Standing outside a bright yellow storefront in Haleʻiwa, Travis Smith explains how he and his team transformed the space into Oʻahu’s seventh Sunrise Shack, painting the building and renovating the interior in just one month. Next to HI Pie Bakery + Café and across from Kaimana Shave Ice, the new location came together quickly. Smith […]
On a warm evening, industry colleagues and hotel guests gathered at Alaia, the signature restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. Over six courses thoughtfully paired with wines from Kosta Browne Winery, conversations flowed as strangers became friends, brought together over bold dishes inspired by the Islands’ culinary history. The evening marked the debut of
Whether it’s at the spa, fitness center or through place-based activities, resorts across Hawaiʻi are expanding their offerings to help guests explore unique wellness practices. From utilizing state-of-the-art technology to tapping into traditional wisdom, guests can discover new ways to reconnect with themselves and the island’s natural surroundings. 1. Vibroacoustic Experience at SpaHalekūlani Spa guests are invited to explore the art of renewal at SpaHalekūlani. Tucked in a
For 25 years, locals and travelers celebrated milestones and a variety of occasions at Alan Wong’s on King Street on Oʻahu. The restaurant closed in 2020, and more than five years later, Alan Wong’s reopened in The Kāhala Hotel & Resort earlier this month. It’s already booked for the next two months, with resort guests
Halekūlani is a cherished resort that has been welcoming guests to for more than a century. Tucked in a peaceful cove in Waikīkī, it’s celebrated for its luxury amenities and top-tier service. What has always delighted me about Halekūlani is that you can easily spend an entire evening visit its unique collection of restaurants and
With its retro neon sign, pink-and-white-striped awning, blue script logo, and the usual line outside, Leonard’s Bakery has become a can’t miss destination for foodies on Oʻahu. The bakery, a family business that’s been famously featured in guidebooks, food blogs, Instagram roundups and more, is dedicated to keeping a local tradition alive. Since opening in
Step into The Dotted Line on a weekday around noon, and you’re likely to see tables of business professionals making deals over Wagyu burgers and miso yuzu salmon. By 5 p.m., a similar crowd gathers to sip cocktails and enjoy pūpū. The Dotted Line is tucked in The AC Hotel by Marriott, which opened in
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 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
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 article was originally published on Aug. 29, 2018. You can get a Hawaiian food plate lunch almost anywhere in the Islands, with nearly all of the required fixins (kālua pig, laulau, lomi salmon, etc.). But if we were to craft the best Hawaiian plate ever, here’s where we’d go. 1. Haupia: Yama’s Fish
Tucked on Oʻahu’s Windward Side, the charming town of Kailua is known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque beaches. But beyond Kailua Beach and Lanikai, the town is home to a variety of cozy cafés, hip eateries and top-notch restaurants. And new businesses continue to open, adding to the colorful lineup of places worth checking
