*This story was updated on April 1, 2026. From ancient fishponds and lush rainforests to a beautiful tapestry of traditions and culture woven into our communities, Hawaiʻi is an extraordinary place. This remote archipelago in the Pacific thrived as an independent kingdom for nearly a century before being overthrown by American and European businessmen. […]
Nestled on Mauna Kahālāwai on Maui is a hidden oasis. Native Hawaiian plants like the a‘ali‘i, a shrub with small green leaves and burgundy flowers, grow in a forest among naio, a false sandalwood, and alehe‘e, a tree with delicate and fragrant white flowers. Nearby, kalo (taro) sprout from a lo‘i (an irrigated terrace, especially
On Maui’s west side, the tiny town of Olowalu is steeped in rich history. And it’s also one that’s often driven right through on the way to Lahaina’s and the golden beaches of Kāʻanapali. From being a thriving agricultural region and a puʻu honua (place of refuge), to being marked by an unfortunate massacre and
