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 […]
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
Set on Hawaiʻi Island’s Kohala Coast, the beautiful Floating Lantern Festival brings together hundreds of residents and visitors to commemorate loved ones who have passed. The enchanting festival derives from Toro Nagashi, a Japanese tradition which translates to “lantern offerings on water.” During the Floating Lantern Festival on the Big Island, hundreds of paper
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.
Seeing a waterfall in Hawaiʻi. Yes, it’s a thing. And one of the most accessible waterfalls is ʻAkaka Falls on Hawaiʻi Island. In fact, you can see two waterfalls—ʻAkaka Falls and the smaller Kahuna Falls—on this short but beautiful hike through a lush rainforest filled with bamboo and wild orchids. And it’s only a half-hour
Planning a wedding in Hawaiʻi? You’ll want to check out these breathtaking venues on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Best Snorkeling/Scuba Instruction Snorkel Bob’s Big Island Divers Body Glove Cruises Jack’s Diving Locker Boss Frog’s Best Surf Instruction Kona Boys Kahalu‘u Bay Surf & Sea Kona Mike’s Surf Adventures Best Beach Gear or Water Gear Rental
You can’t leave Hawaiʻi without a souvenir. And on Hawaiʻi Island, you can find one-of-a-kind memorabilia like chic aloha attire from local designers or biographies on Hawaiian monarchs and Hawaiian coloring books. Shop at the stores and boutiques that our readers voted as the best. Best Shopping Center or Mall Queens’ Marketplace Keauhou Shopping Center
On Hawaiʻi Island, you can find fantastic accommodations to create a dreamy home-away-from-home on your next vacation. With warm and friendly staff, beautiful rooms and dramatic views, these hotels and resorts our readers voted as the best. Best Luxury Resort Hilton Waikoloa Village Four Seasons Resort Hualālai Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Fairmont Orchid Mauna Lani,
From ziplining over towering forests to scuba diving with manta ray, the activities on the Big Island are truly epic. Along with activities for adrenaline junkies, travelers can experience entertaining lūʻau and explore the origins of Kona coffee on the island. Check out our list of top activities on the Big Island. Best Dinner Cruise
The sheer size of the Big Island makes it a bucket list destination for adventure seekers. Here, you can venture through eight climate zones by exploring tropical rainforests, lush valleys and snow-capped volcanoes. And of course, beach lovers can find world-class white-sand beaches. Here’s where our readers love to explore on the Big Island. Best
Home to the original loco moco, Hawaiʻi Island has some of the best old-school favorites you’ll find in the Islands, including sweet bread and saimin. While the island is big on local classics, you can also taste an exciting variety of dishes at award-winning establishments. So, bookmark these restaurants that our readers voted as their
Waimea on Hawai‘i Island, known for its green pastures, cattle and cowboys, has long been considered paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country. But it’s more than that: Today, it’s a popular destination for delicious food, fine arts and local culture. Here are some places you can visit during your trip to this quaint, historic country town. Waimea
