Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular visitor attractions on Oʻahu—and for good reason. The protected marine bay in East Honolulu is easily the premier snorkeling spot on the island, with its pristine waters teeming with a diverse array of marine life. Prior to COVID-19, the bay received nearly 3,000 visitors a day. Today, […]
Under the sea, under the sea—you know how it goes. Everything’s better under the sea. It’s quiet, fish mosey along with their days and with a snorkeling mask, you can see it all with a clear view. It’s no wonder snorkeling is such an adored past time here in Hawaiʻi, where the ocean and the
Exploring the various flora and fauna of O‘ahu is always a welcome getaway. Our readers shared their favorite botanical gardens on the island—and they are our favorites, too. 1. Waimea Valley A site rich in history and culture, Waimea Valley is home to a 45-foot-tall waterfall—and call ahead to see if conditions are right for
Jim Little has been in the Hawaiʻi plumeria business for 50 years. Growing and cross-pollinating plumeria—known in Hawaiian as melia—since 1973, as Jim Little Nursery & Farms, Little has produced some of the most vibrant, fragrant and unique plumerias in the world. From ruffled flowers to plumeria in stunning shades of red and yellow, these
Early on a crisp morning I flee rush hour in Honolulu for solitude in the Ko‘olau Mountains. I set out on the Pali Highway, the view through my windshield gradually changing from concrete towers and sprawling neighborhoods to dense forests and rugged mountain ridges. O‘ahu is known as the Gathering Place, where fast urban pursuits
I’m rolling through ʻEwa on the West Side of Oʻahu, headed for the shore. However, I’m not planning to surf in the ocean, but in the state’s largest wave pool. Spanning over 100 feet wide, the Oʻahu wave pool, Wai Kai Wave is a first for Hawaiʻi. As an avid surfer, I was stoked to
On a cool Saturday morning, 45 volunteers wearing water shoes and hats start a 10-minute trek from Kuli‘ou‘ou Beach Park to Paikō Beach on O‘ahu, nets in hand. The group is on its way to the Paikō Restoration Area to pull out invasive algae with folks from Mālama Maunalua. The nonprofit stewardship organization is committed
The credits roll as the lights come on. I’m seated in the foyer of the Hawai‘i Theatre and I can’t stop staring at the walls. Intricate gold detailing highlights the delicate ornaments and fixtures fixed around the theater screen, which had just finished showing “The Princess Bride.” The viewing had been unlike any movie-watching experience
Most visitors to Oʻahu end up staying in Waikīkī—and for good reason. The beachside neighborhood offers a wide variety of accommodations—from high-end oceanfront resorts to cozy boutique hotels to cheap hostels—and tons of things to do. But if you’re looking to ditch the crowds—and you should!—get in a car (or hop on the city bus)
You haven’t been to Oʻahu until you’ve been to Waikīkī, the bustling, beachfront neighborhood on the island’s sunny south shore. It’s a mix of modern resorts and historic landmarks with a perfect view of Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head). There are high-end shops and dive bars, upscale restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries—and you don’t need a rental
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
There’s no better way to explore the natural beauty of Oʻahu than by hiking. You’ll venture into native rainforests, marvel at panoramic views of the coastline and see places most visitors don’t—and burn off that breakfast, too. So if you like to stay active on your vacations or you’re brand-new to hiking, Oʻahu has dozens
