Hawaiʻi
Hanalei Country Club keeps Hawaiʻi in one place: 29 stories so far. The section currently leads with “How to Explore Kauaʻi With Respect for Its Resilient Communities”, “Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know”, and “Discovering Hawaiʻi, One Local Bite at a Time”. Over the past year, we've watched communities across Kauaʻi rally together through hurricanes and tropical storms, clearing debris and delivering supplies. Hurricane Lowell has come and gone, but its path of destruction across Kauaʻi is just beginning to reveal the full scope of recovery ahead. Hanalei Bay Country Club is a vibrant digital guide to the island of Kauai—curated for travelers who want more than a vacation. The list below is every Hawaiʻi story on Hanalei Country Club, newest first.
How to Explore Kauaʻi With Respect for Its Resilient Communities
Over the past year, we've watched communities across Kauaʻi rally together through hurricanes and tropical storms, clearing debris and delivering supplies. Recovery is still underway in the hardest-hit areas, but no one is facing it alone. Helping our neighbors and local businesses isn't just an obligation, it's part of the island's soul. To explore Kauaʻi with respect means slowing down, supporting local shops and eateries, and understanding that your visit can be part of the healing. It's about showing up as a guest, not a tourist. Want to see another side of the island's character? Check out *From Clooney to Cloisters: Spotting Island Icons on Kauai* for a lighter look at who calls this place home.
Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know
Hurricane Lowell has come and gone, but its path of destruction across Kauaʻi is just beginning to reveal the full scope of recovery ahead. As of Friday, both residents and visitors need to stay sharp, because the county is still very much in the thick of cleanup and assessment. We're talking downed trees, power outages, and roads that demand patience. It's a heavy moment, but the community's resolve is palpable. For those of us watching, it's a reminder that island life isn't just about the postcard views; it's about how we show up after the storm. For a closer look at the ground-level impact, our piece, "Kauai Rebuilds: Witnessing Resilience After Hurricane Lowell's Passage," captures that spirit well.
Discovering Hawaiʻi, One Local Bite at a Time
There's something about the hum of an old general store that sticks with you. For this writer, those Maui pit stops weren't just about grabbing a quick bite; they were about cracking open a little piece of local time. That's the heart of *Discovering Hawaiʻi, One Local Bite at a Time*, a story that celebrates the family-run spots serving up fresh poke and warm Spam musubi. It's a love letter to the places that feel both humble and holy. We love how it captures that grounded, authentic side of island life. For more on how the community keeps moving forward, check out "Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know."
Island Life Moves Forward: Hurricane Lowell Recovery Updates
The sun's coming up over the water, and for the first time in days, it feels like Kauaʻi can finally take a breath. Hurricane Lowell has moved on, and now the real work begins. Monday's recovery update is about getting our feet back under us, whether you're a resident clearing debris or a visitor ready to explore again. We're inspired by the grit we're seeing across the island. It's not just about fixing what broke; it's about pulling together as a community. For a deeper look at how the landscape is healing, check out our piece, "Kauai Rebuilds: Witnessing Resilience After Hurricane Lowell's Passage.
Beneath Hawaiian Waters: A Gentle Dance with Manta Rays
There's something humbling about sharing the ocean with a creature that glides like a living shadow. Beneath Hawaiian Waters: A Gentle Dance with Manta Rays captures that moment when a 12-foot wingspan drifts just below the surface, effortless and serene, off the Kona Coast. It's the kind of encounter that reminds you why we chase authentic island experiences, not just postcard views. The story, originally featured in our SUMMER Digital issue, pulls you into that quiet, star-lit world with a sense of wonder that feels both luxurious and grounded. For more stories that celebrate this vibrant island life, our piece on Kauaʻi Recovery Update offers a timely look at how communities here move forward with aloha.
Hawaiʻi Reefs Protected: Insurance Pays Out Again After Hurricane Lowell
Another round of protection, and another payout. Hawaiʻi's reef insurance is proving its worth after Hurricane Lowell, with funds flowing in to help our coastlines bounce back. It's a smart, forward-thinking approach that connects our love for the ocean with real, practical action. When the waves settle, we're not left scrambling; we're already charting the recovery. For those wanting the full picture of how the island is healing, our related piece, "Kauai Rebuilds: Witnessing Resilience After Hurricane Lowell's Passage," offers a closer look at the ground-level spirit. This isn't just about repairing damage; it's about investing in the vibrant, living barrier that defines our shores. It feels good to see resources meet resolve, keeping our community and its natural playground thriving.
Maui's Spirit Shines: A Free Concert for Community and Resilience
There's something special about music that gathers a community around a shared story. This September 19, the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows opens its grounds for Mele For Maui, a free summer concert now in its 15th season with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. It's a fitting home for the event, a place fondly known as "The People's Place." The evening honors the resilience of Lahaina, Kīhei, and Kula while celebrating the island's vibrant spirit. We love seeing that spirit reflected in the way people come together, whether for a concert or in recovery moments like those covered in our piece on the Kauaʻi recovery update. It's a reminder that community is our greatest luxury.
Kauaʻi & Hawaiʻi Island ʻOhana: Rebuilding After Hurricane Lowell
Hurricane Lowell didn't ask permission. It showed up Monday night with roaring winds and a wall of rain, hammering Kauaʻi and Niʻihau hardest before finally pushing west. By Tuesday morning, the storm had moved on, but it left its mark everywhere: torn roads, downed power lines, and homes and businesses bearing the brunt of its fury. It's a heavy blow for our island ʻohana, and our hearts go out to everyone waking up to damage and debris. Yet even in the mess, there's that grounded resilience we know so well here. Neighbors are already checking in, clearing paths, and getting back on their feet.
Kauaʻi & Hawaiʻi Island ʻOhana: Rebuilding After Hurricane Lowell
Hurricane Lowell hit hard, but Hawaiʻi's spirit is tougher. Fierce winds and dangerous surf slammed Kauaʻi and Niʻihau Monday night, leaving homes, businesses, and roads damaged across the islands. By Tuesday morning, the storm had moved on, but the real work was just beginning. Power outages linger, and flooding is a real concern. This is when community matters most. We're watching the recovery unfold, and it's a reminder of the resilience that defines this place. For the latest on what residents and visitors need to know, our piece "Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know" has you covered. Stay safe, and let's support each other as we rebuild.
Discover Timeless Luxury: Turtle Bay's North Shore Legacy.
There's something magnetic about a place where the ocean feels like it stretches into forever, and Turtle Bay has that pull in spades. Now rebranded as The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay, this North Shore icon pairs those sweeping views with the kind of polished service that makes you want to linger just a little longer. We love that it's not resting on its history, recent renovations have lifted the property into something truly elevated, while keeping that laid-back coastal soul intact. It's the rare spot where generations return, and honestly, we get it. For more island inspiration, our piece on the Haena to Hanalei run captures that same adventurous spirit.
Celebrate Aloha: A Month of Culture and Tradition Begins.
The royal court investiture in Waikīkī marks the start of something special this weekend. Aloha Festivals returns on Sept. 5, 2026, opening a monthlong celebration woven around the theme "80 Years of Aloha: Our Culture, Our…", and honestly, that's an invitation we're happy to accept. There's a rhythm to September here, a chance to slow down and soak in the traditions that make these islands resonate so deeply. The opening ceremony sets the tone, but the series of festivities that follows is where the community truly comes alive. For those wanting a fuller picture of island life right now, our piece on the Kauaʻi Recovery Update offers a grounded look at how residents are moving forward. For now, let the celebration begin.
Honoring Ancient Ways: Six New Pwo Navigators Join the Tradition
The sacred echoes of the Pwo ceremony carry a profound weight. On July 30, 2026, in Niu Valley on Oʻahu, the Polynesian Voyaging Society welcomed six Hawaiʻi captains and navigators into the revered ranks of Pwo Navigators. This title, among the highest honors within the Weriyaeng School of Navigation, is a deep commitment to ancestral knowledge. The induction, led by master navigators from Satawal, Micronesia, connects our islands to a vast Pacific heritage. It is a vibrant, living tradition, and we are inspired by their dedication. For more on how our islands are navigating daily life, check out "Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know."
Honoring Hawaiian Heritage: A Month of Discovery and Celebration
September in Hawaiʻi just got its official due. With the signing of Act 167 in 2025, the islands now formally honor Hawaiian History Month, a time to celebrate Queen Liliʻuokalani and the deep contributions of the Native Hawaiian community. But this recognition isn't new; it's been woven into local life for years, thanks to the dedication of groups like the Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition, established back in 2007. That longevity speaks to something real, a commitment to understanding the rich, complex stories that shape these shores. It's an invitation to look closer, to learn and to celebrate alongside the community.
Island Bites: Japan's Beloved Tamago Sando Arrives at 7-Eleven
There's something about a tamago sando that feels like a warm aloha for your taste buds. Pillowy bread, ultra-creamy filling, and that gentle sweetness we can't resist. For years, this Japanese convenience store staple has earned a cult following, and now 7-Eleven Hawaiʻi is bringing a locally made version to our islands starting Sept. 1. We love that we don't have to board a flight to Tokyo to get one. It's a small taste of everyday Japan, made right here at home. Craving more local food stories? Check out "Discovering Hawaiʻi, One Local Bite at a Time" for a trip down memory lane. This is one snack worth exploring.
Island Blooms & Buzz: A Sweet Summer Story
They say the flutter of a butterfly's wings can set off a ripple effect half a world away. For the honeybee, that ripple starts right here on the island, in the vibrant hum of the hive. Our SUMMER Digital issue brings you "Island Blooms & Buzz: A Sweet Summer Story," a dive into the delicate dance between nature and nurture. It's a reminder that the sweetest luxuries are often the most authentic ones, grounded in the local culture we cherish. Curious about how our community continues to thrive? For a look at how we're moving forward together, check out "Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know." Explore the story and taste the adventure.
Hawaiʻi's Spirit: Communities Unite to Support Maui and Each Other
When the winds howled and the rain came down hard, we saw something beautiful emerge from the chaos: neighbors becoming lifelines. Over the past week, Hawaiʻi's communities have done what they always do in times of uncertainty. They showed up. Hurricane Lala tested us with its strength, but it couldn't shake our resolve. This is what we do here. When one community hurts, we all feel it, and we respond with open hands and open hearts. It's a grounded kind of resilience, born from deep roots in culture and place. For those tracking the bigger picture, our piece on the "Kauaʻi Recovery Update" offers a practical look at how another island is navigating its own path forward.
Island Showdown: Experience the Thrill of the Honolulu Pickleball Open.
The Honolulu Pickleball Open is back, and this fall, the courts get seriously lively. From Oct. 8-11, 2026, the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Oʻahu transforms into the heart of island competition, hosting over 33 indoor courts for the second annual Hawaiʻi Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open. Players from across the Islands and around the globe will battle it out, from amateurs chasing their first win to seasoned pros chasing glory. It's a vibrant mix of grit and aloha, where every match feels like a discovery. We love seeing the sport bring people together, and this tournament captures that community spirit perfectly.
Aloha Spirit Shines: Communities Unite After Tropical Storm Lala
When Tropical Storm Lala tore through Hawaiʻi Island, it left rooftops shredded, roads flooded, and communities reeling. But amid the wreckage, something beautiful emerged: neighbors showing up for neighbors. Nonprofits and residents didn't wait for help to arrive; they dove straight into action, rallying around hard-hit Kaʻū with a spirit that felt less like obligation and more like aloha in its purest form. It's a powerful reminder that while storms may shake the ground, they can't touch the connections we build. For more on how island communities are navigating recovery, our piece on "Kauaʻi Recovery Update" offers a helpful look at the road ahead.
Nāpali Coast: A Summer Journey of Discovery
There's something about a coffee meeting in Downtown Honolulu that feels like the start of a good story. A few months ago, I sat down with a colleague who used to work at HAWAI'I Magazine, picking his brain about the local publishing world. Naturally, the conversation drifted to the places we love most, and that's where the Nāpali Coast enters. This piece, originally from our SUMMER Digital issue, captures that same spirit of discovery, trading office chatter for salt air and sea cliffs. It's a reminder that the best journeys start with a simple question. For more ways to embrace the season, check out "Embrace Summer: Run the Scenic Haena to Hanalei Coast" to keep the adventure going.
Island Strong: Recovering and Rebuilding After Tropical Storm Lala
The winds howled, the rain came down hard, and for a moment, the island held its breath. Tropical Storm Lala swept past the Hawaiian chain this past weekend, leaving behind a mess of downed power lines, flooded streets, and homes that took a serious hit. It's a stark reminder that even when the center stays offshore, the impact lands close to home. But this is Hawaiʻi, and we know how to dig in, look out for our neighbors, and start the hard work of rebuilding. It's not just about clearing the debris; it's about restoring that sense of normalcy, one wave, one meal, one shared story at a time.
Hawaiʻi's Beauty, Captured: Celebrating the 2026 Photo Contest Winners
Every year, the photo contest rolls around, and every year, we're stopped in our tracks by the sheer depth of aloha poured into each frame. This year's 26th collection is no different, offering a stunning kaleidoscope of what makes these islands so magnetic, from the flash of an endemic bird to the roar of a winter swell. These images don't just document places; they capture the pulse of Hawaiʻi. We invite you to explore the winners and see the islands through their lens. And for those thinking about their next visit, our ongoing coverage in "Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know" offers a helpful look at how the community is moving forward with the same resilient spirit.
Island Stories, Freshly Told: Your 2026 Summer Digital Issue Awaits.
There's something special about flipping to the winners of our 26th annual photo contest. It's a tradition we hold close, and this year, it anchors our 2026 Summer Digital Issue, a free, refreshed way to experience HAWAIʻI Magazine. We're inspired by the islands and rooted in culture, and that spirit runs through every page. You'll find stories that feel like a deep breath of ocean air, from vibrant local flavors to the steady pulse of island life moving forward. For a closer look at how communities are navigating recovery, check out "Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know." It's real, it's relevant, and it's all part of the journey we're thrilled to share with you.
Free SPAM Musubi: Celebrate National SPAM Musubi Day in Hawaiʻi!
There's really nothing better than a freshly made SPAM musubi, except for a free one. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is celebrating the 6th annual National SPAM Musubi Day on Aug. 8, and we're absolutely here for it. That simple combo of white rice, savory SPAM, and nori is the go-to snack across Hawaiʻi for good reason: it's humble, satisfying, and undeniably local. We love seeing a dish this iconic take center stage. It's a tasty reminder that the best bites often come from tradition. For more on the flavors that shape our islands, check out "Discovering Hawaiʻi, One Local Bite at a Time" for a deeper taste of that connection. So go on, grab a free one, and savor the moment.
A Taste of Aloha: Discovering Hawaiʻi's Best Loco Moco
There's something about a loco moco that feels like home, even if you've never set foot in Hawaiʻi. White rice, a hamburger patty, sunny-side-up eggs, and rich brown gravy, simple, hearty, and undeniably satisfying. This iconic dish, believed to have started in Hilo, has become a beloved staple across the Islands. We love how every spot adds its own twist, and locals and travelers alike have their go-to plates. Our readers ranked their favorites, and the results are a delicious mix of tradition and creativity. Craving more island inspiration? Check out "Discovering Hawaiʻi, One Local Bite at a Time" for more flavorful journeys. For now, grab a fork, you'll want to dig in.