B on Hawaii

The scene in Paia is white hot these days; live music from a half dozen venues on any given night and wait lists to get in to otherwise low-key, upcountry eateries. Yet relative newcomer Paia Inn may be ground zero for all the action in town.

There's a new destination spa for island visitors on Maui; this one on the "flip side" of Black Rock at Ka'anapali. The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas has recently completed their second signature Heavenly Spa in Hawaii, and it's clear they spared no expense.

A steadfast disbeliever in the timeshare vacation as a truly legitimate destination experience, this writer has been turned. A recent jaunt to the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas proved that timeshares aren't solely about pillaging vacationers for $30,000; yet a smart design, extremely comfortable accommodations and activities aplenty can make for a wonderful stay option.

In these lean times, hotels and resorts are rolling out the incentives to allure business—be it local or distant. In our opinion, it's really given opportunity to those with creative business savvy, who can think on their feet, and offer truly unique experiences that just might raise an eyebrow—or at the very least—make us forget our portfolios and retirement funds for a spell.

This coming weekend, the Hotel Hana Maui is hosting a “Harvest Weekend” celebration that will spotlight local farmers, fisherman and producers, as well as fine wine and culinary preparations from one of Hawai’i’s most celebrated chefs. The event is the first of its kind since the hotel assumed new ownership.

With a dozen management contracts in three separate hotel categories throughout Waikiki, Aqua Hotels & Resorts is officially expanding overseas—to the Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa on Maui.

Aqua’s president and CEO, Benjamin Rafter, who stepped in since Aqua founder Mike Paulin’s retirement earlier this winter, had this to say about the expansion to a neighbor isle.

Those who have spent time at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea know that luxury has its price. Yet as the current economic climate continues to reveal incredible values, those not inclined to weather the storm with Netflix and a bowl of Zippy’s chili (small size) will find an excellent excuse to get over to one of Maui’s top resorts this Valentine’s Day.

The opportunity to sip some of the finest Viognier from Sonoma doesn't present itself every day. Nor does soaking in the ambiance that is Lana'i's Lodge at Koele. Experience the winning combination of these, plus the exquisite fare of Chef Fabrice Huet on Sunday, December 21, while you mingle with the Pride Mountain family of winemakers in the highland climes of The Pineapple Isle.

The majestic Kona Village Resort on the Island of Hawai'i has pitted itself as home base for a unique triathlon training experience, starting in mid-January and extending through February 1, 2009.