Vanessa Hathaway

Local Flora: Exploring Hawaiʻi through Nature

Local Flora: Exploring Hawaiʻi through Nature

Hawaiian culture has based itself off of the surrounding nature – integrating it into its food, crafts, and even religion. Prior to western colonization, kānaka maoli (native Hawaiians) thrived off the ʻāina for generations, constantly maintaining a colorful and healthy environment. One of the largest aspects of such are the extensive native plants in Hawaii […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

A Tastebud Tour Around Hawaiʻi: Local Fruit

A Tastebud Tour Around Hawaiʻi: Local Fruit

Hawaiʻi’s generally tropical climate has allowed a plethora of flora and fauna to thrive. The islands are home to many indigenous species, which offers flavors that can only be found among this colorful ecosystem. While the islands do contain some delicious tropical fruits such as dragonfruit and coconut, also treat your tastebuds to its diverse […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

Meet Hailey Fines, the Mind Behind Ragamuffs

Meet Hailey Fines, the Mind Behind Ragamuffs

Ragamuffs, a local indie music brand headed by Hailey Fines, taps into those feelings of nostalgia, growing up, and releasing trapped energy through its dreamy falsetto vocals and soft guitar riffs.  Ragamuffs was founded in 2017 in Honolulu, Hawai’i after developing the idea with a friend. Once her past-bandmate decided to pursue a different career […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

The Lei: A Symbol of Aloha

The Lei: A Symbol of Aloha

A Cultural Tradition Signifying Welcome, Aloha, and Celebration Lei are an iconic part of Hawaiian culture. They are largely recognizable adornments that have made waves across the seas – but what are the origins the iconic symbol, and what does they really represent? The History of the Lei Lei were created by Polynesian voyagers that […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

From Isolation to Art: The Downtown Art Center

From Isolation to Art: The Downtown Art Center

Right in the heart of Chinatown lies a quaint art exhibit known as the Downtown Art Center. This exhibit is less of a museum, and more of a showcase for local artists to display and sell their work. The art comes from the minds of Hawai’i residence and heavily reflects the mana of the islands. […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

Get to know The Wide Eyed Kids, O’ahu’s own Pop-Indie band

Get to know The Wide Eyed Kids, O’ahu’s own Pop-Indie band

Although O’ahu’s indie music selection is limited, there is still a scene filled with variety when it comes to original artists. The Wide Eyed Kids are an indie band based in both O’ahu and San Diego. The band currently has three members – Erik Ekman on vocals and guitar, Chandler Norton on guitar, production, and […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

Art is for Everyone: The Hawai’i State Art Museum

Art is for Everyone: The Hawai’i State Art Museum

The Hawai’i State Art Museum, also known as HiSAM, is a place for history buffs and cultural aficionados alike. This museum makes its availability to the public a priority, aiming to offer a place where anyone is able to intake the creativity of Hawai’i’s people. They focus on hosting works from native and local artists, […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

A Quick Guide to Honolulu’s Music Scene

A Quick Guide to Honolulu’s Music Scene

AVANA With life’s constant turbulence, everyone needs an outlet to enjoy some simplicity once in a while. Listening to live music is one of the best ways to meditate the mind while also supporting budding local artists. Hawai’i is home to a myriad of organic talent and has an abundance of places that offer the […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

From Home to Museum: The Founding of HoMA

From Home to Museum: The Founding of HoMA

A Short History of the Honolulu Museum of Art & HoMA Today The Honolulu Museum of Art houses some of Hawai’i’s greatest visual treasures. They hold a large collection of cultural antiquities from around the globe including, but not limited to, Japanese prints, arts of Africa and, of course, Polynesian art. Along with these historical […]

 Vanessa Hathaway

808 Cleanups: Keeping Oahu Clean and Green

808 Cleanups: Keeping Oahu Clean and Green

Volunteer with 808 Cleanups and Help Keep Oahu Beautiful The globe is struggling under the pressure of pollution– CO2 emissions and litter on a large scale is causing our mother Earth to cave. Along with the rest of the world, Hawai’i is equally at risk due to poor environmental practices. However, things are looking up […]