Jeanne Cooper

After two decades of visiting Hawaii as a travel writer and wife of a triathlete, Jeanne now shares news and views of the islands from her home base on the Kohala Coast.

A group of indigenous people, including men, women, and children, sit in a circle on the ground amidst lush foliage. They are dressed in traditional attire adorned with leafy garlands, reminiscent of a Hawaiian luau as they share a meal, with various foods laid out before them.

What is a Hawaiian Luau? A Brief History

When you hear the word luau, you might imagine fire dancers, aloha shirts, hula and mai tais. For good reason: That’s standard fare at the […]

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A close-up shot of a turquoise ocean wave about to break, with white sea foam forming on its crest. The clear water reveals the sandy seabed underneath. The background shows the gradient of blue hues in deeper water, indicating the shallowness of the foreground—a stunning embodiment of Hawaiian words for waves.

Hawaiian Words for Waves

While California may be the source of modern surfing terms, the islands where the sport originated naturally have their own vocabulary for he‘e nalu, literally

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A stylish room with white walls and blue accents, reminiscent of the best spa and wellness hotel Santa Barbara offers. It has curved seating with blue cushions, a round table in the center, and a detailed blue and white patterned ceiling with hanging lights. Two white orchids and sheer curtains add elegance to the space.

Best Spa and Wellness Hotels in Santa Barbara

Nourish body and soul in Santa Barbara, where exceptional hotels and resorts offer a respite from the hustle of everyday life. When you pair the region’s tranquil ocean views and temperate climate with luxurious spa treatments and holistic experiences, you will find ultimate rejuvenation.

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View of the best oceanfront hotel on Kohala Coast, surrounded by lush greenery and tall palm trees. The hotel has several stories with balconies. In the foreground are beach chairs and umbrellas along the sandy shore, and the clear blue water of the ocean is visible.

Best Oceanfront Hotels on the Kohala Coast

Minimize your travel time to the water by staying at the best hotels right on the best beaches, all on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast.

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