From festivals to accommodations, here’s what’s new across the Hawaiian islands

It wasn’t long ago that traveling to Hawaii entailed a great deal of advance preparation.

Now, mainland vaccinated visitors entering Hawaii may do so without pre-travel testing or quarantine. All other guests must provide negative results from one of Hawaii’s trusted testing partners. However, regardless of vaccination status, all visitors are still required to participate in the state’s Safe Travels program.  

There’s more good news: the Hawaiian Islands have not only survived but thrived in many ways as leisure travel continues to bounce back. 

During your next Hawaiian getaway, take a moment to consider these latest additions across the islands and discover something new. You may gain a whole new set of reasons why Hawaii is your favorite year-round destination.

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Island of Hawaii

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Island of Hawaii

courtesy of the Big Island Visitors Bureau

Big Island exploration

The Big Island of Hawaii is a geographically diverse destination with year-round agricultural crops thanks to nutrient-rich volcanic soil, which also produces some rather fine coffee. This is where famous Kona coffee comes from, and guests will see coffee trees across the island. Hawaii is also home to avocados, macadamia nuts, papaya, cacao, vanilla and many other culinary treasures.

It thus goes without saying a trip to a local farmers market is a must-do activity. Yet dining at area restaurants and quick-serve walk-ups is another way to sample the incredible culinary treats around the island. Whether savoring malasadas – Portuguese sugar-coated donuts – or fresh seafood, there’s a restaurant for every type of traveler and every budget.

If your visit to the Island of Hawaii is in celebration of a special event, though, consider a memorable private dining experience, like the options offered at Mauna Kea Resort. Ideal for romantic getaways, proposals, micro-weddings, honeymoons, graduation celebrations and more, the private multi-course dinner is paired with wine at any of the resort’s five prime outdoor venues. Photography and solo guitarist accompaniment is available as an add-on to this beachside package.

In addition to experiencing the island by a range of flavors, visitors will want to spend time exploring history at area museums. Combine culinary and cultural interests with a visit to the Kona Coffee Living History Farm or reach for the stars at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Reflect on island heritage at The Hawaii Plantation Museum or Laupāhoehoe Train Museum, then enjoy a stroll at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. 

Dining along Kaanapali Beach, Maui

Dining along Kaanapali Beach, Maui

courtesy of CTS Photos

Maui welcomes the return of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

This October, enjoy wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions and more as the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival returns to Kaanapali Beach in Maui.  


On October 7, at Westin Maui Resort and Spa, the culinary duo behind Oahu favorites Miro Kaimuki and Papa Kurt’s – James Beard semifinalist Chris Kajioka and Michelin-starred Mourad Lahlou – will team up with Top Chef Shota Nakajima to present a five-course dinner. Known for their modern renditions of traditional dishes, the chefs will offer an imaginative fusion of flavors from Morocco, Japan and Kaanapali.

On October 8, Roy’s 24th Annual Golf Classic sees celebrity chefs like Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong tee off while sampling premium pours and local bites. The annual charity tournament benefits Imua Family Services – a community-based nonprofit supporting island families.

Then at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa on October 9, some of the Islands’ most beloved homegrown chefs return to prepare a five-course homecoming feast. Event chefs include Chung Chow, Troy Guard and the Sheraton’s own Mark Majewski.

Kaanapali Beach is a three-mile stretch of sugar soft white sand home to an assortment of family-friendly and luxury resorts. Find your ideal beach getaway at Kaanapali Beach Resort where both the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa and Kaanapali Beach Hotel have completely transformed their properties in recent months.

When exploring West Maui and Kaanapali Beach, be sure to wander along the Kaanapali Historical Trail and enjoy the free History and Legends Tour. When it’s time to take a dip, head for the water in front of Black Rock for a leisurely snorkel experience with an incredible variety of tropical fish.

SWELL Restaurant and Pool Bar at 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

SWELL Restaurant and Pool Bar at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

courtesy of ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Renewed accommodations on Oahu

Oahu’s popular hub of Waikiki has seen resilience and reinvention over recent months, including a few completely transformed resorts. What hasn’t changed is the island’s welcoming spirit and staggering list of things to see and do.

‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach has undergone a $125 million transformation and guests here will be immersed within a venue that balances the energy of the city alongside the relaxed spirit of the islands. An open-air lobby with a two-story Oceanarium is met with a vibrant pool deck overlooking Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

The saltwater infinity pool offers cabanas perched atop reflecting pools, paired with fire pits and a nearby Swell pool bar. This scene transitions into an evening hot spot with live music and large-scale art and film projected across more than 100 feet.

The 280,000-gallon Oceanarium with filtered water introduces guests to more than 1,000 protected marine life creatures, while ocean-inspired O Bar serves up cocktails in the evenings.

A few steps down the beach, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa will complete their $80 million resort-wide transformation this month. Spanning 5.2 acres, the beachfront resort boasts 1,310 refreshed guestrooms, including 135 suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private lanai (balcony) to always keep island beauty within view.

Their brand-new, one-acre Queens break pool and amenity deck offers a luxury oasis among palm trees with two tempting pools and a kids play area with water features. This area also includes a new outdoor restaurant concept along with a poolside bar.

Away from the beach, families can enjoy horseback rides and legendary hikes, explore coffee farms near the north shore, immerse themselves in Hawaiian royal history and heritage and enjoy a lively luau with hula, oral storytelling and traditional island fare.

Stunning natural views in Kauai

Stunning natural views in Kauai

courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority

Nature and activities on Kauai

Known as the Garden Island, Kauai is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with mountain and ocean adventures aplenty. With more than 50 miles of white sand beach, there are several quiet spots to take a surfing lesson, snorkel with family or simply laze under the sun.

Then there’s the 3,567-foot-deep Waimea Canyon – often called The Grand Canyon of the Pacific – and the towering 3,000-foot sea cliffs of the Napali Coast. These natural attractions are ideal for hiking, horseback riding, ATV adventures and zipline tours.

Now there’s even more to explore with a new tour added to Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens. With the new self-guided walking tour, visitors will wind through formal gardens, 12 acres of tropics including Kaula Lagoon with its plunging waterfall and Hula Island. Guests are provided with a pamphlet guide with map information and a brief history of the gardens.

Culinary enthusiasts will want to sample the latest from Monkeypod Jam. This is a great way to celebrate treats from the island like lilikoi curd, white pineapple ginger jam and guava butter.

After a full day of adventure and tasty treats, families will want to find a cozy place to sleep for the night. The historic Waimea Plantation Cottages on the west side of Kauai offer a quiet retreat with 59 authentic plantation homes set on 43 oceanfront acres.

Each home has a fully equipped kitchen, private lanai and vary between one-, two- or three-bedroom options. The property has an oceanfront pool and large lawn area for games and gatherings, and offers free parking and free guest laundry, ideal for family getaways.