In Hawaiʻi, we’re decking the halls across the Islands at holiday parades, light shows and pop-up events. On Oʻahu, you don’t want to miss ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice, a spectacular 56,0000-square-foot wonderland. Held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice, presented by American Savings Bank, is […]
Just in time for the winter surf season, The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay is bringing back its iconic bar. After a five-year closure, Surfer, The Bar returns as a pop-up from Dec. 5 to 13, welcoming kamaʻāina and resort guests to kick off surf season on the North Shore. While at the resort, it seems
*This article was originally published on Dec. 13, 2018, and updated in December 2025. There’s nothing better than picking out your own Christmas tree, and at Helemano Farms in Wahiawā, Oʻahu’s only Christmas tree farm, it’s easy. “We have the full service here,” says Carol, a longtime worker at Helemano Farms. “We greet our
It may be hard to believe, but there are certainly signs winter has arrived in Hawaiʻi. On Oʻahu, you know it’s the holiday season when a jolly 21-foot Santa Clause is throwing a shaka outside of Honolulu Hale. The annual Honolulu City Lights is one of the most anticipated festivals every year. Residents and visitors
*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
ʻIolani Palace invites guests to walk its halls during its Queen Kapiʻolani Evening Tours in late December. The experience celebrates the queen’s birthday, with tours available only on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28. Tickets are available now. “In the evening light, you feel the presence of our aliʻi in these halls,” said Paula Akana, president
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
*This story was originally published on Sept. 12, 2017. The 2025 Nā Wāhine o Ke Kai will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28. For more information, visit nawahineokekai.com. Considered the pinnacle of long-distance Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing, the Kaiwi Channel is a grueling 41-mile stretch of open ocean separating the Hawaiian Islands of Molokaʻi
While growing up on Maui, it was always a treat to visit Oʻahu. Here, the energy is electric, from the crazy shorebreak at Sandy Beach and the bustling nightlife of Waikīkī to the trailblazing adventures of Kualoa Ranch. Oʻahu is the third-largest Hawaiian Island. However, it’s also “the Gathering Place,” home to about 1 million
There is a surprising treasure trove of world history nestled on the slopes of Lēʻahi on Oʻahu. And thanks to a new partnership with Bishop Museum, there are now more opportunities to explore Shangri La Musuem of Islamic Art, Culture & Design—the former estate of the billionaire heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke. The late Duke
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
It’s official: This September is the first Hawaiian History Month. Earlier this year, the Hawaiʻi State Senate adopted Act 167, designating September as a time to honor, reflect and recognize the complex history of Hawaiʻi. The month commemorates remarkable contributions of Native Hawaiians who have helped perpetuate Hawaiian culture—both in the past and today.
