Hawaiimagazine.com | HAWAII Today

Lantern Floating Hawaii slated for sunset Memorial Day on Oahu's south shore

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:02:41 GMT

Lantern Floating Hawaii slated for sunset Memorial Day on Oahu's south shore

At sunset on Mon., May 28, Memorial Day, some 3,500 glowing lanterns will illuminate the waters edging Ala Moana Beach Park’s Magic Island on Oahu.

Inscribed with messages to loved ones who have passed away and prayers for a peaceful future, the lanterns—perched atop miniature floating boards—will be launched before a shoreline crowd expected to top 40,000 at the 14th Annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony.

If you’ve never taken part in Honolulu's version of Toro Nagashi, a Japanese Buddhist tradition, which translates as “lantern offerings on water,” we recommend checking out this p...

Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial marking 50th anniversary with special events

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:24:06 GMT

Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial marking 50th anniversary with special events

The USS Arizona Memorial’s construction grew out of a wartime resolve to honor those who lost their lives during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. It was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1962.

The 184-foot-long memorial structure spans the mid-portion of the sunken battleship — the final resting place for many of the ship's 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives during the attack that propelled the U.S. into World War II.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the USS Ar...

Big Island Film Festival showcasing nearly 60 indie films, including made-in-Hawaii movies

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:04:50 GMT

Big Island Film Festival showcasing nearly 60 indie films, including made-in-Hawaii movies

The seventh annual Big Island Film Festival, kicks off tomorrow on the South Kohala Coast with an assortment of nearly 60 independent films from 10 countries and actor/celebrity honorees including Eloise Mumford (Hawaii-filmed, paranormal-themed The River TV series) and David James Elliott (JAG, an adventure/legal drama series).

The five-day festival based at the Mauna Lani Resort will get under way with a “Meet the Stars” event, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 ...

Your striking Hawaii photo could win a free Oahu getaway from HAWAII Magazine

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:55:00 GMT

Your striking Hawaii photo could win a free Oahu getaway from HAWAII Magazine

Do you have a great Hawaii photograph? One that captures the breathtaking beauty of our lush landscapes and shorelines. Or a memorable moment depicting people and culture in the Islands. It could also be an artistic abstract shot.

If so, enter your best photos in HAWAII Magazine’s 14th annual Photo Contest. Your photography could win you a grand-prize six-night stay at a Waikiki resort, on Oahu, airfare and accommodations included.

The contest is open to entries through Aug. 3, 2012. In previous years, contest ...

“Mighty Mo” plays starring role in Hawaii-filmed “Battleship” movie

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

“Mighty Mo” plays starring role in Hawaii-filmed “Battleship” movie

Hawaii-filmed Battleship, an action-adventure/science-fiction movie, is now making its box-office debut in theaters across the country, with star billing going Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker and Rihanna.

But that list, in circulation among movie critics and box-office news and in advertisements, omits specific mention of one ahem, HUGE star who is featured prominently in scenes with and without the lead actors: the 45,000-ton ship itself — Battleship...

T&C/Surfer Magazine Grom Contest brings pint-sized shredders to Waikiki this weekend

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:50:09 GMT

T&C/Surfer Magazine Grom Contest brings pint-sized shredders to Waikiki this weekend

If you’re near Waikiki’s shoreline this weekend, expect to see stoked surfboard-toting groms.

Wondering what a grom is, exactly?

Should we consult Websters? Wikipedia? No, dude. For this definition, we’re turning to the surfologists at Riptionary. According to their ever-evolving surfer lexicon — under the category of “Surf Culture” — grom is explained as a term “usually used in a positive way to describe a young local surfer who really rips.”

By mid-morn...

Maui Brewers Festival slated for this weekend in island's central Kahului area

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:53:16 GMT

Maui Brewers Festival slated for this weekend in island's central Kahului area

Enjoy a good Hawaii pau hana beer?

The fourth annual Maui Brewers Festival, set for 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday at Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, offers plenty of options. One of the event’s organizers, Maui Brewing Company, will be serving up Bikini Blonde Lager, Double Overhead IPA and Liquid Breadfruit among other island-inspired beers. Other brewer offerings range from the gourmet-sounding Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Beans to the intense-sounding Shark Attack! port.

In all, beers from 32 craft breweries around Hawaii and elsewhere will be served. Among...

Hawaii Wine & Food Festival gets under way tomorrow at resorts on Oahu's leeward coast

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:46:40 GMT

Hawaii Wine & Food Festival gets under way tomorrow at resorts on Oahu's leeward coast

The fifth annual Hawaii Wine & Food Festival at Ko Olina on Oahu will feature a Thursday evening of premier wine pairings followed by more primo vino and fashion shows on Friday and Saturday evenings. Oh, and plenty of delish dishes and music.

Among the chefs is the “Stiletto Chef,” model-turned-chef Candice Kumai, who is a judge on the Iron Chef America television series and a cookbook author. Kumai is based in New York City. Another visiting chef, Pao-yuan Huang, is an award-winning chef and educator in Taiwan. The Hawaii chefs in the lineup range from Kevin Haney of 12th Ave Grill and SALT to<...

Allegiant expanding air service to Hawaii with one-way fares as low as $159

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:58:13 GMT

Allegiant expanding air service to Hawaii with one-way fares as low as $159

Allegiant Air, a Nevada-based airline owned by Allegiant Travel Company, announced today that in November it will start providing nonstop air service from the mainland to Maui. Also, it will add four cities in Western states to its mainland-Oahu air service lineup.

The carrier is now offering introductory fares as low as $199 one-way, including taxes and fees, from Maui’s Kahului Airport to Bellingham, Wash., beginning on Nov. 14.

Introductory fares, including taxes and fees, are avai...

VIDEO: Fleeting view of spattering lava at edge of Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:16:35 GMT

VIDEO: Fleeting view of spattering lava at edge of Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater

The Big Island’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory released a video last week that spotlights lava spatter at the margins of the lava lake in Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater. Scientists note that the video shows typical flow activity that's usually obscured from view by a thick gas plume shifting with the winds over the lava lake. (To check out the 58-second video, click on image below.)

Since March 2008, the lake’s levels have fluctuated between 230 feet to 490 feet below the crater floor. The fiery glow o...

International Waikiki Hula Conference staging free sunset "hoike" shows this weekend

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:33:22 GMT

International Waikiki Hula Conference staging free sunset "hoike" shows this weekend

If you happen to be in the Waikiki area at sunset this weekend, you’re cordially invited to swing by the fifth annual International Waikiki Hula Conference’s hoike (exhibition) hula shows.

During the free shows, set for 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night, on stages scattered around Oahu’s world-famous oceanfront stretch, dancers will perform to a mele (song) learned during the conference’s workshops and seminars led by mor...

Top 5 favorite filmed-in-Hawaii TV series ever: HAWAII Magazine Facebook poll results

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:54:39 GMT

Top 5 favorite filmed-in-Hawaii TV series ever: HAWAII Magazine Facebook poll results

We’ve counted the votes from our latest HAWAII Magazine Facebook Ohana poll question: What’s your favorite filmed-in-Hawaii TV show or made-for-the-small-screen mini-series or movie? The top five vote-getters are on the pages ahead.

As it turns out, Hawaii-filmed television shows took all five top spots in the poll. So, made-for-TV mini-series, such as The Thorn Birds (1983), with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward, did not make the cut. Same for TV movies, such as Tempted, Lifetime Channel (2003). Among the TV shows that gathered votes but missed the cut: The Byrds of Paradise (1993-94), an ABC family drama that ...

Rare peppermint angelfish on display only at Waikiki Aquarium in Hawaii

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:07:17 GMT

Rare peppermint angelfish on display only at Waikiki Aquarium in Hawaii

A peppermint angelfish, which is among the ocean’s rarest creatures, is now on public display at Waikiki Aquarium on Oahu. And that’s the only place you’ll be able to see it, as the candy-striped fish is the only one of its kind to be included in an aquatic exhibit at a public aquarium. Anywhere.

The peppermint angelfish, also known as Centyropyge boylei, is native to the tropical waters of the South Pacific and is on permanent loan to the Waikiki Aquarium by the Smithsonian Institution. The fish, which measures about one...

Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural 15-night Los Angeles-to-Hawaii voyage under way

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:03:02 GMT

Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural 15-night Los Angeles-to-Hawaii voyage under way

The Disney Wonder — a 964-foot ship that holds 2,700 guest passengers — is skimming Hawaii waters for the first time. In the middle of a special 15-night cruise, it arrived in Honolulu yesterday.

The Disney Cruise Line ship — complete with Donald Duck and nephew Huey on the stern and a Steamboat-Willie bow — pushed off from the Port of Los Angeles on April 29. Last week, it sailed to Big Island, stopping at Hilo, and then to Kahului, Maui....

Big Island’s Kau Coffee Festival serving up world-class cups of Hawaii joe

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:57:34 GMT

Big Island’s Kau Coffee Festival serving up world-class cups of Hawaii joe

The fourth annual Kau Coffee Festival is slated to start tomorrow in the Big Island’s southeast district, where the beans are bringing home international honors in gourmet cupping competitions.

A few months ago, three Kau area coffee farms were ranked among the top 10 in the Roaster Guild Specialty Coffee Association of America's Coffee of the...

Island-themed works by Hawaii filmmakers to screen this weekend at Maoli Film Festival

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:15:23 GMT

Island-themed works by Hawaii filmmakers to screen this weekend at Maoli Film Festival

MAMo at Kumu Kahua: First Friday Maoli Film Festival, slated for this weekend at Kumu Kahua Theatre in Honolulu’s downtown area, will showcase films by Hawaii directors.

The two-night festival will get under way at 6 p.m. tomorrow with an opening night reception to honor the filmmaking team behind a documentary titled The Tribunal, which will be screened at 7 p.m. Directed by Puhipau and Joan Lander, both part of the filmmaking team called Na Maka o ka Aina, The Tribunal is set in August 1993. During that month, t...

This weekend's Maui Onion Festival salutes bulb famous for sweet-mild, crunchy bite

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:44:05 GMT

This weekend's Maui Onion Festival salutes bulb famous for sweet-mild, crunchy bite

At the 23rd annual Maui Onion Festival slated for this weekend, fans of the sweet Maui Kula onion will salute the famous bulb with recipe contests, onion-eating contests, Hawaii celebrity chef demonstrations and food booths packed with plenty of tempting oniony eats.

In past years, festivalgoers at the event, based at Lahaina’s Whalers Village in West Maui, have gobbled up more than 1,000 pounds of fried, grilled and otherwise prepped Maui Kula onions, which are known for a mild, crunchy bite and rated among the sweetest bulbs in the world.

The fest, set for 9:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sat., May 5, will also fe...

Hawaii Book & Music Festival returns to Honolulu. What to see. What to buy.

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:38:16 GMT

Hawaii Book & Music Festival returns to Honolulu. What to see. What to buy.

How’s your Hawai‘i reading list holding up? And that island-style music playlist? This weekend’s Hawaii Book & Music Festival is a sure bet to replenish and freshen up your stash of good reads and tunes. Plus, the event, set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. May 5 and Sun. May 6, will feature more than 500 literary and music presenters and performers on stages and in open-air pavilion areas on the civic grounds at Honolulu Hale.

Among the writers in the speaker lineup is Kaui Hart ...

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. Here’s where to go for celebrations

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:39:57 GMT

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. Here’s where to go for celebrations

Tomorrow is May Day, also known in the Islands as Lei Day — a day dedicated to celebrating Hawaiian culture. If you attend a Lei Day event here, you’ll see our fragrant symbol of aloha draped over many sets of shoulders.

One of the largest gatherings will be the 85th annual Lei Day Celebration, Honolulu’s official city festivities, held at Waikiki’s Kapiolani Park Bandstand, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It...

Honolulu City Council backs bill to ban plastic bags at store, restaurant checkouts

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:54:07 GMT

Honolulu City Council backs bill to ban plastic bags at store, restaurant checkouts

They drift about on trade winds, marring Hawaii’s landscapes and posing threats to marine life.

Floating plastic bags can kill marine animals, such as green sea turtles (hono) that become entangled or ingest the buoyant trash, mistaking it for a jellyfish snack. Also, in addition to cluttering beautiful scenery in the Islands, non-biodegradable plastics and non-recyclable paper place avoidable burdens on landfills.

What to do? One by one, Hawaii’s counties have passed green-minded...

Signature dining lineup set for 2012 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, tickets now available

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:59:35 GMT

Signature dining lineup set for 2012 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, tickets now available

Tickets are now on available for the second annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, set for Sept. 6-9 on Oahu. The four-day event will feature at least 50 top-notch master chefs from the United States, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Philippines, and Australia as well as esteemed vintners.

During the festival, chefs will be serving up innovative dishes inspired by Hawaii’s diverse culinary and cultural traditions at venues including: The MODERN Honolulu, Halekulani, Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort and Spa, and Ko Olina Resort with Aulani, ...

Hawaii celebrates favorite luncheon meat at Waikiki Spam Jam Festival this weekend

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:00:54 GMT

Hawaii celebrates favorite luncheon meat at Waikiki Spam Jam Festival this weekend

Fans of our favorite canned pink luncheon meat will gather on Oahu’s south shore this weekend for the 10th annual Waikiki Spam Jam Festival.

And what does it mean to be a “Spam-jammer?” Well, according to event organizers, it means that you’re up for trying the salty pork foodstuff served up in a variety of culinary styles. At the festival, set for 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sat., April 28, Spam-jammers will be sampling Spam Fusion Fajitas, Spam Katsu, Spam Won Ton, Spam Lau Lau, Spam Ravioli, Spam Tacos, and even Spam Poke.

Hawaii is jam-packed with Spam-jammers. We ...

Hawaii ukulele players strumming to set new world record with massive ensemble

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:46:40 GMT

Hawaii ukulele players strumming to set new world record with massive ensemble

A Guinness World Record was set on Aug. 20, 2011 when exactly 1,547 ukulele players performed in unison. And where do you suppose that upbeat, bouncy performance took place?

On Oahu’s sunny Waikiki Beach? Nope. Big Island? Maui? Kauai? Not even close, globally speaking. The recent record was set in Helsinborg, Sweden.

In the interest of Island pride, passion for music, a fundraising effort and, yes, just plain fun, ukulele players from Hawaii and elsewhere are now getting ready to strum in an ensemble dubbed GO FOR DA...

Your great Hawaii photo could win a free Oahu vacation from HAWAII Magazine

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:55:55 GMT

Your great Hawaii photo could win a free Oahu vacation from HAWAII Magazine

Do you have an amazing Hawaii photograph? One that captures the breathtaking beauty of our lush landscapes and shorelines. Or a memorable moment depicting people and culture in the Islands. It could also be an artistic abstract shot.

If so, enter your best photos in HAWAII Magazine’s 14th annual Photo Contest. Your photography could win you a grand-prize six-night stay at a Waikiki resort, on Oahu, airfare and accommodations included.

The contest is open to entries through Aug. 3, 2012. In previous years, ...

Free admission at all Hawaii national parks for nine days, starting tomorrow

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:38:08 GMT

Free admission at all Hawaii national parks for nine days, starting tomorrow

Entrance fees at three Hawaii national parks will be waived for a nine-day stretch, starting tomorrow, to celebrate National Park Week.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, both on the Big Island, and Maui’s Haleakala National Park will waive the fees from Sat., April 21 through Sun., April 29.

The theme of this year’s nationwide celebration, during which nearly 400 national parks will offer free admission, is dubbed P...

Hawaiimagazine.com | HAWAII Today

Lantern Floating Hawaii slated for sunset Memorial Day on Oahu's south shore

Lantern Floating Hawaii slated for sunset Memorial Day on Oahu's south shore

Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial marking 50th anniversary with special events

Pearl Harbor&rsquo;s USS Arizona Memorial marking 50th anniversary with special events

Big Island Film Festival showcasing nearly 60 indie films, including made-in-Hawaii movies

Big Island Film Festival showcasing nearly 60 indie films, including made-in-Hawaii movies

Your striking Hawaii photo could win a free Oahu getaway from HAWAII Magazine

Your striking Hawaii photo could win a free Oahu getaway from HAWAII Magazine

“Mighty Mo” plays starring role in Hawaii-filmed “Battleship” movie

&ldquo;Mighty Mo&rdquo; plays starring role in Hawaii-filmed &ldquo;Battleship&rdquo; movie

T&C/Surfer Magazine Grom Contest brings pint-sized shredders to Waikiki this weekend

T&C/Surfer Magazine Grom Contest brings pint-sized shredders to Waikiki this weekend

Maui Brewers Festival slated for this weekend in island's central Kahului area

Maui Brewers Festival slated for this weekend in island's central Kahului area

Hawaii Wine & Food Festival gets under way tomorrow at resorts on Oahu's leeward coast

Hawaii Wine & Food Festival gets under way tomorrow at resorts on Oahu's leeward coast

Allegiant expanding air service to Hawaii with one-way fares as low as $159

Allegiant expanding air service to Hawaii with one-way fares as low as $159

VIDEO: Fleeting view of spattering lava at edge of Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater

VIDEO: Fleeting view of spattering lava at edge of Kilauea volcano&rsquo;s Halemaumau crater

International Waikiki Hula Conference staging free sunset "hoike" shows this weekend

International Waikiki Hula Conference staging free sunset "hoike" shows this weekend

Top 5 favorite filmed-in-Hawaii TV series ever: HAWAII Magazine Facebook poll results

Top 5 favorite filmed-in-Hawaii TV series ever: HAWAII Magazine Facebook poll results

Rare peppermint angelfish on display only at Waikiki Aquarium in Hawaii

Rare peppermint angelfish on display only at Waikiki Aquarium in Hawaii

Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural 15-night Los Angeles-to-Hawaii voyage under way

Disney Cruise Line&rsquo;s inaugural 15-night Los Angeles-to-Hawaii voyage under way

Big Island’s Kau Coffee Festival serving up world-class cups of Hawaii joe

Big Island&rsquo;s Kau Coffee Festival serving up world-class cups of Hawaii joe

Island-themed works by Hawaii filmmakers to screen this weekend at Maoli Film Festival

Island-themed works by Hawaii filmmakers to screen this weekend at Maoli Film Festival

This weekend's Maui Onion Festival salutes bulb famous for sweet-mild, crunchy bite

This weekend's Maui Onion Festival salutes bulb famous for sweet-mild, crunchy bite

Hawaii Book & Music Festival returns to Honolulu. What to see. What to buy.

Hawaii Book & Music Festival returns to Honolulu. What to see. What to buy.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. Here’s where to go for celebrations

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. Here&rsquo;s where to go for celebrations

Honolulu City Council backs bill to ban plastic bags at store, restaurant checkouts

Honolulu City Council backs bill to ban plastic bags at store, restaurant checkouts

Signature dining lineup set for 2012 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, tickets now available

Signature dining lineup set for 2012 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, tickets now available

Hawaii celebrates favorite luncheon meat at Waikiki Spam Jam Festival this weekend

Hawaii celebrates favorite luncheon meat at Waikiki Spam Jam Festival this weekend

Hawaii ukulele players strumming to set new world record with massive ensemble

Hawaii ukulele players strumming to set new world record with massive ensemble

Your great Hawaii photo could win a free Oahu vacation from HAWAII Magazine

Your great Hawaii photo could win a free Oahu vacation from HAWAII Magazine

Free admission at all Hawaii national parks for nine days, starting tomorrow

Free admission at all Hawaii national parks for nine days, starting tomorrow

Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial marking 50th anniversary with special events

“Mighty Mo” plays starring role in Hawaii-filmed “Battleship” movie

VIDEO: Fleeting view of spattering lava at edge of Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater

Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural 15-night Los Angeles-to-Hawaii voyage under way

Big Island’s Kau Coffee Festival serving up world-class cups of Hawaii joe

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. Here’s where to go for celebrations