Regardless of the season, Hawaiʻi lures travelers with its warm weather, clear skies and cooling trade winds. But that doesn’t mean all seasons in the Islands are equal. Take the rainy season, which runs from November through March. This February, Hawaiʻi experienced a storm system referred to as a Kona low, a type of subtropical […]
The unofficial capital of Oʻahu’s North Shore, Haleʻiwa epitomizes the perfect beachside town. With a vast array of small, locally owned boutiques, a selection of eateries to fill the empty stomach of beachgoers and surfers alike as well as activities to do in the town itself, there’s a reason why locals and visitors love Haleʻiwa.
This story was originally published on Jan. 24, 2023. It’s not every day the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational happens at Waimea Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore. In fact, in 34 years, the surf contest, which requires wave faces to be consistently larger than 40 feet (measured from the front of the wave)
Oʻahu is the most popular island with visitors of all the Hawaiian Islands—and there’s a reason why. OK, there are tons of reasons why. Known as the Gathering Place, Oʻahu is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to about 1 million people—that’s over two-thirds of Hawaiʻi’s total population. In pre-COVID 2019, 60% of
Oʻahu is more than the bustling streets of Waikīkī. Venture about an hour away to explore the North Shore and you’ll discover a legendary strip of beaches that attracts the world’s best surfers. Premier competitions are held here every winter, drawn by its large swells. The place is often referred to as the mecca of
Once you make the turn past the Makapu‘u Lookout, heading north, the road curves along the steep cliffs of the Ko‘olau Mountains and a rugged coastline appears. In the distance are two islets—rabbit-shaped Mānana and smaller Kāohikaipu— and across the sky ‘iwa birds twist and glide. You are in God’s Country. Waimānalo is a small
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is a bustling hub for international, domestic and interisland travel, making O‘ahu a pitstop for countless U.S. travelers heading to or from Asia or Australia. Even interisland travelers flock to Oʻahu, aptly known as the Gathering Place, on business trips and quick getaways. So, if you’re stuck with a long
Growing up on Oʻahu, I spend a lot of time in Mānoa, a sleepy neighborhood a few miles mauka (upland) of Waikīkī. I take my son to play at Mānoa Valley District Park, hike the trails in the area, grab lunch at Andy’s Sandwiches & Smoothies and meet friends at quaint coffee shops. It’s easily
When people think of Oʻahu’s golden North Shore, Haleʻiwa is often the town that comes to mind. But those who drive further north will find the small town of Kahuku. Situated on Oʻahu’s northeastern coast, the town of Kahuku lies between Haleʻiwa and Laie. During Hawaiʻi’s sugar era, Kahuku was once a booming agricultural hub
A trip to Oʻahu isn’t complete without at least one visit to exciting Waikīkī, where you can have iconic Hawaiʻi vacation experiences all within a budget. READ MORE: How to Spend a Day in Kailua, Oʻahu with $40 6 a.m. Hike Diamond Head at dawn ($5) Google Waikīkī and you’re guaranteed to find Lēʻahi (aka
Traveling in Kailua can be overwhelming—with so many beautiful beaches, hikes, restaurants and activities to choose from, the options seem endless. But if you only have a day to spare and a tight budget on Oʻahu’s Windward Side, don’t worry! With $40 in your pocket, you can still have an adventure-packed day that will take
After a long day swimming, hiking, shopping or just exploring O‘ahu, you might be ready for a drink. Here’s a roundup of a few of our favorite local watering holes to get you started, whether you’re looking for places with modern elegance, old–school charm, or secret hideaways. (Just remember to drink responsibly.) For Old
