A Pinch of SALT

SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, a bustling shopping center in the heart of Honolulu, has a little bit of everything when it comes to locally made gifts to bring back from the Islands for your friends, family or even yourself. Checked bags are optional: Everything in this roundup can fi t right into your carry-on.

BY TAYLON FALTAS AND STACEY MAKIYA

1. "On Surfi ng" by Michael Adno and Matt Titone

We love a souvenir that doubles as reading material for a long fl ight. Surf’s up!

$30, Milo, (808) 369-1888

2. Downtown General Store Flour Sack Towels

Relished for so much more than storing fl our, these hand-screened towels can serve as polishing cloths, kitchen towels, decorations and more, just as they did dating back to the plantation days of Hawai‘i.

$12, Paiko, (808) 988-2165

2 3. Aloha Vibes Only Cap

This go-with-everything baseball cap is the perfect addition to your collection and is one of those staples that can be used for many trips to come.

$38, Urban Island Society, (808) 492-8856

4. Indigo Elixirs

Made from botanicals sourced from Mānoa, these all-natural aromatherapy and restorative balms will promote some post-vacation R&R.

$16–$24, Paiko, (808) 988-2165 5. Amlou Connections Series Candle

Ground yourself with this coconut soy wax candle that features notes of sage, cedar, pine, eucalyptus, rosemary and green fl oral and is made right here in Hawai‘i.

$30, Milo, (808) 369-1888

6. Empress Earrings

Everyone needs a chunky clay earring in their jewelry arsenal and these pieces of wearable art are sure to make a statement.

$26–$36, Paiko, (808) 988-2165 7. Formidably Impressed Greeting Cards

Take a piece of the Islands with you with these creative cards made by hand—perfect for any occasion. $5–$6, Paiko, (808) 988-2165

8. Alanui Quick-Dry Beach Towel

Switching out the bulky terry cloth beach towel for its quick-dry compact cousin might just be the best decision you’ll ever make, as the Alanui towel rolls up neatly to fi t in your carry-on.

$39.50, Kahala, (808) 521-4578

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Celebration of Color

Browse this Waikīkī boutique bursting with joy, Indian textiles and the aloha spirit.

BY LAURA DORNBUSH

You can’t help but do a double-take when you stroll past island HOLI, a vibrant shop at the International Market Place along Kalākaua Avenue. First you’ll notice the pops of orange, crimson and indigo displayed in the window, and then you’ll be drawn inside by the dramatic designs of the handwoven palm tree raffia hats perched on the shelves, perfect for a day on Waikīkī Beach.

The upscale store features all-natural handmade fashion, home décor and accessories crafted by skilled artisans in India. Expect to find hand-embroidered cotton blouses, lightweight block-printed dresses and bedding dyed with indigo, turmeric and henna, all displayed beautifully in a designer retail environment like no other.

Originally from India, owner Shilpa Rathi shares her unique vision of the fusion between Holi, the Hindu festival of color, and Hawai‘i’s aloha spirit. “I see so many similarities between growing up in India and now raising my daughter in Hawai‘i—the colors you see all around, the scent of plumeria and jasmine, and that your neighbors bring over mangoes from their backyard.”

Shilpa also takes inspiration from the designs that her young daughter draws, and how she combines colors that one wouldn’t think to put together. “We play with color every day here,” she reveals. This joyous mantra can be seen in the spectrum of shades hanging on the racks via handmade bean bags, totes, tunics, sarongs and hats.

“Most of our customers are drawn into the store by the vivid colors of our items. Some are afraid of including these amazing colors in their wardrobe. This is where island HOLI comes in by encouraging them to try out new colors and give them the confidence to make a bold and beautiful statement,” Shilpa says. She gives them time to browse and soak it all in making for a no pressure shopping atmosphere. When they have a question, Shilpa’s eager to explain the story behind each piece, how it was made and the organic materials used.

Customers also flock to the boutique for the versatile throw blankets, a type of quilt hand-stitched using layers upon layers of the softest vintage cotton fabric in a rainbow of shades. All visitors to the store can appreciate the laborious craft, similar to the Japanese stitching technique, Sashiko.

If you’re not already walking on a rainbow by the end of your visit, you will be when you learn that island HOLI gives a portion of all sales to support the Smile Foundation’s Swabhiman program (meaning “self-esteem”) which focuses on education for girls in rural India.

Preserving and sharing ancient Indian textile arts through these beautiful ecofriendly products is a core mission of island HOLI’s. It is their mission to take you on a journey through a rich vibrant colorful world of all things handmade and all things natural, every time you visit.

A Fresh Take

With a new look and feel, Turtle Bay Resort on O‘ahu has transformed its image and property.

STORY BY KEVIN ALLEN PHOTOS COURTESY OF TURTLE BAY RESORT

FOR DECADES, TURTLE BAY

RESORT HAS BEEN A LANDMARK ACCOMMODATION

on the North Shore of O‘ahu. Opening in May 1972 as Del Webb’s Kuilima Resort Hotel & Country Club, the hotel is a visitor’s oasis far from the big city. And in a way, I wouldn’t even be here if not for the resort. Like many new transplants moving to the island’s North Shore in search of surf and sunshine, my dad—from California—and my mom—from South Korea—both worked at the Turtle Bay Resort. It’s where they met. My grandparents owned a timeshare there, and I learned how to swim in its pools. And it’s not just me with close, emotional ties to Turtle Bay Resort— many visitors and kama‘āina (longtime residents) have made everlasting memories on the property, sipping mai tais at the poolside bar, going on unforgettable horseback rides along the sparkling beaches and taking in the views from the hotel’s luxurious rooms.

And now, after nearly 50 years of operation, the resort has changed. “It’s not really a renovation,” says Tom Donovan, vice president and managing director of Turtle Bay Resort. “It’s a transformation; we’ve really transformed the entire space.” It’s the truth. Even from my hazy childhood memories, I can tell things are different, for the better. Lobby walls have been replaced by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing jaw-dropping views of the North Shore, and even the check-in desk is backed by a stunning vision of the coastline stretching toward Kahuku. Serious effort has also been put into redesigning and reimaging the interior decor, which now sports a beachy, boho-chic look. It’s mismatched and eclectic, and resembles the type of furniture you might find in a bougie beachfront home in the area. “We’re the North Shore, we’re the country,” Donovan says of Turtle Bay Resort’s new look. “We’re really going for that barefoot luxury essence, it has to have a connection to the surf vibe and the land that’s here.” According to Donovan, almost all of the original furnishings and decor had been ripped out and replaced during the transformation, which began in early 2020. And while it isn’t the same Turtle Bay Resort that I remember, the hotel’s new look doesn’t feel stuffy or overwhelming. Instead, it feels like

home. From the ever courteous and locally charming staff to small details like the inviting window-side loveseats in the hallways that lead to your room, so many newly introduced aspects give the resort a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere. While the changes at Turtle Bay Resort are plentiful, the area surrounding the hotel has stayed very much the same. In fact, the state has designated the resort a steward of the OPPOSITE 1,300 surrounding acres. It keeps the beauty of the area intact by working with local nonprof-The luxe entrance of the new and its and volunteer organizations like the North improved Turtle Shore Land Trust and Sustainable Coastlines. Bay Resort. And the surrounding area pays it back by proABOVE viding hotel guests with so many opportuniGorgeous, chic furnishings ties for outdoor fun and adventure. “Golfing, snorkeling, surfing, horseback rides, mountain welcome visitors biking and so much more,” says Donovan. around every corner of the “And every one of our activities is five minutes resort. away from our lobby doors.”

One of the activities getting a lot of attention from the hotel’s younger crowd is the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience. The professional surfer from the North Shore has accrued a huge following on YouTube and social media, and has teamed up with Turtle Bay Resort to offer surf lessons at the break right next to the hotel. “We wanted something that could connect a little more with the next generation, and we thought this would be a really neat way to do it,” says Donovan. “Jamie doesn’t do all the lessons; he travels a lot, but every once in a while he’ll show up and surprise families and kids.”

In a way, much of the hotel’s transformation and new vibe can be seen, smelled and tasted at the resort’s new restaurant, Alaia. A casual dining environment paired with seriously good food, Alaia’s menu consists of uber-fresh entrees, tasty pūpū (appetizers) and a selection of dangerously delightful adult beverages. From the caramelized he‘e (octopus) that melts in your mouth to the spaghetti primavera—which features grilled veggies straight from Turtle Bay Resort’s on-property farm—you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. And the culinary minds behind Alaia make sure not to over-spice and use only minimal artificial flavoring. They let the quality of the ingredients, much of it grown or gathered on the North Shore, speak for themselves.

While it may not be the same space I remember from my past, Turtle Bay Resort’s new look and feel is sure to make an enduring impression on guests for many years to come. The way its lobby highlights the natural splendor of the coast. The tranquility of the new adults-only pool—and the ABOVE exciting chaos of the family pool below it. Jamie O’Brien may The comfort in knowing that you can wake make a surprise appearence at your surf lesson. up in the morning and find a nice spot to sit down and watch the sunrise, only to return to the same spot in the evening to OPPOSITE watch the sunset. Sometimes change is unAt the Turtle Bay welcome, but, at the Turtle Bay Resort, it’s Resort, every room for the best. P

Say Mahalo for Beer

A new brewery featuring locally foraged ingredients and fl avors has opened on Maui.

STORY BY TODD A. VINES PHOTOS BY RYAN SIPHERS

THERE ARE PLENTY OF REA-

SONS TO VISIT MAUI’S

SCENIC UPCOUNTRY, from verdant hiking trails, to diverse agriculture tours, to the undisputed splendor of Haleakalā National Park. Now, Upcountry also offers a new opportunity to enjoy a cold, local beer.

Mahalo Aleworks, a brewery and taproom in Pukalani, opened its doors in September. The newest addition to Maui’s burgeoning craft beer scene, Mahalo Aleworks has quickly earned a reputation as a convenient, family-friendly place to refresh along the way to your Upcountry adventure.

A key ingredient to Mahalo Aleworks’ early success may be its unique approach to brewing. It doesn’t produce lagers, the most popular beer style in the world; instead it focuses exclusively on what it calls “rustic, artisanal farmhouse ales” made from local, native and foraged ingredients.

While the two-story, 3,500-square-foot facility boasts more than a dozen taps pouring popular styles such as India pale ale, amber, wheat and stout, Mahalo Aleworks also has an extensive “sour beer” program.

“We built Mahalo Aleworks to focus on sour beers as one of our core styles, mainly due to the incredible selection of local fruit available year-round,” says Ben Kopf, who founded Mahalo Aleworks with his wife, Jacquelyn. The taproom’s bestselling beer is a Liliko‘i Sour, each keg containing more than 4 pounds of local, organic liliko‘i (passion fruit) juice, and the Starfruit Sour has received a similarly warm welcome.

Though “sour beer” is a relatively recent trend in America, Kopf points out that it’s actually one of the oldest styles in brewing.

“Back in the day, all beer was essentially sour due to lots of naturally occurring yeast and bacteria that would have been present,” says Kopf. “The resurgence of popularity in sour beers is pretty fun to see.”

What you won’t find on tap at Mahalo Aleworks are “flagship beers,” a small handful of styles made the exact same way time and time again. Kopf says his team is constantly tweaking, tinkering with, or altogether changing its recipes in search of the next great flavor. In just its first four months of operation, the taproom debuted more than 40 original beers.

“We love brewing different beers all the time because it keeps things interesting, and lets us constantly experiment and explore the variety of local ingredients that happen to be available or in season at any given time,” says Kopf. “Current beer consumers have really trended toward anticipating new beers coming out on a regular basis.”

At street level, Mahalo Aleworks offers beer garden-style seating. Upstairs, patrons find comfy leather seats and stools along the lānai (veranda) with prime views of Mā‘alaea Bay, Central Maui and Mauna Kahalawai, also known as the West Maui Mountains. For those who are lukewarm on cold beer, the taproom offers a curated selection of wine, as well as nonalcoholic options. While the modern industrial setting lacks a commercial kitchen, guests don’t have to go hungry. Wood-fired, Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza can be ordered from the adjacent Restaurant Marlow, and Upcountry Sausage Co. sells gourmet sausages and smash burgers from a small cart on-site.

Mahalo Aleworks is among a small community of Maui craft brewers, joining Maui Brewing Company, Hawai‘i’s largest craft brewer and the island’s undisputed beer patriarch, and Koholā Brewery, which has operated in Lahaina since 2016. Some people add O‘ahu-based Waikīkī Brewing Co. to the list: It’s operated a modest, on-site brewing operation at its Lahaina restaurant since 2020. Yet even with the growing number of brewers, the majority of the beer consumed on Maui is made out of state, according to the Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild.

Though still in its first year of operation, Mahalo Aleworks is already bringing home the gold. The brewery earned three medals at the 2021 Hawai‘i Craft Beer Awards, including a gold for its distinct English Brown, and was named Best New Brewery in Hawai‘i.

Producing an authentically local product is a pillar of the Mahalo Aleworks ethos. Kopf explains that his team is in the process of analyzing yeasts that have been collected in the wild from the slopes of Haleakalā, a process known in the industry as “wrangling.” That yeast, essential for the fermentation process, will form the base of future beers, making each a start-to-finish tribute to Maui’s biodiversity. It’s a plan put forth by renowned wild ale maker Eric Salazar, who serves as Mahalo Aleworks’ “wild and sour” program curator.

“After lots of discussion on how to make our program exceptional, [Eric] was the one who actually suggested we try using local, wild yeast,” says Kopf. “It’s a much more time-consuming and difficult process, but should result in some unique flavors that nobody else will be able to make. Plus, it lends a true sense of terroir to the beer since the yeast will be from here, and only here.” Until the right wild yeast is cultivated, the brewing process begins in a more traditional manner. Two “mother beers” are brewed on-site in a pair of large American White Oak foeders, a type of fermentation vessel. From there, beers are blended, fruited and aged in fruiting tanks, typically with ingredients harvested from local farms or Mahalo Aleworks’ own organic orchard. The taproom then rolls out a new brew every few days, delivering a steady flow of small-batch, made-on-Maui ale. While Mahalo Aleworks is the fulfill-

ment of a dream that began more than 15 years ago for the Kopfs, the couple will admit that the journey has, at times, been a nightmare. After the Kopfs relocated to Maui from the Bay Area in 2018, it took more than three years before Mahalo Aleworks poured its first pint, as the pair navigated a false start at a different location, permitting purgatory, supply chain challenges and, of course, a global health crisis. Despite the challenging start, business is beginning to pick up. Visitors are discovering the taproom, which is tucked away toward the rear of Kulamalu Town Center. Brewery tours are set to begin later this year. Further on the horizon, Kopf would like to open a second tasting room elsewhere on the island. There are no OPPOSITE immediate plans for canning and mass distriMahalo Aleworks bution of products, but visitors to the taproom uses local, native and can purchase “crowlers,” 32-ounce cans of any foraged ingredients for its brews. beer on tap, filled and sealed on demand. For the moment, Kopf says his primary foTOP LEFT cus is crafting creative, barrel-aged ales. The two-story, “There’s a lot of room to make beer in Ha3,500-square-foot wai‘i to be consumed in Hawai‘i.” P brewery and taproom is located in Pukalani. TOP RIGHT Visitors to the taproom can purchase 32-ounce cans of any beer on tap, which will be filled and sealed on demand.

Mahalo Aleworks

A Step Into Hanalei’s Past

Kaua‘i’s Ching Young Village Shopping Center has persevered and evolved along with its tight-knit community.

STORY BY GRACE MAEDA PHOTOS BY JAMES NAKAMURA

WALKING THROUGH THE

CHING YOUNG VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER IS LIKE TAKING A STEP

BACK IN TIME. With mom and pop shops that have called the center home since the 1980s and ’90s, the plaza captures Hanalei’s charming mix of small-town spirit and surf culture.

Generations of residents and visitors have come to cherish browsing through quaint boutiques and noshing on local fare at the family-operated shopping center.

Since the ’90s, Backdoor Surf Shop has been a Hanalei favorite for rad alternative surf and skate apparel. Pedal n Paddle, one of the first tenants to take up residency in the shopping center in the ’80s, continues to prep eager beachgoers with every seaside essential imaginable. Likewise, the Village Snack Shop & Bakery is a mainstay from the ’80s. The hole-in-thewall establishment is sought out for its chile pepper chicken and chocolate haupia pie.

Spinning Dolphin, a silk-screening shop, is also from the ’80s.

The owner, Melanie Kuebler, tells me that not much has changed at the shopping center. “It’s just like when we first bought the shop,” she says. “But the shop was already here 10 years before we bought it, and we bought it 28 years ago. Both my husband and I were artists, so it was the perfect transition for us.” The shop maintains a loyal following of out-of-state customers, with returning travelers often finding their way back to Spinning Dolphin and the Ching Young Village Shopping Center. “I’ve seen families grow up,” Kuebler says. “One year, a mom and dad will come in with two kids, the next year it’s three, a couple years later it’s four.” The shopping village is like old-school Hawai‘i, the one seen on vintage postcards. And that same nostalgic appeal is reflected

in the fashion too. Kuebler notices her younger clientele gravitating toward her designs from the ’80s. “They’re vintage and that’s what they’re going for—retro but on a new shirt!” she says. Despite its focus on the past, the Ching Young Village Shopping Center has grown tremendously from its start more than a century ago as a family-owned general store. OPPOSITE “I don’t think my grandparents would recPlans for building ognize the place if they came back today,” says the Ching Young Michael Ching, the center’s manager and a Village Shopping Center began in the late '70s and early third-generation Hanalei resident. His grandfather started the original general store. '80s. “My earliest memory of the shopping ABOVE center starts probably about 1960 when we Many returning visitors make their operated a small, general merchandise store in Hanalei. It had produce, meats, canned goods, way to the Spinning fishing supplies, plumbing supplies—a little of Dolphin, a silk screening shop everything,” Ching tells me. “But we have to from the '80s. go back in history a little more.”

LEFT

Many of the shops at the village center have been tenants for decades.

BELOW

Lawrence Ching and his wife Jennie outside their family general store.

Ching’s grandfather, Ching Young, immigrated to Kaua‘i from China at the turn of the century. In 1906, Ching Young and his brother leased a small plot of land in Hanalei to start a general store and rice mill, and in 1911, he renamed the businesses the Ching Young Store and Ching Young Rice Mill.

Meeting through a traditional Chinese matchmaker, Ching Young married Dang Ha Ching. Together, they had eight children, and it was up to his wife to provide for them after Ching Young died in 1933. And she did, with help from the general store and mill, which she continued to operate.

In the ’50s, Michael Ching’s father, Lawrence Ching, bought the store from his mother. With his wife, Jennie, and two sons, Lawrence Ching led the general store through periods of change and development on the island. When he acquired the store, rice was no longer the main crop in Hawai‘i: Now, sugar was king. The Chings pivoted to meet the needs of local sugarcane workers. And it evolved again in the ’60s, spurred by an influx of new arrivals to Kaua‘i. Sugar was still big business, but now tourism propelled the economy. Lawrence Ching renovated the store, adding the Hanalei Post Office to serve the local community and budding visitor industry. By the late ’70s and early ’80s, he started developing a shopping center.

“We developed the property in the 1980s and it was completed in 1982, just in time for Hurricane ‘Iwa,” Ching recalls. At the time, the Category 1 hurricane was the state’s costliest storm.

Ten years later, in September 1992, Hurricane ‘Iniki made a direct hit on Kaua‘i. The Category 4 hurricane caused $3 billion in damage to the state, killed several people and knocked out power for weeks in some places. The Ching Young Shopping Center suffered severe structural damage and took two years to rebuild. But the original Ching Young Store built near the turn of the century suffered only minor damage and was still standing. The weeks following Hurricane ‘Iniki were tumultuous. Homes had been destroyed and families displaced by the thousands. Determined to lift his community’s spirits, Lawrence Ching brought the town together by hosting a small contest. That humble, healing act became a beloved neighborhood tradition.

photo: courtesy of ching young village shopping center

“Right after Hurricane ‘Iniki, my dad said, ‘There’s so much difficulty, let’s do something that makes the kids happy and start a Halloween costume contest. We’ll give the children a dollar each and a bag of candy,’” Ching recollects. “It was his favorite event.”

And now, once again, the town has rallied together, only this time over the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the shopping center’s merchants, there’s an exceptional camaraderie. “It’s like family down here and it always has been—but we’re even more like family now that we’ve been through these disasters,” Keubler says. The Spinning Dolphin owner recalls sitting in the courtyard of the mall talking story with fellow merchants when there was no business due to the pandemic. “We just got to know each other even more than we knew each other before.”

For 25 years, Michael Ching has been at the helm of the Ching Young Village Shopping Center. “Since 1997. Can you believe that?” he asks me. And since 2020, he’s been navigating the shopping center through the pandemic. “It was really hard,” he admits.

Ching worked with his tenants to ensure they remained open throughout the pandemic. At one point, he even lowered the rent to ensure the mom-and-pop shops could survive. “We’re family-operated,” he says. It’s that simple.

As visitors return to Kaua‘i, they naturally find themselves in Hanalei and the Ching Young Village Shopping Center. “They come in and say, ‘We’re glad you’re still here,’” Kuebler says. “I say, I’m glad I’m here, and I thank Michael Ching.” P

Ching Young Village Shopping Center

5-5190 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei,

chingyoungvillage.com.

Your Guide to Waimea

Among the pastureland and paniolo, farmers markets, breweries and more thrive in the little town of Waimea on Hawai‘i Island.

STORY BY LAUREN OKINAKA

photos: island of hawai‘i visitors bureau (ihvb) / elizabeth brentano, courtesy of big island brewhaus W AIMEA ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND,

KNOWN FOR ITS GREEN PASTURES, CATTLE AND COWBOYS, HAS LONG BEEN CONSIDERED PANIOLO (HAWAIIAN

COWBOY) COUNTRY. But it’s more than that: Today, it’s a popular destination for delicious food, fine arts and local culture. Here are some places you can visit during your trip to this quaint, historic country town.

WAIMEA TOWN MARKET

Waimea Town Market is a popular farmers market located in front of Parker School in the center of town. The market is home to over 40 vendors selling produce, hot food and other goods. Indulge in French pastries from Hawai‘i Tart Co., admire varieties of orchids from Poppas Orchids and enjoy a hot breakfast at Mai Breakfast. In the center of the market is a grassy area with picnic tables for you to relax or eat at.

Open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon, 65-1224 Lindsey Road, Kamuela,

waimeatownmarket.com.

KAMUELA FARMERS MARKET

Kamuela Farmers Market is also located at Pukalani Stables; it operates on Saturdays. Here, you can purchase fresh produce, trees, plants, prepared foods, cut flowers, popcorn, coffee, handcrafted wood items, local dried fruit and more. The Paniolo Heritage MuseOPPOSITE um at Pukalani Stables offers free admisScenic rolling pastures are just sion on Saturdays. A portion of vendor fees from the market goes directly to the Paniolo one of the many Preservation Society and its mission to pre-reasons to visit Waimea. serve, protect and promote Hawai‘i’s paniolo heritage. The market also features live music ABOVE every Saturday and leashed pets are allowed.

Big Island Brewhaus began selling its locally brewed beers in 2011. Open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 67-139 Pukalani Road, Kamuela, kamuelafarmersmarket.

com. KAHUĀ RANCH

Established in 1928, Kahuā Ranch in Kamuela offers horseback riding, paniolo barbecue dinners and venues for hosting events. Experience spectacular views of mountains, coastlines, cinder cones and lush pastures while horseback riding at Na‘alapa Stables at Kahuā Ranch. The rides are for everyone, from beginners to experts. You can also reserve a spot for a paniolo barbecue dinner on the farm.

Open daily for horseback riding (times vary), 59-564 Kohala Mountain Road, Waimea, kahua-ranch.com.

BIG ISLAND BREWHAUS

The Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea started selling its locally brewed beers in 2011. The brewery won a gold medal for its Overboard IPA and two silver medals for its White Mountain Porter and Red Giant at the U.S. Open Beer Championships in 2013. The brewhaus, at an elevation of 2,764 feet, also serves a wide variety of food and has freshly made margaritas, by the bottle and by the glass. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic Big Island Brewhaus offers no-contact pickup for food and beverages.

HAWAIIAN STYLE CAFÉ

Hawaiian Style Café has been serving local Hawai‘i cuisine since 1993. The menu includes comfort food such as loco mocos (white rice, hamburger, fried egg and gravy), kalbi rib plate lunches and kālua pork (smoked shredded pork). Stop in for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and order almost anything at any time. The portions are large and worth every penny.

ABOVE

Waimea Nature Park has the largest collection of variously colored ‘ōhi‘a lehua trees in the state.

RIGHT

Pâtisserie Nanako’s signature dessert is the raspberry ladybug.

Open 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 7 a.m. to noon Sundays, 65-1290 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela, hawaiianstylecafe.us.

WAIMEA NATURE PARK

Take a walk through the 10-acre Waimea Nature Park, also known as Ulu Lā‘au. The park has the largest collection of variously colored ‘ōhi‘a lehua trees in the state. It was acquired by the Waimea Outdoor Circle in 1999. Volunteers cleared the area, which was once pastoral land, and planted endemic and indigenous native Hawaiian plants the following year. Make some furry friends, as many locals bring their dogs to this historic park. Entry is free and the park is open seven days a week.

Open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, 66-1246 Māmalahoa Highway, Waimea, outdoorcircle.org/waimea.

html. PÂTISSERIE NANAKO

Since opening in January 2021, Pâtisserie Nanako in Waimea has been bustling with customers, many of whom line up hours before the bakery opens at 8 a.m. The family-owned shop serves fresh Japanese-style pastries including pillowy strawberry shortcake, delicate Japanese cheesecake and classic tiramisu, along with Japanese pan (bread) and jelly drinks. Each dessert is made by hand and with fresh ingredients.

Pâtisserie Nanako’s signature dessert is a raspberry ladybug— rich chocolate mousse encased in a sweet raspberry glaze with a light chocolate cake base. Nanako Perez-Nava created the dessert when she worked for the Moana Surfrider. The ladybug represents the resort’s nickname, “First Lady of Waikīkī,” (it was the first hotel built on Waikīkī Beach) and also is a symbol of good luck. Now, it’s the logo for Pâtisserie Nanako. P

Open 8 a.m. to noon (or until sold out) Tuesdays to Saturdays, 64-1067 Hawai‘i Belt Road, Suite A5, Waimea, @patisserienanako, facebook.com/

patisserienanako.

photos: hawai‘i tourism authority (hta) / kirk aeder, courtesy of pâtisserie nanako

All Islands

BEST HOTEL 1. Kā‘anapali Beach Resort, Maui 2. Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i 3. Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Maui 4. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa,

O‘ahu 5. Hilton Hawaiian Village, O‘ahu 6. Hilton Waikoloa Village,

Hawai‘i Island 7. Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui 8. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai,

Hawai‘i Island 9. Halekūlani, O‘ahu 10. Four Seasons Resort, O‘ahu

BEST BEACH 1. Kā‘anapali Beach, Maui 2. Hanalei Bay, Kaua‘i 3. Po‘ipū Beach, Kaua‘i 4. Waikīkī Beach, O‘ahu 5. Hāpuna Beach, Hawai‘i Island 6. Lanikai Beach, O‘ahu 7. Mākena Beach, Maui 8. Wailea Beach, Maui 9. Waimea Bay, O‘ahu 10. Kailua Beach, O‘ahu

BEST ISLAND 1. Maui 2. Kaua‘i 3. Hawai‘i Island 4. O‘ahu 5. Lāna‘i 6. Moloka‘i

BEST CITY/TOWN 1. Lahaina, Maui 2. Honolulu, O‘ahu 3. Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island 4. Hanalei, Kaua‘i 5. Hāna, Maui 6. Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i 7. Po‘ipū, Kaua‘i 8. Hale‘iwa, O‘ahu 9. Kailua, O‘ahu 10. Lāna‘i City, Lāna‘i

BEST AIRLINE 1. Hawaiian Airlines 2. Alaska Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines 4. United Airlines 5. Southwest Airlines

BEST HISTORIC LANDMARK 1. Pacific Historic Parks, which includes, Pearl Harbor, USS

Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin,

USS Missouri, Pearl Harbor

Aviation Museum, O‘ahu 2. World War II Valor in the Pacific

National Monument, O‘ahu 3. ‘Iolani Palace, O‘ahu 4. Kealakekua Bay State

Historical Park, Hawai‘i Island 5. King Kamehameha Statue,

O‘ahu

BEST NATIONAL PARK 1. Haleakalā National Park, Maui 2. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National

Park, Hawai‘i Island 3. World War II Valor in the Pacific

National Monument (including the USS Arizona Memorial),

O‘ahu 4. Kalaupapa National Historical

Park, Moloka‘i 5. Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau

National Historical Park,

Hawai‘i Island

BEST STATE PARK 1. Waimea Canyon State Park,

Kaua‘i 2. ʻIāo Valley State Monument,

Maui 3. Diamond Head State

Monument, O‘ahu 4. Nāpali Coast State Wilderness

Park, Kaua‘i 5. Kōke‘e State Park, Kaua‘i

BEST NEW RESTUARANT 1. Huihui, Maui 2. Bourbon Street, O‘ahu 3. Kalo, O‘ahu 4. Pizza Mamo, O‘ahu 5. Spice Up, O‘ahu BEST RESTAURANT 1. Mama’s Fish House Restaurant & Inn, Maui 2. Duke’s, O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i 3. Roy’s, O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i

Island 4. Merriman’s Hawai‘i, O‘ahu,

Maui, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island 5. Beach House Restaurant,

Kaua‘i

BEST BAR OR LOUNGE 1. Duke’s, O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i 2. Monkeypod Kitchen, O‘ahu,

Maui 3. Lava Lava Beach Club, Hawai‘i

Island 4. Tahiti Nui, Kaua‘i 5. RumFire Waikīkī, O‘ahu

BEST LOCAL BEER 1. Maui Brewing Co. 2. Kona Brewing Co.

3. Kaua‘i Beer Co. 4. Aloha Beer Co. 5. Big Island Brewhaus

BEST LOCAL SPIRIT OR WINE 1. Kōloa Rum 2. MauiWine 3. Ocean Vodka 4. Kō Hana Rum 5. Volcano Winery

BEST MAI TAI 1. Duke’s, O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i 2. Mai Tai Bar at The Royal

Hawaiian, O‘ahu 3. Mama’s Fish House Restaurant & Inn, Maui 4. Monkeypod Kitchen, O‘ahu,

Maui 5. Tahiti Nui, Kaua‘i BEST MALASADA 1. Leonard’s Bakery, O‘ahu 2. T. Komoda Store & Bakery,

Maui 3. Kaua‘i Bakery, Kaua‘i 4. Punalu‘u Bake Shop, Hawai‘i

Island 5. Pipeline Bake Shop &

Creamery, O‘ahu

BEST LOCO MOCO 1. Zippy’s, O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i

Island 2. Rainbow Drive-In, O‘ahu 3. Hawaiian Style Café, Hawai‘i

Island 4. Koko Head Café, O‘ahu 5. Café 100, Hawai‘i Island

BEST COFFEE GROWER 1. Kaua‘i Coffee Co., Kaua‘i 2. MauiGrown Coffee, Maui 3. Mountain Thunder Coffee

Plantation, Hawai‘i Island 4. Greenwell Farms,

Hawai‘i Island 5. Hula Daddy Kona Coffee,

Hawai‘i Island

BEST SWIMWEAR 1. Tommy Bahama 2. Pualani Hawai‘i 3. Pakaloha Hawai‘i 4. Acacia Swimwear 5. Reyn Spooner BEST ALOHA WEAR 1. Hilo Hattie 2. Tommy Bahama 3. Kāhala 4. Tori Richard 5. Reyn Spooner

BEST JEWELRY 1. Maui Divers Jewelry 2. Nā Hoku 3. Honolulu Jewelry Co. 4. Paradise Collection 5. Denny Wong Designs

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS2022 FIRST PLACE

BEST OF HAWAI ‘I

Definitive Hawaiian fashion, foods, gifts, and jewelry for over fifty-eight years.

HAWAI‘I ISLAND

Kona Inn Shopping Village KAUA‘I

Lihue Town MAUI

Whaler’s Village, Kaanapali O‘AHU

Ala Moana Center

O‘ahu

BEST LUXURY RESORT 1. Turtle Bay Resort 2. The Royal Hawaiian 3. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī

Beach Resort 4. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa 5. Halekūlani 6. Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at

Ko ‘Olina 7. Moana Surfrider 8. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort 9. Marriott’s Ko ‘Olina Beach Club 10. The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

BEST VALUE HOTEL OR RESORT 1. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort 2. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī

Beach Resort 3. Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort 4. Turtle Bay Resort 5. Hale Koa Hotel 6. Embassy Suites by Hilton

Waikīkī Beach Walk 7. Ala Moana Hotel 8. Waikīkī Beachcomber by

Outrigger 9. Marriott’s Ko ‘Olina Beach Club 10. Aston Waikīkī Beach Hotel

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL 1. Halekūlani 2. The Kāhala Hotel and Resort 3. The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club 4. Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel 5. The Modern Honolulu 6. Regency on Beachwalk Waikīkī by Outrigger 7. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort 8. Aqua Palms Waikīkī 9. Park Shore Waikīkī Hotel 10. Lotus Honolulu at Diamond

Head

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT FOR FAMILIES 1. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa 2. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī

Beach Resort 3. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort 4. Turtle Bay Resort 5. Marriott’s Ko ‘Olina Beach Club 6. Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach

Resort 7. Hale Koa Hotel 8. Embassy Suites by Hilton

Waikīkī Beach Walk 9. ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach 10. Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at

Ko ‘Olina

BEST HOTEL FOR ROMANCE 1. The Royal Hawaiian 2. Turtle Bay Resort 3. Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at

Ko ‘Olina 4. Moana Surfrider 5. Halekūlani 6. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī

Beach Resort 7. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort 8. Marriott’s Ko ‘Olina Beach Club 9. The Kāhala Hotel & Resort 10. Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach

Resort

VOTED BEST HOTEL FOR ROMANCE

The Royal Hawaiian

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT SPA 1. The Kāhala Spa at The Kāhala

Hotel & Resort 2. Moana Lani Spa at Moana

Surfrider 3. Spa Halekūlani at Halekūlani 4. Mandara Spa at Hilton

Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach

Resort 5. Laniwai at Aulani, a Disney

Resort & Spa 6. Naupaka Spa & Wellness

Centre at Four Seasons Resort

O‘ahu at Ko ‘Olina 7. Abhasa Waikīkī at The Royal

Hawaiian 8. Infi nity Massage & Spa at

Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort 9. Nalu Kinetic Spa at Turtle Bay

Resort 10. The Spa at Trump

International Hotel Waikīkī BEST HOTEL OR RESORT POOL 1. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa 2. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī

Beach Resort 3. Sheraton Waikīkī Hotel 4. Turtle Bay Resort 5. Marriott’s Ko ‘Olina Beach Club 6. Hale Koa Hotel 7. Four Seasons O‘ahu Resort at

Ko ‘Olina 8. Halekūlani 9. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort 10. Outrigger Waikīkī Beach

Resort

BEST VACATION TIMESHARE 1. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort 2. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa 3. Hilton Grand Vacation Club at

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach

Resort

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4. Marriott’s Ko ‘Olina Beach Club 5. Wyndham at Waikīkī Beach

Walk

BEST BED & BREAKFAST OR INN 1. Diamond Head B&B 2. Mānoa Valley Inn 3. Hula Breeze B&B 4. Manu Mele B&B 5. Sheffi eld House B&B

BEST BEACH 1. Waikīkī Beach 2. Lanikai Beach 3. Waimea Bay 4. Kailua Beach Park 5. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve 6. Sunset Beach 7. Waimānalo Beach 8. Ko ‘Olina Lagoons 9. Sandy Beach Park 10. Bellows Field Beach Park

BEST BOTANICAL GARDEN 1. Waimea Valley 2. Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden 3. Foster Botanical Garden 4. Koko Crater Botanical Garden 5. Wahiawā Botanical Garden

BEST CAMPGROUND 1. Waimānalo Beach Park 2. Bellows Field Beach Park 3. Mālaekahana Beach

Campground 4. Kualoa Regional Park 5. Kahua Nui-Makai Campsites

BEST DINNER CRUISE OR SUNSET SAIL 1. Star of Honolulu 2. Na Hōkū II Catamaran 3. Sunset Dinner Cruises & Boat Charters 4. Maita‘i Catamaran 5. Atlantis Adventure Cruises BEST EXTREME TOUR 1. Kualoa Ranch 2. Skydive Hawai‘i 3. Diamond Head Parasail 4. Climb Works Keana Farms 5. Xtreme Parasail

BEST FARM TOUR 1. Dole Plantation 2. Kualoa Ranch 3. Kō Hana Distillers 4. Tropical Farms

Macadamia Nuts 5. Kahuku Farms

BEST GOLF COURSE 1. Turtle Bay Golf Courses 2. Ko ‘Olina Golf Club 3. Ala Wai Golf Course

4. Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course 5. Mākaha Valley Golf Course

BEST GUIDED TOUR 1. Pearl Harbor National

Memorial 2. Polynesian Cultural Center 3. ‘Iolani Palace 4. Kualoa Ranch 5. Roberts Hawai‘i

BEST HELICOPTER TOUR 1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 2. Magnum Helicopters 3. Paradise Helicopters 4. Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours

BEST HIKING TRAIL 1. Diamond Head Summit Trail 2. Makapu‘u Point

Lighthouse Trail 3. ‘Aiea Loop Trail 4. Kamanaiki Ridge Trail 5. Kuliouou Ridge Trail

BEST SURF SPOT 1. Hale‘iwa Beach Park 2. Waikīkī Beach 3. Diamond Head 4. Pua‘ena Point Beach Park 5. White Plains Beach

BEST LIVE SHOW 1. Paradise Cove Lū‘au 2. Magic of Polynesia 3. Blue Note Hawai‘i 4. Hā: Breath of Life 5. Rock-A-Hula BEST LŪ‘AU 1. Paradise Cove Lū‘au 2. Ali‘i Lū‘au at the Polynesian

Cultural Center 3. Germaine’s Lū‘au 4. Hale Koa Hotel Lū‘au 5. Chief’s Lū‘au at Sea Life Park

BEST MUSEUM 1. Bishop Museum 2. Pearl Harbor National

Memorial 3. ‘Iolani Palace 4. Honolulu Museum of Art 5. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

BEST SNORKELING SPOT 1. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve 2. Shark’s Cove 3. Kahe Point Beach Park (Electric Beach) BEST FISHING CHARTER 1. O‘ahu Charter Sport Fishing 2. Hawai‘i Deep Sea Fishing 3. Maggie Joe Sport Fishing 4. Ruckus Sportfi shing and Diving 5. Strikeology Sports Fishing

BEST ART GALLERY 1. Hale‘iwa Art Gallery 2. Wyland Galleries 3. Greenroom Gallery Waikīkī 4. Clark Little Gallery 5. Pictures Plus

BEST CLOTHING/FASHION BOUTIQUE OR STORE 1. Olive Boutique 2. Fighting Eel 3. Kealopiko 4. Allison Izu 5. Sig on Smith

BEST STORE FOR SOUVENIRS 1. Hilo Hattie 2. Dole Plantation 3. Island Sole/CocoNēnē Hawaiʻi 4. SoHa Living 5. Sand People

BEST SURF INSTRUCTION CO. 1. Waikīkī Beach Services 2. North Shore Surf Girls 3. Big Wave Dave Surf Co. 4. Hans Hedemann Surf School 5. Faith Surf School

BEST BEACH GEAR OR WATER GEAR RENTAL 1. Snorkel Bob’s 2. Waikīkī Beach Services 3. Surf N Sea 4. Go Bananas 5. Aloha Beach Services

BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR MALL 1. Ala Moana Center 2. International Market Place 3. Pearlridge Center 4. Kāhala Mall 5. Ka Makana Ali‘i

BEST SURF SHOP 1. T&C Surf Hawai‘i 2. North Shore Surf Shop 3. Local Motion Hawai‘i 4. Surf N Sea 5. Aloha Board Shop

BEST TRANSPORTATION SERVICE 1. TheBus 2. Roberts Hawai‘i 3. Waikīkī Trolley 4. Uber 5. Biki Hawaiʻi BEST RESORT FOR A WEDDING 1. The Royal Hawaiian 2. Turtle Bay Resort 3. Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko ‘Olina 4. The Kāhala Hotel & Resort 5. Moana Surfrider

BEST WEDDING VENUE (NOT A BEACH OR RESORT) 1. Kualoa Ranch 2. Ha‘ikū Gardens Weddings 3. Ko‘olau Ballrooms and

Conference Center 4. Dillingham Ranch 5. Loulu Palm BEST RESTAURANT 1. Roy’s Waikīkī 2. Hy’s Steak House 3. Merriman’s Honolulu 4. Signature Prime Steak & Seafood 5. Orchids

BEST CHEAP EATS 1. Zippy’s 2. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue 3. Helena’s Hawaiian Food 4. Nico’s Pier 38 5. Marukame Udon

BEST BAR OR LOUNGE 1. Duke’s Waikīkī 2. Maui Brewing Co. 3. House Without a Key

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

VOTED BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR MALL

Ala Moana Center

4. RumFire Waikīkī 5. Bar Leather Apron

BEST BAKERY 1. Leonard’s Bakery 2. Liliha Bakery 3. Kamehameha Bakery 4. Ted’s Bakery 5. Sugarlina Bakeshop

BEST BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH 1. Eggs ‘n Things 2. Liliha Bakery 3. Cinnamon’s 4. Koko Head Café 5. Café Kaila

BEST BURGER 1. Cheeseburger in Paradise 2. Rainbow Drive-in 3. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers 4. Ku ‘Āina Burger 5. Chubbies Burgers

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT 1. Monkeypod Kitchen by

Merriman 2. Merriman’s Honolulu 3. Kahumana Organic Farm & Café 4. Moku Kitchen 5. Mud Hen Water

BEST FOOD TRUCK 1. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck 2. Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp Truck 3. Big Wave Shrimp 4. Chubbies Burgers 5. Flyin’ ʻAhi BEST HOTEL OR RESORT RESTAURANT 1. Duke’s Waikīkī at the Outrigger

Waikīkī Beach Resort 2. House Without a Key at the Halekūlani 3. Morimoto at ‘Alohilani 4. The Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider 5. Plumeira Beach House at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

BEST TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN RESTAURANT 1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food 2. Waiāhole Poi Factory 3. Highway Inn 4. Haili’s Hawaiian Food 5. Yama’s Fish Market

BEST NOODLE, SAIMIN OR RAMEN 1. Marukame Udon 2. Shiro’s Saimin Haven 3. Palace Saimin 4. Shige’s Saimin Stand 5. Bario Ramen

BEST PIZZA 1. Big Kahuna’s Pizza 2. Round Table Pizza 3. Pieology Pizzeria 4. J. Dolan’s 5. Boston Pizza

BEST PLATE LUNCH 1. Rainbow Drive-In 2. L&L Hawaiian BBQ 3. Kono’s 4. Nico’s Pier 38 5. Alicia’s Market BEST POKE 1. Foodland 2. ‘Ono Seafood 3. Nico’s Fish Market 4. Tanioka’s Seafood and

Catering 5. Fresh Catch

BEST HAPPY HOUR 1. Duke’s Waikīkī 2. Maui Brewing Co. 3. Kona Brewing Co. 4. Tiki’s Grill & Bar 5. The Chart House

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1. 53 By The Sea 2. Duke’s Waikīkī 3. Hale‘iwa Joe’s 4. Nico’s Pier 38 5. Roy’s Waikīkī

VOTED BEST FOOD TRUCK

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

BEST SHAVE ICE STAND OR STORE 1. Matsumoto Shave Ice 2. Waiola Shave Ice 3. Island Vintage Shave Ice 4. Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha 5. Shimazu Shave Ice

BEST STEAK HOUSE 1. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 2. Roy’s Waikīkī 3. Hy’s Steak House 4. Bali Steak & Seafood 5. D.K Steak House

Matsumoto Shave Ice

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Maui

BEST LUXURY RESORT 1. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf

Astoria Resort 2. The Westin Maui Resort and

Spa, Kā‘anapali 3. The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean

Resort Villas 4. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea 5. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel 6. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua 7. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club 8. Fairmont Kea Lani 9. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort 10. Royal Lahaina Resort

BEST VALUE HOTEL OR RESORT 1. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel 2. Royal Lahaina Resort 3. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 4. The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean

Resort Villas 5. Napili Kai Beach Resort 6. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa 7. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf

Astoria Resort 8. The Westin Maui Resort and

Spa, Kā‘anapali 9. Maui Beach Hotel 10. Aston Kā‘anapali Shores

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL 1. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel 2. Napili Kai Beach Resort 3. Fairmont Kea Lani 4. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort 5. Hāna-Maui Resort, previously

Travaasa Hāna 6. Hotel Wailea, Relais &

Châteaux 7. Pā‘ia Inn 8. Montage Kapalua Bay 9. Mana Kai Resort 10. The Plantation Inn BEST HOTEL OR RESORT FOR FAMILIES 1. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel 2. Royal Lahaina Resort 3. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf

Astoria Resort 4. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club 5. The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean

Resort Villas 6. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 7. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa 8. The Westin Maui Resort and

Spa, Kā‘anapali 9. Napili Kai Beach Resort 10. Honua Kai Resort & Spa

BEST HOTEL FOR ROMANCE 1. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel 2. Royal Lahaina Resort 3. Four Seasons Resort Maui at

Wailea 4. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf

Astoria Resort 5. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua 6. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa 7. Fairmont Kea Lani 8. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort 9. Hāna-Maui Resort, previously

Travaasa Hāna 10. Napili Kai Beach Resort

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT SPA 1. Four Seasons Resort Maui at

Wailea 2. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 3. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua 4. Spa Grande at Grand Wailea

Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort 5. Spa Helani at The Westin

Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas

photos: david croxford, getty images BEST HOTEL OR RESORT POOL 1. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel 2. Royal Lahaina Resort 3. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf

Astoria Resort 4. The Westin Maui Resort and

Spa, Kā‘anapali 5. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa 6. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 7. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club 8. The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua 9. Fairmont Kea Lani 10. Wailea Beach Resort by

Marriott

BEST BED & BREAKFAST OR INN 1. The Plantation Inn 2. Kula Lodge 3. Pā‘ia Inn 4. Lumeria Maui 5. Mangolani Inn

VOTED BEST LUXURY RESORT

Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort BEST LICENSED VACATION RENTAL 1. Kapalua Bay Villas 2. Maui Condo and Home 3. Hale Kai Oceanfront

Condominiums 4. Ho‘olei at Grand Wailea 5. Vacasa, previously

Condominium Rentals Hawai‘i

BEST VACATION TIMESHARE PROPERTY 1. The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean

Resort Villas 2. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club 3. Diamond Resorts & Hotels,

Kā‘anapali Beach Club 4. Honua Kai Resort & Spa 5. Kama‘ole Sands

BEST BEACH 1. Kā‘anapali Beach (aka Black Rock Beach) 2. Mākena Beach (aka Big Beach) 3. Wailea Beach 4. Nāpili Bay 5. Kapalua Bay

BEST BOTANICAL GARDEN 1. Maui Tropical Plantation 2. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens 3. Kula Botanical Garden 4. Ali‘i Kula Lavender 5. Garden of Eden Arboretum

BEST CAMPGROUND 1. Haleakalā National Park 2. Wai‘anapanapa State Park

Campground 3. Kīpahulu Campground 4. Camp Olowalu

BEST DINNER OR SUNSET CRUISE 1. Pacific Whale Foundation Maui

Sunset Dinner Cruise 2. Trilogy Excursions 3. Pride of Maui 4. Ali‘i Nui Sailing Charters 5. Atlantis Cruises

BEST EXTREME TOUR 1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 2. Skyline Eco-Adventures 3. Flying Hawaiian Zipline 4. Rappel Maui 5. Kapalua Ziplines

BEST FARM TOUR 1. Maui Tropical Plantation 2. Ali‘i Kula Lavender 3. Surfing Goat Dairy 4. Hāna Gold 5. ‘Ono Organic Farms

BEST GOLF COURSE 1. Kā‘anapali Golf Course 2. Kapalua Golf, The Plantation

Course/Bay Course 3. Wailea Golf Club 4. Kāhili Golf Course 5. Maui Nui Golf Club BEST GUIDED TOUR 1. Pacific Whale Foundation 2. Hāna Tours of Maui 3. Roberts Hawai‘i Road to Hāna 4. Valley Isle Excursions

Road to Hāna 5. Kai Kanani Sailing

VOTED BEST WATERFALL HIKE

‘Īao Valley State Park BEST HELICOPTER TOUR 1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 2. Air Maui Helicopter Tours 3. Maverick Helicopters 4. Pacific Helicopter Tours 5. Sunshine Helicopters

BEST HIKING TRAIL 1. Haleakalā National Park 2. ‘Īao Valley State Park 3. Kapalua Coastal Trail 4. Twin Falls Hike 5. Pīpīwai Trail

BEST WATERFALL HIKE 1. ‘Īao Valley State Park 2. Twin Falls Hike 3. Pīpīwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

BEST LIVE SHOW 1. Black Rock Cliff Dive Ceremony at the Sheraton Maui

Resort & Spa 2. George Kahumoku Jr.’s

“Slack Key Show” 3. Warren and Annabelle’s

Magic Comedy Show

BEST LŪ‘AU 1. Old Lahaina Lū‘au 2. Royal Lahaina Lū‘au 3. Drums of the Pacific Lū‘au 4. Feast at Lele 5. The Grand Lū‘au at Honua‘ula

BEST MUSEUM 1. Maui Ocean Center 2. Lahaina Heritage Museum 3. Whalers Village Museum 4. Baldwin Home Museum 5. Hale Hō‘ike‘ike at the

Bailey House

BEST SURF SPOT 1. Kā‘anapali Beach 2. Lahaina Breakwall 3. Launiupoko Beach Park 4. Puamana Beach Park 5. Kīhei Cove Park

BEST SNORKELING SPOT 1. Molokini Crater 2. Kāʻanapali Beach (aka Black Rock Beach) 3. Kapalua Bay 4. Honolua Bay 5. Maluaka Beach

BEST SNORKELING/SCUBA/ SURF INSTRUCTION 1. Maui Dive Shop 2. Snorkel Bob’s 3. Boss Frog’s 4. Maui Diving— Scuba & Snorkel Center 5. Maui Surfer Girls

BEST ZIPLINE 1. Maui Zipline Co. 2. Kapalua Ziplines 3. Flying Hawaiian Zipline 4. Skyline Hawai‘i 5. Jungle Zipline

BEST FISHING CHARTER 1. Fish Maui 2. Maui Fun Charters 3. Luckey Strike Charters 4. Start Me Up Sportfishing

Charters 5. All About Fish

BEST ART GALLERY 1. Lahaina Galleries 2. Bill Wyland Galleries 3. Maui Hands Art Gallery 4. Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center 5. Curtis Wilson Cost Gallery

BEST CLOTHING/FASHION BOUTIQUE OR STORE 1. Holoholo Surf 2. Driftwood Maui 3. Mahina 4. Keani Hawai‘i 5. Nuage Bleu

BEST STORE FOR SOUVENIRS 1. Hilo Hattie 2. Maui Swap Meet 3. Maui Hands Art Gallery 4. Beachbumz Tiki and Gift Shop 5. Maui Soap Co.

BEST BEACH GEAR OR WATER GEAR RENTAL 1. Maui Dive Shop 2. Snorkel Bob’s 3. Boss Frogs 4. The Snorkel Store 5. Auntie Snorkel BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR MALL 1. Whaler’s Village 2. Lahaina Cannery Mall 3. The Shops at Wailea 4. Queen Ka‘ahamanu Center 5. Pi‘ilani Village Shopping Center

BEST SURF SHOP 1. Honolua Surf Co. 2. Maui Surfboards 3. Hi-Tech Surf Sports 4. Second Wind Maui 5. Foam Co.

BEST TRANSPORTATION SERVICE 1. Kā‘anapali Trolley 2. Maui Bus 3. Roberts Hawai‘i 4. Uber 5. ‘Akina Tours & Transportation BEST RESORT FOR A WEDDING 1. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel 2. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf

Astoria Resort 3. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea 4. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua 5. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

BEST WEDDING VENUE (NOT A BEACH OR RESORT) 1. Maui Tropical Plantation 2. Merriman’s Kapalua 3. Olowalu Plantation House 4. Maui Dragonfruit Farm 5. Ha‘ikū Mill

BEST RESTAURANT 1. Mama’s Fish House

Restaurant & Inn 2. Lahaina Grill 3. Roy’s Kā‘anapali 4. Merriman’s Kapalua 5. Huihui

BEST BAR OR LOUNGE 1. Hula Grill Barefoot Bar 2. Monkeypod Kitchen by

Merriman 3. Down the Hatch 4. South Shore Tiki Lounge 5. Lehua Lounge

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT RESTAURANT 1. Duke’s Beach House at Honua Kai Resort & Spa 2. Humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a at the Grand Wailea 3. The Banyan Tree at

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua 4. Nick’s Fishmarket at the

Fairmont Kea Lani 5. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea

Mahalo

FOR VOTING US AS THE #1 BEST INN

BEST BAKERY 1. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop 2. Maui Pie 3. Sugar Beach Bake Shop 4. T. Komoda Store & Bakery 5. Home Maid Bakery

BEST BREAKFAST 1. Huihui, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel 2. Duke’s Beach House Maui 3. The Gazebo Restaurant 4. Sunrise Café 5. Kīhei Caffe

BEST BURGER 1. Cheeseburger in Paradise 2. Hula Grill 3. Cool Cat Café 4. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers 5. Stewz Maui Burgers BEST CHEAP EATS 1. Sunrise Café 2. Cool Cat Café 3. 808 Deli 4. Sam Sato’s 5. Maui Tacos

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT 1. Mama’s Fish House

Restaurant & Inn 2. Hāli‘imalie General Store 3. Merriman’s Maui

BEST FOOD TRUCK 1. Maui Fresh Streatery 2. Geste Shrimp Truck 3. Kina‘ole Grill Food Truck 4. Thai Mee Up 5. Dino’s Gourmet On-The-Go BEST NOODLE, SAIMIN OR RAMEN 1. Star Noodle 2. Tin Roof Maui 3. Ramen Ya 4. Sam Sato’s 5. Da Best Pho & Vietnamese

BEST BANANA BREAD 1. Halfway to Hāna 2. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop 3. Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread 4. Maui Bread Co. 5. Julia’s Banana Bread

BEST PIZZA 1. Lahaina Pizza Co. 2. Flatbread Co. 3. Pizza Madness Maui 4. Shaka Sandwich & Pizza 5. Dollie’s Pub & Café BEST PLATE LUNCH 1. Tin Roof Maui 2. Takamiya Market 3. Okazuya & Deli Honokōwai 4. Kū‘au Store 5. Waikapū on 30

BEST POKE 1. South Maui Fish Co. 2. Foodland 3. Tamura’s Market 4. Takamiya Market 5. Eskimo Candy Café

BEST HAPPY HOUR 1. Maui Brewing Co. 2. Lahaina Grill 3. Kimo’s Maui 4. Roy’s Kā‘anapali 5. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1. Mama’s Fish House

Restaurant & Inn 2. Lahaina Grill 3. Lahaina Fish Co. 4. Pā‘ia Fish Market 5. Kimo’s Maui

BEST SHAVE ICE STAND OR STORE 1. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice 2. Halfway to Hāna 3. Local Boys Shave Ice Maui 4. Surfing Monkey Hawaiian

Shave Ice 5. Breakwall Shave Ice Co.

BEST STEAK HOUSE 1. Lahaina Grill 2. Roy’s Kā‘anapali 3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 4. Kimo’s Maui 5. DUO Steak and Seafood

Kaua‘i

BEST LUXURY RESORT 1. Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i

Resort & Spa 2. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, previously Princeville Resort 3. Kōloa Landing Resort at Po‘ipū 4. The Westin Princeville Ocean

Resort Villas 5. Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club 6. Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort 7. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Po‘ipū Beach 8. The Cliffs at Princeville 9. Kaua‘i Shores Hotel 10. Wyndham Bali Hai

BEST VALUE HOTEL OR RESORT 1. Kaua‘i Shores Hotel 2. Hanalei Bay Resort 3. Waimea Plantation Cottages 4. Kaua‘i Beach Resort 5. Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort, previously Marriott Kaua‘i 6. Marriott’s Kaua‘i Beach Club 7. Hilton Garden Inn Kaua‘i

Wailua Bay 8. Kiahuna Plantation Resort

Kaua‘i by Outrigger 9. Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort 10. Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut

Beach Resort

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL 1. Hanalei Bay Resort 2. Waimea Plantation Cottages 3. Kaua‘i Shores Hotel 4. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at

Po‘ipū Beach 5. Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort, previously Marriott Kaua‘i

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT FOR FAMILIES 1. Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa 2. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, previously Princeville Resort 3. Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club 4. Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort, previously Marriott Kaua‘i 5. The Westin Princeville Ocean

Resort Villas 6. Hanalei Bay Resort 7. Waimea Plantation Cottages 8. Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS2022

BEST OF HAWAI ‘I

9. Kiahuna Plantation Resort

Kaua‘i by Outrigger 10. Aston Islander on the Beach

BEST HOTEL FOR ROMANCE 1. Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i

Resort & Spa 2. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, previously Princeville Resort 3. Hanalei Bay Resort 4. Waimea Plantation Cottages 5. The Westin Princeville Ocean

Resort Villas 6. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at

Po‘ipū Beach 7. Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort, previously Marriott Kaua‘i 8. Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort 9. Kiahuna Plantation Resort

Kaua‘i by Outrigger 10. The Cliffs at Princeville

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT SPA 1. Anara Spa at Grand Hyatt

Kaua‘i Resort & Spa 2. Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort and Spa 3. The Spa at Koa Kea Hotel &

Resort at Po‘ipū Beach 4. Alexander Spa & Salon at Royal

Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort

BEST BED & BREAKFAST OR INN 1. Hanalei Surfboard House 2. Hale Kua Kaua‘i Bed &

Breakfast 3. Hale Ho‘o Maha Bed &

Breakfast

BEST VACATION TIMESHARE 1. The Cliffs at Princeville 2. Marriott’s Kaua‘i Beach Club 3. The Point at Po‘ipū (Diamond Resort) 4. The Westin Princeville Ocean

Resort Villas 5. Hanalei Bay Resort BEST BEACH 1. Po‘ipū Beach 2. Hanalei Bay 3. ‘Anini Beach 4. Mākua Beach (aka Tunnels Beach) 5. Kē‘ē Beach

BEST BOTANICAL GARDEN 1. Allerton Garden 2. Princeville Botanical Gardens 3. Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park 4. Limahuli Garden & Preserve 5. Smith’s Tropical Paradise

BEST CAMPGROUND 1. Nāpali Coast State

Wilderness Park 2. Kōke‘e State Park 3. ‘Anini Beach 4. Polihale State Park

BEST DINNER CRUISE OR SUNSET SAIL 1. Capt. Andy’s Sailing

Adventures 2. Nāpali Coast 3. Blue Dolphin Charters 4. Holo Holo Charters 5. Kaua‘i Sea Tours

BEST EXTREME TOUR 1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 2. Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures 3. Capt. Andy’s Sailing

Adventures 4. Holo Holo Charters 5. Kaua‘i Sea Tours

BEST FARM TOUR 1. Kaua‘i Coffee Co. 2. Lydgate Farms 3. Garden Island Chocolate 4. Kaua‘i Sugarloaf Pineapple 5. Hawaiian Organic Noni BEST GOLF COURSE 1. Princeville Makai Golf Club 2. Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course 3. The Ocean Course at Hokuala 4. Kukuiolono Park & Golf Course 5. Puakea Golf Club

BEST GUIDED TOUR 1. Lydgate Farms 2. Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures 3. Capt. Andy’s Sailing

Adventures 4. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 5. Allerton Garden

BEST HELICOPTER TOUR 1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 2. Island Helicopters 3. Jack Harter Helicopters 4. Sunshine Helicopters 5. Safari Helicopters

BEST HIKING TRAIL 1. Waimea Canyon Trail to

Waipo‘o Falls 2. Kuilau Ridge Trail

VOTED BEST HIKING TRAIL

Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo‘o Falls 3. Nounou Trail (aka Sleeping Giant) 4. Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail 5. Wai Koa Loop Trail (aka Stone Dam)

BEST LIVE SHOW (NOT A LŪ‘AU) 1. Tahiti Nui Live Music 2. McMaster Slack Key Concert 3. South Pacific Dinner Theatre 4. Larry Rivera

BEST LŪ‘AU 1. Smith’s Family Garden Lū‘au 2. Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Lū‘au 3. Lū‘au Kalamakū 4. Ali‘i Lū‘au at Sheraton

Kaua‘i Resort 5. Tahiti Nui Lū‘au

BEST MUSEUM 1. Kaua‘i Museum 2. Grove Farm Sugar

Plantation Museum 3. Kōke‘e Natural History Museum

VOTED BEST SNORKELING SPOT

Po‘ipū Beach

BEST NĀPALI TOUR CO. 1. Capt. Andy’s Sailing

Adventures 2. Blue Dolphin Charters 3. Holo Holo Charters 4. Kaua‘i Sea Tours 5. Island Helicopters

BEST SURF SPOT 1. Hanalei Bay 2. Kalapakī Beach 3. Kāhili Beach (aka Rock Quarry Beach) 4. Anahola Bay 5. Kiahuna Beach

BEST SNORKELING/SCUBA INSTRUCTION 1. Snorkel Bob’s Kaua‘i 2. Boss Frog’s Kaua‘i 3. Dive Kaua‘i 4. Nukumoi Surf Co. 5. Fathom Five Divers

BEST SNORKELING SPOT 1. Po‘ipū Beach 2. Mākua Beach (aka Tunnels Beach) 3. ‘Anini Beach 4. Kē‘ē Beach 5. Lāwa‘i Beach

BEST SURF INSTRUCTION CO. 1. Hanalei Surf School 2. Kaua‘i Surf School 3. Hawaiian Style Surfing 4. Titus Kinimaka’s Hawaiian

School of Surfing 5. Kelley’s Surf School

BEST ZIPLINE 1. Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures 2. Princeville Ranch 3. Kōloa Zipline 4. Outfitters Kaua‘i 5. Skyline Hawai‘i

BEST FISHING CHARTER 1. ‘Ohana Fishing Charters 2. Captain Don’s Kaua‘i

Sport Fishing 3. Hawaiian Style Fishing BEST ART GALLERY 1. Island Art Gallery 2. Halele‘a Gallery 3. Kela’s Glass Gallery 4. Tabora Gallery 5. Aloha Art Gallery

BEST CLOTHING/FASHION BOUTIQUE OR STORE 1. Crazy Shirts 2. Blue Ginger 3. Hula Girl 4. Mahina 5. Tropical Tantrum

BEST STORE FOR GIFTS 1. Jungle Girl Island Imports 2. Banana Patch Studio 3. Sand People 4. Bamboo Works 5. Tropic Isle Music and Gifts

BEST STORE FOR SOUVENIRS 1. Hilo Hattie 2. Kaua‘i Coffee Co. 3. The Kaua‘i Store 4. Kaua‘i Made 5. The Koa Store

BEST BEACH GEAR OR WATER GEAR RENTALS 1. Snorkel Bob’s Kaua‘i 2. Boss Frog’s Kaua‘i 3. Kapa’s Beach Shop

BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR MALL 1. Coconut Marketplace 2. Po‘ipū Shopping Village 3. The Shops at Kukui‘ula 4. Kukui Grove Center 5. Ching Young Center

BEST SURF SHOP 1. Hanalei Surf Co. 2. Po‘ipū Surf 3. Tamba Surf Co.

BEST TRANSPORTATION SERVICE 1. Alamo Rent-a-Car 2. Thrifty Car Rental 3. The Kaua‘i Bus 4. Roberts Hawai‘i 5. Sue’s Northside Taxi & Tours

BEST RESORT FOR A WEDDING 1. Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i

Resort & Spa 2. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay 3. Hanalei Bay Resort 4. Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort 5. Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort

BEST WEDDING VENUE (NOT A BEACH OR RESORT) 1. Waimea Plantation Cottages 2. Princeville Ranch 3. McBryde & Allerton Gardens 4. Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens 5. Wai‘oli Hui‘ia Church

BEST RESTAURANT 1. Beach House Restaurant 2. Merriman’s Fish House 3. Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt

Kaua‘i Resort & Spa 4. Bar Acuda 5. Jo2 Restaurant

BEST BAR OR LOUNGE 1. Duke’s Kaua‘i 2. Tahiti Nui 3. Happy Talk Lounge 4. Tiki ‘Iniki 5. Trees Lounge

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT RESTAURANT 1. Duke’s Kaua‘i 2. Red Salt at Ko‘a Kea Hotel &

Resort at Po‘ipū Beach 3. RumFire Po‘ipū Beach 4. Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt

Kaua‘i Resort & Spa 5. Lava Lava Beach Club

BEST BAKERY 1. Kaua‘i Bakery 2. Hanalei Bread Co. 3. Kīlauea Bakery & Pizza 4. Haole Girl Island Sweets 5. The Right Slice

BEST BREAKFAST 1. Kountry Kitchen 2. Lava Lava Beach Club at the

Kaua‘i Shores Hotel 3. Kalāheo Café & Coffee Co. 4. Ānuenue Café 5. Tip Top Café BEST BURGER 1. Bubba Burgers 2. Kalypso Island Bar & Grill 3. Kenji Burger 4. Street Burger 5. Kickshaws

BEST CHEAP EATS 1. Bubba Burgers 2. Puka Dog Hawaiian Style

Hot Dogs 3. The Shrimp Station 4. Da Crack Mexican Grinds 5. Hamura Saimin Stand

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT 1. Merriman’s Fish House 2. Kaua‘i ‘Ono 3. Hukilau Lānai 4. Bar Acuda 5. Fish Bar Deli

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BEST FOOD TRUCK 1. Fresh Bite Kaua‘i 2. Al Pastor Tacos 3. Porky’s Kaua‘i 4. Chip Wrecked 5. Kickshaws

BEST NOODLE, SAIMIN OR RAMEN 1. Hamura Saimin Stand 2. Kaua‘i Ramen 3. Pho Kaua‘i 4. Aloha Ramen 5. Saimin Dojo

BEST PIZZA 1. Brick Oven Pizza 2. Hideaways Pizza Pub 3. Pietro’s Pizza 4. Scorpacciata 5. Kīlauea Bakery & Pizza

VOTED BEST NOODLE, SAIMIN OR RAMEN

Hamura Saimin Stand

1 to 5 bedroom historic plantation homes on 43 oceanfront acres. Full kitchens, oceanfront pool & black sand walking beach.

Rated #1 Best Wedding Venue on Kauai

800-716-6199

READERS’

CHOICE AWARDS2022 FIRST PLACE

BEST OF HAWAI‘I

BEST PLATE LUNCH 1. Kōloa Fish Market 2. Pono Market 3. Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. 4. Mark’s Place 5. Sueoka Store

BEST POKE 1. Kōloa Fish Market 2. Foodland 3. Hanalei Poke 4. Ishihara Market 5. Pono Market

BEST HAPPY HOUR 1. Lava Lava Beach Club 2. Duke’s Kauaʻi 3. Keoki’s Paradise 4. Kalapaki Joe’s 5. RumFire Po‘ipū Beach BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1. The Beach House 2. The Dolphin Restaurant, Fish

Market & Sushi Lounge 3. Merriman’s Fish House 4. Duke’s Kaua‘i 5. Keoki’s Paradise

BEST SHAVE ICE STAND OR STORE 1. JoJo’s Shave Ice 2. Uncle’s Shave Ice 3. The Fresh Shave 4. Wishing Well Shave Ice 5. Wailua Shave Ice BEST STEAK HOUSE 1. Duke’s Kaua‘i 2. Bull Shed Restaurant 3. Wrangler’s Steakhouse 4. The Beach House 5. Kalaheo Steak House

BEST GENERAL STORE 1. ABC Stores 2. Foodland 3. Whalers General Store 4. Sueoka Store 5. Hee Fat General Store

Moloka‘i

BEST BEACH 1. Hālawa Beach 2. Kapukahehu Beach (aka Dixie Maru Cove) 3. Pāpōhaku Beach 4. Murphy’s Beach 5. Kepuhi Beach

BEST PLACE TO STAY 1. Hotel Moloka‘i 2. Dunbar Beachfront Cottages 3. Moloka‘i Shores 4. Pu‘u O Hōkū Ranch 5. Ke Nani Kai BEST LAND ACTIVITY OR ADVENTURE TOUR CO. 1. Kalaupapa Mule Tour 2. Hālawa Valley Falls

Cultural Hike 3. Purdy’s Natural Macadamia

Nut Farm

BEST RESTAURANT 1. Hiro’s ‘Ohana Grill 2. Kualapu‘u Cookhouse 3. Kanemitsu Bakery & Coffee Shop 4. Paddlers Restaurant and Bar BEST CHEAP EATS 1. Moloka‘i Burger 2. Kanemitsu Bakery & Coffee Shop 3. Mana‘e Goods & Grindz 4. ‘Ono Fish & Shrimp Truck 5. Moloka‘i Pizza Café

BEST BEACH 1. Polihua Beach 2. Hulopo‘e Beach

BEST PLACE TO STAY 1. Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i 2. Hotel Lāna‘i 3. Hulopo‘e Beach Park Camping

BEST LAND ACTIVITY OR ADVENTURE TOUR CO. 1. Lāna‘i Jeep Rental 2. Trilogy Excursions 3. Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary

photo: adobestock BEST HIKING TRAIL 1. Koloiki Ridge Trail 2. Pu‘u Pehe (aka Sweetheart Rock) 3. Kapiha‘a Trail 4. Fisherman’s Trail 5. Munro Trail

BEST RESTAURANT 1. Nobu Lāna‘i 2. Nō Ka ‘Oi Grindz Lāna‘i 3. Blue Ginger Café

BEST CHEAP EATS 1. Blue Ginger Café 2. Nō Ka ‘Oi Grindz Lāna‘i 3. Malibu Farm Restaurant & Bar

BEST PLATE LUNCH 1. Blue Ginger Café 2. Café 565 3. Pele’s Other Garden Deli

VOTED BEST PLACE TO STAY

Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i

Hawai‘i Island

BEST LUXURY RESORT 1. Hilton Waikoloa Village 2. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai 3. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 4. Fairmont Orchid 5. Mauna Lani, Auberge

Resorts Collection

BEST VALUE HOTEL OR RESORT 1. Royal Kona Resort 2. Hilton Waikoloa Village 3. Courtyard by Marriott King

Kamehameha’s Kona

Beach Hotel 4. Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay 5. Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Resort & Spa 6. Kona Seaside Hotel 7. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo 8. Volcano House 9. Royal Sea Cliff Kona by

Outrigger 10. The Westin Hāpuna

Beach Resort

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT FOR FAMILIES 1. Royal Kona Resort 2. Hilton Waikoloa Village 3. Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa 4. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai 5. Mauna Lani, Auberge

Resorts Collection

BEST HOTEL FOR ROMANCE 1. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai 2. Fairmont Orchid 3. Hilton Waikoloa Village 4. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 5. Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Resort & Spa 6. The Westin Hāpuna

Beach Resort 7. Volcano House 8. Mauna Lani, Auberge

Resorts Collection 9. The Palms Cliff House Inn 10. Hāli‘i Kai at Waikoloa

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT SPA 1. Hualālai Spa at Four Seasons

Resort Hualālai 2. The Spa at The Fairmont Orchid 3. Kohala Spa by Hilton

Waikoloa Village 4. Mauna Lani Spa at Mauna Lani,

Auberge Resorts Collection 5. The Lotus Center Spa at Royal

Kona Resort 6. Mandara Spa at Mauna Kea

Beach Hotel

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT POOL 1. Hilton Waikoloa Village 2. Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa 3. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai 4. Royal Kona Resort 5. The Westin Hāpuna

Beach Resort 6. Fairmont Orchid

BEST BED & BREAKFAST OR INN 1. Kealakekua Bay Bed &

Breakfast 2. The Palms Cliff House Inn 3. Hōlualoa Inn 4. Dragonfly Ranch BEST VACATION TIMESHARE PROPERTY 1. Wyndham Kona

Hawaiian Resort 2. Waikoloa Beach Villas 3. King’s Land by Hilton

Grand Vacations 4. Bay Club at Waikoloa

Beach Resort 5. Worldmark Kona

BEST BEACH 1. Hāpuna Beach 2. Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach 3. Mauna Kea Beach 4. Kahalu‘u Beach 5. Makalawena Beach

BEST CAMPGROUND 1. Hawai‘i Volcanoes

National Park 2. Spencer Beach Park 3. Waimanu Valley Campsite 4. Laupāhoehoe Beach Park 5. Nāmakanipaio Campground

BEST DINNER CRUISE OR SUNSET SAIL 1. Body Glove Cruises 2. Fair Wind Cruises 3. Mauna Lani Sea Adventures 4. Paradise Sailing Hawai‘i

BEST FARM TOUR 1. Kona Coffee Living

History Farm 2. Greenwell Farms 3. Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm 4. Mountain Thunder Coffee

Plantation 5. Hawaiian Vanilla Co. BEST GUIDED TOUR 1. Mauna Kea Summit Adventures 2. Epic Lava Tours 3. Hawai‘i Forest & Trail 4. Waipi‘o Valley Shuttle 5. Kona Cloud Forest Guided

Walking Tours

BEST HELICOPTER TOUR 1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 2. Paradise Helicopters 3. Safari Helicopters

BEST BOTANICAL GARDEN 1. Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical

Garden 2. University of Hawai‘i at Hilo

Botanical Gardens 3. The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens 4. World Botanical Gardens 5. The Umauma Experience

BEST GOLF COURSE 1. Kona Country Club 2. Mauna Kea Golf Course 3. Hualālai Golf Course at the

Four Seasons Hualālai 4. Hāpuna Golf Course 5. Makani Golf Club

BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR MALL 1. Queens’ Marketplace 2. Keauhou Shopping Center 3. Parker Ranch Center 4. Prince Kūhiō Plaza 5. Kea‘au Shopping Center

BEST HIKING TRAIL 1. ‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail 2. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National

Park Kīlauea Iki Trail 3. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National

Park Devastation Trail 4. Pololū Valley 5. Papokōlea Green Sand Beach

BEST LŪ‘AU 1. Royal Kona Lū‘au, Voyagers of the Pacific 2. Legends of Hawai‘i Lū‘au,

Hilton Waikoloa Village 3. Island Breeze Lū‘au, Courtyard

King Kamehameha’s Kona

Beach Hotel 4. Sunset Lū‘au, Waikoloa Beach

Marriott Resort & Spa 5. The Mauna Kea Lū‘au, Mauna

Kea Beach Hotel

BEST MUSEUM 1. Kona Coffee Living History

Farm 2. Hulihe‘e Palace 3. Pacific Tsunami Museum 4. Lyman Museum 5. Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

TEMPORARILY CLOSED

BEST SURF SPOT 1. Kahalu’u Beach Park 2. Banyans 3. Old Kona Airport State Park 4. Lyman’s Beach

BEST SNORKELING/SCUBA INSTRUCTION 1. Snorkel Bob’s 2. Big Island Divers 3. Body Glove Cruises 4. Jack’s Diving Locker 5. Boss Frog’s

BEST SNORKELING SPOT 1. Kealakekua Bay 2. Two Step, Hōnaunau Bay 3. Kahalu‘u Beach Park 4. La‘aloa Beach (aka Magic Sands) 5. Mauna Lani Beach

BEST SURF INSTRUCTION CO. 1. Kona Boys 2. Kahalu‘u Bay Surf & Sea 3. Kona Mike’s Surf Adventures

BEST ZIPLINE 1. Kohala Zipline 2. Umauma Falls Zipline & Rappel Experience 3. Skyline Eco-Adventures 4. Botanical World Adventures

BEST FISHING CHARTER 1. Bite Me Sportfishing 2. Marlin Magic Sportfishing 3. A‘u Struck Sportfishing 4. Fire Hatt Sportfishing

BEST ART GALLERY 1. Kailua Village Artists Gallery 2. Volcano Art Center 3. Extreme Exposure

Fine Art Gallery 4. Genesis Galleries 5. One Gallery

BEST CLOTHING/FASHION BOUTIQUE OR STORE 1. Hilo Hattie 2. Tommy Bahama 3. Sig Zane Designs 4. Jams World 5. Pueo Boutique

BEST STORE FOR SOUVENIRS 1. Waimea General Store 2. Kimura Lauhala Shop 3. Aloha Pawz 4. Basically Books 5. Wild HeArtist BEST BEACH GEAR OR WATER GEAR RENTAL 1. Snorkel Bob’s 2. Kona Boys 3. Boss Frog’s Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals

BEST SURF SHOP 1. Kona Boys 2. Kahalu‘u Bay Surf and Sea 3. Orchid Land Surf Shop 4. HIC 5. Oshima Surf & Skate

BEST RESORT FOR A WEDDING 1. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai 2. Hilton Waikoloa Village 3. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 4. Fairmont Orchid 5. Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Resort & Spa

BEST WEDDING VENUE (NOT A BEACH OR RESORT) 1. The Palms Cliff House Inn 2. Volcano House 3. Nani Mau Gardens 4. Hulihe‘e Palace

BEST RESTAURANT 1. Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill 2. Merriman’s Hawaiʻi Island 3. Jackie Rey’s ‘Ohana Grill 4. ‘Ulu Ocean Grill at the Four

Seasons Hualālai 5. Brown’s Beach House at The Fairmont Orchid

BEST BAR OR LOUNGE 1. Don the Beachcomber at the

Royal Kona Resort 2. Kona Brewing Co. 3. Lava Lava Beach Club 4. Huggo’s 5. Kona Inn BEST HOTEL OR RESORT RESTAURANT 1. Don the Beachcomber at the

Royal Kona Resort 2. Rays on the Bay at the

Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa 3. Brown’s Beach House at The

Fairmont Orchid 4. Beach Tree at the Four Seasons

Resort Hualālai 5. ‘Ulu Ocean Grill at the Four

Seasons Hualālai

BEST BAKERY 1. Punalu‘u Bake Shop 2. Two Ladies Kitchen 3. Short N Sweet Bakery & Café 4. Tex Drive-In

BEST BREAKFAST 1. Island Lava Java 2. Hawaiian Style Café 3. Ken’s House of Pancakes 4. The Coffee Shack

BEST BURGER 1. Hilo Burger Joint 2. Village Burger Waimea 3. Ultimate Burger 4. Cronies Bar & Grill

BEST CHEAP EATS 1. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue 2. Da Poke Shack 3. ‘Umeke’s Fish Market 4. 808 Grindz Café 5. Café 100

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT 1. Merriman’s Hawaiʻi Island 2. Hilo Bay Café 3. Foster’s Kitchen 4. Holuakoa Gardens

Restaurant and Café 5. Moon and Turtle

BEST LOCO MOCO 1. Big Island Grill 2. Hawaiian Style Café 3. Ken’s House of Pancakes 4. Café 100 5. Pine Tree Café

BEST NOODLE, SAIMIN OR RAMEN 1. Ken’s House of Pancakes 2. Noodle Club 3. Nori’s Saimin and Snacks 4. Tetsumen 5. TK Noodle House Kona

BEST PIZZA 1. Kona Brewing Co. 2. Big Island Pizza 3. Café Pesto 4. Bianelli’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta 5. James Angelo’s

Underground Pizza BEST PLATE LUNCH 1. Big Island Grill 2. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue 3. ‘Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill 4. Pine Tree Café 5. Café 100

BEST POKE 1. Da Poke Shack 2. ‘Umeke’s Fish Market Bar and Grill 3. Suisan Fish Market 4. Poke Market 5. Kona Grill House

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1. The Fish Hopper 2. ‘Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill 3. The Seaside Restaurant 4. Jackie Rey’s ‘Ohana Grill 5. ‘Ulu Ocean Grill at the Four

Seasons Hualālai BEST SHAVE ICE STAND OR STORE 1. Aoki’s Shave Ice 2. One Aloha Shave Ice Co. 3. Original Big Island

Shave Ice Co. 4. Scandinavian Shave Ice 5. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

BEST STEAK HOUSE 1. Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill 2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 3. Kamuela Provision Co. 4. Merriman’s Hawaiʻi Island 5. Outback Steakhouse

VOTED BEST HIKING TRAIL

‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail

HAWAI‘I MAGAZINE’S

22ND ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

It was a strange year for the annual HAWAI‘I Magazine Photo Contest, with COVID-19 putting a damper on photographers’ opportunities to travel and capture Hawai‘i. However, we still received hundreds of eye-catching, award-worthy photos from readers, and our in-house team of editors, art directors and photographers were still presented with quite the challenge trying to choose finalists. Featured in the next few pages are the first-place winners in the categories of land, ocean, people, wildlife and sunsets, as well as the grand-prize winner who wowed our judges. And a big thank you to Alaska Airlines and Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikīkī Beach Walk, who sponsored the prizes for this contest. Find the runner-up photos online at hawaiimagazine.com. Congratulations to the winners and a big mahalo to everyone who shared their images of our beautiful Islands.

LAND OCEAN PEOPLE WILDLIFE SUNSETS

62

GRAND PRIZE

Leighton Lum

‘Aiea, O‘ahu @photography_by_leighton

“I took this shot during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. This shot was only made possible because there were very few people going outside during the lockdowns, and bait balls were coming into beaches along Waikīkī. With the bait balls so close to shore and with so few people around, these sandbar sharks were able to come in and snag an easy meal.

I was lucky enough to be flying my drone that day and had a few great views of this interesting hunting behavior that is not often seen in heavily populated areas such as Waikīkī.”

Semaj Thomas

Honolulu, O‘ahu @_ilovegrandma “I went out for sunrise at Kualoa Regional Park. It was a cloud covered morning—which generally are my favorite times to shoot because there is always potential for light leaks. I sent up the drone, set the composition and Mother Nature did the rest. This image to me is indicative of the stories I’ve learned about historic Hawai‘i, and I hope it stands the test of time.”

Peter Tang

Honolulu, O‘ahu @petertangphotography “A high surf advisory ushered a procession of waves to O‘ahu’s Waimea Bay. The wind blew water off the lip and the morning sun illuminated the spray to create a rainbow in its wake.”

Lisa titimacco

Wahiawā, O‘ahu @lisaunderwater “I remember this day well—I got out a little before sunset during a decent winter south swell on O‘ahu. After a set rolled through, I saw my friend Nancy (@nancxyx) sitting on the nose of her longboard, taking a break and watching the other surfers. She was so relaxed and the golden hour light was hitting her face perfectly so I took a couple shots. They turned out pretty good.”

Gareth Ormita

Wahiawā, O‘ahu @g.ormita “As sunset was approaching, I looked to the sky and saw it was full of high clouds with light winds—which always makes a good canvas for that golden hour shot. So I took a short drive to the North Shore on O‘ahu and the scenery did not disappoint. As the sun started dipping, I was greeted with a fiery sky!”

Eri Ragan

Honolulu, O‘ahu @eriocean

“A quiet, peaceful morning with a playful dolphin on O‘ahu.”

photos: courtesy of loko ea

Visit the Islands with an Aloha-First Mindset

Visitors to Hawai‘i are encouraged to travel with respect and to seek a deeper understanding of the culture.

BY GRACE MAEDA

IT’S NO SURPRISE the Hawaiian Islands are a top travel destination. While the scenic beaches, lush tropical forests and ‘ono (delicious) food are unforgettable, it’s the welcoming people willing to share Hawai‘i and its rich culture that make a trip to the Islands exceptional.

However, Hawai‘i isn’t just a destination—it’s home to 1.5 million people. In 2019, a record-breaking 10.4 million visitors journeyed to the Islands. It’s a staggering number and an unsustainable one, experts warn. Hawai‘i’s delicate environment and local communities just can’t take the stress.

When COVID-19 halted nearly all visits to the state, critical environments such as the coral reef at Hanauma Bay began to recover from decades of human impact. Roads, hiking trails and beaches were less congested. Ultimately, this time of seclusion allowed Hawai‘i to reevaluate how we intend to share our home.

Hawai‘i is reimagining a travel industry that is sustainable for the environment and communities. We’re striving toward a regenerative tourism model that not only ensures less harm to the natural environment but takes great strides to protect and restore it. And every visitor is encouraged to be a part of it.

In Hawaiian culture, all elements are intertwined. The mountains and the ocean, the streams and the wildlife all play a role in maintaining the Islands’ delicate natural cycle. Humans, too, have a role and responsibility.

Savili Bartley, the Native Hawaiian plant technician and cultural tour coordinator at Loko Ea, explains: “We have cultural ties and connection to ‘āina (land)– ‘āina is our makua (parent). We believe it’s our provider. Our older brother is from ‘āina, kalo (taro). We’re tied by family bonds. It may be a foreign concept to visitors, but what better way to show them than by having them here, in ‘āina, with us.”

Loko Ea is an organization dedicated to preserving the Loko Ea fishpond in Hale‘iwa on O‘ahu’s North Shore. In addition to its conservation efforts, Loko Ea runs educational programming

for students and groups. Bartley leads the Holole‘a program, a project designed specifically for travelers to Hawai‘i.

“The reason we did this program was to give groups of visitors our full attention,” says Bartley. “We believe it’s important that if you’re visiting here, you get the full scope of what we do.”

Each Holole‘a program begins with an oli (chant). The oli pays respect to a sacred space and announces the intentions of people entering. Bartley then guides groups through the sanctuary and explains the significance of the fishpond. Following the tour, groups assist in tackling the tasks of the day, such as removing invasive grass and other plants from the pond.

Volunteering at Loko Ea, and at similar conservation sites in Hawai‘i, provides opportunities to engage with both the land and the culture. While these organizations benefit from volunteers, visitors also gain a stronger appreciation for their travel destination. For many, it’s a more rewarding way to go.

“Making connections to ‘āina is so important. That’s what we want to instill in our visitors,” Bartley says. “You’re not only pulling weeds, you’re helping clear space for the next generations. You’re helping clear space to plant more native plants. They’re a part of building that foundation.”

Volunteers help ensure future generations can experience Hawai‘i, which is why keeping the beach pristine goes far beyond aesthetics. Underwater lies a brilliant world of wildlife and vibrant coral ecosystems, all of it threatened by marine debris and toxins. Along with volunteering, making conscious choices can aid in preserving the health of these creatures and their fragile habitats. Hawai‘i is the first U.S. state to ban the sale of sunscreen containing coral-harming chemicals. However, the ban does not prevent travelers from bringing their own chemical-based sunscreen into the state. Unless visitors already own reef-safe sunscreen, they should wait to purchase it here in the Islands. This way, they can be certain it doesn’t contain coral-degrading ingredients.

“One of the best ways to give back,” besides going to a beach cleanup event, “is just being mindful before leaving home,” suggests Barbara Wiedner, the education and outreach chair for the Surfrider Foundation’s Kaua‘i chapter. The chapter created an online guide to being an ocean friendly visitor to Kaua‘i; it’s featured on the group’s website (kauai. surfrider.org/ocean-friendly-visitors-program). From participating in beach cleanups to respecting marine life, it’s a resource for all travelers to the state.

Wiedner notes it’s a rare day when she doesn’t notice a bottle washed up on the shore while strolling the beach near her Garden Isle home. She encourages everyone to use reusable bottles while traveling. “Many visitors leave their Hydro Flask at home because it involves pouring your water out before TSA and refilling it after,” she says. “One of the biggest things visitors can do is pack a reusable bottle, and it’s a simple thing.”

Alongside volunteering, seeking out educational opportunities can strengthen a visitor’s understanding of Hawai‘i as a whole. At the Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel on Maui, cultural advisers lead workshops open to all guests, with such topics as lei making and the history of ancient Polynesian voyaging. Gayle Miyaguchi, a cultural resource specialist at the hotel, says the goal of the interactive program is to engage travelers with the traditions and customs of Hawai‘i. A hula class illuminates how the dance isn’t just for lū‘au shows: It also helps to preserve the language, history and ancient stories of Hawai‘i.

Miyaguchi hopes that education leads to a better understanding of Hawai‘i’s culture and surroundings. “Hopefully guests learn to respect places,” she says. “We teach them about Pu‘u Keka‘a (commonly referred to as Black Rock). We want

ABOVE

The nonprofit organization Loko Ea provides visitors the opportunity to learn about the Loko Ea fishpond.

ABOVE

Filled with rich history, Hawai‘i has a strong culture tied to the environment and natural resources.

“You’re not only pulling weeds, you’re helping clear space for the next generations. You’re helping clear space to plant more native plants. They’re a part of building that foundation.”

Loko Ea educator Savili Bartley them to learn that is a sacred place and won’t be jumping and climbing all over it.”

Bartley says he notices many visitors who volunteer with Loko Ea return later to contribute even more to restoration efforts. Frequently, he hears visitors say they’re surprised by the ingenuity and significance of the fishpond. “When they come here, they’re really shocked,” he says. “They’re very appreciative to be in this space and learn the importance of it as well as the functionality of it.”

Hawai‘i is more than just paradise. Filled with rich history, the Islands have a strong culture tied to nature. From learning about the development of traditional Hawaiian music to partaking in a conservation project, when visitors travel to Hawai‘i with respect, formative experiences follow. Bartley refers to it as “pono intentions.” In Hawaiian, pono refers to righteousness and a sense of responsibility. Visiting with pono intentions is a way for visitors to say mahalo to Hawai‘i’s people and land.

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One Last Look

PHOTO BY TRAVIS MORRIN, @TRAVISKEAHI

PE‘AHI, ALSO KNOWN AS JAWS, on Maui is often regarded as the ultimate challenge for every big wave waterman and waterwoman. From traditional big wave surfing to windsurfing, kitesurfing and even getting towed in on a jet ski, there are numerous ways to tackle this mammoth of a wave—which often can reach thirty to fifty feet in height. And everytime there’s a swell large enough to awaken Pe‘ahi, there’s always a group of men and women pushing their limits as well as the limits of wave riding— and thankfully we get to watch, from a safe distance.

The Simple Perfection of Poke

BY KEVIN ALLEN

TTHERE’S BEAUTY IN THE SIMPLICITY OF THE POKE BOWL. Rice—white or brown—is topped with cubed ‘ahi, tako or other bite-sized chunks of seafood. (But most of the time, it’s ‘ahi). Often the rice is layered with a thin sprinkle of furikake, a Japanese seasoning made of sesame seed and seaweed. And voila, the poke bowl. It can be eaten on the beach, at your hale (home) or even in your car if you just can’t wait. The dish was born in the Islands, a product of our culinary mixing pot. Ancient Hawaiians feasted on freshly caught fi sh—which was sliced or diced into cubed pieces, the defi nition of the word poke in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language)—mixed with seaweed, crushed ‘inamona and kukui nut for centuries before Western contact. And as emigrants from China and Japan began calling the Islands home, the variety of poke began to expand and evolve.

The local favorite has found plenty of homes abroad, from London to San Francisco, but you might not recognize it. Away from Hawai‘i, it takes on a new, unfamiliar look, paired with unusual additions like quinoa, chicken, zucchini noodles, caulifl ower, corn and more. While we can’t stop other cultures and locales from putting their own spin on the poke bowl, there’s really nothing like ordering one here in the Islands. The rice is cooked just right, the portions are perfect and the fi sh is so, so fresh. While many locals say Foodland and Tamura’s have the best bowls for your buck, others swear by the poke at smaller outlets, such as Kahuku Superette on O‘ahu and Ishihara Market on Kaua‘i. Both have fi erce followers.

But whether you get yours at Tamura’s or Foodland, or you like the shoyu ‘ahi better than the oyster sauce ‘ahi, the simple bowl of rice and cubed fi sh is a big part of Hawai‘i’s local culture. Just please don’t put corn on it. P

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