Hawaii Magazine

Staying at “the Grand,” as we affectionately called it, was like a dream vacation for us kids.

With its epic waterslides, lazy river and hidden hot tubs scattered across its pools, the resort was the ultimate destination for families—and it still is. As a 7-year-old, the hours spent in the pool were bliss, and when I needed a respite, I’d lounge around, sipping on a vi...

This story was originally published on July 8, 2020, and updated in May 2026.

Springer Kaye remembers growing up in Mānoa on Oʻahu with a neighbor who would share lychee with her family. It has always reminded her of summer in Hawaiʻi.

“We would sit there, with that big paper bag of lychee, covered in the sticky sap,” says Kaye, who now operates

*This story was originally published on May 5, 2015, and updated in May 2026.

While plenty of bars and restaurants throughout Hawaiʻi will break out the Dos Equis, chips and salsa for today’s Cinco de Mayo holiday, many family homes will celebrate May 5 a little bit differently: by flying koinobori, colorful carp-shaped flags, in honor of Tango no Sekku, or Bo...

While every day we should be thankful, Mother’s Day is a beautiful reason to celebrate and show even more appreciation to all the mothers, tūtū, aunties, big sisters and mother figures in our lives. 

There are plenty of ways to treat the important wāhine in your life this Mother’s Day.

1. Take mom to ...

In my Oʻahu neighborhood, plumeria and pua kenikeni trees sit in yards of generous neighbors always willing to share their pua. Anytime I need to make lei, I ask a neighbor if I can pick a few dozen flowers.

From birthdays to graduations, giving lei is how we celebrate special occasions in Hawaiʻi.

K...