Category: Hawaii Culture & Happenings

Hawaiian lava sledding is as extreme a sport as it got for ancient Hawaiians. Racing headfirst downhill at speeds of 60 or 70 miles per hour sounds death-defying. But it’s how alii (royalty) enjoyed spending their free time, even if it meant getting a few injuries along the way. Hee holua, as it was called […]

As an area not far from the airport and Aloha Tower, Kakaako is oftentimes one of the first places visitors see when arriving in the islands. The drab industrial warehouses and banal buildings weren’t necessarily the best for first impressions. In fact, many would call this the grungier side of Oahu. But thanks to a […]

Every year, eyes from all around the world focus on the humble town of Hilo for the Merrie Monarch Festival. The event of traditional hula and Hawaiian culture celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, a remarkable feat for something that started so low-key. Barbershop quartets, coronation pagaents, fireworks and street dancing defined the festival in […]

The riddle behind the Laie Lady has been solved, putting an end to the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon. The fictional character of this PCC attraction kept visitors coming back for the past five years to see how the story would unfold, and to get a good scare, of course. Every Halloween, a new version […]

Two lion-dogs stand guard at the entrance to Hamilton Library, located on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. I walked past them every day for a year before noticing that they are not exactly identical. And, in true Hawaiian fashion, they have many local cousins. Called koma-inu, these statues were brought from Japan in […]

A vintage postcard can speak a thousand words about the history of a place or an era. I came across one online from 1926 that shows a black and white photo of a Japanese fountain at Kapiolani Park. It’s surrounded by swaying palms, with Diamond Head in the background Although collecting vintage postcards has become […]

The rocks of Ulupo Heiau continue to keep their ancient vigil, as new sets of hands maintain their massive formation. Heiau are traditional places of worship in Hawaii, and you’ll find them throughout the islands. Ahead, we’ll learn about one of Oahu’s oldest heiau and how these temples have been restored and maintained across the […]

The Honolulu Marathon is a big deal. It’s among the largest in the world, as well as one of the most popular for visiting runners to take part in. Japan, however, tops the list every year with the most participants from abroad. Of the 30,898 marathon participants this year (the most since 1997), more than […]

Every holiday season, the streets of Lihue light up with colorful floats and festive spirits. Thousands of glowing yuletide arrangements hanging ever-so decoratively along the buildings and landscaping twinkle in a rhythmic beat, as beautiful Christmas carols swell into the expanse of the warm night sky. Tandem surfing Mr. and Mrs. C. The annual Festival […]

Big Island residents are used to chit chatting over topics of snow and lava; after all, it’s these phenomenons that make the island one of the most amazing places on Earth. But it’s not often that the island’s first snowfall happens around the same time the lava meets the sea – like it did recently, […]

Bruddah IZ was one of Hawaii’s most influential and famous musicians. Many Hawaii visitors are familiar with his beautiful “Over the Rainbow / Wonderful World,” but there is far more to this beloved icon than this one popular song.  Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Bruddah Iz (Israel Kamakawiwoʻole) was a Native Hawaiian who embraced music from an early […]

Have you heard of the Laie Lady? She’s that restless soul who roams Laie town in search of her husband and son. Recognized by a flowing white gown and long disheveled hair that hides her face, the Laie Lady remains a mystery to all she encounters. People say she’s the spirit of a young girl […]