Maria Kanai

Maria Kanai is a freelance writer and editor—and one of HONOLULU’s former SPJ interns—originally from Yokohama, Japan. She moved to Hawai‘i for college and graduated with a master’s in Communication from HPU. When she’s not working, she enjoys creative writing, baking bread and reading books.

Articles

Live Wellthy

Live Wellthy: Five Steps To Giving

Supporting a cause financially is possible, even if you’re on a budget.

Meet the 2020 Ola Pono Award Winners

Volunteers are a vital part of Hawai‘i’s nonprofits—every year, hundreds of thousands of them donate their time and talents to keep our communities moving forward.

Best of Honolulu

Best of Honolulu 2019

Discover all the 2019 Best of Honolulu winners—both editorial and reader picks.

Local Brands & Boutiques

Best of Honolulu 2019: The Best for Families on O‘ahu

The 5 editorial and reader picks for the best for you and your ʻohana.

Feature

Best of Honolulu 2019: The Best Food and Drink on O‘ahu

45 editorial and reader picks for the tastiest food and beverage in town.

Waikiki Shell Ampitheater Beach Hawaii Cover

Outdoor Concert News: The Waikīkī Shell Amphitheater is Under Renovation

Don’t count on seeing summer concerts at the Waikīkī Shell. The 63-year-old amphitheater is upping its game.

Food For Thought: Hawai‘i’s Public School Lunches Are Changing in a Big Way

There is something cooking in Hawai‘i’s public schools, and that’s unusual.

2018 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Behind the Scenes of Hawai‘i’s Top Restaurants

Take a closer look into a few of the winning restaurants and meet some of the people who make Hawai‘i’s dining so amazing.

Here’s the Story Behind 2018 Hale ‘Aina Award-Winner Agu Ramen’s Hot Mess

How Parmesan and ramen got together.

Your Guide to Attending the 2018 Sony Open in Hawai‘i Like a Real Pro

How to ace your attendance at this year’s Sony Open in Hawai‘i, Jan. 8-14. Plus, do’s and don’ts to know before you go.

The Essential Guide to Taro: The Anatomy of a Kalo Plant

Learn the parts of the taro plant and find out all the power-packed health benefits of eating it.

7 Ways You Can Give Back This Christmas 2017

Been good all year? Keep it up this Christmas season.

The Essential Guide to Taro: Three Farms Connecting Culture with Community

Plus, seven tips for cultivating taro at home.

Your Guide to the 2017 Honolulu City Lights

Have yourself a merry (and well-planned) time.

5 Ways You Can Volunteer in Honolulu for Thanksgiving 2017

Here’s how you can show your gratitude to the community during the holiday season.

Forget “Having it All”—Here’s How You Can Overcome Superwoman Syndrome

Ever felt like you’re facing constant pressure to juggle work, family, friends and everything in between—and to do it well? Experts say that unrealistically high standards can lead to greater stress and more health problems.

Your Ultimate Guide to Hallowbaloo, the Biggest Halloween Bash of 2017

Have a spooktacular time with music, craft beer, food, art and entertainment at Chinatown’s hippest haunts on Saturday, Oct. 28.

These 3 Upscale Food Courts Are Worth the Trip to Waikīkī

Waikīkī gets a triple dose of elevated street fare.

53 Ways to Eat Around the World Without Leaving Hawai‘i

You don’t have to book a flight to explore international flavors. We tracked down 53 of the tastiest dishes in Hawai‘i that hail from cuisines all over the globe.