B on Hawaii

It is widely known that the northwest quadrant of Maui is one of the most stunning geographic locations in the Hawaiian Islands (Note To Self: Prepare for onslaught of emails contradicting that statement from residents and/or fans of Hamakua Coast, Lanai City, Hana, Hilo, North Shore Oahu, etc.) That said, Kapalua is really one of the most spectacular places to call home, if only for a weekend

This week, the Fairmont Orchid on Hawaii Island's Kohala Coast opened the Luana Lounge. While it takes more than a new bar or restaurant to find it's way into this newsletter, we want to spotlight this venture for one very good reason.

Buzz words like "carbon footprint" or "all natural" are being tossed around with such liberty these days, it's hard to truly know whether anyone has the environment, your well-being or the latest marketing trend in mind.

Packaging activities with a vacation stay is a great way to immerse yourself in a new destination, or revisit one with fresh eyes. We've been keeping an eye on Wailea, Maui, as of late, for a number of reasons. One of which is the Destination Resorts Hawaii condos and homes, located in various locations throughout Wailea.

The Moana Surfrider hotel in Waikiki will drop the "Sheraton" before its name and re-brand as a Westin following a significant upgrade. Starwood -- which own's the hotel -- announced last week that it will take the next three years and $400 million to renovate its four Waikiki hotels, in order to attract more luxury clientele.

We were recently alerted by the folks at Halekulani that Chef Yves Garnier, who mans the helm at La Mer, is to receive the title "Chevalier De L'Ordre Du Merite Agricole" by the state of France. This auspicious honor deserves the utmost praise -- one that Garnier is certainly deserved of.

Maui favorite eatery Lahaina Grill has taken feedback from enthused patrons and launched a Demi menu at its horseshoe bar for diners that want to sample smaller portions – and more of them.

Eleven years ago, Wade Ueoka left his position behind a grill at Zippy's to wash dishes at a new restaurant called Alan Wong's. He was fresh out of high school, the furthest he'd traveled had been Hilo.

For those who have not had the pleasure of a breezy lunch or serene sunset dinner at Mama's Fish House on Maui, take a gander at their freshly renovated Web site – a small taste of the Mama's experience.

Last week I was one of the few journalists invited to see the new Nobu restaurant, which is set to open in the Waikiki Parc on May 28th. 2007. Along with a stunning visual presentation, I was reminded of what it felt like to walk in to a restaurant and be transported. Not necessarily to the Nobu's I have been to in New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and elsewhere.