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

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Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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Arizona Memorial Honolulu, Hawaii

Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011

On December 7th, 1941, The USS Arizona was attacked by the Japanese in Pearl Harbor, beginning World War II. The ship burned for two days in the harbor before finally sinking, making it the final resting place of 1,102 sailors out of the 1,177 that were killed. In 1962, the site was dedicated as a memorial to commemorate the sailors that were lost.

Construction to begin building the ship was authorized by Congress on March 4th, 1913. The vessel was named Arizona for the 48th state, which was added to the union on Valentine’s Day of 1912, and the keel was laid on March 16th, 1914 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Sponsored by the daughter of W. W. Ross, Esther Ross, the Arizona was launched on June 19th, 1915. On October 17th, 1916, she was commissioned in her builder’s yard with Captain John D. McDonald at her helm.

The United States Navy enlisted Alfred Preis, a Honolulu architect, to design the USS Arizona Memorial. The specified that it be in some form of a bridge that would float above the wreckage of the Arizona, and that it must accommodate at least 200 people. The 184-foot national memorial has two peaks at either end and comes together in the middle in a sort of ‘sagging’ shape. The design was initially called a "squashed milk carton" by critics. Preis explained his design as, "Wherein the structure sags in the center but stands strong and vigorous at the ends, expresses initial defeat and ultimate victory."

At the end of World War II, the wrecked superstructure was removed, and efforts to erect a memorial began. In 1949, the Pacific War Memorial Commission, or PWMC, was made to build a permanent site in Hawaii. A temporary memorial site was erected above the ship’s deckhouse. In 1951 and 1952, Admiral Arthur Radord requested funds to build the memorial, but the requests were denied due to budget constraints during the Korean War. During the entirety of the 1950s, there were disscussions of doing away with the Arizona altogether. But, in 1958, President Eisenhower approved the creation. The USS Arizona Memorial was built in 1961, and was officially dedicated on May 30th, 1962.

The Arizona Memorial is only accessible by boat, and can hold 200 visitors at a time. Over 1 million people visit it annually. The main parts of the memorial are the entry, shrine, and assembly room. In the central assembly room, there are seven big, open windows on the walls and ceiling, meant to stand for the date the attack on the ship occurred. There is also an opening in the floor of the memorial that looks down on the sunken decks of the ship. Here, visitors come to pay there respects and, in honor of the sailors that lost their lives, toss flowers into the water.

The USS Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. You can visit the memorial Monday through Sunday between 7 am and 5 pm. To visit, it is free of charge, and you are shown a movie on the history, and given access to the museums and the actual memorial site itself.

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.

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