POINT OF VIEW

Robyn Basso is an expert in all things Hawaiʻi. The islands are her work, her play, her passion, and her inspiration. And as part of the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, Robyn gets to share her knowledge with travelers each and every day. Here, she reveals a few of her favorite things, places, and experiences in Hawai‘i.

How do you recommend travelers tap into local culture?

Farmers’ markets and farm tours are a fantastic way to meet farmers and artisans and enjoy fresh, locally grown foods including traditional Hawaiian crops such as taro (kalo), breadfruit (‘ulu), coconut (niu), local honey from ‘ Ōhi‘a Lehua, and Hawaiian coffee and chocolate. Also, attending local festivals and events is one of the best ways to gain a deeper appreciation for the islands. Notable ones include Aloha Festivals (statewide), Hawai‘ i International Film Festival (Honolulu), Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (multiple islands) and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (O‘ahu’s North Shore).

What’s an only-in-Hawaiʻi experience?

You can visit an authentic Heiau (Hawaiian Temple) like Pu‘ʻuhonua o Hōnaunau on the Island of Hawai‘i, or learn to make a traditional lei by crafting a fresh flower, ti leaf, or kukui nut lei. You can visit ‘Iolani Palace (the only royal residence in the U.S.) to discover the legacy left by the last reigning ali‘i (monarchs) of the Hawaiian Kingdom, or watch the sun rise above the clouds from a dormant volcano at 10,000 feet at Haleakalā Crater in Maui.

Do you have a go-to authentic meal?

I love a traditional plate lunch which typically consists of white rice, macaroni salad, and a protein like teriyaki beef, kalua pork, or mahi mahi. The plate lunch has its origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Hawai‘i, influenced by the diverse cultures of immigrant plantation workers. Laborers from China, Japan, Portugal, the Philippines, and other countries worked on sugar and pineapple plantations, bringing their own food traditions. Workers needed hearty, affordable meals, so they brought leftovers from home—often a combination of rice, proteins, and pickled or marinated vegetables. As plantation life gave way to urbanization, lunch wagons and diners in the 1920s and 1930s started serving these mixed-plate meals to accommodate the working class. Over time, it became a beloved comfort food in Hawaiʻi, available at drive-ins, diners, and local restaurants. The plate lunch represents the fusion of cultures that make up Hawaiʻi’s unique food scene.

Is there a region that still feels undiscovered?

Hawai‘i Island is the largest in the archipelago, yet it still holds many hidden spots waiting to be discovered. From the secluded black-sand beaches to the untouched lava fields, these lesser-known gems showcase the island’s raw beauty.  In Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, vast lava fields and steaming craters create an otherworldly landscape where you can often feel completely alone with nature. Travelers can find secret waterfalls, quiet cultural sites, and breathtaking viewpoints that offer a deeper connection to the island’s rich history and spirit of aloha.

What’s your own personal favorite spot in Hawaiʻi?

The Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail is a breathtaking and gentle two-mile roundtrip hike that offers some of the most stunning coastal views on O‘ahu. From the scenic overlook at the top, you can witness humpback whales breaching in the deep blue waters below during the winter months. On clear days, the neighboring islands of Moloka‘i, Maui and Lāna‘i appear on the horizon, adding to the expansive ocean views. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to rediscover your connection to nature.

What does the spirit of aloha mean to Hawaiians?

It is deeply embedded in the islands’ history, culture, language, and way of life. Aloha is a guiding philosophy that influences how Hawaiians interact with people, nature, and the world. While “aloha” is commonly used as a greeting, it also represents love, compassion, and a deep sense of connection. It is lived every day through acts of kindness, generosity, and respect for others and the environment.

Can you reveal a best-kept secret about Hawaiʻi?

Our cultural and spiritual connections to the ʻāina (land) run deep. Volunteer organizations offer a range of ways to engage in mindful travel and to mālama (care for) Hawaiʻi. You can help restore native forests, clean beaches, or work on a taro farm (loʻi kalo) while learning about sustainability in Hawaiian culture. One of my most memorable experiences was helping to restore the native forest at Pōhakuokalā Gulch, the site of the Haleakalā 6-Line Zipline Tour with Skyline Conservation Initiative on Maui.  Participation in these opportunities gives you a profound connection to our natural world, culture and communities.

What are your top three must-do’s?