B on Hawaii

Finally. How many times have you heard that word in the last two weeks. "Finally, a new year."

It seems that across the board, 2009 was a transitional time for local businesses—especially those in the travel, restaurant and hospitality industries. We certainly don't need to bore you with statistics: The challenges were many. And they're still sorting themselves out.

Palo Alto native Richard Bernstein, or, "Yogi Rick", is one of those easily recognizable characters who has become a mainstay in the lives of everyone that has come in to contact with him, let alone taken one of his Saturday morning classes in Nu`uanu Valley.

Aside from being Honolulu's chicest address, the Halekulani quietly initiated something called "Halekulani Living" series a few years back, in which they offer wellness-related activities and events to their guests and surrounding community.

The Waikiki Aquarium is offering a number of unique events this coming year, beginning in early February. The first quarter's theme will be raising community awareness of the ocean habitats surrounding Hawai`i, the health and human aspects of our oceans. Leaders at the Aquarium are partnering with experts in the field at both UH Manoa as well as NOAA.

Large resort hotels don't need to go green. With corporate funding coming from overseas (and profits/losses headed in the same direction), there isn't much stigma for executive boards, chair people and shareholders to insist on sustainable processes.

While it may be a tad early to start thinking about your plans for Valentine's Day, consider this: In the Ka`u district of Hawai`i's Big Island, certified permaculturist and beekeeper Alison Yahna is offering a 5-day crash course in beekeeping, and you're invited.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival kicks off this year on Friday, November 6, with events stretching through November 15th. Festival organizers seem to be taking advantage of the "cultural" aspect of the festival this go-around, to spotlight a number of unique offerings in and surrounding the Kona location, on Hawai`i's Big Island.

There’s plenty of buzz going around about which ocean excursion companies do and don’t practice environmental responsibility. It comes with the turf: Hoards of visitors are good for tour businesses, yet not particularly for the fragile ecosystems they count on for income.

The Sheraton Waikiki has launched two new food and beverage initiatives, even as the whir of construction crews continue to wrap up the remodel of the hotel's expansive lobby.

Jim Moffat has been quietly upping the ante on Kaua`i's food scene for nearly two years. Garden Isle residents, who have been forced to content with overpriced plate lunches, poor retail food outlets and semi-tolerable eateries, have been poised for a culinary boost—and Moffat is leading the charge.