B on Hawaii

The contemporary Japanese drumming Taiko Center of the Pacific is holding summer intensives for those who want to expand their musical (and cultural) repertoire. Spend five days with master Taiko drummer Kenny Endo on the slopes of Diamond Head Crater, exploring the concepts of Japanese "ma" (space), "nori" (playing the pocket) and "sozo" (imagination and creativity).

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.

A 15-minute stroll from downtown Waikiki is Jazz Minds Café, one of Hawaii's hottest underground jazz clubs. The scene is white hot; attracting die-hard music fans who seek out this dark, velvety lounge to soak in the best live jazz on the islands.

“Searchin’ for that, last shaker of salt…” Jimmy Buffett croons during his legendary hit "Margaritaville", a boozy ballad that captures the essence of tropical living for those with 10 ten toes firmly rooted in the sand, condensation from a frosty beverage dripping down their fingers.

Two bits of hot news, fresh off the press. First, a "posse" of Hawaiian musicians are headed this week to the frosty climes of our mainland's East Coast, to perform at what is being hailed as the most historic Presidential Inauguration in over a century.

One of Waikiki's longtime favorite watering holes (albeit with stellar ocean views, hearty fare and a hopping scene, day and night) has initiated a weekly club night. Tiki's Grill & Bar, perched oceanfront on Kalakaua Avenue, will host a "Pink Tiki" party in the Ocean Room, starting at 10:00 p.m., every Friday evening. 

Starwood Hawaii is doing its best to promote local music through regular concerts held at the many lounges, restaurants and poolsides in Waikiki. And while a few local residents still have their reservations at heading to "da big city" to catch some ukulele strumming with their sunsets, many make the jaunt to soak up the vibe.

It's no surprise that hula is a way of life for many here on the islands. But not many are aware of the huge presence of hula throughout Asia, California, Europe and throughout the rest of Polynesia too. This was the inspiration for the Moku O Keawe International Festival, which takes place this year (2008) from November 6 – 9 at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Island of Hawai'i.

The Royal Lahaina Resort's ocean-front concert series that began this past summer is not just about a picture-perfect evening spent absorbing the sounds of crashing waves and slack key guitar. In fact, the Saturday night mele isn’t solely the culmination of two performer’s careers.

Ka'anapali's Royal Lahaina Resort launches a 6-concert summer series that begins this Saturday, with the incredibly dynamic duo of Eric Gilliom and Barry Flanagan. The event begins at 6:15 p.m. for those who opt in to a "Dinner and concert" package.