Life is More Delicious in Hawaii

Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2012

One of our favorite parts of vacation planning is helping Hawaii-bound travelers answer that age-old question, “Where should we eat?” Frankly, just talking about dining in the islands is enough to make our mouth water. From modest plate lunches to luau, barefoot cafes to five-star elegance, three meals a day is hardly enough to enjoy the abundant pleasures of dining Hawaii-style.

Keep an eye out for “local grinds” (island comfort foods) and “Hawaii Regional Cuisine” (a culinary movement that inventively blends Hawaii’s diverse ethnic flavors with the cuisines of the world) for some of the most delicious meals among our recommendations.

An island-by-island overview of a few of our current favorites:

Oahu
There are a number of chefs whose names have come to symbolize the finest in island dining – Alan Wong, Chef Mavro and Nobu. Though Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Honolulu, has been open for 15 years, the Hawaii Regional Cuisine (HRC) flavors that flow from Wong’s kitchen continue to be among the world’s most delectable. James Beard Award winner George Mavrothalassitis presides over Chef Mavro Restaurant, Honolulu, where his exquisite dishes are sourced from the harvest of dozens of local boutique farmers and specialty fishermen. The influence of Japanese fare on the Hawaiian table is nowhere more spectacularly realized than at Nobu Waikiki, at the Waikiki Parc Hotel. These are restaurants both elegant and intimate, with food that is truly memorable.

One of Oahu’s signature experiences is the Waikiki Starlight Luau at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Dine under the stars on traditional island fare, such as kalua pig while you’re entertained by the island’s most accomplished dancers and musicians.

For a special treat as you’re driving around Oahu, be sure to sample the fresh offerings of the famous North Shore shrimp trucks. And take a shave ice break and cool your palate with crushed ice flavored with sweet, brightly colored syrup. Other must-try local grinds: malasada (a Portuguese hole-less donut) and laulau (a steamed fish and pork wrap), and, in Chinatown, try a manapua (meat-filled bun also known as bao).

The Big Island 
Another of the names behind HRC, Peter Merriman’s culinary genius can be sampled at Merriman’s Waimea, known for the freshest ingredients and the nightly specials, including opakapaka (local Hawaiian pink snapper) served with a sauce of Tropical Apricot. Another influential name in Hawaiian dining, Roy Yamaguchi, now presides over 31 locations worldwide, including Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill, with signature items such as Braised & Charbroiled Garlic Mustard Shortribs, Grilled Chili Pepper Island Ahi and unforgettable Chocolate Soufflé. Named the best restaurant on Hawaii Island by the 2011 Zagat Survey, Pahu i`a at the Four Seasons Resort is known for treats such as sushi, Dungeness Crab Won Tons and Wild Boar.

For a true Big Island experience, the Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott lavishes guests with the sights, sounds and flavors of Polynesian tradition. A favorite hangout is the Hilo Farmer’s Market, open Wednesdays and Sundays, where some 200 local farmers and craftspeople sell their produce, crafts, gift items and tropical flowers. While you’re in Hilo, stop by Cafe 100, the originators of loco moco (hamburger patty over rice, topped with eggs and gravy) or Kuhio Grill for laulau.

Maui 
Located among the pineapple fields of Upcountry Maui, Haliimaile General Store is popular among locals and visitors for its tasty and varied menu, from Crab Pizza to Grilled Rack of Lamb. Mala Ocean Tavern, at the water’s edge in Lahaina, offers small plates, prepared with mostly organic ingredients and loads of flavor. If you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, get in line for Mick Fleetwood’s latest venture, Fleetwood’s on Front Street, opening soon in Lahaina.

For under-the-stars dining, nothing beats the Old Lahaina Luau, where you’ll get to sample local grinds such as lomilomi salmon (raw, salted salmon with diced tomatoes and sweet onions) and the coconut pudding known as haupia. Yum! On your island circuit, hang out with the locals at Mama’s Fish House on the north shore, where they’ve been serving fresh fish in old Polynesian style since 1973.

Kauai 
On the Garden Isle of Kauai, Merriman’s Fish House Poipu offers plantation-style comfort, a luscious HRC menu, terrific views and an impressive wine cellar. Roy’s Poipu Bar & Grill presents Roy’s delectable fare in a casual open-air setting in Poipu Shopping Village. For the freshest beef, pork, rabbit and fish from Kauai ranchers and fishers and locally-sourced vegetables, nothing beats 22 North, where the menu combines these ingredients with the eclectic influence of international cuisine.

Luau Kalamaku, on Kilohana Plantation, includes all the traditional treats as well as regional arts and crafts, and, if desired, a train ride through the 105-acre historic plantation. Say hello to the locals and have pupu (appetizers) during Aloha Happy Hour at Duke’s on the sand at the Kauai Marriott, Kalapaki Beach.

Hawaii tours 2012

Maui, The Island of Natural Wonders

Posted on Friday, February 19, 2010

Maui...close your eyes and picture this.  A towering waterfall cascading down a lush canyon wall. A white sand beach with the sparkling blue Pacific beyond. A giant humpback whale breaching near a catamaran's bow.  A serene sunrise over a volcano's immense crater.  A fire-red sunset glowing over an ancient tropical island.  The memories last a lifetime.

Browse through our Hawaii tour and vacation packages.

Hawaii Tours: An Overview of the Islands

Posted on Thursday, August 06, 2009

Hawaiian Paradise 

The Islands of Aloha are a scenic paradise, and you will explore the rich cultural history of the Hawaiian people which makes your visit to the islands even richer.

Since the weather in Hawaii is very consistent, Hawaii is the perfect destination to visit anytime of the year. You can discover the beautiful beaches, tropical waters and the very unique cultures. Hawaii offers an ideal experience for couples, families, golfers and honeymooners. Here are some highlights of what you can see and do on the most popular islands:

Oahu – "The Gathering Place"

The city of Honolulu recently expanded its beachfront where you can attend weekend concerts, sunset torch-lighting ceremonies and free hula performances.

Waikiki makes Oahu the most-visited island. It has more restaurants, shops, and nightlife than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined.

Close to Waikiki is the USS Arizona Memorial which commemorates the women and men that died on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Along the North Shore of the island, you can drive to the 42-acre lagoon park, The Polynesian Cultural Center. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian luau experience at the award-winning Ali’i Lu’au dinner and show. The Polynesian Cultural Center is the number-one paid attraction in Hawaii.

Maui – "The Valley Isle"

Maui is second most visited island. The most popular area is along Kaanapali, which is on the western shore of the island. Kaanapali is considered to have one of Maui’s best beaches. 

Home to 36 holes of championship golf, Ka'anapali offers golfers both spectacular views and a   challenge. So if golf is your passion, then you're in one of the best spots on Maui.

In Lahaina, on a specially built, open-air luau grounds next to the ocean, the Old Lahaina Luau is one of the finest luaus in the world, offering excellent Hawaiian food and entertainment.

Hana is Hawaii’s very own Garden of Eden with its unspoiled tropics with shimmering waterfalls, beautiful flowers and breathtaking cliffs.

Kauai - "The Garden Isle"

You could say Kauai is on any list of the world's most beautiful and spectacular islands as it is made up of lush tropical greenery and sparkling beaches. Formed some six million years ago, Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii.

South of the island is Poipu which is the perfect resort area. The accommodations range from ultra-luxury hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Here you will find gourmet restaurants and specialty shopping.

Wailua Falls is the must-see waterfall to visit on the garden island of Kauai, mainly, because it is the most easily accessible waterfall. The falls was made famous when it was the opening scene of the popular show, Fantasy Island. 

Hawaii – "The Big Island"

The island of Hawai‘i is the youngest of the Hawaiian isles, but by far the largest island. The Big Island offers so much diversity. You can go from fiery volcanoes to fascinating waterfalls or from a snowy winter to sultry summer all within a 50 mile drive, passing through spring and fall along the way.  

You can head to Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes. It includes Mauna Loa, world’s largest volcano, and Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting since January 1983. The park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration and evolution.

Kona offers calm and clear waters which are perfect for snorkeling, diving or even spotting dolphins and green sea turtles. Kona is the home of hundreds of coffee plantations and many offer tours to the public. The high elevation and rich volcanic soil creates the ideal environment for harvesting this unique Hawaiian coffee bean. Be sure to sample Kona’s unique Hawaiian coffee and experience the rich flavorful taste that makes Kona coffee so highly valued.

Whether this is your first time visit or returning, the islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler. For every visitor, Hawaii is a fantasy realized!