islands
islands on Hanalei Country Club: a running collection of 7 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on islands in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Hanalei Bay Country Club is a vibrant digital guide to the island of Kauai—curated for travelers who want more than a vacation. New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around islands, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Hanalei Country Club is covering right now.
Supporting our ʻOhana on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi
Following Hurricane Lowell’s passage, our hearts are with our ʻOhana across Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi. Monday night’s fierce winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf delivered significant impacts, particularly to Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. Widespread damage, including compromised homes, businesses, and roadways, has been reported, alongside extensive power outages. While the storm has now moved west, recovery efforts are underway to address flooding and impacted stream levels. Hanalei, in particular, experienced an astounding 28 inches of rain, as detailed in a recent Honolulu Star-Advertiser report. We are committed to supporting our community through this challenging time and will continue to share updates as they become available.
Celebrating Hawaiian History Month This September
This September, Hanalei Bay Country Club joins Hawaiʻi in celebrating Hawaiian History Month—a designation formalized by Act 167 in 2025, honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani and the enduring contributions of the Native Hawaiian community. While officially recognized recently, the spirit of remembrance and education has been championed for years by organizations like the Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition. This month provides a vital opportunity to explore the rich, complex, and often untold narratives of the islands. We invite you to delve deeper into the cultural significance of Hawaiʻi and appreciate the vibrant heritage that shapes our unique island lifestyle. For a taste of local culture, explore our recent article, "Popular Japanese-Style Egg Salad Sandwiches Are at 7-Eleven Hawaiʻi," and discover another facet of island life.
Pack Your Paddle: The Honolulu Pickleball Tournament Worth Flying To
## Pack Your Paddle: The Honolulu Pickleball Tournament Worth Flying To This fall, elevate your game and embrace the island spirit at the second annual Hawaiʻi Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open, Hawaiʻi's premier pickleball tournament. From October 8–11, 2026, the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Oʻahu will transform into a vibrant hub of competition, boasting over 33 indoor courts and welcoming players of all levels – from seasoned pros to enthusiastic amateurs. Experience the thrill of high-level play amidst the backdrop of a truly unique destination. Beyond the courts, immerse yourself in the authentic culture of Oʻahu. For those seeking broader insights into the recent weather events impacting the islands, explore our article "Lala Update: What to Know After the Storm" for essential information.
Discovering the Nāpali Coast
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Nāpali Coast, a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and emerald valleys. Originally featured in our SUMMER Digital issue, this story invites you to explore one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic destinations. Inspired by a recent conversation with a veteran of the local publishing scene, we delve into the spirit of adventure that defines the island experience. Discover hidden coves, breathtaking vistas, and the rich cultural heritage woven into this extraordinary coastline. For those seeking further insight into the islands' resilience, explore "Lala Update: What to Know After the Storm," offering a glimpse into recent weather events and their impact. Prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty and untamed allure of the Nāpali Coast.
The Winners of HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2026 Photo Contest
Year after year, HAWAIʻI Magazine’s annual photo contest consistently showcases the remarkable talent capturing the Islands' essence. This year’s submissions – a vibrant tapestry of endemic species, iconic surf breaks, and rugged landscapes – are no exception. We’re thrilled to present the winners, offering a captivating glimpse into Hawaiʻi’s dynamic beauty. For our 26th contest, the selection process was particularly rigorous, highlighting the exceptional quality of the entries. Explore the full gallery on the winners page here. For those seeking further island adventures, consider our recent feature on “Big Island Must Do: Manta Ray Snorkeling,” offering a deeper dive into the underwater wonders of Hawaiʻi.
It’s Here: Our 2026 SUMMER Digital Issue!
## Discover the Soul of Hawaiʻi: Our 2026 Summer Digital Issue is Here! Inspired by the islands and deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, we're thrilled to unveil a refreshed way to experience *HAWAIʻI Magazine* with our 2026 Summer Digital Issue. This exclusive, free digital release delivers an elevated reading experience, showcasing the breathtaking talent of our 26th annual photo contest winners—a beloved tradition celebrating the beauty of the islands. Beyond the stunning visuals, explore stories that capture the authentic spirit of Aloha. For a deeper dive into the importance of genuine hospitality amidst evolving travel trends, be sure to read "Aloha Matters at Waikīkī Malia." Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Hawaiʻi – your adventure awaits.
The Best Loco Moco in Hawaiʻi in 2026
## The Best Loco Moco in Hawaiʻi in 2026 Loco moco: a culinary cornerstone of Hawaiʻi. This iconic dish—white rice crowned with a savory hamburger patty, a sunny-side-up egg, and a comforting blanket of brown gravy—holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors alike. Believed to have originated in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, the loco moco has evolved into a beloved staple found across the archipelago. After extensive taste-testing and reader feedback, we’ve compiled the definitive ranking of the best loco moco experiences in Hawaiʻi for 2026. Discover where to find this hearty masterpiece and indulge in a truly authentic taste of island life.