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Whether you’re heading to Maui for the first time or the fiftieth, there is always something new to discover. Hawaii’s third most populated island received its name according to Hawaiian legend where the Hawaiian god Hawaiiloa named the island after his son. From Haiku to Hana, you can sip and sightsee your way to the…

It shouldn’t be a shaka that Hawaii’s most well-known hand gesture is also known or referred to as the “hang loose” sign. Though there is no literal translation or meaning for the shaka, it is most commonly used to convey the aloha spirit as a motion of greeting or thanks. In Hawaii you’ll frequently see…

*Photo Credit: Chris Stankis Charting a course through Hawaii’s waters, the Hokulea — an authentic replica of an ancient Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe — is bringing about a renaissance of Polynesian voyaging techniques. Without any modern technology and using only Polynesian navigation techniques passed down generation through generation, the Hokulea has set her sights on revitalizing…

Lighting up ancient Hawaiian legends, Pele (pronounced peh-leh) the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, dance and volcanoes is a well-known character. Otherwise known as ka wahine ai honua, the woman who devours the land, Pele’s home is believed to be Halemaumau crater at the summit of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. However,…

Whether you’re three or 73, Hawaii has the perfect activities to bring the kid out of anyone. No matter what island you’re on or what your ohana’s (family’s) interests are, you can plan a day to circle round the island of Oahu, go horseback riding on the island’s windward side, get wowed at a local…

The malasada, a small, deep fried dough confection, has become integrated into the broad spectrum of “local food.” The Portuguese sweet treat was first brought to Hawaii by Portuguese laborers from the Azores and Madeira Islands who came to work in the sugar plantations. It can be most easily described as a donut without a…

Ohana means family, which in Hawaii means no one gets left behind on the family activities. With so much to do in the islands you and your family will never get bored. Whether it’s wowing the kids with an authentic Hawaiian luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center, taking in a frighteningly fun evening exploring Honolulu’s…

The best vacation is a Hawaii vacation. And very few things can improve upon a trip to the islands than a more affordable trip to the islands. While here, line your itinerary with discounted tours and affordable activities that help you take advantage of the best things to do, see and eat from Honolulu to…

The Fourth of July, the day that we, as Americans, celebrate our nation’s independence is a national holiday characterized by backyard barbecues, impressive fireworks displays, and a pervasive pride in our nation’s proud history of liberty and freedom. What the actual date commemorates, however, is not as widely understood as the fact that it’s a…

Photo Credit: Nancy C. Anderson Hawai’i’s official state fish is a remarkable little creature, and not only for the extraordinary length of its Hawaiian name, humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Residents, for the sake of brevity, most often use “humu” or “humuhumu.” The colorful species, Rhinecanthus rectangulus, has become an enduring and beloved symbol of Hawai’i, found in classrooms…

Stately and dignified among the modern lines of skyscrapers in Downtown Honolulu, ‘Iolani Palace remains the crown jewel of the Hawaiian monarchy, a distinction it has held since its construction, which was commissioned by King David Kalakaua. The palace’s cornerstone was laid in 1789 and construction was completed in 1882. The architecture is unique, known…

We’ve got the gossip on Hawaii’s favorite goose – the Nene (pronounced nay-nay) Goose. Native to the Hawaiian Islands and the official state bird of Hawaii, the name “Nene” refers to the gentle chirp it makes. Though the Nene spends a majority of its time on land, they do fly – typically between nesting and…