The 78th annual Aloha Festivals takes place in September, culminating in an annual floral parade on Saturday down Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī. This year’s parade—the 76th one, presented by ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach—will feature a procession of festive floral floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands and, of course, traditional pāʻū riders. The parade runs from 9 […]
Hawaiʻi is ranked as the healthiest state in the U.S., according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health index scores. While the mild, consistent weather and close proximity to the ocean and mountains enable year-round outdoor activities, a daily vitamin D boost from the sun and a deep connection to nature all contribute
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
