HAWAII

A selection of Sunny’s articles and essays related to Hawaii.

Sunny has lived in Hawaii for many years and now splits her time between here and Jordan. She’s written more than 20 cover stories for Kama'aina Magazine and published additional pieces about Hawaii in The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, United Airlines Hemispheres magazine, Lonely Planet, Harper’s Bazaar, Sierra Magazine, Preferred Travel Magazine, and elsewhere. PDF versions of additional print samples are available upon request.

To view articles and essays on other topics, click desired topic below

TRAVEL SUSTAINABILITY HEALTH + WELLNESS JORDAN BOOKS

[return to main Portfolio]

BEST THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII WITH KIDS

Travel + Leisure

The rich history and culture, varied terrain, majestic views, tropical weather, abundant wildlife, and flavorful cuisine make this Hawaii a paradise for all ages. And the myriad ways to entertain and engage keiki (children) means that a stay in Hawaii is heavenly for parents, too.

Here are the best family-friendly activities in Hawaii.

THIS NATIONAL PARK WAS ONCE A QUARANTINE ZONE

National Geographic

In Hawaii, a unique historical site sheds light on a story of prejudice, resilience—and aloha.

HOW TO VISIT HAWAII WITHOUT TOTALLY DESTROYING IT

Lonely Planet

The very elements that attract travelers to Hawaii – namely, the natural beauty and the local people and culture – are at risk of suffering under the weight of 10 million visitors. So if you’re headed to Hawaii, here's how to show the islands some aloha.

THE SECRET TO MINDFUL TRAVEL? A WALK IN THE WOODS

National Geographic

Visit these five destinations to practice the Japanese art of forest bathing.

CAN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE MOVE THE FASHION INDUSTRY FORWARD?

Harper’s Bazaar

To innovate, we often look ahead. But sometimes, the best way forward is found in traditional knowledge. Here, we ask fashion, textile, and apparel industry professionals around the world how their cultural heritage and Indigenous knowledge shape their work—and how it might help move the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction.

MY HAWAII: KALANI PE'A

Preferred Travel Magazine

The Big Island singer-songwriter on the importance of the Hawaiian language and how he finds inspiration for his music.

(Available in print only. Click on photo or link above to view PDF/JPG version)

10 INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES IN HAWAII

The Insatiable Traveler

If you’re looking for cool experiences in Hawaii, look beyond the most popular, often overcrowded sites and attractions. Opt for a more enriching encounter. Learn about the wonders of the islands from locals. Here are 10 small group and private adventures to try in Hawaii.

CHOPPING IT UP WITH CHEF SAM CHOY

Kama'aina Magazine

(In print. PDF available upon request)

MALIA MANUEL: SMALL TOWN GIRL, WORLD CLASS COMPETITOR

Kama'aina Magazine

(In print. PDF available upon request)

HAWAII THROUGH THE LENS OF KAMOHAI KALAMA

Kama'aina Magazine

(In print. PDF available upon request)

7 DESTINATIONS IN HAWAII WHERE LOCALS LOVE TO GO

Travel + Leisure

The Hawaiian islands are blessed with some of the most incredible natural resources on the planet, favorable weather conditions, rich history and culture, and ono (delicious) food. Each island offers something distinct. So, we count ourselves “lucky we live Hawaii,” as the saying goes, and also enjoy staycations right here at home. Here are seven destinations in Hawaii that locals love.

HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN HAWAII

Travel + Leisure

Hawaii's tourist numbers are soaring — here are expert tips on how to be a responsible traveler if you're planning a visit.

OUT HIKING? HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD LEAVE THOSE STONES UNSTACKED AND THOSE STACKS UNTOUCHED

The Washington Post

Official rock piles, or cairns, on trails are there for a reason; altering them or adding new ones can be harmful in many ways.

THE 8 BEST SMALL TOWNS IN HAWAII, ACCORDING TO LOCALS

Travel + Leisure

While your Hawaii itinerary likely includes some of the best beaches and popular spots like Waikiki, spending some time in a small town offers the chance to experience another side of island life — one where you can learn about the area's history and culture, shop at local farmers markets, sample Kona coffee and island wine, engage with the arts scene, and even live like a Hawaiian cowboy for the day.

Here are eight of the best small towns in Hawaii with a population of 11,000 or less — handpicked by locals.

HAVE YOUR BACHELORETTE PARTY A YEAR AFTER YOUR WEDDING. HERE’S WHY.

The Washington Post

Maybe bachelor(ette) parties are due for an update. Rather than a night of debauchery marking the transition from single to married, what if we planned to celebrate a year later instead?

KIMIÉ MINER: ROOTED & BLOOMING

Kama'aina Magazine

MY HAWAII WEEKEND

Preferred Travel Magazine

Four insiders (Raiatea Helm, Lanai Tabura, Garrett McNamara, and Dalani Tanahy) share their best-loved spots and escapes in this Polynesian paradise.

(Available in print only. Click on photo or link above to view PDF/JPG version)

7 PLACES TO STAY IN HAWAII WITH UNIQUE AMBIENCE

The Insatiable Traveler

Although you’re probably not planning to spend much time indoors while visiting Hawaii, your accommodations will be your home away from home. So rather than opting for a cookie-cutter room in a towering hotel, why not choose unique places to stay in Hawaii with plenty of Hawaiian ho`okipa (hospitality) where you can connect to the local culture and history?

KINI ZAMORA: ALOHA BY DESIGN

Kama'aina Magazine

(In print. PDF available upon request)

RAIATEA HELM: A MOLOKA'I GIRL WITH A TREMENDOUS GIFT & HAWAIIAN HEART

Kama'aina Magazine

(In print. PDF available upon request)

KUANA TORRES KAHELE: HAWAIIAN VALUES IN A MODERN WORLD

Kama'aina Magazine

(In print. PDF available upon request)

SHANE & MELISSA VICTORINO: GIVING BACK AND LIVING ALOHA IN VEGAS

Kama'aina Magazine

(In print. PDF available upon request)

IS THERE HOPE FOR TRAVEL’S FUTURE? HERE’S WHAT RESIDENTS OF OVER-TOURISTED DESTINATIONS HAVE TO SAY

Sierra Magazine

With travel on hold during the pandemic, we have an opportunity to reroute on a more sustainable path—if we listen to the people who know our favorite places best: the locals.

MAKE A SPLASH ON OAHU

Hilton Club Traveler Magazine

Go above and below the water for an immersive — and uniquely Hawaiian — experience.

NOT READY TO BE VEGAN? HERE ARE 5 TWEAKS TO MAKE YOUR DIET MORE EARTH-FRIENDLY

TED Ideas

It’s clear that reducing our meat consumption is good for Earth’s carbon budget and for our health — but choosing planet-friendly meals shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Here are five simple ways to make your diet more climate-friendly. (featuring Hawaii Chef Lillian Cumic)