Maui
23 stories filed under Maui on Hanalei Country Club. The newest of them: “Discover Hawaii's Most Charming Small Towns Where Island Spirit Shines”, “From Clooney to Cloisters: Spotting Island Icons on Kauai”, and “Beyond the resorts: seven Hawaiian towns where local spirit meets island adventure”. Wander past the glossy resorts and you'll find the real heartbeat of the islands. George Clooney at Hanalei Bay. 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 Maui story on Hanalei Country Club, newest first.
Discover Hawaii's Most Charming Small Towns Where Island Spirit Shines
Wander past the glossy resorts and you'll find the real heartbeat of the islands. Hawaii's charming small towns are where the island spirit truly shines, places where world-class beaches meet a down-to-earth local rhythm and deep Polynesian roots. This is the Hawaii that invites you to slow down, explore a hidden general store, and chat with the fisherman who knows the best swell. It's a blend of laid-back adventure and authentic luxury that feels both elevated and effortless. For a deeper dive into this world, our piece on *Kauaʻi's Best Kept Secrets* explores where that same spirit meets island luxury. Here, every town feels like a discovery.
From Clooney to Cloisters: Spotting Island Icons on Kauai
George Clooney at Hanalei Bay. Charo at Long's Drugs. John Travolta and Britney Spears grabbing coffee at the Grand Hyatt. Kauai has a way of turning the ultra-famous into just another part of the landscape, and we love that about this island. There's something wonderfully unpretentious about spotting a Hollywood icon mid-aisle at Macy's or waiting in line behind Bruce Willis at Starbucks. It's not celebrity worship; it's the laid-back fabric of life here. This culture of discovery extends beyond people, too. If you're curious about how the island's past shapes its present luxury, check out our coverage of the anthrax history unearthed in Princeville's housing debate.
Beyond the resorts: seven Hawaiian towns where local spirit meets island adventure
Waimanalo Beach unfurls for miles along Oahu's windward coast, a stretch of turquoise and white sand that rarely feels crowded. That's the beauty of stepping beyond the resort zones. Across the islands, small towns hold their own distinct magic, Volcano Village sits near active craters, another town hugs a crescent-shaped bay that has drawn travelers for decades, and one even hosts a winery on volcanic slopes. These seven communities span beach and inland Hawaii, each offering a genuinely local pulse. Want more on the North Shore's big-wave culture? Our piece on Bruce Irons and surfing's link to the links dives deep into that island mindset.
Celebrate resilience and wild flavors in the new FALL/WINTER issue
Yuda Abitbol is cooking with fire, literally, on the outskirts of Honolulu, and we can't look away. The new FALL/WINTER issue of HAWAIʻI Magazine celebrates resilience, creativity, and the wild flavors that define these islands. It's a tribute to the people and businesses who innovate against the odds, turning challenges into something delicious. On Maui, one company is even transforming an invasive species into a culinary opportunity. That's the spirit we love: scrappy, inventive, deeply rooted. For more of that local energy, check out our guide to seven Hawaiian towns where the community vibe runs deep. This issue is an invitation to taste the unexpected and honor the strength behind every dish.
Swing into island life on Hawaii's most unforgettable fairways
With one of the most stunning opening tee shots in all of Hawaii, the Makai Golf Course at Princeville Resort on Kauai proves that the best things often fly under the radar. This 27-hole gem doesn't chase the spotlight, it earns it quietly, with welcoming fairways that feel both elevated and completely laid-back. Swing into island life on the kind of course where the coastal breeze and the vibrant green landscape compete for your attention. It's luxury without pretense, adventure without effort. For a deeper look at this hidden crown, check out our related coverage, "Discover Kauai's quiet crown: Makai Golf's welcoming fairways shine."
Discover fall's island rhythm through pumpkin patches and whale returns
Humpback whales are slipping back into Hawaiian waters, and pumpkin patches are popping up across the islands, fall has a rhythm all its own here. We love that Aloun Farms on Oʻahu is celebrating its 24th Annual Pumpkin Patch, offering a perfect spot to sink into the season without losing that island spirit. Grab a gourd, watch the sun set a little earlier, and let the return of the whales remind you that nature sets the calendar here. If you're craving more coastal magic, check out our piece on soaring above Maui's shores for a cinematic escape. Fall in Hawaiʻi isn't about cooling down, it's about discovering a different kind of warmth.
Soar above Maui's shores on a cinematic coastal escape
The wind whips past your ears as the coastline tilts away beneath you, this is Maui from a perspective that changes everything. Soar above Maui's shores on a cinematic coastal escape that turns the island into a living postcard. We love how this experience strips away the ordinary and drops you right into the heart of the Pacific's raw beauty. The blues deepen, the ridges sharpen, and suddenly you understand why this place has captivated travelers for generations. For those who want to keep their feet on the ground but their gaze toward the horizon, our guide "Soar Above Maui's Best Beaches for Snorkeling, Swimming & Sunset Views" offers another way to explore these same stunning shores.
Soar Above Maui's Best Beaches for Snorkeling, Swimming & Sunset Views
There's something magical about seeing Maui's coastline from above, the way the Pacific shifts from deep indigo to shimmering turquoise, revealing the island's best-kept secrets. Soar above the beaches that matter most, where snorkelers drift with sea turtles, swimmers find their rhythm in warm, calm waters, and sunsets paint the sky in fiery gold. This is the Maui you came to discover, experienced from a perspective that feels both exhilarating and serene. It's luxury without pretense, adventure with soul. For another way to embrace island life, our curated Lānaʻi escape invites you to keep exploring.
One Island, One Day: Your Curated Lānaʻi Escape Awaits
The earliest flights from O'ahu get you to Lāna'i before the morning breeze shifts, which is exactly how a single-day escape should begin. One Island, One Day: Your Curated Lāna'i Escape Awaits isn't about rushing, it's about trading the familiar for something vibrant and new. Direct flights from O'ahu, Maui, and Moloka'i, plus the Expeditions Maui-Lāna'i Ferry, make this an easy adventure for visitors filling a gap or locals craving a change of scenery. We love the simplicity of it: one island, one day, your pace. For a deeper taste of island culture, check out our story "Round Up, Give Back: Savor Maui Flavors, Support Local Causes."
Round Up, Give Back: Savor Maui Flavors, Support Local Causes.
A dollar might not feel like much, but when it's pooled across a community, it becomes a wave of change. That's the simple, delicious idea behind Round Up, Give Back at Hana Hou Hospitality's Maui restaurants. Diners at Māla Ocean Tavern, Coco Deck Lahaina, Pizza Paradiso, and Pineapple Robot can round their tab to the nearest dollar, with every single cent going straight to local nonprofits focused on cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community needs. It's an effortless way to turn a great meal into a meaningful gesture. Each quarter, a new organization benefits, so the impact stays fresh and focused. This feels like the kind of aloha that lingers long after the plate is clean.
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.
Whispers of Haleakalā: Discovering Maui's Forest Voices
Mist hangs heavy over windward Haleakalā, where the calls of native 'apapane and 'amakihi pierce the quiet above the breeze. This is the world of the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, and it's where two technicians are deeply immersed in the data that speaks for these fragile forest voices. We love how this story pulls you straight into the mist and the moss, making you feel the weight of the work. It's a grounded, authentic look at the people behind the conservation, reminding us that protecting this vibrant culture starts with listening. For more island inspiration, check out our piece on "Kauaʻi Coastlines: Safety First, Beauty Endures" for another perspective on navigating nature's wonders.
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.
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.
Discover Kauai's Magic: Unforgettable Island Experiences Await.
Kauai has a way of pulling you in, and the island's spirit is as much about resilience as it is about beauty. With the recent chatter around recovery efforts, like the stories of rebuilding after Hurricane Lowell's passage, there's a palpable sense of community here that's hard to ignore. We love that raw, grounded energy. It's the same vibe you feel when you lace up for the scenic Haena to Hanalei run, where the coastline steals your breath between miles. This island isn't just a backdrop; it's a living, breathing character. So, come for the dramatic cliffs and vibrant reefs, but stay for the authentic moments that remind you why you wander. Adventure is waiting, and it feels wonderfully real.
Maui Moments: From Arrival to Sunset Bliss at Wailea.
The moment you touch down on Maui, the air itself feels different, softer, slower, like the island is already inviting you to unwind. *Maui Moments: From Arrival to Sunset Bliss at Wailea* captures that shift perfectly, guiding you from the hum of the airport to the golden hour magic that Wailea is made for. It's not just about the luxury; it's about the rhythm of the coast, the way the Pacific glows as the day fades. For travelers craving that blend of adventure and ease, this is your cue to explore. And if you're mapping out more island inspiration, our piece on the Big Island's Paniolo Adventures rides right alongside that same spirit of discovery.
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.
A Decade of Delicious: Celebrating 10 Years of Tin Roof, Maui
Ten years ago, Sheldon and Janice Simeon set out to redefine the plate lunch, and Maui hasn't stopped craving the result. Tin Roof has grown from a beloved local spot into a true community anchor, one that weathered the pandemic and even expanded into dinner service. That kind of staying power deserves a toast. We love seeing a place that stays rooted in authenticity while leveling up its craft, and this milestone feels like a win for everyone who values real, vibrant island flavor. For more ways to savor Maui and give back, check out "Round Up, Give Back: Savor Maui Flavors, Support Local Causes." Here's to a decade of delicious, and to the community that made it possible.
Waves of Hope: Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy Returns to Lahaina
The air on Front Street feels different this month. After three years, the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy has come home to Lahaina, and that return is worth celebrating. The Kinimaka family received the green light to resume operations on Aug. 1, and kahu Greg was there that morning to lead a blessing over the space. It's a grounding moment, a reminder that this community rebuilds with purpose and aloha. We love seeing a family business reclaim its roots, and this homecoming feels like a true wave of hope rolling back in. For more stories of island resilience, check out our piece on Kauai Rebuilds after Hurricane Lowell.
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.
Maui Roots: A Childhood Shaped by Island Winds and Smoke.
The smoke from Pu'unēnē Mill was just part of the skyline for this writer, a gray constant that felt as permanent as the island itself. But for her dad, that same drifting plume was a living compass, a way to read the winds before they ever touched the shore. We love that perspective shift. It grounds a childhood memory in something tangible, turning a simple observation about weather into a family story about place and belonging. It's the kind of authentic, local detail that makes you feel the heat of the cane fields. For more stories rooted in this island sense of community, you might enjoy *Discovering Hawaiʻi, One Local Bite at a Time*.
Taste the Islands: Discover Maui's Best Plate Lunch Spots
Two scoops of sticky white rice, a generous heap of mac salad, and that perfect slice of teriyaki beef or crispy chicken katsu. That's the plate lunch, and honestly, it's pure comfort on a tray. This isn't just fast food; it's a living piece of Hawaiʻi's plantation history, a delicious blend of cultures that came together in the fields and found their way onto the same plate. We love how something so simple can tell such a rich story of community and resilience. It's the kind of meal that fuels an afternoon of adventure, and for those looking to connect with the real island rhythm, it's a perfect starting point.
Experience Aloha: Your Island Home Awaits.
For nearly three decades, Castle Resorts & Hotels has been turning "stay" into "live like a local." Since 1993, we've specialized in management that feels less like a transaction and more like a warm welcome, from full resorts to vacation rentals across Hawaiʻi and New Zealand. Being the only locally owned management company of our kind here means we don't just visit the culture; we steward it. That's why we deliver the comforts of home with a genuine aloha spirit, inviting you to slow down and sink in. Curious how we navigate island life's bigger moments? Our piece, "Kauaʻi Recovery Update: What Residents and Visitors Should Know," offers a grounded look at community resilience.