The Waters Off This Popular Hawaiian Island Are Known As 'Whale Soup'
For the best chance to see humpback whales with their young, visit this Maui ocean spot. Nicknamed "whale soup," it's teeming with whales from January to March.
Read MoreKristin Conard
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Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
Stories By Kristin Conard
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The Colorado Ski Town That Transforms Into A Winter Wonderland Of Snow Sculptures
Colorado is deservedly known for its top notch skiing, but this town is also celebrated for its prestigious annual snow sculpture competition.
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The One Restaurant Samantha Brown Will 'Truly Never Skip' In Maine Doesn't Even Serve Seafood
Samantha Brown has been visiting Maine her whole life, and there's one local restaurant that has remained a favorite for years (and it's not a seafood joint).
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California's Secret Village On The Coast Has An Inviting Arts Scene And Scenic Outdoors To Explore
Enjoy a thriving arts scene and fantastic recreation in this small California community. View art exhibits, hike scenic trails, and take guided river tours.
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A Secret California City Called 'Butterfly Town USA' Is A Less Touristy, Authentic Coastal Haven
A destination where some of the world's longest living monarch butterflies spend winter is known as "Butterfly Town, U.S.A.," right on California's coast.
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The Best Thing To Do With An Old Hawaiian Lei
You may think that it makes sense to throw your Hawaiian lei away when it starts to wilt, but there's a good reason to dispose of it differently.
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The Daredevil European Adventure That Had Rick Steves Waking In The Night Clutching His Mattress
Think travel expert Rick Steves can only offer tips on his favorite cities and restaurant? He also knows a thing or two about seeking breathtaking adventure.
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One Of Toronto's Oldest Neighborhoods Brims With Art, Culture, And A Legendary Food Market
Seek out a legendary food market and some arts and culture experiences at one of Toronto's oldest neighborhoods, a testament to the city's diversity.
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The Stunning And Sustainable Resort In Colorado With One Of North America's Longest Ski Seasons
Colorado is known for its amazing skiing, and you can hit the slopes at this sustainable resort long after the winter season ends for the rest of the continent.
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Toronto's Historic Bohemian Neighborhood Brims With Vintage Boutiques And Ethnic Eats
No trip to Toronto is complete without visiting this neighborhood, where you'll find top-notch thrift stores, a melting pot of flavors, and vibrant streets.
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Along The Missouri River Is Kansas' Oldest City With European-Inspired Architecture And Unique Shops
Those looking to experience some classic European architecture on their next trip might want to make plans to visit the oldest city in Kansas.
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The Only Stretch Of California's Iconic Highway 1 Closed To Cars Has World-Class Coastline Views
California's legendary Highway 1 has a stretch that's closed off to cars, presenting hikers with a spot that features beautiful views.
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Canada's Only Desert Offers The Country's Warmest Lake, Endless Beauty, And Outdoor Adventures
Canada isn't known for hot weather and cacti, but you'll find a desert oasis in this stunning lake town, filled with outdoor fun, wine, and traditional culture.
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The Giant, Scenic, And Unique North Carolina Beer Garden Known As One Of America's Best
A beer garden in North Carolina boasts more than 380 beers on tap. This record-holding spot also features cocktails, a mini golf course, and weekly events.
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Europe's Unique Fine Dining Amusement Park Ride Is A Mouth-Watering Immersive Mystery Tour
The thought of eating on an amusement park ride may sound unappealing, but this isn't your typical ride. Instead, it's a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.
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Kansas' Smoky Hills Hide A Crystal-Clear Lake State Park Surrounded By Unique Red Rock Beauty
While you may think of Kansas as nothing but flat prairieland, there are some surprises in store. This stunning lake is a beloved fixture for locals.
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Hunt Trolls On These One-Of-A-Kind Whimsical Colorado Hikes
If you're just as into art sculptures as you are the great outdoors, follow these hiking trails in Colorado to discover delightful wooden trolls.
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A Nevada Emporium Packed With T-Shirts, Tchotchkes, And Trinkets Is The World's Largest Gift Shop
They say everything's bigger in Texas, but Nevada is home to the world's largest gift shop, offering plenty of items to help remember your Las Vegas trip.
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One Of Colorado's Largest Resorts Is A Five-Star Getaway That Transforms Into A Winter Wonderland
If you're looking to celebrate the winter season while living in luxury, this five-star Colorado resort is the perfect destination for your holiday vacation.
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An Under-The-Radar Mountain Town In Canada Is A Gateway To Six Stunning National Parks
If you're looking for national parks to explore, make this town in Canada your home base. Here's what you should know about this spectacular region.
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A Beautifully Snowy And Under-The-Radar Colorado Resort Was Called America's 'Best Small Ski Area'
The best small ski area in America is this lesser-known Colorado resort that offers gorgeous snow-capped mountain views and amazing, powdery slopes.
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Witness Some Of The World's Most Unusual Rock Formations At A Little-Known Kansas State Park
If you're looking for some one-of-a-kind rock formations, you won't be disappointed by what this national park in Kansas has to offer.
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One Of Kansas' 8 Wonders Is A Giant Engineering Marvel Of A Well With Deep History
Kansas loves its superlatives. This fascinating site is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and it was made by hand with shovels, picks, and a pulley.
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Days In 2025 When It's Free To Visit All National Parks
In 2025, there are six days when admission to all of America’s national parks is completely free. Here’s everything you need to know - mark your calendars!
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Some Of America's Most Dangerous Islands Are Remote And Right Off California's Coast
Rugged islands off of California's coast are known as the Devil's Teeth. Visitors can view great white sharks and see where people once died over seabird eggs.
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The Breathtaking Lake Tahoe Hotel That Offers Skiers A High-End Adventure Package
For the ultimate winter getaway, visit this Lake Tahoe resort, where you'll be treated to luxe and spacious rooms, personalized ski services, and other perks.
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One Of The 'Finest Space Museums In The World' Is An Otherworldly, Underrated Kansas Attraction
In Kansas, you'll find one of the world's largest collections of space travel artifacts, with a wealth of activities for astronaut enthusiasts of all ages.
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