It’s pretty hard, especially in Hawaiʻi, to be wowed anymore by shave ice. But that’s what’ll happen when you try one from Chillest Shave Ice, a small shop that opened in May in Kaimukī on Oʻahu. Owner Aaron Wong crafts dreamy, cloudlike domes of snow-fine ice, soaked in syrups in unique flavors like creamy strawberry […]
This story was originally published on Dec. 15, 2018 and updated on Aug. 6, 2025. Oʻahu’s iconic North Shore is dotted with vibrant beach towns, each with their own historic sites and unique personalities. From famous surf breaks and picturesque beaches to top-notch food trucks and hole-in-the-wall bakeries, these local neighborhoods are all worth
Checking into your room and hitting the hotel bar for a mai tai has long been step one for many travelers to Hawaiʻi. And the next time they’re in town, those travelers might notice something different about their favorite watering holes. Throughout Honolulu and Waikīkī, hotels are reenvisioning basic lobby bars and swapping them for
This story was originally published on Oct. 2, 2018. I glance at my hastily scribbled directions and drive back down the road I came from. I was told there’s a manapua man in Pearl City, Oʻahu, but without a proper address, all I can surmise is that he’s on the corner of Moanalua Road
Celebrating hula along with traditional Hawaiian arts, the 48th annual Prince Lot Hula Festival is taking place this weekend, July 19-20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds in Honolulu, Oʻahu. The festival was founded in 1978 to recognize Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who ruled as Kamehameha V. He
Whether you’re a visitor on holiday or a local looking forward to a staycation, these luxury resorts on Oʻahu are known for their sumptuous atmosphere, top-tier service and memorable experiences. Here are the best luxury resorts on Oʻahu that topped our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. The Kahala Hotel & Resort The Kahala Hotel &
Most afternoons you can find Faria chef and co-owner Kawehi Haug prepping in the restaurant’s kitchen alongside her family. Haug’s dad—also the restaurant’s accountant—is scooping bay leaf butter onto dishes for bread baskets while her mom—head of human relations—is making desserts, and her hānai cousins are setting up the dining room and bar. When they
This story was originally published on Jan. 22, 2019. Scattered throughout Honolulu and Waikiki are numerous statues of Hawaiian royalty, such as King Kamehameha the Great, Queen Liliʻuokalani and Prince Jonah Kūhiō. These sculptures, all crafted by master artists, capture the likenesses and regality of their subjects perfectly, so if you’re at all interested
Tucked on Merchant Street in Downtown Honolulu is a treasure chest filled with decades-old relics and tokens from Hawaiʻi’s sports scene. At first glance the spot might look like the coolest vintage shop you’ll ever set foot in, but it’s a museum first. Here, history is on display, including jerseys from various University of Hawaiʻi
This story was originally published on Aug. 5, 2016. The monster winter swells on Oʻahu’s North Shore is world famous, but summertime is a different story. While the surf may be flat and professional surfers are chasing waves elsewhere, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Here are four reasons why the North
In 1927 a stunning Olympic-size saltwater pool opened on a stretch of Waikīkī Beach, dedicated to the 10,000 soldiers, sailors and other volunteers from Hawai‘i who served in World War I. It featured a grand beaux arts archway leading to an ocean-water swim basin, with bleachers, bathhouses and a panoramic ocean view. Fittingly, on opening
This story was originally published on Feb. 20, 2020. Hawaiʻi’s first premier big wave surf spot wasn’t always Waimea on Oʻahu or Peʻahi (aka Jaws) on Maui. It was a break located on the west side of Oʻahu, just up the coast from Waiʻanae, called Mākaha. In the 1930s, surfing in Hawaiʻi was very different
