On Nov. 27, the world’s largest active volcano began erupting for the first time in 38 years. Mauna Loa’s historic eruption has drawn residents from across the islands as well as visitors from around the world to Hawaiʻi Island. Among the spectators are talented photographers who are capturing the sheer beauty and power of Mauna […]
Travel is back—and in a big way. The World Travel & Tourism Council projects travel in the U.S. will reach pre-pandemic levels in 2022. And market researchers at Destination Analysts found that 81.5% of American travelers surveyed are in a ready-to-travel state of mind. But people don’t just want to go anywhere. They want experiences.
After a 2-mile trek under a grueling sun, I crawl through a small crevasse into a dim cave. As I stare up at the cavern’s irregular surfaces, I notice the air, cool and refreshing. And then I spot the verdant oasis in the center of this prehistoric cave. I’m captivated. I’m standing not only in
A swath of blue colors the night sky, as light peeks above the horizon in the early morning hours of dawn. Sitting on the beach with my toes in the sand, I’m watching the sunrise from the Windward Side of Oahu at Bellows Field Beach Park, where we had camped for the night. Approximately 30
Kōkeʻe State Park is a hiker’s dream, with 45 miles of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of Kauaʻi’s fabled Nāpali Coast. But as someone who has made all sorts of travel mistakes in my life—including thinking we could grab dinner at the park’s restaurant only to find out it closes at 4:30 p.m. and
Kauaʻi is for those who truly want to get away. Lush mountains, cascading waterfalls, remote beaches — the island offers the Hawaiʻi vacation of your dreams. Hike through tropical rainforests or along breathtaking pali (cliffs). Kayak through verdant valleys to hidden waterfalls. Walk along more than 50 miles of beaches. If you want get away,
Did you know you can visit a replica of a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Oʻahu? And that you can purchase a novel from the westernmost bookshop in the United States in Hawaiʻi? If you’re searching for out-of-the-ordinary experiences in the Islands, check out these ideas. The possibilities are sure to surprise. 1. Take a
Located on the northeastern side of Hawaiʻi Island, Hilo is a quirky town filled with loveable charm, fascinating history and jaw-dropping natural wonders. While the town itself is often considered quiet and sleepy, Hilo is filled with life. Here, the streets are lined with hole-in-the-wall shops and beautiful hiking trails that are just short drives from
It’s no surprise the Hawaiian Islands are a top travel destination. While the scenic beaches, lush tropical forests and ‘ono (delicious) food are unforgettable, it’s the welcoming people willing to share Hawai‘i and its rich culture that make a trip to the Islands exceptional. However, Hawai‘i isn’t just a destination—it’s home to 1.5 million
Amid concrete buildings and bustling streets, a quipo tree towers over a collection of palms and tropical plants. The quipo is a deciduous tree which reaches heights of 150-200 feet, and the tree in Foster Botanical Garden was planted more than 90 years ago. Not far from the quipo tree in the garden is a
Standing among a row of tall, verdant trees, Kea Keolanui hands me a small leaf and says, “Chew on this.” The bitter taste is slightly mouth-numbing and I have zero guesses of what this spice is. Keolanui tells me it’s clove. The aromatic flower buds are from Syzgium aromaticum tree, which are native to Indonesia
Nāhuku at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closed until further notice—once again. The walk-through lava tube, formerly known as Thurston Lava Tube, is one of the top attractions at the national park. A half-mile loop leads visitors through a verdant rainforest to the 500-year-old cave. But on Sunday, park officials closed the lava tube.
