Ideas from The Islands of Aloha

ARTS & CULTURE

Hawaii Tours Worth Walking – Walking tours are seeing a resurgence in Hawaii as more travelers seek an in-depth experience in areas they are visiting. Besides being eco-oriented and a means for insightful exercise, Hawaii walking tours are growing in popularity.

CUISINE

The Next TV Star: HawaiiÕs Cuisine – HawaiiÕs culinary scene has been the new star on television lately. In recent episodes, Travel ChannelÕs Anthony BourdainÕs No Reservations and Food NetworkÕs Dinner: Impossible have continued the resurgence of the local cuisine while featuring different aspects of food in Hawaii. From backyard paina to mom-and-pop restaurants to luau, both Chef Bourdain and Robert Irvine gave viewers a glimpse into HawaiiÕs food culture all in under 60 minutes. Fans of these shows and visitors are enamored to eat where these famous chefs have gone.

(P.S. If you missed the No Reservations - Hawaii episode and would like a copy via iTunes, contact Michael Ni for a complimentary download.)

ECO-TOURISM/SOFT ADVENTURE

Snorkeling and Coral Reef Education in Hawaii – Hawaii is home to exceptional coral reef ecosystems, which comprise 410,000 acres and account for almost 85 percent of what is under U.S. jurisdiction. The stateÕs coral reefs have more than 5,000 known species of marine plants and animals, many of which are endemic. These ecosystems are culturally, economically, and biologically critical to HawaiiÕs future. Participate in an educational snorkeling adventure for a fascinating and insightful experience, while also learning proper coral reef etiquette.

FAMILY

Restaurants and a ÒShowÓ – Wondering where to take your family when dining in Hawaii? How do you keep your kids entertained when they typically are more interested in the sights than in the food? Restaurants like NicoÕs on Pier 38 on Oahu is the perfect place for a bite to eat offering daily specials and a menu that will satisfy both the kids and adults. The pier plays the backdrop of the show while people watch the ships and barges heading in and out of the harbor.

GOLF AND SPORTS

ÒForeÓ Reasons to Avoid Golfing in Hawaii – With so much to see and do in Hawaii, playing a round of golf is often an afterthought even for the Òdie-hardÓ golf traveler. HereÕs four reasons to skip the golf course on your next Hawaii vacation:

1.     YOU HATE A GREAT SELECTION OF GOLF COURSES.

2.     GOLFING IN GREAT WEATHER BORES YOU.

3.     TOO MUCH TO DO OFF THE COURSE IS A DRAG.

4.     YOU DREAD BEING THE ENVY OF YOUR FRIENDS.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Can a Mai Tai be healthy for you? – You bet. The Mai Tai, the quintessential tropical drink first introduced to Hawaii in 1953 at the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider hotels, has taken on many incarnations over the years. Traditionally made with Light Rum and Orange Curacao, take a skinny twist on this favorite tropical beverage and cut the calories by substituting the Orange Curacao with fresh orange juice and omit the almond syrup and ask for almond extract instead. The rum in a traditional Mai Tai amounts to 200 extra calories.