Savoring the Burn
Locals splash chili pepper water on just about anything, but the origin of this ubiquitous Hawai‘i condiment remains a mystery.
Portuguese Horseshoes
You may see it at the beach or a friend's backyard: the game is Portuguese Horseshoes.
We Give You the Raspberry
‘Akala, the native Hawaiian raspberry, is one of the native plants bringing life back to Poli Poli forest after last January’s devastating fire.
Hawaiian Turmeric
Turmeric is prized around the world for its yellow color, bold flavor, and medicinal properties. When Polynesian voyagers first sailed to Hawai‘i, they brought the pungent herb with them.
Hurricane Season
Official hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June to November and August is by far the biggest month for these events.
The One That Got Away?
Ulua are no easy catch. The powerful, deep-sea-dwelling predators can weigh over 100 pounds. And they’re smart.
Wetland Chic: Ae‘o Stilts
Summer is the season to look for an exceptionally photogenic shorebird: ae‘o, the Hawaiian black-necked stilt.
The Voice of the Ulili
The “wandering tattler spends the summer nesting near streams in the Alaskan tundra. When the weather starts to cool, the birds fly south to Hawai‘i.
Talk Story
Makawao Through the Ages
By Serene Gunnison
If you were to travel back in time to the Makawao of the 1930s, you might notice parallels to...
Hāhā: The Velvet Touch
Some of Maui’s strangest flowers bloom in winter—though witnessing these living curiosities requires some effort and a sharp eye.
Sole Man
Cobbler in Lahaina, Maui makes custom sandals like those worn 3,000 years ago by desert warriors.
Holding the Sea at Bay
‘Aki‘aki, also known as seashore rush grass, is an indigenous ground cover that thrives in salty, sun-blasted environments.
The Urchin and the Hala Tree
Learn about hala trees (Pandanus tectorius), which are among Hawai‘i’s most recognizable and versatile native plants.
“The Queen’s Jubilee”
A talented and prolific composer as well as the heir to Hawai‘i’s throne, Liliuokalani was inspired to write several songs, one of which is named “The Queen’s Jubilee.”
Oh, Hello!
Deck the halls this season with Hawaiian ohelo berries, a sacred yet edible plant endemic to Hawaii. They are also a nice alternative to cranberries.
Spring Cleaning
‘Awapuhi is one of the twenty-seven species known as “canoe plants”—plants the first Hawaiians carried with them and relied on when colonizing these Islands.
The Steadfast ‘A‘ali‘i
The native Hawaiian shrub 'a'ali'i is as tough as it is beautiful. Learn about its role in restoring ecosystems, and its uses for Hawaii's lei makers and crafters.
Species on the Brink: Hawaiian Hoary Bat
To catch a glimpse of a hoary bat, “watch a streetlight that attracts moths and bats are attracted to the moths."
Maui Events & News
Imua Family Services’ Will Smith Discovery Garden
A World of Pure Imagination
Story by Savy Janssen
Photographs by Jason Moore
Sunlight filtered through the outstretched arms of the 120-year-old monkey pod trees, and...
