Hawaii

You’ve heard of Honolulu, now set your sights on Lanai Island

Published

3 years ago

February 25, 2023

You’ve heard of Honolulu, now set your sights on Lanai Island

Escape to Lanai Island, Hawaii’s lesser-known vacation spot. Photograph / 4 Seasons Lanai_Don Riddle

Lanai could also be finest recognized for 2 luxurious resorts owned by Oracle software program billionaire Larry Ellison, however for Kiwi travellers there are extra inexpensive methods to discover Hawaii’s sixth-largest island. Farewell Oahu, we’re off to Hawaii’s lesser-known Lanai Island, writes Brett Atkinson.

What to see

Though Workforce New Zealand’s America’s Cup nemesis in 2010 and 2013 owns 98 per cent of Lanai, a lot of the 364sq km island might be accessed by guests. Begin by exploring tiny Lanai Metropolis, a grand identify for Lanai’s solely settlement, and a reminder of when the Dole Company grew pineapples right here till the Nineteen Eighties. Historic Nineteen Twenties plantation homes now characteristic cafes and eating places, and compact Dole Park is framed by Norfolk and Cook dinner pines launched from Norfolk Island and New Caledonia. From Lanai Metropolis, it’s 8km south to considered one of Hawaii’s finest seashores at Hulopoe Bay. A 1km path on the southern finish of the cove results in Manele Bay and spectacular views of Puu Pehe, also referred to as Sweetheart Rock, and the inspiration for an area legend involving star-crossed lovers. Different seashores to discover embrace remoted Halepalaoa on Lanai’s east coast. You’ll want a 4WD to get right here however stay up for views throughout to Maui. From December to April, breaching humpback whales are a typical sight. Additional north, Shipwreck Seashore options the rusted hulk of a World Battle II navy gas tanker – really beached right here intentionally – and greater than 10 different vessels that foundered right here.

Hulopoe Bay is easily one of Hawaii’s best beaches. Photo / Getty Images — Hulopoe Bay is definitely considered one of Hawaii’s finest seashores. Photograph / Getty Photographs

What to do

Outfitted with a high-clearance 4WD, one other favorite Lanai vacation spot is Keahiakawelo. Also called the “Backyard of the Gods”, this uncovered plateau within the island’s northwest was fashioned by a volcanic eruption, and the windswept panorama of sienna- and terracotta-hued rock formations is a reasonably good South Pacific stand-in for Mars. Additionally value exploring is the huge archaeological website of Kaunolu, excessive above Lanai’s sea cliffs on the island’s southwestern tip. The stays of an historical Hawaiian village embrace a sacred temple, and close by, at Kahekili’s Leap, Hawaiian warriors examined their bravery by leaping 25m into the ocean under. Lanai’s trendy leap of religion is now on the zipline crossing Kaiholena Gulch on the Lanai Journey Park. Guided e-mountain bike excursions leaving from the park are a great way to enterprise to quiet seashores and find out about island historical past.

The exposed Keahiakawelo plateau is also known as the ‘Garden of the Gods'.
Photo / 123rf — The uncovered Keahiakawelo plateau is also referred to as the ‘Backyard of the Gods’.
Photograph / 123rf

The place to eat

From expensive sushi and sashimi at Nobu to steak, seafood and Hulopoe Bay views at One Forty, the island’s two 4 Seasons resorts have six completely different eating places to select from. Advisable for informal guests to the lodges is the poolside Malibu Farm eatery. Most substances come from 4 Seasons’ sustainably-run Lanai farm. Strive the grilled native fish with miso tahini for lunch. In Dole Metropolis, choices embrace Blue Ginger Cafe – the saimin noodle bowl is a Hawaiian basic – whereas Asian and Pacific flavours merge at Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim Delicacies. Courtesy of Lanai’s multicultural local people descended from plantation households, each Korean kalbi brief ribs and Japanese tempura shrimp characteristic on the lunch plates menu. At evening, Dole Metropolis eating motion strikes to the charming eating room on the Resort Lanai’s Lanai Metropolis Bar & Grill.

The place to drink

Housed in a historic plantation home in Dole Metropolis, Espresso Works is the easiest way to kick off one other Lanai day. Natural beans from the Huge Island’s Kona Coast are blended with coconut and macadamia nuts, and brunchy snacks embrace acai wellness bowls and breakfast burritos. For cold-pressed juices and tropical fruit smoothies, order prematurely by textual content with the Lanai Wai Juice Truck. Observe them @lanaiwai on Instagram for contact particulars and occasional specials like Vietnamese summer time rolls. Glad hour on the Lanai Metropolis Bar & Grill runs from 4pm to 6pm, a good time to take pleasure in a cocktail and some pau hana (actually “cease work”) bar snacks. Workforce the ahi tuna poke tostada with the mezcal, pineapple and chilli wizardry of the Poblano Escobar cocktail, or ease into an island sundown with an IPA from Oahu’s Lanikai Brewing Firm. Valley Isle’s Ohana Citrus kombucha from close by Lahaina is non-alcoholic however does have the addition of a soothing hit of CBD.

Coffee Works is the best way to kick off another Lanai day. Photo / Getty Images — Espresso Works is the easiest way to kick off one other Lanai day. Photograph / Getty Photographs

The place to remain

4 Seasons has two luxurious resorts on the island, one overlooking Hulopoe Seashore, and the spa-and-wellness-oriented Sensei Lanai amid Lanai’s inland forest of Cook dinner pines. See fourseasons.com/lanai/.

Extra inexpensive, and possibly with out the occasional go to from Tom Cruise or Elon Musk, is the Resort Lanai. From 1932 to 1990, it was the one resort on the island, and its hardwood flooring and plantation-style rooms have been given a boutique makeover. See hotellanai.com.

Stay at the Four Seasons Lanai. Photo / Barbara Craft — Keep on the 4 Seasons Lanai. Photograph / Barbara Craft

Getting there and round

Direct air transfers from Honolulu with Lanai Air (lanaiair.com) might be booked when confirming lodging at 4 Seasons’ two resorts. Go Lanai (go-lanai.com) runs passenger ferries linking Lanai to the port of Lahaina on Maui. Crossings take an hour and Go Lanai can prepare 4WD excursions and visits to Lanai Journey Park for day journey guests. To lease your personal 4WD transport to discover Lanai’s seashores, forests and unsealed roads, contact Lanai Low-cost Jeeps (lanaicheapjeeps.com).

For extra info, go to gohawaii.com/

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8 Reasons to Love Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island – Hawaii Magazine

Published

17 hours ago

October 20, 2025

Press Room

8 Reasons to Love Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island – Hawaii Magazine

While it shares its name with the canyon on Kauaʻi and the bay and valley on Oʻahu, the town of Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island stands apart in a delightful way.

Located toward the northern tip of the Big Island, Waimea is unlike any other town on the Big Island—and it’s one of my favorites to visit for that reason. I always look forward to the serene drive north from Kona, as barren lava fields give way to rolling green pastures. You know you’ve arrived in Waimea as you begin to see herds of cattle roaming, hinting at the area’s deep-rooted ranching history.

But beyond its paniolo (cowboy) culture, Waimea—also known as Kamuela to help distinguish it from other locales—is home to a welcoming community of independent businesses, award-winning farm-to-table restaurants, bustling farmers markets and more.

While visiting the Big Island, here are 10 reasons to stop in Waimea.

1. Fascinating Paniolo History

The 4th of July rodeo at Parker Ranch is the largest annual event in Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo: Courtesy of Parker Ranch/Jacob Tavares

While paniolo culture is prevalent across the Islands, one of the best places to learn about Hawaiʻi’s cowboys is where the tradition started. After all, Waimea was home to cowboys before the American West.

In the 1830s, three Mexican vaqueros were brought to the Islands to teach Hawaiians how to rope, slaughter, breed cattle and work with horses. As a result, a class of dexterous Hawaiian cowboys ensued, long before the first big cattle drives of the Old West.

Named paniolo, a Hawaiian iteration of the word Español, local cowboys created their own style and practices distinct from the vaquero.

Today, you can take a self-guided tour of Hawaiʻi’s oldest and largest working ranch, Parker Ranch, which remains committed to preserving the heritage of the area.

Not far from Parker Ranch, Kahuā Ranch was established in 1928. The ranch welcomes visitors for horseback riding tours through electric green pastures with panoramic views of the coastline. You can also book a spot for an exciting paniolo barbecue dinner at the ranch.

2. Vibrant Farmers Markets

The Kamuela Farmers Market is one of the many farmers markets held every week in Waimea.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Dana Edmunds

Browse the bounty of crops grown in the region, along with handcrafted goods, at several Waimea farmers markets. The Waimea Town Market, Kamuela Farmers Market and Kūhiō Farmers Market are on Saturdays, and the Pukalani Midweek Market on Wednesdays.

3. Hawaiian Style Café

The teri-beef burger-chicken cutlet plate lunch.
Photo: David Croxford

For local comfort food, Hawaiian Style Café is a must-try. Serving the community since 1993, the restaurant dishes out massive loco mocos and plate lunches, from kālua pork to kalbi ribs.

4. Farm-to-Table Restaurants

Since 1988, Merriman’s in Waimea has been a leading restaurant in farm-to-table practices.
Photo: Courtesy of Merriman’s Waimea

Waimea isn’t just known for its historic ranches; it’s also surrounded by a bounty of local farms. Along with local ranchers and fishermen, these farms and others across the island supply farm-to-table restaurants like Merriman’s Waimea and FORC with the freshest ingredients available. As a result, diners can savor thoughtfully prepared dishes that highlight the flavors and spirit of the Islands.

READ MORE: The 5 Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants on Hawaiʻi Island

5. Pâtisserie Nanako

A spread of Pâtisserie Nanako’s popular desserts: raspberry ladybug mousse, strawberry shortcake, lilikoʻi mango mousse, vanilla cream puff, and mac nut carrot cake.
Photo: Lauren Okinaka

Since opening in 2021, this family-owned shop has become beloved among locals and visitors for its Japanese-style pastries. (There’s usually a line out the door, but it moves quickly!) From pillowy strawberry shortcake and delicate cheesecake to a curry pan (buttery bread stuffed with savory curry), everything is made with care at Pâtisserie Nanako.

The raspberry ladybug is the bakery’s signature dessert. With a light chocolate cake base, the rich chocolate mousse is encased in a glossy raspberry glaze. And it’s delightful!

6. Cherry Blossoms Bloom in the Spring

The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is held every February to celebrate the cultural significance of the trees.
Photo: Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau (IHVB)/Kirk Lee Aeder

Cherry blossoms are among the world’s most iconic symbols of spring. While Japan is famous for its pink sakura, few know about the pockets of cherry blossoms hidden throughout the Hawaiian Islands—including in Waimea.

In the 1950s, cherry blossoms were introduced to the town and by the 1970s, dozens were planted along Waimea’s Church Row. Today, the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is held every February to celebrate the cultural significance of the trees here in the Islands and beyond. The festivities include a tea ceremony, art show, crafts, cooking demonstrations and more—all surrounded by the beauty of the sakura trees.

7. Kahilu Theatre

Built in 1980, Kahilu is a multidisciplinary art center that brings the community together through live performances. It hosts ʻukulele and slack-key guitar festivals, jazz performances, plays and more. Check out events and shows here.

8. Waimea Nature Park

Waimea Nature Park has the largest collection of variously colored ‘ōhi‘a lehua trees in the state.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA)/Kirk Aeder

Spread across 20 acres, Waimea Nature Park—also known as Ulu Lāʻau—is a serene place for a stroll or a peaceful rest. The former pastureland was acquired by the Waimea Outdoor Circle in 1999, and volunteers soon planted native species and transformed it into a park. Today it boasts the largest collection of ʻōhiʻa lehua trees in the state.

Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.

Categories: Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i Island What To Do

Tags: forc, Hawaiian Style Cafe, Kahilu Theatre, Kahua Ranch, kamuela farmers market, kuhio farmers market, merriman’s waimea, paniolo, parker ranch, Patisserie Nanako, pukalani midweek market, Waimea, Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, waimea hawaii island, Waimea Nature Park, waimea town market

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Hawaii

Hawaii Island Police search for endangered 13-year-old runaway

Published

1 day ago

October 19, 2025

Press Room

Hawaii Island Police search for endangered 13-year-old runaway

HAWAIIAN ACRES (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii Island Police is asking for the public’s help in finding an endangered 13-year-old runaway.

Johnessa Elkin-Kanae was last seen on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. on Io Kea Road in Hawaiian Acres.

Johnessa is a 13-year-old girl, 5′2″, 120lb, with brown eyes and black shoulder-length curly hair.

She was last seen wearing white pants and a dark colored shirt.

She is considered endangered due to her age.

If you have info that can assist in helping safely locate Johnessa Elkin-Kanae, please call the police at 911 or the non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

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Hawaii

Alejado’s 3 TD passes, Barfield’s late score drive Hawaii 31-19 over Colorado State

Published

2 days ago

October 19, 2025

Press Room

Alejado’s 3 TD passes, Barfield’s late score drive Hawaii 31-19 over Colorado State

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Micah Alejado threw three touchdown passes — two to Jackson Harris — and Cam Barfield scored a game-sealing 35-yard touchdown on fourth down to give Hawaii a 31-19 win over Colorado State on Saturday night.

On a fourth-and-1 with 2:49 remaining, Barfield broke a would-be tackle by Jace Bellah to cap the scoring.

The win guarantees Hawaii (6-2, 3-1 Mountain West Conference) will be bowl eligible for the first time under coach Timmy Chang.

Alejado led the Rainbow Warriors to a 24-7 lead with 3:09 remaining in the third quarter. He found Harris twice for scores, highlighted by a 75-yard, one-play drive midway through the second quarter.

Alejado was 26-of-38 passing with 301 yards. Harris had five catches for 109 yards. Nick Cenacle added seven catches for 70 yards and scored the opening touchdown.

Colorado State (2-5, 1-2) was limited to 106 total yards in the first half. The Hawaii defense finished with seven pass breakups, eight tackles for losses, six sacks — including on the Rams’ final two plays — and a pair of forced fumbles.

Jackson Brousseau was 15 of 29 for 176 yards passing and a touchdown.

Kansei Matsuzawa’s 26-yard field goal in the third quarter was his 21st consecutive field goal, breaking the Hawaii program record.

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