B on Hawaii

While the name Sig Zane isn’t unknown throughout fashionable circles on O‘ahu, it isn’t every day that the residents of one isle get to deeply experience the true artistry of an entire family of talent that resides on another island. In fact, there may still be some that aren’t aware: authentic (and hand drawn) aloha attire designer Zane is married to the uber-talented kumu hula (and cultural practitioner) Nalani Kanaka‘ole. Along with son Kuha‘o—an entrepreneur and artist—the Hilo-based trio will lecture, display and talk story at an open gallery event for an entire week in Waikiki.

Time to start making arrangements to be on the Big Island of Hawaii in mid-March: The annual “Brews for the Big Rock” Kona Brewers Festival is slated for Saturday, March 12, 2011, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. You too can sip homespun suds on the glistening shores of Kailua-Kona, perched over the storied grounds of the King Kamehameha Hotel.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows will host a historic culinary event in early 2011, when James Beard Foundation's "The Celebrity Chef Tour" stops-off here on January 21st and 22nd. Spotlighted chefs Michael Symon (star of Iron Chef America and restaurateur, Cleveland's Lola and Lolita ) and Jonathan Waxman (author and star of Top Chef Masters, also owner of Barbuto in NYC's West Village) will anchor the foodie event.

There are those within the hospitality field who understand that adversity occasionally births opportunity. The fine folks at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, on the Big Island of Hawaii, fortunately happen to be some of those people. They’ve launched a “Hawaii residents” offer to stay at one of Hawaii’s top luxury resort experiences for $325 per night, plus a $100 flight credit to be used within the resort. Offer expires December 2011.

Just over a year and a half ago, we reported on a few brave wahine who had launched a flat-track roller derby team on Oahu, which was then mirrored by like efforts on Maui and Kauai. We can say with confidence that said article garnered some of the most feedback of any we’ve received in recent memory (yes it was mostly from inquisitve, slightly creepy guys). But alas, the ladies of Hawaii Island were not to be left out: The Big Island’s “Paradise Roller Girls” will debut at their first derby on Saturday, November 27, in Hilo’s Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, doors open at 5:00 p.m.

A wealth of cultural and wellness events will roll-out over the coming month on the Big Island of Hawaii, in the Keauhou area, just outside of Kona-Kailua town. Beginning with a Healing Arts Festival on Saturday, October 23 (from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m), and ending with a Makahiki Festival on Sunday, November 21 (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Both of these events are free and will be held at the Royal Lu‘au Grounds at the Keauhou Beach Resort.

If you weren’t aware: It’s autumn. And that means activity and adventure leaders around Hawaii are dreaming up new ways to wow you with the geological wonders that span from South Point, Hawaii (Big) Island, to Kalalau, Kauai. And while some of the time a “wild” adventure is best executed on one's own, two such providers on Hawaii’s Big Island are approaching the same majestic site from two very different vantage points —  each one a seemingly must-do.

If you don’t know the names Eddie and Myrna Kamae, you should take the time to learn about them. Entrenched in all things Hawaiian music and poetry, the Kamae’s have made 10 documentary films, researched a slew of near-forgotten tunes penned by Hawaiian royalty, and shared their messages across the globe. This October, the Kamae’s will debut their most recent film — entitled Those Who Came Before — at both the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) and (for our friends in California) the Pacific Rim Film Festival in Santa Cruz.

You may have noticed an increase in the awareness of coral reef preservation as of late. Sure, it’s a prevalent subject—one that’s been pertinent here in Hawaii—for a long time. (Duh! We’re surrounded by this living organism.) Yet worldwide, it seems that both conservationists, environmentalists—and now fashionistas—have caught wind of the dire need to protect these colorful outcroppings just beneath the waves.
Recently, we at B on Hawaii had the unique opportunity to speak with two leading advocates of the protection of coral, who together aim to initiate the complete ban of it for use in jewelry and fashion.

We recently heard this statement on the local news: “It’s a lot harder fixing a broken adult than it is educating a receptive child”. While understandably controversial, in essence, it’s true. Steering a child down the right path is the best shot we have at making our future bright and prosperous.