Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku

Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku

Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku began travel writing in 2014, soon after receiving her master’s degree in New Media Journalism. She started by sharing the secrets of some of Austin’s best food, festivals, celebrities, entertainment, events, and locales, eventually as the editor of Austin.com. Eventually, after moving to Hawai‘i Island in 2016, she had the opportunity to start writing about the special place that she now called home in publications like Fodor’s, The Matador Network, and Local Getaways. After marrying into a Hawaiian family Laurie developed a deep passion for ethical, sustainable travel, especially how it affects the quality of life and land in the Islands. Family travel, as well as food and beverage, are also some of her favorite things to write about. When she’s not island-hopping to take in all she can throughout Hawai‘i’s diverse landscapes, Laurie spends most of her weekends exploring tidepools and the dynamic shoreline of East Hawai‘i, chasing sunshine on the west side of the Island, and constantly growing her knowledge of and palate for the eclectic cuisines that make up Hawai‘i’s ever-evolving food scene. She shares her home with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of rescue animals.

Articles

Reviews

Kahalepalaoa Ruins

Kahalepalaoa Ruins

Ruins | Hawaii | Lanai
In the Kahalepalaoa Beach area, on the makai side of the coastal road, are historical marker signs. Follow the path to the left to find the crumbling remains ...
Waiaopae Fishpond

Waiaopae Fishpond

Body of Water | Hawaii | Lanai
Once an important feature to Lanai's Native Hawaiian communities, this 9-acre fishpond fell into disrepair and its springs became polluted by Upcountry ...
Lanai City Bar & Grill

Lanai City Bar & Grill

Dinner | Hawaii | Lanai
This chic bistro-style eatery serves delicious dishes made with line-caught fish and other ultra-fresh ingredients, including some—like locally harvested ...
Japanese Laborer Memorial

Japanese Laborer Memorial

Free | Hawaii | Lanai
To build the mill, wharf, railways, and other infrastructure associated with the short-lived Maunalei Sugar Company, its owners employed mostly Japanese ...
Ganotisi's Pacific Rim Cuisine

Ganotisi's Pacific Rim Cuisine

Asian Fusion | Hawaii | Lanai
At one of Lanai’s newest restaurants, casual fare is made with tons of love, and although dishes lean heavily toward the salty, sweet, and sour tastes ...
Lanai Wai

Lanai Wai

Breakfast | Hawaii | Lanai
Locals and visitors in the know are hip to Lanai’s best-kept food secret, namely, the tasty bowls, smoothies, and juices from the Lanai Wai pop-up. Sometimes ...
Lanai Cat Sanctuary

Lanai Cat Sanctuary

Animal Sanctuary | Hawaii | Lanai
This sanctuary near Lanai’s airport is a popular destination for locals and visitors (including day trippers) alike. For a small, optional donation you ...
Hana Ranch Store

Hana Ranch Store

Family | Hawaii | Maui
Here you can stock up on packaged food items (including some brands that lean a little more gourmet), drinks, personal care items, and some beach necessities. ...
Manawainui Gulch View Sea Cave

Manawainui Gulch View Sea Cave

Family | Hawaii | Maui
Manawainui Gulch is a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and take in the views. To the north along the coast, you'll see a sea cave that creates an ...
Caroline’s Fresh Fruit

Caroline’s Fresh Fruit

Family | Hawaii | Maui
After a morning drive on the Hana Highway or an afternoon at Hamoa Beach, you can stop at this fun stand to grab fresh fruit or a tropical smoothie and ...
What’s Going on With Elon Musk’s Texas Town?

What’s Going on With Elon Musk’s Texas Town?

As Starbase elevates the “Texas Space Coast” into a frontier for space tourism, critics warn that the gamble could irreversibly scar the Gulf shoreline and alienate the very communities it seeks to court.
Hawaii Governor: Do Not Travel to Maui Right Now

Hawaii Governor: Do Not Travel to Maui Right Now

This week has become a fire-fueled nightmare for residents of Maui as wildfires have ravaged the island, decimating the historic town of Lāhaina on Maui’s west side. Though brush fires are becoming more common on Maui, this week’s devastation can be attributed to extremely strong winds created by Hurricane Dora passing south of the Hawai‘i … Continued