B on Hawaii Feed

Hualalai Hotel Wraps $40 Million Reno, Unveils Super-Suite

bberusch — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:45:38 -0800

Four Seasons doesn't let much time slip by without a major renovation or improvement to one of their deluxe Hawaii properties. This week, it's the Hualalai locale that announces the completion of a 15-month, $40 million face lift.

Bad Betty on Wheels: Roller Derby Season Kicks Off

bberusch — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:35:21 -0800

Roller Derby is back! On the heels of Drew Barrymore's feature film, Whip It, and a resurgence in all-things-retro, womens roller derby season hit Honolulu hard on March 6th at the outdoor roller hockey rink at Kamiloiki Community Park at the corner of Hawaii Kai Drive and Lunalillo Home Road. The event is free to the public, although donations are greatly appreciated.

HIFF Preps for Spring Showcase Sneak Peak

bberusch — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:31:29 -0800

Executive director Chuck Boller and the organizers for this year's 30th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) will get the ball rolling with the 13th year of "Spring Showcase"—20 films that will screen at Regal Dole Cannery Stadium theaters, April 16 – 22, 2010.

Ukulele Festival Resonates in Waikoloa

bberusch — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:24:59 -0800

On Saturday, March 6, the 10th Annual Great Waikoloa `Ukulele Festival will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Held at Queens' Marketplace on the Big Island of Hawai`i, the event will feature legendary "Ambassador of Aloha" Danny Kaleikini as Master of Ceremonies.

New Cafe Spotlights Local, Sustainable Goods

bberusch — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:21:22 -0800

As most retailers strive to remain open during these waning "hunker down" months, Michael Zhang has taken Blue Hawaii LifeStyle Café to unprecedented heights. This month, he opens a second location, at 1111 Bishop Street in downtown Honolulu, while plans for a third store, to open in San Francisco—are slated for May 2010.

illy USA

bberusch — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:37:44 -0800

Although not a Hawaii-grown or based product, illy cafe is an institution in world of fine coffee. After we were privileged to experience an insider's tour of the illy factory in Trieste, Italy, we learned why. The 24-hour laboratory that employed round-the-clock expert coffee scientists was just the beginning. Seek this coffee in Hawaii—it's beyond eloquent.

illy small

bberusch — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:27:43 -0800

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bberusch — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:17:16 -0800

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE: The Paskowitz Family Interview

bberusch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:20:32 -0800

Once in a great while you'll catch wind of a truly fascinating story. As a journalist, I often hope it's one that's both true, and one I can track down the characters of. The story you're about to read came to us through a screening of the film Surfwise, at the Maui Film Festival a few years back.

Double Trouble: Restaurateur Announces New Outpost & Launches Blindfolded Dinner Experience

bberusch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:07:06 -0800

Restaurateur Wes Zane is at it again. The Hawaii-based restaurateur is expanding his culinary empire, this time with an "Asian-style Formaggio" on Kapahulu Avenue, set to open later this month. Sake Street will occupy the space left by Wasabi Bistro (which has relocated to Beachwalk Avenue in Waikiki), Zane is currently retrofitting the space and packing the shelves with sake.

Nobu Matsuhisa Cooks for You, Is Inspired by MA`O

bberusch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:59:57 -0800

Nobu enthusiasts rejoice: The man himself will be on O`ahu from February 9 – 12, 2010, to eat, drink and prepare his signature fare just for you. The global restaurateur will also work closely with MA`O Organic Farms to design an omakase menu inspired by the harvest of produce from the Waianae-based outfit.

Big Board Classic at Makaha: Where the Buffalo Play

bberusch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:52:50 -0800

How many times have you said in conversation: "Man, I totally need to get out to Makaha." Well, here's the perfect opportunity. The Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic will be held this coming weekend, February 13 – 15, on Makaha Beach.

C&K to Perform at Benefit for Haiti this Friday

bberusch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:47:17 -0800

A last-minute "Island to Island for Haiti" benefit concert and food event has been organized for his Friday, February 12, to raise money for the victims of the earthquake there. Cecilio & Kapono will headline the concert, to be held on the lagoon-fronting Great Lawn at O`ahu's Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Off to a Sustainable Start: A Note from the Publisher

bberusch — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:22:00 -0800

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.

Three Major Food Events NOT TO BE MISSED

bberusch — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:17:19 -0800

The start of a New Year never fails to excite chefs and restaurateurs to get things off to a booming start. We've come across three such events in the coming few weeks that, if your palate is one that needs to be stimulated, you might want to consider attending.

Respected Yoga Practitioner on The State of Our Spiritual Affairs

bberusch — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:12:00 -0800

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.

World Renown Zhi Gang Sha to Speak at Kauai Wellness Expo

bberusch — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:05:41 -0800

On January 30th and 31st, The Mind Body & Spirit Exposition folk will host the Total Wellness Expo on the island of Kauai. The event, sponsored by Inspiration Wellness Journal, will feature Mater Zhi Gang Sha as the keynote speaker—a title that went to Deepak Chopra last year.

Waimea Valley to Host Evening Walks with Master Storyteller

bberusch — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:03:35 -0800

The fine folks behind Waimea Valley have been busy ramping up with events that show off the grandeur of O`ahu's lush North Shore interior. Frankly, there are so many events they have planned, we'll let you know of the most prominent (and upcoming), and let you dig around their comprehensive web site for the rest.

Slack Key Masters Head to SoCal; An Ukulele Legends Show Back Home

bberusch — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:01:24 -0800

Fortunate to have a very loyal (and vocal!) readership base in Southern California, we at B on Hawaii are happy to share some aloha headed east from the islands. On January 24, at 2:00 p.m., the 3rd Annual SoCal Slack Key Festival will take place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.

Randy Rarick, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Executive Director

bberusch — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:13:56 -0800

"If you want to be "in the know", then be sure to check out the "B on H" Spotlight! Read the whole thing, as there are nuggets in there that you won't find anywhere else! It'll be worth your time".

Kapalua Villas to be Managed by Outrigger

bberusch — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:37:09 -0800

Those that have been following the developments at Kapalua know that here, in one of the most spectacular locales on Maui (and the entire island chain), things have been evolving for the better part of two years.

Halekulani Living: A Dinner Gala to Start The Year, Jan. 8

bberusch — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:32:02 -0800

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.

Chef Mavro's New Year's Eve Extravaganza Menu is Sumptuous

bberusch — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:28:47 -0800

It isn't hard to see why Chef Mavro is the place for special occasions—and tomorrow night—New Year's Eve, is no exception. (Editor's Note: We are huge proponents of visiting this locale on any occasion.

Reef Awareness and a Special Dinner Event at Waikiki Aquarium, 2010

bberusch — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:23:04 -0800

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.

Learn to Sing from an Operatic Master

bberusch — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:17:41 -0800

Ever sat at the opera—or been singing in the shower—and thought: "Man, I've got some chops!" We've got some news for your ego: It's never too late to hone your vocal skills. To boot, you're significant other (and neighbors) might really appreciate you mastering that falsetto. Enter Jacqueline Quirk.

When The Surf Surges, This Man Paints

bberusch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:54:10 -0800

With the sounds of Donovan Frankenreiter wafting out of Waimea Valley, we caught up with O`ahu's own Clark Mitsuru Takashima. This self-taught (mostly) artist is leading a movement worldwide he's named "Fine Surf Art", which is, exactly what it sounds like.

Kai Market Boasts Farm-to-Table Dining in Epic Proportions

bberusch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:48:52 -0800

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.

Bee's Gold: Spend a Week Learning the Art of Beekeeping

bberusch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:41:06 -0800

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.

Forecast: Snowfall Expected Heaviest at Makapuu

bberusch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:37:35 -0800

Get the kids bundled up in hats, scarves and gloves. Toss the slippahs aside and bust out the boots. There is 14 tons of snow forecasted to fall over Makapu`u this Saturday, December 19th.

Gold Coast Pied-a-Terre: A Penthouse Fit For a Queen

bberusch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:32:29 -0800

One might think that the architect responsible for redesigning a Gold Coast penthouse might be the least awe-struck of the space—especially months after it had been completed.

Sneak Peak: Jean-Georges' Kauai Grill

bberusch — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:29:09 -0800

Colin Hazama, chef de cuisine of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Kaua`i Grill at the newly unveiled St. Regis Princeville may be the most fortunate 28-year-old chef in America. We sat down with Hazama at a table hovering over Hanalei Bay, just days before he was set to open the pinnacle restaurant at what is being hailed at Hawaii's most luxurious resort.

Enoteca Arrives! Sapori to Open in Place of Elua

bberusch — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:23:15 -0800

You'll hear it here first: There will be a new enoteca-style wine bar and birreria opening in Kaka`ako, O`ahu, in time for the holidays.

Fine (Hawaiian) Foods Store Open For Holiday Season

bberusch — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:20:33 -0800

Ala Moana Shopping Center turned up the holiday heat last week, with the opening of a store that boasts top locally-made products perfect for gift giving.

Hidden Gem: BBQ Joint in Waimanalo Draws a Crowd

bberusch — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:18:38 -0800

If you're anything like us, you love the melding of cultures here in Hawai`i as much as the wild flavors of cuisine that have come from them. But let's face it: Every now and again you crave good 'ole slow-smoked Southern BBQ. Sweet Home Waimanalo is scratching that itch, o'er yonder on the east shore of O`ahu.

New Halele'a Spa to use Malie Organics

bberusch — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:16:24 -0800

When Dana Roberts launched her Malie Organics line of spa products, she was looking to share the healing properties of botanical elements found throughout Hawai`i with those who would appreciate them most. She found a symbiotic partnership at Halele'a Spa in the St. Regis Princeville, where, as far as she knows, they are the only spa in the world to use taro for body treatments.

Ian Schrager and Marriott Join Forces with Honolulu Boutique Hotel, This April, Chef Morimoto In Tow

bberusch — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:21:43 -0800

Hold on to your hipster gear: Edition Hotels will debut in Honolulu this Spring. The buzz has been circulating for nearly a year that traditionally staid hotel brand Marriott was set to launch a line of boutique properties with nightlife impressario and Ian Schrager, the "Father of the boutique hotel movement".

New Wedding Venue: Outrigger Al Fresco

bberusch — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:14:47 -0800

Last week, Outrigger Hotels unveiled a brand new wedding venue in Waikiki that just may rival any in bustling Waikiki. Capping a $110 million property renovation, the Outrigger Reef has opened the all-new "Voyager Deck", a 6,000 square foot, 3rd floor event space that overlooks Honolulu's serene ocean waters.

Message in a Bottle School Project, A Thing of The (Recent) Past

bberusch — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:05:54 -0800

This past summer, a 13 year old student at Kailua Intermediate received a hand-written note from a pen pal in the Solomon Islands, located just below the equator. The note was the third in a series of communications between the two—an exchange that began last spring—the result of a wonderful story worthy of a childrens book.

Chai Celebrates Dual Anniversaries on November 20th at Aloha Tower

bberusch — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:38:21 -0800

You know him as the smiley faced restaurateur-about-town, always at the happening spot at the right time. On Friday, November 20th at 6:00 p.m., Chai Chaowasaree will host a culinary party the likes of which we have yet to see in 2009, to celebrate the coinciding 20th anniversary of Singha Thai and the 10th of Chai's Island Bistro.

Hawaii's Coffee Doctor to Give Educational Talks in Kona

bberusch — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:32:35 -0800

In the midst of next week's Kona Coffee Cultural Festival on the Island of Hawai`i, three special seminars will be given by the State of Hawai`i's leading coffee expert, Dr. Shawn Steiman. Open to all, his seminars at three premiere coffee houses in the Kailua-Kona area will demonstrate the ins and outs of brewing the best coffee. On Tuesday, November 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.