Photo by Sarah Burchard.

This article contains affiliate links. 

The most important thing you can do when visiting any island is to support its local economy. In Hawaiʻi, one of the best ways to do that is by supporting local agriculture. You can do this by going on farm tours, purchasing locally-grown ingredients and shopping at farmers markets. 

Although the archipelago was once completely self-sustaining with a robust food system, Hawai’i now relies on imported food for 85% to 90% of its needs. As a food lover and former chef, the first thing I did when I moved to Hawaiʻi nine years ago was to plug into the local farming community, so I could source the freshest ingredients and support local agriculture. As a traveler, I do the same thing wherever I go. You will always find the best food when itʻs locally produced.

According to the Maui County Farm Bureau, Maui is home to over 800 farms. Over a dozen host farm tours. While you will have the opportunity to learn and taste wonderful things at all of them, here are a few that offer something extra special. Check out these farm tours next time you visit Maui. 

Owner of ʻOkoʻa Farms, Ryan Earhart, is on his way to producing 500,000 pounds of food this year. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

‘Oko’a Farms – Farm tour and tasting + farm-to-table dinners

With no farming experience, Ryan Earhart started ‘Oko’a Farms in 2004 on a patch of dry, undernourished land. 21 years later, thanks to his curiosity, ingenuity and relentless hard work – despite many hardships – his farm now grows over 100 different crops. Today, it supplies a farmers market in Wailea (soon to be a brick-and-mortar store) and his own farm shop in Kula, which in turn supports more than 100 local vendors.

The tour begins in a quaint garden just off the farmhouse, where large trays of fresh dragon fruit, star fruit, guava, jaboticaba, carrots and radishes are served with a house-made macadamia nut-herb dip.  

Seated on benches made of recycled mango wood, guests are introduced to Dr. Carolyn Dean – a medical doctor, naturopath, food security activist and supporter of the farm from day one. She invested in the farm in 2020 when Earhart’s landlord planned to sell the land. Like a fairy godmother, Dean swooped in and helped Earhart purchase the property, securing the farm’s future. 

Earhart’s passion is connecting people to their food, and it shows. As he leads the tour, he picks fruit off trees for guests to sample, pulls carrots straight from the earth and explains each crop in detail—darting around the farm like an excited kid on Christmas morning. There’s sugar cane, banana trees, pineapple, 1,000 chickens and rows upon rows of produce—everything from turnips to asparagus. Like many farms in Kula, the property also boasts breathtaking ocean views.

Guests can also visit the farm in the early evening for a farm-to-table dinner prepared by Earhart himself following the tour.

Book ʻOkoʻa Farms Upcountry Family Farm Tour

Book ʻOkoʻa Farms Sunset Culinary Immersion: Farm-to-Table Dinner Experience

Farm tour guide Kerry Glen welcomes guests into the cacao orchard at Kuʻia Estate. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Ku’ia Estate Chocolate – Farm tour, tasting and sunset jazz 

Dr. Gunars Valkirs, a biophysicist who invented the rapid response pregnancy test and various cardiovascular health diagnostics, began growing cacao and making award-winning chocolate in Lahaina in 2020 as a retirement project. 

Seven days a week you can tour his 20-acre farm where he uses agroforestry to cultivate a loving environment for 100 varieties of cacao. The tours leads you through a forest of panax (known as “false coffee”) trees, which block wind along the perimeter, neem trees, which keep the pests away and cacao trees. 

Eventually, you’ll reach a two-story gazebo overlooking the orchard. With sweeping ocean views, you’ll taste at least nine varieties of chocolate – coffee-flavored, milk chocolate, dark chocolate and sugar-free – made with estate-grown beans. The company also offers a wide variety of flavored chocolates using beans sourced from Costa Esmeralda, a farm in Ecuador with close ties to Dr. Valkirs.

As a dark chocolate lover, I found the sugar-free chocolate especially interesting. Instead of artificial sweeteners like Truvia or Stevia, Dr. Valkirs uses allulose – a naturally occurring sugar with a similar chemical structure to sucrose but less sweet and no caloric absorption by the body. I also loved the calamansi-flavored dark chocolate and the estate’s bean-to-bar dark chocolate. 

After the tour, you’ll return to the chocolate factory and café, which is 100% solar-powered. Here, you can purchase chocolate bars, drinks and desserts made with Kuʻia Estate Chocolate. Don’t miss the chocolate milkshake.

On Sunday evenings, head upstairs for a glass of wine and a free sunset jazz concert. 

All profits from sales are donated to local non-profit organizations such as Maui Food Bank and the Maui Humane Society.

Book a Maui Ku’ia Estate Guided Cacao Farm Tour and Tasting

Book a Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory Experience

Another sampling of Oʻo Farm bean-to-cup coffee before brunch is served. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

O’o Farm – Coffee tasting, farm tour and brunch

Start your morning with a cup of freshly brewed coffee while taking in views of Central and West Maui all the way to the ocean. Oʻo Farm grows, processes and roasts its coffee entirely on site – 3,500-feet up in the district of Kula. After a tasting and primer on coffee production, you’ll tour the farm, which features up to 130 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers across eight acres of lush, hilly fields. 

When owners Louis Coulombe and Stephan Bel-Robert purchased the land in 2000 they began with coffee, eventually expanding into produce to supply their Lahaina restaurant, Pacificʻo on the Beach. After the restaurant tragically burned down during the Maui wildfires in August 2023, they began hosting farm-to-table dinners at the farm, which had already been welcoming visitors for tours since 2007. 

Eventually, the tour ends at an outdoor kitchen shaded by tall trees and framed by that same gorgeous view. Here, the farm’s chef prepares a brunch feast made almost entirely from ingredients grown on site. Among the three courses were pastries, salads, sliced fruit, frittata, freshly baked bread and all the coffee we could drink.

Book an Oʻo Farm Seed-to-Cup Coffee, Brunch & Farm Tour

Book and Oʻo Farm-to-Table Lunch & Farm Tour

Waikulu Distillery makes its spirits from the same 200 agave plants owner Paul Turner planted in 2012. Photo by Sarah Burchard

Waikulu Distillery – Agave Farm Tour and Spirit Tasting

Visit Hawaiʻi’s only agave spirits farm and distillery. Because “Tequila” is a protected designation of origin that can only be used in specific regions of Mexico, Waikulu Distillery refers to its product as “agave spirits.” Like Tequila, Waikulu spirits are made with at least 51% blue weber agave – all grown onsite. 

Owner and distiller Paul Turner has been stewarding this land for over 20 years with a minimal environmental footprint. He planted agave in 2012, a plant so resilient it requires no irrigation. The distillery runs entirely on solar power. 

Tours include a walk through the agave fields, with opportunities to watch workers harvest the plant and cut it down to its piña (core). You’ll also see the custom-built ovens and agave crusher  Turner designed himself. Guests can taste a piece of freshly steamed agave – cooked for two days until fully caramelized. 

After the tour, you’ll sample a selection of Waikulu’s silver and barrel-aged agave spirits. My favorite was a smoky, slightly spicy spirit infused with chipotle and arbol chiles. All Wailuku spirits are made with wild yeast and zero additives – a rarity in the Tequila business. The distillery produces only 10,000 to 12,000 bottles per year. Aside from a few grocery stores, bars and hotels on Maui, the only place you can purchase them is at the distillery itself. 

Book a Waikulu Distillery Farm Tour + Tasting 

Book a Waikulu Distillery Tasting

The post Best Maui Farm Tours – Editor’s Picks 2025 appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Traditional poke made with raw fish, limu, Hawaiian salt and ʻinamona. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

There are 3,108 poke shops in the United States — more than 240 of them are in Honolulu. That’s a 22% increase since 2020, according to IBISWorld, which expects that number to grow over the next five years.

In 2016, Eater reported that the number of restaurants serving poke had doubled since 2014 — from 342 venues to 700 as of August 2016. It appears poke is here to stay.

As it should be. There’s no better beach companion than a deli cup of chilled poke and a pair of chopsticks. Poke is not only delicious — it’s healthy, versatile for most diets and easy to prepare. It also carries a rich history that many Hawaiʻi locals deeply connect with.

Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is a Hawaiian dish. Traditionally, it was made with raw fish cut into cubes, seasoned with Hawaiian salt and, perhaps, some limu and ʻinamona (ground kukui nuts). Over time, as immigrants arrived to work on sugar cane plantations, the seasonings expanded to include ingredients such as white or green onions, Hawaiian chili pepper, sesame oil and shoyu.

Today, the number of toppings you can find on a poke bowl is seemingly endless.

Although poke — which means “to slice” in Hawaiian — has become synonymous with ‘ahi, it can be made from almost anything: fish, ‘ulu (breadfruit), kalo (taro), beets, beef — you name it.

The Poke All Around class at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Learn How To Make Poke

At Ka‘ana Kitchen, a Hawaiʻi-inspired farm-to-table restaurant at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Chef Rhoderick Bulosan hosts a class called Poke All Around. Guests learn the history of poke while watching Bulosan break down a loin of fresh ‘ahi and dice steamed octopus. Then, each participant creates their own poke dish, choosing from a spread of toppings including locally grown cucumber, jalapeño, sea asparagus, green onion and ʻinamona.

As Bulosan prepares and serves poke, he shares stories from his upbringing on Hawaiʻi Island — memories of spear fishing octopus as a kid and of his parents working on the sugar cane plantation. All of these experiences, he says, help explain why poke looks the way it does today.

“Now, you guys remember during the sugar cane era,” Bulosan said. “A lot of ethnicities and cultures brought so many different things to Hawaiʻi. We got Koreans bringing sesame oil; sesame seeds and soy sauce from the Japanese; Chinese brought oyster sauce. So many different things, you know, from different cultures. And that’s what Hawaiʻi is known for. It’s a melting pot of all these cultures.”

Chef Rhoderick Bulosan at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Some Of Our Favorite Poke Shops in Hawaiʻi

• Foodland – Locally-owned grocery store. Multiple locations on Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi.
• Tamashiro Market – Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Tin Roof – Kahului, Maui
• Tanioka’s Seafood & Catering – Waipahu, Oʻahu 
• Tamura’s Fine Wines & Liquor – Multiple locations on Oʻahu and Maui.
• Young’s Market – Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Kahuku Superette – Kahuku, Oʻahu
• Maguro Brother’s – Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Aliʻi Fish Market – Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Yama’s Fish Market – Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Paradise Poke – Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Off The Hook – Mānoa, Oʻahu
• Koloa Fish Market – Koloa Town, Kauaʻi
• Da Poke Shack  – Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island

The post The History of Poke appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

This article was written with input from John Alford, the owner of Oʻahu-based bike tour company, Bike Hawaii.

Looking to experience the islands on two wheels? Hawaiʻi biking tours offer an unforgettable adventure — from breezy coastal rides to adrenaline-pumping downhill volcano descents. Whether you’re after a family-friendly bike path or a guided summit-to-sea ride, Hawaiʻi has a trail (and a tour) for you.

This article is intended for tourists happy to rent a bike on-island or join an organized biking tour. (If you’re a serious mountain biker traveling with your own mountain bike, we recommend downloading or picking up John Alford’s book, “Mountain Biking in the Hawaiian Islands”.)

Where to Go Biking in Hawaiʻi

If biking in Hawaiʻi is on your agenda, the first decision you have to make is which island to visit. “Each island has something different to offer,” Alford said “from technical rides to van-assisted downhill coasts. Riding in Hawaiʻi is a great way to see the sights, get some exercise and experience the beauty of Hawaiʻi.”

Here’s a quick summary of what the islands are best known for when it comes to biking in Hawaiʻi:

Oʻahu

• Urban rides through Honolulu and Waikīkī, with loops around Diamond Head.
• Scenic paved-road cycling with shorter climbs in the Koʻolau Mountains.
• Cultural sightseeing trips and food tours by bike.
• Easy ride in the Pu’u ʻOhia rainforest.
• Kualoa ranch ebike beginner rides and advanced mountain biking rides. 

Maui

• Famous for its Haleakalā downhill biking tours, where vans take you up the volcano and you coast down through sweeping views.
• Forest and upcountry routes for adventurous riders.

Photo courtesy of @kejtijay

 Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island)

• Home to Bike Volcano tours, which combine sightseeing with guided cycling around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
• Technical trails at Lower Waiākea (Kulani) Trails near Hilo.
• Long-distance road cycling along Saddle Road and coastal routes.

Kauaʻi

• The Kapaʻa Bike Path (Ke Ala Hele Makālae) is one of the most popular biking tours in Hawaiʻi — a safe, scenic, and easy ride perfect for families. Just rent a bike and go.
• Mountain biking options include Kuilau–Moalepe trails and Kalepa Ridge.

Lānaʻi

• Fewer organized tours, but quiet country roads make for intimate, off-the-beaten-path biking experiences.

Downhill Volcano Bike Tours

No discussion of bike tours in Hawaiʻi is complete without Maui’s Haleakalā. Here’s what you can expect:

• Shuttle to the volcano summit for sunrise. Pickup can be as early as 1am.
• At the top, you’ll have a safety briefing. Prepare for cold temperatures.
• You’ll start the ride a few miles from the summit. It’s mostly a downhill ride through switchbacks and scenic upcountry roads.
• Van support and gear included (helmets, gloves, jackets).

Important updates:

• Since 2023, commercial tours are limited to a 6.5-mile section of Haleakalā Crater Road.
• No biking through residential neighborhoods.
• Minimum age: 15.
• Some routes are detoured due to wildfire recovery.

Controversies & Safety Concerns

Like many Hawaiʻi biking tours, downhill rides have sparked debate:

• Resident concerns: Maui locals say tour groups clog narrow roads and disrupt commutes.
• Safety record: Incidents, including a 2024 visitor fatality, highlight the risks of high-speed descents.
• Environmental issues: Illegal mountain biking trails on state land harm native ecosystems.

Local authorities now regulate commercial tours more strictly to balance tourism with community safety.

Tips for Tourists

• Book your Hawaiʻi bike tour early — spots sell out fast.
• Confirm your operator is licensed and compliant with county rules.
• Choose a tour suited to your fitness level (casual path vs. downhill ride).
• Always wear safety gear.
• Respect local traffic, stay on authorized trails and ride with aloha.

From the gentle shoreline path of Kauaʻi to the thrilling descent of Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi biking tours deliver unforgettable ways to see the islands. Just remember: the best rides balance adventure with safety and respect for local communities. Do that, and paradise truly unfolds on two wheels.

The post Hawaiʻi Biking Tours: The Best Trails, Routes & Downhill Rides appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Waikīkī Beach on Oʻahu is one of the many beaches in Hawaiʻi safe for kids to swim. Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Photo by Ben Ono.

Planning a family vacation to Hawaiʻi with the kids is an adventure in itself. Parents dream of relaxing beaches, delicious meals and cultural experiences, while kids want excitement, play and plenty of room to explore. The good news? Hawaiʻi is one of the best destinations to keep both generations smiling. With its blend of natural beauty, hands-on activities and warm hospitality, Hawaiʻi makes it easy to balance fun for the whole family.

From Oʻahu’s vibrant attractions to Maui’s underwater wonders, Kauaʻi’s laid-back charm, and Hawaiʻi Island’s epic landscapes, here are some of the best kid-friendly activities across the Hawaiian Islands that parents will love too.

Oʻahu: Big Fun on the Gathering Place

Oʻahu is often the first stop for families, thanks to Honolulu’s international airport and a wide variety of activities. Beyond Waikīkī Beach, the island is packed with experiences designed for kids and adults to enjoy together.

Magic Show at the Hilton
Kids love a little magic, and parents appreciate entertainment that keeps everyone engaged. The 60-seat theater is intimate and stroller-friendly. The high-energy performance combines classic illusions with plenty of audience interaction, making it one of those rare events where keiki are just as enthralled as their parents. 

With close to 2000 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, you know it’s a well-vetted activity. One recent review states, “I still don’t understand how he did all of those tricks, but it was amazing!!!! I recommend it for every age! So funny and light hearted.”

Wai Kai’s AquaPeakz Floating Playground
For families who love burning off energy while getting soaked, Wai Kai at Hoakalei Resort in ʻEwa Beach is a must-visit. The recently launched AquaPeakz expansion to their AquaVenture floating playground offers sky-high slides, wobbly bridges and gentle water play zones designed for all ages. Kids and teens can learn to surf in the Wai Kai Wave. The website explains, “No paddling, no pop-ups–just slide in and ride! It is the perfect fit for first-timers and aspiring surfers. Helmets and soft-top boards are mandatory for your first 3 waves for a safe and smooth start.” New features like the Leeward Launcherz obstacle course and the soaring Ewa Slider deliver thrills, while the ʻOhana Splash Pad and Kids Circuit cater to younger kids. Parents can join in or relax onshore while watching their keiki burn off energy in a safe, exciting environment. 

Sea Life Park
Located on Oʻahu’s rugged windward coastline is a place where keiki can watch, touch and even dance hula with dolphins swimming right in front of them. Sea Life Park offers up-close encounters with dolphins, sea lions and native Hawaiian marine species while being active and responsible stewards of the ocean. Guests will learn how protect our oceans so its ecosystems can thrive. You can even snorkel with a shark. 

The LineUp, one of the many attractions at Wai Kai, offers a deep-water wave simulator for kids to surf. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Maui: Ocean Wonders and Cultural Rhythms

Maui blends natural beauty with immersive cultural experiences, making it one of the best islands for families traveling with children.

Maui Ocean Center
Known as “The Aquarium of Hawaii,” Maui Ocean Center is a world-class marine park showcasing native Hawaiian sea life in 60 exhibits. Kids can marvel at glowing jellyfish, colorful reef fish, and green sea turtles, while parents gain a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems. The highlight for many families is the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit, where sharks and rays glide gracefully overhead in a walk-through tunnel.

Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience
After a day exploring the ocean center, families can return for a one-of-a-kind evening show. Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience brings songs and stories to life in the center’s Sphere Theater every Tuesday and Saturday evening. Led by award-winning performer Eric Gilliom, the performance blends live music, hula, and stunning visuals that transport audiences from Haleakalā’s volcanic slopes to the depths of the Pacific. Keiki love the music and dance, while parents enjoy complimentary appetizers, soft drinks, and the option of a cocktail from Seascape restaurant. 

Migrations Dinner Show
Also playing now at Maui Ocean Center is “Migrations,” created and co-produced by Maui native and President of Oni Foundation Cultural Center Keoni Manuel. The multicultural song, dance and culinary experience is a tribute to the many ethnicities that make up the Hawaiian islands and “a gift to Maui and all who call Hawaiʻi home.” Accompanying the show is an international buffet prepared by onsite chef Henry Tariga of the award-winning Seascape Restaurant. 

The Open Ocean Exhibit at Maui Ocean Center features over 50 different species of fish, including sharks and manta rays. Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Photo by Daeja Fallas.

Kauaʻi: Outdoor Adventure and Simple Joys

Known as the Garden Isle, Kauaʻi is perfect for families who prefer a slower pace and outdoor fun.

Kilohana Plantation Railway
Hop aboard the vintage-style Kilohana Plantation Railway for a journey through 105 acres of tropical farmland. Kids can feed pigs, goats, and horses, while parents enjoy the scenic views of sugarcane fields and orchards. It’s both educational and entertaining, offering a glimpse into Kauaʻi’s agricultural past.

Lydgate Beach Park
When it’s time for some sand and surf, Lydgate Beach Park is ideal for families. The beach features protected swimming areas enclosed by rock walls, creating calm, shallow lagoons where keiki can snorkel safely. There are picnic tables, bathrooms, and a lifeguard on duty. There’s also a sprawling playground nearby, so kids can switch from water play to climbing and swinging while parents relax under the shade of coconut trees.

Lydgate Farms Chocolate Farm Tour & Tasting
Explore acres of lush edible landscape at Lydgate Farms. Tour through orchards of every tropical fruit we grow in Hawaiʻi. There are also spices, vanilla and, of course, cacao trees…all ready to sample. The tour also includes a tropical fruit tasting and chocolate tasting. This year, the farm also introduced a new immersive Honey Farm and Tasting Tour – a two-hour adventure that includes donning full bee suits and learning about the bees’ journey from hive to honey. Visitors will enjoy fresh-from-the-hive honeycomb tastings and a close-up look at the bees’ vital role in nature. Both tours are suitable for keiki 7 years and older.

The Lydgate Chocolate Farm Tour on Kauaʻi is an opportunity to sample many different types of bean-to-bar chocolate as well as tropical fruit grown on the farm. Photo courtesy of Lydgate Farms.

Hawaiʻi Island (The Big Island): Nature’s Playground

As the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian islands, The Big Island lives up to its name. With 10 out of the world’s 14 climate zones and a varied landscape that goes from lava fields to snow-capped mountains you’ll find  experiences that will captivate every age group.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Few places are as awe-inspiring as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Families can hike short trails through lava fields, peer into volcanic craters and learn about the island’s ever-changing geology at the visitor center. Junior Ranger programs engage kids with fun activities, while adults appreciate the park’s world-class natural beauty. Tours are available from multiple providers.

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Located in Hilo, the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center blends science, culture, and storytelling. Kids can explore interactive exhibits about space and Hawaiian wayfinding, while parents gain new insight into Polynesian navigation and astronomy. The planetarium shows are a hit with all ages.

Family-Friendly Snorkeling
Along the Kona Coast, calm bays like Kahaluʻu Beach Park make snorkeling accessible for beginners. Kids delight in spotting colorful fish close to shore, while parents can relax knowing lifeguards are often on duty. For adventurous families with older keiki, evening manta ray snorkels are an unforgettable memory — though plenty of boat operators also offer family-friendly viewing from the deck.

Families can hike short trails through lava fields, peer into volcanic craters and learn about the island’s ever-changing geology at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Photo by Kirk Aeder.

Lānaʻi: Quiet Escape

Though less visited, the smaller island of Lānaʻi offers peaceful experiences for families seeking something different.

Lānaʻi Beaches
Families can explore Hulopoʻe Beach, one of Hawaii’s most pristine shorelines, where tide pools teem with marine life perfect for curious keiki. Dolphin sightings are common, and the island’s small-town vibe gives parents peace of mind.

Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary
If you have animal-loving children, don’t miss the opportunity to engage with over 700 cats at the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm and no appointment is needed. You’re welcome to bring a picnic, since there is no store on-site for food or drinks. 

Keiki (kids) are welcome and endeared in Hawaiʻi. Through them traditions live on. Courtesy of Shutterstock. Photo by Denis Moskvinov.

Tips for Traveling with Kids in Hawaii

• Plan a Balance: Alternate high-energy days (like snorkeling or adventure parks) with slower ones (beach time or cultural shows) to keep everyone happy.
• Pack Smart: Reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and lightweight rash guards keep kids safe and comfortable.
• Book in Advance: Popular activities like AquaPeakz, Maui Ocean Center shows, and Volcanoes National Park tours often sell out. Reserve early to avoid disappointment.
• Embrace Culture: Encourage keiki to learn a few Hawaiian words like aloha (hello) and mahalo (thank you). Parents will enjoy sharing the meaning behind these traditions.

Creating Lasting Family Memories

Traveling to Hawaiʻi with kids isn’t just about keeping little ones entertained — it’s about creating shared experiences that your family will treasure forever. Whether it’s marveling at sea turtles in Maui, splashing down slides in Oʻahu, or gazing at the stars in Hilo, Hawaiʻi offers something magical for every age.

From keiki-friendly playgrounds to adult-approved cultural events, the islands make it easy to connect, relax and discover together. So pack your bags, gather your ʻohana and get ready for a Hawaiian adventure where both kids and adults will fall in love with the Aloha State.

The post Traveling to Hawaiʻi with Kids: Fun for the Whole ʻOhana appeared first on Hawaii.com.

To make Hawaiian pa’i’ai or poi kalo (taro) is steamed and pounded with water. Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Photo by Heather Goodman.

This article contains affiliate links. 

Curious about traditional Hawaiian Food? While most visitors think of shave ice, pineapple and musubi as Hawaiian foods, they are not. These came hundreds of years after Hawai’i was discovered by Polynesians settlers and are considered “local food,” as opposed to Hawaiian. Even poke, as we know it today, was developed long after Hawaiʻi became a part of the U.S. 

What are Hawaiʻi canoe crops?

When we think about traditional Hawaiian food today, we are referring to “canoe crops” – staple foods that were brought to the Hawaiian Islands over 1000 years ago by canoe – which include ingredients such as kalo (taro), ʻulu (breadfruit), niu (coconut), maiʻa (banana), ʻuala (purple sweet potato) and ʻōlena (turmeric) just to name a few. 

Canoe crops were more than just sustenance to Native Hawaiians. They were used for clothing, shelter, medicine and rituals. ʻUlu is a symbol of food security, while kalo – the most important of the canoe crops – is considered the ancestor of all Hawaiian people.

Although Native Hawaiians have grown these crops for centuries, they are not always easy to find in grocery stores or on restaurant menus. But seeking them out provides not only the reward of learning more about Hawaiian culture, it’s also an opportunity to taste something new and delicious. 

Why Trust My Advice?

I am not Native Hawaiian, nor am I a cultural practitioner. I am a food writer and former chef who has been cooking and learning about the foods of different cultures around the world for almost 30 years. The first thing I did when I moved to Hawaiʻi nine years ago was start a project called the “Year of Ingredients” where I chronicled a different local Hawaiʻi ingredient every day for a year straight. In my research I learned where to source these ingredients, how to cook them and what their medicinal benefits were. During that time, I began touring local farms, leading farmers market tours and hosting farm-to-table dinners on Oʻahu. Continuing down the rabbit hole eventually led me to volunteering regularly with ʻāina-based organizations, and farms, islandwide that grow traditional Hawaiian crops, and becoming an ʻulu ambassador for the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative – a local non-profit I have written articles and guides for and developed recipes and products for utilizing canoe crops. Locals know me best as “The Healthy Locavore” – my IG handle and name of my blog – someone who is passionate about personal and environmental health, local agriculture and supporting local businesses. After 10 years of writing about food and travel for publications nationwide, I still find the most joy in writing about the foods of Hawaiʻi.

You can find canoe crops like kalo and ʻulu at produce markets in Chinatown on Oʻahu. Photo by Ketino Photography.

Where can I learn more about Hawaiʻi canoe crops? 

If you are interested in learning more about Hawaiian staple foods, there are several ways to go about it. 

Learn Before You Taste

• Cultural Centers: Places like the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oʻahu and Maui Ocean Center on Maui offer an interactive way to learn about Native Hawaiian history and culture. 
• Hotel & Resort cultural programs: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Ka’anapali and the OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort both have robust cultural programs that will teach you all you need to know about canoe crops. Although these resorts are stand-outs they are not the only ones. For the past five years, hotels and resorts across the state have been developing cultural programs to offer their guests educational experiences. When booking your accommodations, check to see if this is part of its amenities.  
• ʻĀina-based organizations: What better way to learn about food than to see how it is grown? At organizations such as Kakoʻoʻoiwi, Mānoa Heritage Center and Hoʻoulu ʻĀina (all on Oʻahu) you can volunteer in the field learning ancient Hawaiian farming practices.  
• Museums: History museums such as The Bishop Museum on Oʻahu offer an in-depth look at Native Hawaiian life (pre-contact) including the history of canoe plants and how they were prepared. 

1. 

   At The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali, cultural advisor U’i Kahue displays canoe crops, such as ʻuala (pictured here) for guests passing by. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Taste Hawaiʻi Canoe Crops

Maui

Seascape Restaurant

Seascape is one of the few Hawaiʻi restaurants using canoe crops. Chef Enrique “Henry” Tariga is committed to serving a hyper-local, sustainable menu at his restaurant inside the Maui Ocean Center. He also hand-selects fresh seafood caught by Māʻalaea Harbor fisherman and sources grass-fed meats from local ranches. Try the Kalo Poke Nachos, Upcountry ʻUlu Hummus, Truffle Kalo Fries, Maiʻa Creme Brulee and Mocha ʻUlu Pie. 

House-made ‘ulu hummus with local vegetables and ‘uala and kalo chips at Seascape Restaurant. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

ʻUlu Kitchen

Chef Peter Merriman has been serving farm-to-table cuisine in Hawaiʻi since he opened his first Merrimanʻs restaurant in 1988 on Hawaiʻi Island. He then went on to co-found the Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine movement in 1991 with 11 other local chefs. These days, Merriman has an empire with stakes in both Merriman’s and Handcrafted Restaurants (HCR). ʻUlu Kitchen, part of HCR, is located at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Ka’anapali. Try the Coconut Corn Chowder (with ʻulu), Mushroom Pot Pie (with more ʻulu!) and Maui Nui Venison. 

Chef Peter Merriman has been supporting Hawaiʻi farmers for over 30 years. Courtesy of ‘Ulu Kitchen. Photo by Steve Czerniak.

ʻOkoʻa Farms (Store) – ʻOkoʻa Farms got so busy at the Upcountry farmers market, owner Ryan Earehart opened a store. Inside you’ll find a wide variety of produce, meats and eggs; value-added products such as fresh pressed juices, ground spices, sourdough bread and lots of prepared foods such as cassava bowls with coconut milk, papaya and dragon fruit and taro pudding with guava. Next year, the store will be expanding into the space next door to create a cafeteria-style buffet for take-out. 

ʻOkoʻa Farms boasts one of largest varieties of crops on Maui, including maiʻa (bananas shown here). Photo by Sarah Burchard

Oʻahu

Mud Hen Water – Owner Ed Kenneyʻs first Oʻahu restaurant Town just made Eater’s 38 Most Essential and Influential Restaurants in the Past 20 Years list. The honor is well deserved. Since 2005, Kenney has championed local farms on his menus, and Mud Hen Water, which opened in 2015, is no different. “Mud Hen,” as locals call it, goes a step further by incorporating traditional Hawaiian foods. Try the Pohole, Fried ʻUlu and Heʻe Lūʻau. 

Fete – James Beard Award-winning chef and owner Robynne Maiʻi goes to great lengths to incorporate as many local ingredients on her menu as possible, working with over 30 local farms, ranchers and specialty vendors. Dining at Fete, “French for celebration,” is a joyous affair. The service is fun, the cocktails and wine list are some of the best on island and the bistro-style food will have you craving more. When it’s ʻulu season, try the Aloo ʻUlu. The Kulolo Ice Cream is a must.

The kulolo ice cream at Fete combines locally-made poi, coconut milk and Coruba Jamaican dark rum. Courtesy of Fete Hawaiʻi. Photo by Sean Marrs.

Farmlovers Farmers Markets – There are many Hawaiʻi farmers markets selling canoe crops. You can find poi, ʻulu (when in season), maiʻa, fresh niu and many more local delights every week at farmers markets across the island. The Kakaʻako Farmers Market was voted #3 Best Farmers Market in the US by USA Today.

Find products made with Hawaiian canoe crops, like ʻulu hummus, at Farmlovers Farmers Markets on Oʻahu. Photo by Ketino Photography.

Hawaiʻi Island

Imu Mea ʻAi – Join owner Iopa Maunakea as he leads guests through an immersive Hawaiian cultural experience. Youʻll help build an imu (underground oven), harvest plant materials and prepare dishes for a traditional Hawaiian food lūʻau. Maunakea also leads guests through chanting and Hawaiian protocol and shares ancient wisdom and moʻolelo (stories) as you work and feast. 

Guests can learn how to make a traditional imu during the Imu Mea ʻAi Food Tour on Hawaiʻi Island. Photo courtesy of Imu Mea ʻAi.

The Locavore Store – For over 11 years, The Locavore Store has been the place in Hilo to find just about everything locally-grown on Hawaiʻi Island under one roof. You’ll find kalo, ‘uala, ‘ulu, mai’a and much more (their selection is super impressive). In addition to edible goods, the store also carries local skin care, apparel and gifts. What’s great for visitors is you can also purchase products from the store online. 

Moon & Turtle – Chef and co-owner Mark Pomanski prepares Hawai‘i-Pacific dishes that are simultaneously elevated and humble at this beloved Hilo restaurant. Local ingredients, especially fresh seafood, drive the ever-evolving menu. You never know what Pomanski will be serving next, just prepare to be surprised and delighted. 

The Locavore Store in Hilo carries products from over 270 local Hawaiʻi vendors. Photo courtesy of The Locavore Store.

___________________________________________________________________________

Where Will You Go To Eat Real Hawaiian Food?

Now that you know more about Hawaiian canoe crops and where to taste them, all that’s left is to go eat!

Learning about Hawaiian culture through food will make your vacation meaningful and unforgettable. With options on multiple islands, along with this guide, you can find real Hawaiian food for a more authentic experience.

Happy eating!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiʻi Canoe Crops appeared first on Hawaii.com.

This year at Hawaiian Airlines Presents Decanted, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival’s signature wine event, 20 winemakers, sommeliers and wine professionals will be pouring wine alongside 17 of the countryʻs top chefs. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

It’s that time of year again, when over 100 culinary, wine and cocktail professionals gather across Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu for Hawaiʻi’s largest food festival.

This year marks the 15th annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (HFWF), an event dedicated to supporting local agriculture, growing the hospitality industry and positioning Hawaiʻi as a world-class culinary destination.

The theme of this year’s festival is FEAST — an acronym for Food, Education, Agriculture, Sustainability and Tourism. Events will explore the connection between these sectors, highlighting each as a foundational pillar of the festival.

Ready to learn something new, get inspired and eat and drink your way through Hawaiʻi? Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

When is this year’s Hawaii Food & Wine Festival?

HFWF spans three weekends from October 17 to November 2, across three islands—Hawaiʻi  Island, Maui, and Oʻahu.

Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island – Oct. 17-18

Kāʻanapali, Maui – Oct. 24-26

Honolulu, Oʻahu Oct. 30-Nov. 2

According to HFWF, event proceeds have contributed over $5 million over the past 15 years to culinary education, agriculture and sustainability initiatives in Hawaiʻi, as well as supporting hospitality workers during times of need. Courtesy of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Keoni Fernandez.

Where is the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival held?

Prepare to be wined and dined in multiple destinations across Hawaiʻi. Here are the event locations by island:

Hawaiʻi Island: Mauna Kea Golf Course and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Maui: Kāʻanapali Golf Course, Roy’s Kaanapali, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.

Oʻahu: ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, Hawaiʻi Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Halekulani Hotel.

How do I buy tickets for the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival?

Tickets are sold by event. Visit the link below and select the event you are interested in attending to purchase tickets for that event.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival tickets

Last year’s event at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows featured BBQ. This year’s theme will be Southern-style seafood hosted by chef Aarón Sánchez. Courtesy of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Keoni Fernandez.

How much are tickets for Hawaii Food & Wine Festival?

The cost of tickets for HFWF varies by event. See our list of scheduled events below to find out how much each one costs.

Who are the chefs at Hawaii Food & Wine Festival?

This year’s culinary lineup consists of over 100 world-renowned chefs and culinary leaders, including Aarón Sánchez, Chris Cosentino, Andrew Le, Robynne Maii, Masaharu Morimoto, Sheldon Simeon, Nancy Silverton and Marcel Vigneron. Additionally, Master sommeliers Chris Ramelb and Chuck Furuya will be pouring some of their favorite wines and local mixologists will be shaking up their latest cocktails.

Chefs, Sommeliers, Mixologists and Speakers Lineup

Over 100 world-renowned chefs gather each year for HFWF. Pictured here is James Beard Award-winning chef Robynne Maiʻi and crew last year on Hawaiʻi Island. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

Can kids attend the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival?

Guests must be 21 years or older to attend HFWF events. There are no children of any age permitted.

What should I wear to the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival?

It depends, some events are walk-around tastings, while others are sit down brunches and gala dinners. There are both casual events held in the afternoon and evening events with opportunities to dress up. See our list of scheduled events below with dress codes.

34 mixologists from across the country will join this year’s HFWF roster. Pictured here is Kuulei Akuna, mixologist and co-owner of Lady Elaine and Little Plum, last year on Oʻahu.

What are the best events at the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival?

Highlights this year include a tribute to the late Chef Charles Phan – a pioneer of modern Vietnamese cuisine and a Southern-style seafood brunch hosted by celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez. This is also the first year HFWF will be offering a one-day conference for industry professionals with 56 top thought leaders across all sectors of the hospitality, agriculture and culinary industries.

Who hosts the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival?

James Beard Award-winning chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong co-founded the The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival® in 2011. HFWF is a program of the Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating world-class culinary events to support culinary education in community colleges and four-year universities in Hawaiʻi. Its mission is to “elevate Hawai‘i’s culinary and agricultural sectors, enriching both the visitor industry and local community.”

HFWF founders Roy and Denise Yamaguchi and Alan Wong at last year’s pickleball tournament. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

Where do the proceeds from the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival go?

Proceeds from HFWF help to fund culinary scholarships, hands-on training programs and sustainable agricultural initiatives that connect students with local farmers. Last month, The Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance – the parent organization of HFWF – announced it awarded $143,805 in proceeds from HFWF “to support culinary, agricultural and community organizations across the state” bringing its total investment to over $5 million since the festival launched in 2011.

According to an August press release, in 2024 HFWF supported the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges Culinary Programs at six campuses across the state, Imua Family Services, the Maui County Farm Bureau, the Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation, the James Beard Foundation, Central Kitchen, the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship, the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center’s ‘Āina to Mākeke program, CIP x CIA Workforce Development Scholarship Fund and Kōkua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund.

Do the chefs at Hawaii Food & Wine Festival use local ingredients?

Yes, all chefs are provided access to local ingredients to use in their dishes for each event. This year HFWF, in collaboration with ‘Ōuli Farms, also introduced its new Chefʻs Garden on Hawaiʻi Island—a seed-to-table initiative which will also provide ingredients for events. ʻŌuli Farms’ grows over 1,077 organic plants, has planted 325 trees for reforestation efforts and has donated over 6,000 pounds of fresh produce to the community since its inception.

Chefs participating in the Chefʻs Garden initiative include:

• Peter Abarcar, Jr., Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

• Allen Hess, FORC

• Brian Hirata, Na‘au Hilo

• Jayson Kanekoa, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

• Roy Yamaguchi, Roy Yamaguchi Group of Restaurants

HFWF partnered with ʻŌuli Farms this year as a commitment to responsible land stewardship. The “Chef’s Garden” is the vision of five of Hawai‘i’s top chefs. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

Schedule of Events

Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island

Friday, Oct. 17 – First Annual Cuisines of the Sun® Golf Classic Hosted by Alan Wong
Location: Mauna Kea Golf Course

Dress: Golf attire

SOLD OUT

Saturday, Oct. 18 – Cucina: From Mauka to Makai
Location: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Dress: Resort casual (event is outdoors)

Tickets: General admission – SOLD OUT, Priority seating – $400 per person

Kaʻanapali, Maui

Friday, Oct. 24 – First Hawaiian Bank Presents 27th Annual Roy Yamaguchi Golf Classic
Location: Kāʻanapali Golf Course

Dress: Golf attire

SOLD OUT

Saturday, Oct. 25 – World of Wagyu, Wine & Whiskey
Location: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Dress: Resort casual (event is outdoors)

SOLD OUT

Sunday, Oct. 26 – Southern Seafood Sunday Hosted by Aarón Sánchez
Location: Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Dress: Resort casual (event is outdoors)

Tickets: $125 per person

Honolulu, Oʻahu

Thursday, Oct. 30 – Slanted & Phan-tastic: A Celebration of Charles Phan
Location: ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Dress: Resort casual (event is outdoors)

Tickets: General admission – $350 per person, Priority – $400 per person, Cabanas – SOLD OUT

Friday, Oct. 31 – FEAST Summit
Location: Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Dress: Business casual

Tickets: $250 per person, Corporate packages are available

Saturday, Nov. 1 – Hawaiian Airlines Presents Decanted
Location: Hawaiʻi Convention Center

Dress: Semi-formal

SOLD OUT

Sunday, Nov. 2 – MatCHA Chai Brunch
Location: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa

Dress: Brunch chic

Tickets: $125 per person

Sunday, Nov. 2 – Washoku to the World (benefit dinner)
Location: Halekulani Hotel

Dress: Cocktail attire

Tickets: $3000 for 2 people, $15000 for 10 people

Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival tickets

Follow HFWF

Instagram @HIFoodWineFest  #HFWF25

Facebook @HawaiiFoodandWineFestival

The post Hawaii Food & Wine Festival 2025: All the Details appeared first on Hawaii.com.

NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis. Photo by Kenneth Martinez Burgmaier

As a filmmaker, Kenneth Martinez Burgmaier traveled to more than 60 countries filming music festivals. He was especially fond of jazz and blues festivals, but never saw one come to Hawaiʻi, where he has lived for the past 30 years. So he decided to create his own.

Today, Burgmaier has produced more than 75 jazz and blues festivals over 25 years across four Hawaiian islands.

From Oct. 20–26, the Maui Jazz & Blues Festival returns to Kapalua. The weeklong event takes place at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, known for its world-class hospitality and support for the arts. The festival features Grammy Award-winning musicians and internationally renowned instrumentalists performing jazz, blues and Cajun zydeco — a fusion of Cajun and zydeco music played with accordion, fiddles, washboards and French lyrics.

Burgmaier also hosts “Jazz Alley TV,” a jazz, blues and world music television series that has been airing for 35 years. The show sponsors Burgmaier’s Jazz & Blues Festivals, hosted annually on Hawaiʻi Island at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel; on Maui at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; on Oʻahu at The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay; and on Lānaʻi at Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi. He said attendees include a mix of Hawaiʻi residents and visitors from California, New York, Japan and beyond.

Grammy-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal Photo by Kenneth Martinez Burgmaier

Grammy-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal, a regular at the Big Island Jazz & Music Festival, will perform on Maui for the first time this year. He said he’s excited to reunite with local Hawaiʻi musicians as well as New Orleans band The Iguanas.

Marienthal, who frequently performs on cruise ships and at venues around the world, said Hawaiʻi offers a unique experience.

“Hawaiʻi is a special place to get to play,” he said. “It’s inclusive, loving, open … an environment for musicians to feel comfortable to play their music.”

This year, Burgmaier is capping attendance at 1,000 people to preserve an intimate atmosphere. In past years, the festival has drawn as many as 3,500 attendees to the pavilion at The Ritz-Carlton, which Burgmaier said felt too large. He’s especially excited to bring Cajun zydeco to Hawaiʻi — a genre rarely heard outside of Louisiana.

Two of the featured Cajun zydeco musicians, Wilson Savoy and Jourdan Thibodeaux, were recently featured on  “60 Minutes”  in a segment about preserving Cajun musical traditions – one that stretches back eight generations in Savoy’s family. On the show, Thibodeaux spoke passionately about cultural survival.

“You either live your culture or you kill your culture,” Thibodeaux said. “There is no in-between.”

He said the phrase, which he incorporates into his lyrics (in French), reflects the homogenizing effects of globalization. He believes it’s everyone’s responsibility to hold onto their identity — and he recommits every day to “live his culture.”

One of the festival’s most beloved moments, Burgmaier said, is the final jam session on closing night, when all the musicians return to the stage for a hana hou (encore) — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In support of local residents impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires, the Maui Jazz & Blues Festival and The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, are donating more than 100 festival tickets to fire survivors in Lahaina.

“I am honored to bring the Maui Jazz & Blues Festival back to the west side of Maui,” Burgmaier said in a recent press release. “After everything this community has been through, we’re ready to turn up the volume and deliver an epic weekend of world-class music and good vibes.”

NEA Jazz Master and Big Chief Donald Harrison. Photo by Kenneth Martinez Burgmaier.

Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Schedule

Friday, Oct. 3
Festival Kickoff Concert
Featuring Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis and the Royal Family of Jazz
6–9 p.m.
Alaloa Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Free

Monday, Oct. 20
Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Band
Featuring Fast Freddy and the Blue Lava Blues Quartet
6–9 p.m.
Alaloa Lounge
Free

Tuesday, Oct. 21
Celebrate Women in Jazz & Blues
With the Maui Jazz & Blues Wahine Trio:
Dr. Joie Taylor (saxophone), Nā Hōkū winner Louise Lambert (piano), Andrea Walls (violin)
6–9 p.m.
Alaloa Lounge
Free

Wednesday, Oct. 22
Maui Jazz & Blues Fest Trio
Featuring Grammy-winning Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kalani Peʻa, Grammy-nominated Mark Johnstone, and special appearances by other Grammy-winning jazz artists
6–9 p.m.
Alaloa Lounge
Free

Thursday, Oct. 23
Cajun Zydeco Blues Jubilee
Featuring Grammy winner Wilson Savoy, Cajun ambassador Jourdan Thibodeaux, Grammy-nominated Roddie Romero, Chris Thomas King, Mark Johnstone, Dave Graber, and Alex Keeney
6–9 p.m.
Alaloa Lounge
$10 per person

Friday, Oct. 24
New Orleans JazzFest Experience
With The Iguanas, Eric Marienthal, Grammy-winning trombonist Charlie Halloran, and JazzFest musicians
6–9 p.m.
Alaloa Lounge
$10 per person

Saturday, Oct. 25
Main Festival Event
Featuring:

• Eric Marienthal (Grammy-winning saxophonist)

• Chris Thomas King (Grammy & CMA-winning blues guitarist and actor)

• The Cajun Zydeco Experience

• Wilson Savoy, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Roddie Romero

• The Iguanas

• Donald Harrison (NEA Jazz Master and Treme star)

• Zenshin Daiko Drummers

• Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Band

4:30–9 p.m.
Aloha Garden Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
General admission: $145
VIP: $245 (includes preferred seating)
VIP table for 10: $2,000 (ideal for groups or corporate)
Adults 21+ only

Sunday, Oct. 26
Jazz Brunch
Featuring performances by the Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Band with Donald Harrison, Charlie Halloran and Joe Cabral of The Iguanas.
Menu includes blackened shrimp and grits, gumbo, muffaletta sandwiches, crawfish mac and cheese, beignets and more.

11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ulana Terrace, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
$95 for adults
$35 for children ages 6–12
$15 for children 5 and under
Reservations: OpenTable or call 808-665-7089
Kamaʻāina discount available

Purchase Tickets at MauiJazzandBluesFestival.com

The post Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Returns to Kapalua appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Citrus-cured kampachi crudo at Aurum Maui. Photo by Sebastian Sayegh at Sayegh Visuals.

The resort community of Wailea, Maui is known for its opulence. At the neighborhood’s hub, The Shops at Wailea, premier brands like Gucci and Prada wrap around a meticulously manicured outdoor mall intertwined with gourmet eateries and fine dining. It’s the perfect place for newcomer Aurum Maui, named after the Latin word for gold. 

Aurum Maui is led by managing partners Natasha and Taylor Ponte, both from Maui. Together, they have combined warm and unobtrusive service with New American dishes made with local ingredients and a nod to Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine. The plush interior, marked by rounded corners and flaxen light, glimmers throughout the 4,700-square-foot restaurant.  But despite its elegance, the Pontes don’t crave an ultra-bougie reputation.  

“I think for us, we really focused on trying to be community based and driven. Of course, we want the tourists and all the people visiting to come and dine with us, but we also want to be a place that is accessible to the local community.” 

Aurum Maui is located inside The Shops at Wailea on Maui’s Southwest Shore. Photo by Pacific Dream Photography.

Part of Destination Hospitality Group, the Aurum concept also has locations in Steamboat Springs, Aspen and Breckenridge Colorado. The original, Aurum Steamboat, opened in 2014 in an old gold rush mining town (hence the name). Eleven years later, Destination Hospitality found kindred spirits in the Pontes when they met at a private dinner the Pontes were catering. 

Aurum Maui translates what Destination Hospitality started in Steamboat Springs for a Hawaiʻi audience. From its sophisticated dwellings to its locally-sourced product and commitment to community, intentionality is evident. Aurum is here to make an impact, for kāma’aina and visitors alike. 

“We are very focused on supporting the culinary school and the culinary program,” Natasha Ponte said. “And as much as we can, to donate to different nonprofits in need on island. Those are big priorities to us. And even just sourcing locally, that is a huge way to support our economy.”

A favorite dish of the Pontes is the pan-seared local kampachi. Photo by Sebastian Sayegh at Sayegh Visuals.

Chef Taylor Ponte, a Maui Culinary Academy alum, came up in kitchens led by acclaimed Hawai’i chefs Alan Wong and Jonathan Mizukami on Oʻahu. Like his mentors, he aims to tell a story with each dish: where it comes from, who grew the produce or raised the animals and who eats it. Dishes such as the lobster toast loaded with tender chunks of lobster and served over pillowy bread with crunchy shaved fennel and whipped avocado and Mediterranean Meatballs with tzatziki and cucumber salad speaks to the roots of Aurum’s New American ideals. But dishes like the Okonomiyaki – inspired by savory Japanese teppanyaki pancakes, made with Kaua’i prawns, kewpie mayo and bacon  – remind you of Maui’s multi-ethnic heritage. 

Bar manager Ryan Dunton crafts farm-to-glass cocktails. Photo by Sebastian Sayegh at Sayegh Visuals.

A favorite dish of the Pontes is the local kampachi. The delicate fish is pan-seared skin-on and served with miso butter cauliflower purée and local vegetables that rotate daily. 

“It’s such a well thought out dish,” Natasha Ponte said. “The flavors in the miso butter are delicious. The cauliflower puree ties in with the fish, the skin and the saltiness and the crunchiness, it’s all just delicious.”

The beverages are as thoughtful as the meal, with by-the-glass options like a Blanc de Chenin from France’s Loire Valley and inventive and interactive cocktails like the Lychee Lani, a plum wine and vodka concoction served with a back of sparkling sake.

“Golden Hour,” which runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily, features cocktails designed, by bar manager Ryan Dunton, to compliment the food. 

“Every cocktail is a true collaboration between our kitchen and bar teams,” Taylor Ponte said. “We use house-made infusions and syrups that echo our farm-to-table philosophy creating a farm-to-glass experience where balance and elegance shine through without being overpowering.”

It is important to the Pontes that the staff is knowledgeable about where ingredients are sourced and what each element within the 160-seat restaurant represents. Every detail adds to the stories the Pontes infuse throughout the guest experience. This gold standard extends to the restaurant’s inclusivity. 

“We want it to be the place that people come for lunch, for dinner, for happy hour, for a special occasion, or just to hang out, you know, with your friends after the beach,” Natasha Ponte said.

The post Aurum Maui: The Shops at Wailea’s Newest Gold Standard appeared first on Hawaii.com.

The highlight of the Maui Pineapple Tour is slicing into a ripe pineapple ripped fresh from the field.

I’m strapped into the seat of a minibus on the slopes of Haleakalā. We’re in the former Maui pineapple plantation village of Haliʻimaile, rattling over rocky terrain as I try to capture the perfect photo. Through the bus window, the majestic slopes of the long-dormant volcano are dotted with rows of pineapples.

But these aren’t just any pineapples — they’re Maui Gold. And this isn’t just a tour — it’s the ultimate pineapple experience.

What do you do on a Maui pineapple plantation tour?

The bus jerks to a stop and I disembark with 14 other curious visitors. We step onto Maui’s iconic red dirt as Shiloh Deal, our seasoned tour guide, walks us through the trials and triumphs of growing these clusters of berries — yes, pineapple is a berry.

With the shores of Pāʻia visible below, I capture the perfect shot: two young pineapples growing against one of the island’s most stunning vistas.

As we continue the tour, we learn about the history of Maui agriculture and the significance of pineapple to the island. Deal leads us through every step of the process, from packaging to harvesting, offering juicy facts along the way. For example, it takes a pineapple two years to fully mature. And pineapples are rich in vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that may boost immunity, reduce inflammation and aid digestion.

The highlight of the tour comes in the fields, where we wade among the plants and sample a freshly picked pineapple. Our guides slice off the tough outer shell to reveal the sweet, ripe, slightly acidic fruit inside, then pass around slices to the group.

Book a Maui Pineapple Tour

The original company was founded in 1890 by the Alexander & Baldwin family, descendants of missionaries. According to local lore shared on the tour, Alexander & Baldwin paid just $10 for the 750-acre plot of land that Maui Gold Pineapple now occupies. The company held a monopoly on pineapple production through much of the 20th century, with Del Monte and Dole nipping at its heels. At the industry’s peak, those three companies produced 80% of the world’s pineapples.

By the 1980s, however, the Hawaiian pineapple industry began to decline as countries like the Philippines and Costa Rica ramped up their own, lower-cost production. In the 1990s, plantations across the state started shutting down. The last pineapple plant on Maui closed in 2008—only to reopen in 2010.

The new era of pineapple farming emphasizes sustainability and quality. Maui Gold Pineapple now uses 100% hand harvesting and boasts a 97% success rate in production, thanks to more intentional growing practices. The Maui Gold variety was developed over 50 years to achieve its signature taste. The proof is in the pineapple: sweet, with a much-needed touch of acidity. Eating it fresh from the field enhances its perfection—but even shipped home, the fruit is a sensory souvenir that will transport you back to the fields of Haliʻimaile.

Each visitor receives a pineapple to take home—or slice up immediately, depending on willpower. The tour begins and ends at the Maui Gold Pineapple Store, a newly reopened location that debuted in December after the original Front Street store was lost in the 2023 wildfires. The shop is stocked with all things pineapple: from beauty products to pet supplies.

Whether you leave with a pineapple, a T-shirt or even pineapple-flavored baby food, you’ll also depart with a newfound respect for the fruit—and the farmers who make it all possible.

Book a Maui Pineapple Tour

FAQ

Where is the Maui pineapple plantation located?
The plantation is in Upcountry Maui, in the 3.47-square-mile area of Haliʻimaile near Makawao.

How long is the Maui Pineapple Tour?
The standard tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

How do I get tickets?
Tickets are available online. Tour options include:

• The Planting Experience, where you get hands-on in the fields

• The Maui Pineapple Tour: Farm & Feast Experience, which includes the standard tour followed by dinner at the renowned Haliʻimaile General Store

• The standard Maui Pineapple Tour

What is the cost of the tour?

• Standard tour: $75 for children (ages 3–12), $95 for adults

• The Planting Experience: $105 for children, $145 for adults

• Farm & Feast Experience: $155 for children, $195 for adults

Can you pick pineapples during the tour?
No, guests cannot pick pineapples themselves, but guides will select and cut fresh fruit for sampling in the field.

Do you get a free pineapple?
Yes, each visitor receives one complimentary pineapple at the end of the tour.

What should I wear?
Since you’ll be walking through fields and the weather can be breezy, wear close-toed shoes and bring a light jacket. Skip the rubber slippers.

How much does it cost to ship a Maui Gold pineapple home?
Shipping costs:

• $49.99 for one pineapple

• $59.99 for a two-pack

• $99.99 for a four-pack

Is the Maui Pineapple Tour worth it?
Absolutely. From the unforgettable views to tasting pineapple straight from the source, the tour offers an immersive experience—and a chance to explore the charming town of Haliʻimaile. While you’re there, make time to visit nearby Makawao and Kula for even more Upcountry magic.

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Via! by Sale Pepe specializes in New-York style pizza by the slice. Photo by Spencer Starnes.

Does a New Yorker ever stop craving New York-style pizza? For Brooklyn-born Qiana di Bari — co-owner of Lāhainā’s Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina — the answer is no.

On July 29, husband-and-wife team Michele and Qiana di Bari opened Via! by Sale Pepe, a fast-casual spin-off of their higher-end restaurant, Sale Pepe. Located in Whalers Village’s food court in Kā‘anapali, Via! takes the express train to the pleasure and decadence of Italian cuisine without crushing your pocketbook.

“This concept has been in the works for a long time,” Qiana di Bari said. “It’s inspired by Michele’s Italian roots and my New York upbringing. Simple food with great flavor, served with aloha and a little New York swagger.”

The menu features classic New York-style slices, Romana-style pizza, and nine different pasta combinations — all under $20. Dishes are crafted with a mix of imported Italian goods and locally sourced ingredients, including Maui Cattle Co. beef and Lopes Farms produce. With each folded slice and curled up pepperoni cup, Qiana di Bari can transport back to Brooklyn, as if the JMZ train were still rattling above her — and her guests get to share in that journey.

Via! by Sale Pepe is located inside the food court at Whalers Village – an outdoor shopping mall in Lāhainā, Maui. Photo by Spencer Starnes.

Did Sale Pepe Reopen?

The original Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, which first opened in May of 2014, burned down in the 2023 Lāhainā wildfires. The di Baris now carry the bittersweet distinction of being the first restaurant lost in the fire to reopen. Sale Pepe returned in March, now located in Lāhainā’s Emerald Plaza.

This new location offers three different experiences within the two-story space: an al fresco lānai, first-floor dining room flanked with bar seating and their second-floor dining room. They’ve brought the same charm as their first location just off Front Street, with chalkboards highlighting daily specials and wood-backed chairs with red cushions, but this new iteration has a modern svelteness that amplifies the quality of the cuisine. 

Despite being in an industrial outpost behind grocery stores and strip malls, Sale Pepe 2.0 has found its footing with locals and visitors alike flocking to the new spot. Ever mindful, the di Baris posted a plaque on the new location that honors the resiliency of Lāhainā and its residents that reads “Today, we are proud to reopen our doors, embarking on a new chapter rooted in the values of aloha, hope, and renewal.”  

What Should I Order at Via! by Sale Pepe?

Via! offers a more casual dining experience, one that’s approachable for anyone.

“I wanted to talk to a different customer, and not everyone wants to go out and have a glass of Barolo with truffles,” Qiana di Bari said.

At her suggestion, I tried the New York-style pepperoni slice. It arrived piping hot, with a perfectly pliable crust — thanks to finely tuned kneading, Italian flour and just the right amount of intentional grease that no napkin should ever blot. The cheese-to-sauce ratio was nearly perfect and the pepperoni was charred to crispy-edged perfection.

But it’s not only about the pies. Feeling like a lighter lunch after a morning spent splashing in the waves? Via! has a delightfully classic Caprese Salad, with thick cuts of mozzarella, local cherry tomatoes, and, of course, the yin-yang of balsamic oil and vinegar. Though hailing from the streets of Tijuana and not Roma, they also boast a Caesar salad that chef Michele eats every day (how’s that for a vote of confidence?), with romaine and house-baked croutons.

It’s choose-your-own-adventure with the pasta. Made in-house, they offer fusilli (corkscrew-shaped), rigatoni (medium-sized tubes) and spaghetti (the epitome of a noodle). The sauces offered are basil pesto, marinara and parmesan cream. The di Baris keep it uncomplicated and classic. No matter what permutation you choose, every bite is like a Sunday supper with Nonna.

There are nine different house-made pasta combinations to choose from, including rigatoni with marinara. Photo by Spencer Starnes

How are the di Baris holding up after the Lāhainā fire? 

The di Baris have become a beacon of hope for Maui’s hospitality industry. They see their community and employees still navigating deep pain, while also finding joy and meaning in small moments.

Holding two things at once seems to be a specialty of the di Baris — Italy and New York, grief and progress, reverence and reinvention.

Whether serving locals or travelers who stumble upon their epicurean gems, the di Baris are simply doing what they love.

“Whether we’re at home or whether we have a restaurant, this is how we live,” Qiana di Bari said.

Via! By Sale Pepe is at 2435 Ka’anapali Pkwy Suite H-9, Lahaina, HI 96761, located in the food court. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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Paʻia, Maui. Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Photo by Tor Johnson.

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Best known for saying “e komo mai” to honeymooners and families, Maui can also be that rare spot to reclaim solo travel when you don’t have a significant other. Buck the trends. Be a rebel. Revel in Maui’s beauty and local charm—all on your own. Whether you’re healing from a breakup, launching your “Eat, Pray, Love” era on the Valley Isle, or just want to have some vacation autonomy, Maui can be the ultimate spot to reclaim your independence. Extroverts will rejoice in the many ways to meet people on-the-fly, while introverts can lock into the myriad activities Maui has to offer.

Day One: Sun & Sustenance

Morning:

But first… coffee. Visit Island Vibes Café at Napili Villages for an Aloha Latté that features coconut and mac nut flavors to perk you up on your first day. Back up your order with a breakfast burrito or an açai bowl to supercharge you for the day ahead. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a paddleboard from Napili Bay Kayaks and SUPs right inside the café.

Afternoon: 

Grab a towel and some SPF (may we recommend a reef-safe spray so you don’t have to worry about someone else getting your back?). Sun yourself on the shores of Napili Bay and laze in front of Napili Kai, swimming and snorkeling to your heart’s content. Feeling peckish? Grab a snack and a bevy from the Sea House restaurant, just steps away from your beach towel with some of the most iconic views on the westside.

Evening:

Party of one? More like party of fun. Let’s get this solo travel going with a solo dinner at the bar at Monkeypod Kitchen Kā’anapali (a disclaimer, I may see you racing around the floor in my uniform). With live music and friendly staff, there will always be a conversation waiting to happen. Make sure to order the Monkeypod Mai Tai ($18), crowned with their signature Honey-Lilikoi foam. Then treat yourself to the seared ahi with a Maui onion-soy vinaigrette ($49) and their famous strawberry pie ($14)

Monkeypod Kitchen Kāʻanapali strawberry cream pie. Courtesy of Monkeypod Kitchen.

Day Two: Rejuvenation & Revelry

Morning:

You know you brought a spandex fit for some reason. Center yourself with a class at Form Pilates ($38), the latest fitness studio set up in Kā’anapali’s Fairway Shops. With a sleek look and top-of-line equipment, these reformer-based classes offer small class sizes that lends  a little extra attention during your workout.

Afternoon:

Take the Kā’anapali Trolley (you deserve it; you did work out after all) or opt for a leisurely stroll down to Kahekili or “Airport” Beach for a midday dip at a spot that locals love. This north Kā’anapali mainstay was nicknamed for the former airport that was built only 30 feet from its shoreline back in 1965.

Shake off the sand, then traipse up to Lāhainā Noon, the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows’ latest modern Hawaiʻi eatery. Snack on some Smoked ʻAhi Dip ($25) or indulge in the Paniolo Beef Smashburger ($28).

Evening:

After a late afternoon nap, grab that cocktail dress or that Reyn Spooner button-up you’ve been dying to rock and head to Lāhainā Healing Center for their weekly salsa classes. Shake it like Shakira, then use your svelte look to score a seat at the bar at Honu Oceanside, a newfound Lāhainā staple that adopted many of the talented culinary and hospitality staff from the beloved Lahaina Grill that was lost in the Maui wildfires. Sip on a Bee’s Knees ($18), get the Dore Style daily catch ($60), and count how many honu (green sea turtles) you see coming up for air below the sunset.

Don’t want to head back to the room just yet? Grab a ride share service and head north to Honokōwai for a nightcap at Pineapple Robot – a local dive that boasts stiff drinks and nightly karaoke with performances that prove the bar’s potency.

Courtesy of Lahaina Noon. Photo by Bixel Creative.

Day Three: Wanderlust

Morning:

Set your alarm a little earlier today for a 4.5-hour snorkel cruise on the Quicksilver’s double-decker catamaran that leaves out of the Māʻalaea harbor. Check in at 8:30 a.m., board the boat, and slap on your snorkel gear. Once you’re in the water, you’ll come across several different species and maybe even see a pod of dolphins on the way out. Remember to bring these essentials: a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a valid photo ID (in case you’d like to purchase alcoholic beverages after snorkeling) and cash for tipping.

Afternoon:

Take a drive through central Maui up to the north shore in the historic town of Pa’ia. With plantation-era storefronts, galleries, and restaurants, this is a charming hamlet with hippie sensibilities. Stock up on the supplements you forgot at home and some natural bites at Mana Foods, Maui’s consummate health food store.

Take a drive up Baldwin Avenue to Makawao for some retail therapy and a stick donut – a legendary pull-apart glazed donut on a skewer from Komoda’s Bakery. Come early, they sell out fast. Stop by Tribe Maui for a collection of retro styled beach and streetwear for both men and women, with shops on both Makawao Ave. and Baldwin Ave.

Evening:

Swing by the nearby neighborhood of Pukalani for Maui’s foodie haven, Marlow. This café and pizerria-plus stuns with its execution and flavors. Have a glass of Italian Frappato while you revel in the braised octopus and Neapolitan-style pizza. If it’s a weekend, make a pit stop on your way back to the other side and stop down in Pa’ia to catch a DJ set at Belle Surf Café & Lounge.

Courtesy of Marlow.

Day Four: Adventure & History

Morning:

Giddyup. It’s time to saddle up for a horseback ride through lush valleys onward to the Maui coastline with Circle M Ranch. Meet up at the corral in Wailuku at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure, where you’ll be guided by paniolo (cowboys) through stunning vistas all on your sturdy steed.

Afternoon:

Head to the Maui Plantation Center in Waikapu for a quaint, lakeside lunch at The Mill House run by Café O Lei. Try the Calamansi Honey Sour ($15) to whet your appetite, then order the Café O Lei Crab Club ($21) for post-ride satisfaction. Walk it off and stroll the grounds to shop for local crafts or take a 40-minute tour by tram ($25) to explore the agricultural history of Maui. 

Take a short 10-minute drive to the heart of historic Wailuku town for some quirky shopping. Hit up Market Street and Wailuku Coffee Co. to grab a third-wave coffee, or matcha, then walk a few stores down to peruse the vast inventory of Request Music, which has been serving the discerning listener since 1990 with the best vinyl, CD and cassette collections on island.

Evening:

Take your shopping haul to impress your friends back home and stop by Esters Fair Prospect on Main Street for a tropical tipple made by their highly skilled bar staff. Feeling iconic? Try the Mai Tai with their house rum blend ($14). Feeling contrarian? Try the smoky yet sweet Til Dawn with mezcal, coconut, orgeat, and lime ($15). There’s also bar snacks, like ceviche with local marlin ($16) and guacamole ($12) to tide you over.

If it happens to be the first Friday of the month, you’re in luck. Wailuku’s monthly First Fridays event buzzes with energy from the local community and shops and galleries offer an open house. While strolling the main drag, grab a pic under the marquee of the historic ‘Iao Theatre. Better yet, see a play there. Think musicals like “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Grease” or one-off performances like their experimental “One Night Only” run of original, local material.

Esters Fair Prospect. Photo by Sarah Burchard

Day Five: Relaxation

Morning:

Today, we rest. And by rest, we mean shop and dine til you drop on top of a massage table for some end-of-vacation indulgence. Give yourself a break from your action-packed solo travel schedule and simply relax. Head to Whaler’s Village in Kā’anapali for a wide variety of shopping from local brands, such as ALOHA Collection, luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and beauty behemoths like Sephora.

Afternoon:

After some retail therapy, sway your way to Hula Grill’s Barefoot Bar, where you can kick off your slippers and wiggle your toes in the sand as you listen to local musicians play Hawaiʻi classics. After lunch, take the Kā’anapali boardwalk north to the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa and check in for your appointment at the Spa at Black Rock, where massages range from $85 to $295 with the option of indoor treatment rooms or an outdoor lanai and oceanfront cabana. 

Evening:

For your Valley Isle farewell, make your way to Merriman’s in Kapalua for a happy hour—and sunset—that is not to be missed. Running from 4:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at the Point Lounge and the main bar, get discounted epicurean delights from the mind of renown Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine chef Peter Merriman. Try the Kalua Pork & Sweet Onion Quesadilla ($15) paired with the No Ka Oi cocktail featuring Ocean Vodka, Lilikoʻi, and Thai Basil ($14). If you’re feeling lucky, stay for a full dinner. You never know who might pick up your tab…

Napili Bay. Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Phot by Mathieu Duchier.

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Papi’s Ohana has become a breakfast pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its “King David” cinnamon rolls.

When does a cinnamon roll become a sacrament? A sacrament that gets you out of bed before sunrise—and has you standing in line for over an hour, no less? The answer: when it comes out of the ovens at Papi’s Ohana.

Papi’s Ohana is a hole-in-the-wall bakery by day and pizzeria by night, owned by devout bakers and Christians David and Linda Escobar. Located on the main drag of Honokōwai, a small town just north of Kā‘anapali Beach, Papi’s Ohana is a breakfast pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its “King David” cinnamon rolls—a sumptuous creation that takes three days to make and beckons salivating patrons like a pastor summoning their congregation to Sunday church. With its flaky, buttery lamination and a circumference roughly the size of your head, it’s well worth the $10 price tag.

Papi’s Ohana went through many iterations before finding its brick-and-mortar home on Maui’s west side. It began as a humble living room ministry on Wednesday nights for prayer, pastries and fellowship. Then came the idea of a food truck. Then a beachside property in Kīhei. But a chance encounter with a commercial realtor—and a calling to serve the people of Lahaina—motivated David Escobar, a former pastry chef at Grand Wailea, to move his family and plant roots on the West Side. The risk paid off. Papi’s Ohana opened in July 2022 and was an overnight success.

“It was a blessing,” David Escobar said. “As much as I was dreading the drive [to Lahaina], I felt like God wanted me here.”

But just after the bakery’s first anniversary, the Escobars’ celebration darkened with disaster when Lahaina was struck by wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023. Escobar knew he needed to be with his newfound community. The day after the fire, he and his crew snuck through police barricades to the bakery. He said there were people living in the parking lot, walking around in shock. Despite having no electricity, Escobar fired up the gas oven and got to work. That day, Papi’s Ohana served 150 cinnamon rolls.

“We had all these kids coming in,” he said. “I mean, everybody started smelling it. And this whole thing was packed out. And we all held hands and started crying with each other and hugging.”

Co-owner David Escobar calls Papi’s Ohana his ministry.

Today, when the bakery opens at 7 a.m., the line already stretches across the parking lot, curling along Lower Honoapiʻilani Road, at least 75 people deep. Consider it your penance. But don’t be deterred—your saccharine salvation is worth the hour-and-a-half wait. Just be sure to get in line by 9 a.m., or you risk being turned away. Papi’s Ohana usually sells out of cinnamon rolls by 10 a.m. On my last visit, the first person in line said he queued up at 5:25 a.m. He was out the door with his buns by 7:10 a.m.

Once inside the cinnamon roll sanctuary, you’re hit with the sweet, yeasty aroma of a proper bake shop. Alongside its signature rolls are mango-flavored scones dripping with coconut glaze and savory croissants filled with Spam, jalapeño and Swiss cheese. Linda Escobar greets guests with a warm smile behind the cash register, while her husband stands at his pastry pulpit, slathering cream cheese frosting—and blessings—onto each cinnamon roll. Modern Christian worship music plays through the speakers.

David Escobar calls the bakery his ministry. Whether he’s serving a gluten-free guest sneaking a few bites of pizza, a hoard of local keiki chanting “CIN-NA-MON ROLLS!” to their parents’ dismay, or a man who claims Escobar’s smile changed his life, Papi’s Ohana offers a special kind of service for anyone who walks through its doors. You don’t have to be a believer to eat at Papi’s—but you better believe it delivers a bite you’ll never forget.

Papi’s Ohana, Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. until sold out.
Pizzeria: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 5–9 p.m., Closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, (808) 868-2000, 3481 Lower Honoapiʻilani Road, #B102, Lahaina, HI 96761.

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