Buho Cocina y CantinaWho needs a New Year’s Eve bash
It’s a difficult job determining the winners of our 19th annual HAWAII Magazine Photo Contest, found in our January/February 2018 issue, on newsstands now. In searching for our winners, we inevitably must decide between entries that are so close in quality, artistry and beauty. Here, we present the top submissions that made it to the final
As of November 22, Iao Valley State Monument is reopened to the public. The 4,000-acre, 10-mile-long state park is a top outdoor destination on Maui, recognized for its iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot rock formation that overlooks the Iao Stream. A massive flash flood in September 2016 caused millions of dollars in damages to park
The world of professional surfing has once more convened in Hawaii, with world-class talent taking to the iconic surf breaks of Honolua Bay, Sunset Beach and the famous Banzai Pipeline. Although it’s hard to keep your eyes off of the international phenoms, such as South African Jordy Smith and the airborne Brazilian Filipe Toledo ripping
I wasn’t even there yet, but already I was more relaxed. I was driving east in my compact rental car to Upcountry Maui. The area, hugging the slopes of Haleakala, is known for its agriculture and has been farmed since early times. Today, Upcountry has cultivated a reputation for harvesting strawberries, onions, protea and lavender and
Kyle Nakanelua is seated across from me, staring me down with eyes that have seen plenty. Half of his face is embedded with ink, his intimidating appearance offset by his friendly demeanor. He’s the co-founder of the modern hale mua (house of men), along with Kamanaopono Crabbe, CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hale
In Hawaii, you’ll often hear locals use the words mauka (toward the mountain) or makai (toward the ocean) when it comes to giving directions. In the case of Mauka Makai, the signature restaurant at the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, it’s located makai of Honoapiilani Highway on Maui, and its menu concept is more inclusive. The restaurant
Whale season in Hawaii has officially begun. On Tuesday, October 10, the Pacific Whale Foundation reported spotting a pair of humpbacks about a mile off the coast of Kapalua in West Maui. Each winter, an estimated 12,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters to mate, give birth and care for their newborn calves. When the mating
