Raised on Maui, Alana Kysar is a down-to-earth recipe developer known for her debut cookbook, “Aloha Kitchen.” Sitting at her dining room table in Upcountry Maui, she recalls her favorite dish growing up was her mom’s mochiko chicken. “That’s what childhood tastes like to me.” As a kid, Kysar sharpened her cooking skills in her family home. “I grew up in the […]
Mist settles among the eucalyptus trees as I wind up Pi‘iholo Road into the heart of Olinda, bound for Ho‘omana Spa to heal body and soul. Pulling into the driveway of this traditional lomilomi (Hawaiian massage) spa on Maui feels less like arriving at a business and more like visiting a loved one, which is entirely
*This story was originally published on Dec. 24, 2024, and updated in December 2025. With its year-round tropical climate and an endless-summer energy, it’s no surprise snowbirds flock to Maui every winter. But that doesn’t mean the island lacks holiday spirit. Across the Valley Isle, you can enjoy festive celebrations throughout December. From
Spanning just a few blocks, the colorful town of Pāʻia is packed with unique boutiques, surf shops, art galleries and must-try eateries. It’s also just a short walk to Pāʻia Bay, a popular beach for locals, and just a short drive from Hoʻokipa Beach Park, one of the best windsurfing spots in Hawaiʻi. Once a
*This story was originally published on Aug. 5, 2021. From her shaded treehouse bakery, Auntie Julia watches the cars roll by. Her establishment is quaint, a small green treehouse perched along Kahekili Highway, located in the hard-to-reach town of Kahakuloa, but her product—succulent loaves of homemade banana bread—is famous. When people ask where the
At the foot of Mauna Kahālāwai (the West Maui Mountains) is the town of Wailuku. A little off the beaten path for travelers, downtown Wailuku is a hub for commercial businesses and government entities. But beyond these places, the historic town is home to mom and pop shops that have been around for generations and
Two years after the fire that destroyed Lahaina, recovery is uneven and deeply layered. In some places, residential areas are construction zones; in others, families are back in their homes and returning to normalcy. Local businesses that were once in Lahaina are reopening across the island. Maui County has rolled out housing programs to aid
From its picturesque beaches and charming towns to its luxury resorts and fine-dining restaurants, the Valley Isle has long been a paradise for couples. Here’s a simple itinerary to create a memorable weekend on Maui that will sweep your sweetheart off their feet. Where to Stay Hotel Wailea, is one of the few adults-only hotels in
Maui is known for its natural wonders, from Wailea’s golden beaches to Haleakalā’s otherworldly terrain. While there’s plenty to see and do, there’s also lots to eat on the Valley Isle. After all, one of the best ways to understand a new destination is through its local cuisine. From bakeries that have stood the test
They say that sunsets in Hawaiʻi are unmatched. And while it’s true, there’s something just as magnificent about rising before dawn to catch the first rays of sunlight as they illuminate the Islands. Stirring before the sun might not be at the top of your list of things to do during your Valley Isle vacation
Despite facing unprecedented challenges following last year’s fires, Maui has remained resilient. But with visitor numbers at a fraction of what they were pre-disaster, the local economy continues to feel this financial strain. As a result, local resorts—in partnership with Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority—have come together to offer special discounts and perks to help revitalize responsible
So you’re taking a vacation to Hawaiʻi—and you want to squeeze in a side trip to Maui? We won’t talk you out of it! If you’re going to spend at least a week in Hawaiʻi, you might want to consider visiting more than one island. Most flights from Honolulu take less than an hour—it’s only
