B on Hawaii

Sometimes, and might we stress that it isn’t often, a big resort “gets it right” and presents a unique pairing of events that is out-of-the-box and utterly enticing. Take the Makena Beach Resort in beautiful Wailea, Maui; they’ve brought together the world’s youngest master sommelier (Honolulu’s own Patrick Okubo), and that delightfully Hawaiian treat—poke—for an evening that will explore the finer aspects of both. 

The changing-of-the-guard, or chef, at a “locals favorite" restaurant is heralded as a significant event here in Hawai‘i. So it became noteworthy when Maui’s Pineapple Grill, at Kapalua, bid farewell to Ryan Luckey—who garnered numerous regional awards for this impressive, off-the-beaten-fairway eatery—and ushered in another “local boy gone big.” Isaac Bancaco has cooked on the front lines for...

Are you a glamour gal (or guy) always on the lookout for an occasion to don your ball gown (or tuxedo) and hobnob with other such fabulously like-minded folk? Even better—do you like to eat, drink and be entertained in the name of a good cause? Then by all means, consider heading to the Halekulani on Oscar Night where you’ll have the opportunity to walk the red carpet, swill top tier cocktails and view a telecast of the 84th Academy Awards.

If you've ever wished that you could immerse yourself with premiere yoga instruction from a variety of teachers from around the globe—all without without spending a fortune on travel—your wish has come true. The annual Hawai‘i Spirit Festival, which takes place on O‘ahu's North Shore from November 4–6, is a three day celebration of yoga, music, movement and Hawaiian Culture.

Mixmasters, libation-seekers and anyone with "a little captain in them" should make haste to Kona, where the third annual Don The Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival will unfold at the Royal Kona Resort on August 13, 2011. This ain’t no fluffy fete: The winner of the most succulent concoction will head home with $10,000 in their shaker.

We are thrilled to promote the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl—which has made its just return to Hawaii (after a horrendous decision by both the NFL and the former authorities-of-note here in Honolulu).

Last week it hit me: It’s a New Year—and I should try new things. So I took the opportunity to experience Mandara Spa’s new Shiatsu treatment, something that I had experienced years ago, but hadn’t revisited in quite some time. Since I am generally first in line for the deep tissue or hot stone therapy, I decided it was high-time I learned what has made the ancient art of Shiatsu so popular—and long lasting—in Japan.

Free Harley Davidson Heritage Softail, anyone? For those who can convince their company to take a much needed retreat (or incentive trip) to Maui, and can book more than 15 rooms at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa before December 31, 2011, you'll have 5 times the chance of winning. You’ve got plenty of time to start building your case.

We’ve said it before: This dismal economy has its silver linings. Today, it comes in the form of a stellar “stay-cation” for kama‘aina interested in heading to the Valley Isle between now and the end of the year. Kapalua, Maui is the destination.

While we like to make a practice of covering events yet-to-come in order to give esteemed readers the opportunity to attend them, this “wrap up” of a just-passed culinary extravaganza from Jean-George’s Kauai Grill at the St. Regis Princeville is well worth the space. Trumpeting their one-year anniversary last week, the resort’s food and beverage team paired with Kauai Grill chef de cuisine Colin Hazama to bring locals and hotel guests a truly innovative menu that celebrated the notion of maintaining a Hawaiian ahupua‘a.