Winter to spring is whale watching season in Hawaiʻi. There are over a dozen other species of whales (and dolphins) plying Hawaiian waters year-round, including sperm whales and pilot whales. However, most of these are rarely seen because they swim in very deep waters, most typically off Hawaii's Kona Coast or Oahu’s western shores. The North Pacific humpback is the most common whale found in Hawaiʻi. Thousands of humpback whales migrate every year, swimming … [Read more...] about When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi
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Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer
Our hearts go out to everyone on Maui. You will remain in our prayers through recovery and as rebuilding begins. Maui Wildfires November 2023 update On August 8, 2023, wildfires swept through West Maui and leveled business districts, destroyed historic sites, gutted homes, and caused many deaths. The full effects of the devastation will take many months to unravel and rebuild. Official channels are the best sources for the latest updates. November 6, 2023: … [Read more...] about Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer
2023 Budget-friendly Christmas dinner dine-in and to go
Here are a few recommendations for a budget-friendly Christmas dinner across the Hawaiian Islands. There are options for dinners to-go as well as dine-in restaurants. Make reservations or place a to-go order as far as possible in advance, because many establishments sell out a week or two before Christmas. Restaurant reservations are strongly suggested if available. But we provide some drop-in restaurant ideas as well. 2023 Christmas dinner to-go across the … [Read more...] about 2023 Budget-friendly Christmas dinner dine-in and to go
O’ahu: “The Eddie” big wave invitational surfing competition at Waimea Bay
The biggest surfing event in the world is a highly anticipated event each winter on the North Shore of Oʻahu. Officially "The Eddie: In Memory of Eddie Aikau", the prestigious competition invites surfers, alternates, and legends to showcase their high-performance surfing on the massive winter surf at Waimea Bay. Because the wave conditions need to be right, the contest has only been completed a few times in the several decades since the first contest. Winners … [Read more...] about O’ahu: “The Eddie” big wave invitational surfing competition at Waimea Bay
Maui shopping centers, malls, and outlet stores
Here's a rundown of major shopping areas on the island of Maui. We focus on shopping centers, outlet malls, and other stores offering basic necessities, discounted goods, locally made products, and cultural entertainment. Our list begins in Kahului and then West Maui from Lāhainā to Kihei and Wailea. Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (QKC) is Maui’s largest shopping center and Kahului "town square" since 1972, featuring family … [Read more...] about Maui shopping centers, malls, and outlet stores
Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
Holiday weekends throughout the year are especially popular times for retailers to entice you to shop and save. You can find sales and discounts on a variety of seasonal goods. Stores, shopping malls, and major brands may also host special events and giveaways. Listed below is a list of the best holidays for shopping sales and discounts. Then, scroll down for a list of some of the biggest and best shopping malls throughout Hawaiʻi. Best holidays for shopping at … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Best shopping malls for holiday sales
Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
Here’s a list of Santa photo opportunities in locations across the Hawaiian paeʻāina. All this and toys, too! We’re indubitably impressed. Some of these are free opportunities for selfies with Santa, which are BYOC (bring your own camera or smartphone). Many of the free Santa photo ops are one-time opportunities at Christmas festivals and other holiday events featuring an appearance by Santa Claus. In additional to free selfie photo ops, there are professional … [Read more...] about Where to get pictures with Santa Claus
Where to see Christmas lights in Hawaiʻi
Listed below are some of the popular Christmas light displays throughout Hawaiʻi. They are listed alphabetically by island, the clockwise beginning in the north. We'll continue to update this list as organizers announce dates for Holiday lights, incuding Christmas tree lights, Santa arrivals, and holiday parades. To wish someone "Merry Christmas" in Hawaiian say, “Mele Kalikimaka” (may-lay kah-lee-kee-mah-kah). To say "Happy New Year", it’s “Hauʻoli Makahiki … [Read more...] about Where to see Christmas lights in Hawaiʻi
Contemporary Hawaiian Arts: Galleries, Craft Markets, Festivals
Listed below are resources for buying contemporary Hawaiian arts and crafts across the Hawaiian Paeʻāina (island group). You'll find several lists, including Art Galleries and permanent Craft Marketplaces, followed by seasonal Art Fairs, Craft Shows & Holiday Bazaars. If you're looking for hands-on art and craft making, we also offer a list of Visual Art Education centers where you can find workshops and classes in visual arts that are available to the … [Read more...] about Contemporary Hawaiian Arts: Galleries, Craft Markets, Festivals
Hawaiian Islands Farmers Markets
Listed below are farmers markets currently operating throughout the paeʻāina (archipelago, i.e. Hawaiian Islands). We also provide tips for getting the most out of your shopping day and a guide to what’s in season throughout the year. Tips for shopping at farmers markets Bring shopping bags, baskets, or rolling cart Bring cash in small denominations ($1, $5, coins) Prepare a shopping list to help you shop efficiently Be flexible and adapt your … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Islands Farmers Markets
