After a morning spent hiking in Kōke‘e State Park, I feel rejuvenated leisurely swimming from one end of a 30-foot saltwater pool to the other. Just 10 minutes pass at the infinity pool at our hidden Kauaʻi getaway, but that’s more than enough time to know that we’re scratching our dinner reservation. My friend and
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,
Maybe you’ve already booked your trip to Hawaiʻi Island—or maybe you’re planning a last-minute vacation to the Big Island. Either way, you’ll definitely want to visit Kīlauea, which began erupting again on June 7, 2023—and putting on quite a show, too. The new eruption began just before sunrise on June 7, filling Halemaʻumaʻu Crater with
Maui has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaiʻi, from the pristine environment of Molokini Crater to the turtle haven at Maluaka Beach in Kīhei. These spots were voted as the best on the Valley Isle by our readers for the 2023 HAWAIʻI Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. (Note: Snorkeling is fun and great way to
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
While there are over 50 state parks in Hawaiʻi, only nine areas are designated as “national parks” in the Islands. Like state parks, national parks—and national monuments— are vital in protecting scenic, cultural and historic areas, and visitors and local residents alike are sure to learn something new about the Islands with each visit. Below
Hawai‘i’s vibrant and extensive reef systems, unique marine life and year-round warm waters make for exceptional snorkeling. Beneath the ocean’s surface, you’ll see colorful schools of fish and vibrant coral reefs and maybe even a honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) or two leisurely swimming by. For them, getting around in the ocean is effortless; for
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
This story was originally published on Jan. 24, 2023. It’s not every day the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational happens at Waimea Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore. In fact, in 34 years, the surf contest, which requires wave faces to be consistently larger than 40 feet (measured from the front of the wave)
Today, the Eddie Aikau Foundation announced on Facebook, “The Eddie is a Go,” for Wed. Jan. 11, 2023, at Waimea Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is an entertaining spectacle, drawing massive crowds to watch as the world’s top athletes not only compete, but soar down monstrous waves. And it’s
For weeks, the largest active volcano on the planet has been rumbling, sparking a series of mini earthquakes. Since September, geologists have reported an increase in seismic activity and on Nov. 15, 50 small-magnitude earthquakes rattled Mauna Loa on Hawaiʻi Island. Then on Nov. 27, at around 11:30 p.m. a fissure opened on the floor
