Five Fabulous Hula Fests
"Hula is the language of the heart, therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people," said King David Kalakaua, who helped resurrect Hawaii's storytelling dance in the late 19th century, after years of missionary repression. And to the delight of visitors — and the pride of Hawaiians — it keeps on pulsing.
While many tourists first experience hula at a luau or in a hotel lounge, there is a better venue for sampling the art form...
Feature Stories
Aloha With Altitude
On Hawaii's Big Island, the double volcanos of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are taller than Everest (well, if you measure from the sea floor) and home to shining observatories, snowboarders, lava flows and summit-seekers.
Kauai: Skip The Sticker Shock
In this season of economic nail-biting, we show you how to enjoy a classic Hawaiian vacation on the South Shore, from free hula shows and tropical gardens to roadside shrimp trucks selling tasty $10 meals.
Midway Atoll To Reopen
The famous WWII battle site will soon welcome tours departing from Hawaii. In addition to military history, the island is home to "gooney birds," green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and a pristine coral reef.
Welcome To Artistry Island
Art advisor Julie Cline paints a vivid picture of Maui's best installations, events and artwork — from master printmaker Paul Mullowney's rice papers to sculptor Claudia Johnson's seductive forms.
The Senator's Hidden Garden
At Sen. Fong's Plantation & Gardens on Oahu, visitors enter a landscape reminiscent of what the early Polynesians saw: forests of kukui, hala, koa, and ohio'ái; ti and pili grass still covering the slopes; quiet streams where ancient spirits feel at home.
Close Encounters Of An Aquatic Kind
The Maui Ocean Center puts visitors face to face with a living reef, tide pool and turtle lagoon, plus an open-ocean habitat that teems with stingrays, eagle rays and six species of sharks.
Paddling Polynesia
The modern incarnation of an ancient Hawaiian outrigger waits on Kauai's Polo Beach, ready to take you on a two-hour adventure at sea.
The Place Where The Sidewalk Ends
A wave-kissed, wind-swept promontory on the Big Island, South Point marks the mesmerizing southernmost tip of the United States.
The Orchid Thief
Bringing exotic blooms back from Hawaii can be perfectly legal. Just check these handy guidelines to learn exactly which tropical flowers won't raise eyebrows in the customs line.
Past Articles
Hawaii's Hearst Castle
A woman ahead of her time, heiress Doris Duke filled her oceanfront estate with priceless artifacts collected over a lifetime—including museum-caliber Islamic art.
Movable Luau Along Kapahulu Avenue
One writer asks, "What's wrong with just one last quick stop for kalua pork, Korean-style ribs, homemade breads, pineapple cake or hot exotic doughnuts?"
Extreme Makeover: Waikiki
Home to new hotels, restaurants, parks, shopping areas—and even new sand—Hawaii's legendary beach town has been transformed from shabby to chic. More Photos
The Other Birds Of Paradise
From the gold-headed, gray-winged palila to the bright red apapane, the Big Island's rarest birds are best spotted on a guided nature trek.
Set A Course For The Coconut Coast
The eastern side of Kauai may not be as famous as Po'ipu Beach, but it's your best bet for budget-friendly noodle stands, family-friendly snorkeling and adrenaline-friendly kayaking on the Wailua and Hule'ia rivers.
Cirque Du Soleil, Polynesian Style
Maui's "Ulalena" musical tells the story of the Hawaiian Islands' creation through artful dance, vibrant costumes and mesmerizing acrobatics.
