If you’re out strolling Kalakaua Avenue along Waikiki Beach, as you no doubt will be some afternoon in between lunch and happy hour on your next visit to Oahu, you’ll no doubt stop at the Duke Kahanamoku statue to pose for a selfie or family photo with the Duke or drape a lei on his outstretched arms or around his neck. Maybe you want to pay homage to Hawaii’s most legendary waterman (not everyone is an Olympic gold-medal swimmer and…
Every year since 1929, the 1st May is celebrated as Hawaii Lei Day. Statewide celebrations are held in all of Hawaii with full fun and fare symbolizing the beauty of the aloha spirit! Header photo by Joel. The day marks the celebration of Leis – fresh flowers famous not only across Hawaii but also across the world. Traditionally Lei wreaths were used as a sign of peace between various native tribes. Today, people from across the globe recognize the wreath…
It may not snow on the islands, but we can assure you that Christmas on Maui is just as festive. You’d be surprised at the possibilities of trading in a White Christmas for a sandy one. A Christmas in Hawaii will be a lot warmer, that’s for sure. Where else would you get the luxury of a day at the beach this time of year? Maui is full of the holiday spirit, sporting local events, festivities, and entertainment to fulfill…
It’s not easy becoming a household name in the islands, but Henry Kapono sure made it look that way. With a Grammy-nomination and countless Na Hoku Awards courtesy of the passion and diligence poured across 15 albums, it’s any wonder as to what Kapono can’t accomplish. These days the legendary artist has set his sights on something beyond him – the next generation of Hawaiian music stars. Kapono recently established the Henry Kapono Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting Hawaiian…
Look through our list of Recurring Events on Maui and select ones that will add enjoyment to your visit of the Valley Isle. We divided Annual Festivals & Events by seasons, but the dates can change from year to year, so make sure to check the provided websites for current dates and programming. Weekly Events Maui Friday Town PartiesFree Weekly Group RunsSaturday Maui Chef’s TableTuesday Magic ShowWednesday Slack Key Show Monthly Events Free Last Thursday Hawaiian Music SeriesFree First Sunday…
Like any Hollywood actor, Hawaii has played many different characters onscreen. We’ve seen it play a prehistoric world in Kong: Skull Island (2017), alien jungle planets in Avatar (2009) and Predators (2010), and even itself in The Descendants (2011). And in 2017, it was chosen to play the world of “Jumanji”. In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the titular fictional jungle – which isn’t even seen in the original 1995 film – is finally realized, so now there are many…
Few bands command attention. Even fewer command respect. Oahu’s reggae supergroup Ooklah The Moc grabs both in a way that makes them bona fide legends in the local music scene, their name a key marker for Hawaii’s roots reggae obsession. Ooklah The Moc revitalized the reggae subgenre with dynamic albums doubled down by commanding live performances across the Pacific. Their authoritative lyrics and bumping island rhythms spoke to the underdogs, the downtrodden, and the benevolent believer. Ooklah The Moc’s latest…
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, director Alexander Payne’s The Descendants (2011) was filmed in Hawaii. And much like 1999’s Molokai: The Story of Father Damien, or more recently, 2011’s Soul Surfer, The Descendants is both filmed and set in Hawaii. As it shares its storytelling between the islands of Oahu and Kauai, as you can imagine, there are plenty of The Descendants filming locations waiting to be discovered. George Clooney plays Matt King, a native Hawaiian…
Few reggae bands are as nostalgic and modern as Maui’s own Malino. This four-piece outfit rose during the early 2000’s, a time when Hawaii’s music scene was dominated by the superstars of the ‘90s and thus, wide open for a generational takeover. Malino’s debut in 2004 put them on the map in a big way, playing gigs and headlining shows state-wide, their debut album making them an overnight sensation. Their sophomore effort, From the Start, though released in 2015, feels…
Over the years, many pictures have been filmed in Hawaii. But one you might not be all too familiar with is 1999’s Molokai: The Story of Father Damien, directed by Paul Cox and based on Hilde Eyrikel’s biographical book. Combined with a soulful score, this beautifully-directed film is a poignant retelling of the story of the devout Roman Catholic priest. Set on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, the film sees the titular Father Damien (played by David Wenham) commit himself…