Disembarking at Aloha Tower one cannot help but think back to a time when intercontinental steamships transported visitors donning aloha shirts and wide brimmed hats with champagne flutes in one hand while waving goodbye with the other. The flamingo pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel sat regally to the left as the vessel pushed forward towards Lēʻahi […]
You’ve probably heard of the age-old question: If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? For the team at Bizia Surf, falling trees not only do make a sound, they also make an impact. Founders and owners, Joey and Christine Valenti, opened a
You’re on vacation. So you probably want to sleep in, right? Don’t. Get up early—at least one day—and hit one of these spots on Oʻahu to catch the sunrise. Sip Kona coffee in your Hydroflask, marvel at the glorious start to the day—then grab breakfast somewhere close by. (We provide recommendations below.) Trust us, you
Before the pandemic one of the highlights at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oʻahu for many visitors was the canoe show, where dancers, singers and musicians rode double-hulled canoes and surfboards through the canals that run through the 42-acre, Polynesian-themed park in Lāʻie. Here’s what “Huki: A Canoe Celebration” looked like in 2018: During the
Snorkeling is like a stained-glass window into a world under the sea. The best part about it is, there is no expensive equipment or training needed. Anyone can jump in and experience a kaleidoscope of magnificent, tropical fish going about their day. Over 5 million people visit Oʻahu’s stunning, sandy coastlines and clear crystal water every
Since 2020 the House of Mana Up has served as a public retail space for 100% Hawaiʻi-based artisans, designers and makers to share Hawaiʻi’s ingredients and culture with the world. This month the local retailer opened its new Kakaʻako store inside South Shore Market in Ward Village. There are now five locations across O‘ahu and
Waking up the morning of my 9 a.m. tour at Hi Honey Farm I felt like a kid waking up on a school day knowing a field trip was the only thing on the agenda. Good night’s sleep? Check. Light breakfast? Check. Sunny weather? Check. With our eagerness and excitement in tow, my friend and
Held on Thursday nights, the Kailua Farmers Market has been going on for 20 years. It’s a Thursday night institution. The first time I went was several years ago back when we used to see actors from the show “Lost,” wandering around buying bread and vegetables. After many years away from the island, we moved
For me, summiting hills or mountains, regardless of elevation, is worthy of celebration, especially now: I’ve just trekked 4,025 feet to the tallest peak on O‘ahu, and it wasn’t easy. Every year I aspire to complete an epic expedition in Hawai‘i and venture to places where few people have gone. Witnessing nearly untouched, endemic ecosystems
Every Friday since 1988, with the exception of two years during the pandemic, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort has lit up the sky with fireworks just after sunset. Visitors and locals enjoy the show from high-rise and beachfront restaurants, the beach and even from the water. Here are a few of our favorite
Want to hop in the ocean for a quick swim without orchestrating an entire beach day? If you’re staying in Waikīkī, you’ll need a beach that is close by, not too rocky and has easy parking. Here are five options right in Honolulu. Ala Moana Regional Park and Magic Island A favorite among locals, the
Love live music? Oʻahu has a slew of venues, from dive bars to upscale hotel restaurants. Here are several local favorites, some of which you may not find in guide books. Ala Moana You may know this area by its sprawling beach park and outdoor mall. Located right outside of Waikīkī, it’s easily accessible by
