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SHOPPING IN HAWAII (THE BIG ISLAND) / HAWAII SHOPPING GUIDE

Honolulu Information — Mon Jan 15, 2007 5:01 am

Author: Honolulu Information

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 5:01 am

SHOPPING IN HAWAII (THE BIG ISLAND)

While chefs and farmers tout this island as fertile ground for crops and food, artists point to its primal, volcanic energy as a boost to their creative endeavors. Art communities and galleries are sprinkled across the Big Island, in villages like Holualoa and Volcano, where fine works in pottery, wood-turning, handmade glass, and other two- and three-dimensional media are sold in serene settings.

Although the visual arts are flourishing on this island, the line between shop and gallery can often be too fine to determine. Too many self-proclaimed "galleries" sell schlock or a mixture of arts, crafts, and tacky souvenirs. T-shirts and Kona coffee mugs are a souvenir staple in many so-called galleries.

The galleries and shops in Hawaii offer a broad mix in many media. Items for the home, jewelry and accessories, vintage Hawaiiana, and accouterments at various prices and for various tastes can make great gifts to go, as can locally made food products such as preserves, cookies, flowers, Kona coffee, and macadamia nuts. You'll find that bowls made of rare native woods such as koa are especially abundant on the Big Island. This is an area in which politics and art intersect: Although reforestation efforts are underway to plant new koa trees, the decline of old-growth forests is causing many artists to turn to equally beautiful and more environmentally sensitive, alternative woods.

The Kona Coast

In & Around Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona's shopping prospects pour out into the streets in a festival atmosphere of T-shirts, trinkets and dime-a-dozen souvenirs, with Alii Drive at the centre of this activity. But the Coconut Grove Market Place, on Alii Drive, across the street from the seawall, has changed that image and added some great new shops around a sand volleyball court. Next door in the Alii Sunset Plaza, next to Hard Rock Cafe, beaders can make a beeline for Kona Beads (tel. 808/331-2161) to peruse a dizzying collection of beads from all over the world.

Shopping stalwarts in Kona are the Kona Square, across from King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel; the hotel's shopping mall, with close to two dozen shops; and the Kona Inn Shopping Village, on Alii Drive. All include the usual assortment of T-shirt shops. One highlight is Alii Gardens Marketplace at the southern end of Kailua-Kona, a pleasant, tented outdoor marketplace with fresh fruit, flowers, imports, local crafts and a wonderful selection of orchid plants. There's cheesy stuff there, too, but somehow it's less noticeable outdoors.

Art Appreciation -- The finest art on the Kona Coast hangs in, of all places, a bank. Award-winning First Hawaiian Bank, 74-5593 Palani Rd. (tel. 808/329-2461), has art lovers making special trips to view Hiroki Morinoue's mural, John Buck's prints, Chiu Leong's ceramic sculpture, Franco Salmoiraghi's photographs, Setsuko Morinoue's abstract fiber wall piece and other works that were incorporated as part of the bank's design, rather than added on as an afterthought. Artists Yvonne Cheng and Sharon Carter Smith, whose works are included, assembled this exhibition, a sterling example of corporate sponsorship of the arts.

Edibles & Everyday Things -- The Big Island's green markets are notable for the quality of produce and the abundance of island specialties at better-than-usual prices. Look for the cheerful green kiosks of the Alii Gardens Marketplace, 75-6129 Alii Dr. (at the south end), where local farmers and artists set up their wares daily from 8am to 5pm. This is not your garden-variety marketplace; some vendors are permanent, some drive over from Hilo, and the owners have planted shade trees and foliage to make the 5-acre plot a Kona landmark. There are 40 to 50 vendors on any given day, selling jewelry, woodcrafts, produce, macadamia nuts, orchids, and -- my favorite -- the fresh juices of Kay Reeves, owner of Wau, who gets up before dawn to make her sensational fresh lilikoi and lime juices. Kona Blue Sky Coffee is also here, as is Lynn Cappell, a fine painter of island landscapes, and Laura de Rosa's sensational A'ala Dreams lotions and oils.

From 8am to 3pm on Wednesday and Saturday, look for the loosely assembled tarps of the Farmers Market in Kaiwi Square, in the old industrial area in Kona, corner of Kaiwi and Luhia streets. (Go as early as possible to avoid the heat.) Local farmers sell organic corn and tomatoes, anthuriums and other tropicals of every hue, a range of home-grown fruit, and macadamia nuts. It's a great way to sample the region's specialties, some of which also make affordable souvenirs.

Java junkies jump-start their day at Island Lava Java (tel. 808/327-2161), the hot new magnet for coffee lovers at the Coconut Grove Market Place, on Alii Drive. At the other end of Kailua-Kona, the handmade candies of the Kailua Candy Company (tel. 808/329-2522, or 800/622-2462 for orders) also beckon, especially the macadamia-nut clusters with ground ginger or the legendary macadamia-nut honu (turtle). Other products include truffles, pure Kona coffee, shortbread cookies, toffee, T-shirts, mugs, mustards and other gift items.

Kona Wine Market, in the King Kamehameha Mall (tel. 808/329-9400), has a noteworthy selection, including some esoteric vintages, at prices you'll love. This is a wine lover's store, with selections from California, Europe, and points beyond, as well as gift baskets, cheeses, cigars, oils and vinegars, specialty pastas and condiments, Riedel glassware, and friendly, knowledgeable service.

For everyday grocery needs, KTA Stores (in the Kona Coast Shopping Center, at Palani Rd. and the Queen Kaahumanu Hwy., and in the Keauhou Shopping Village, on Alii Dr.) are always my first choice. Through its Mountain Apple brand, KTA sells hundreds of top-notch local products -- from Kona smoked marlin and Hilo-grown rainbow trout to cookies, breads, jams and jellies, taro chips, and kulolo, the decadently dense taro-coconut steamed pudding -- by dozens of local vendors. The fresh-fish department is always an adventure; if anything esoteric is running, such as the flashy red aweoweo, it's sure to be on KTA's counters, along with a large spread of prepared foods for sunset picnics and barbecues.

Upcountry Kona: Holualoa
Charming Holualoa, 1,400 feet and 10 minutes above Kailua-Kona at the top of Hualalai Road, is a place for strong espresso, leisurely gallery hopping, and nostalgic explorations across several cultural and time zones. One narrow road takes you across generations and cultures.

Paul's Place is Holualoa's only all-purpose general store, a time warp tucked between frame shops, galleries, and studios.

Prominent Holualoa artists include the jewelry maker/sculptor Sam Rosen, who years ago set the pace for found-object art and today makes beautiful pieces at the rear of Chestnut Gallery; the furniture maker and wood sculptor Gerald Ben; the printmaker Nora Yamanoha; the glass artist Wilfred Yamazawa; the sculptor Cal Hashimoto; and Hiroki and Setsuko Morinoue of Studio 7 gallery. All galleries listed are on the main street, Mamalahoa Highway, and all are within walking distance of each other.

South Kona

In Kealakekua, the Kamigaki Market, on Highway 11, also called Mamalahoa Highway, is a reliable source of food items, especially for regional specialties such as macadamia nuts and Kona coffee.

In Honaunau, farther south, keep an eye out for the Bong Brothers Store, on Highway 11, and its eye-catching selections of fresh local fruit -- from cherimoya (in season) to star fruit and white Sugarloaf pineapples. The Bongs are known for their deli items, produce, and Kona coffee fresh from their own roasting room, but I think their black, very hip Bong Brothers and Bong Sistah T-shirts are the find of the region and season. The juice bar offers homemade soups and smoothies made with fresh local fruit.

In the town of Captain Cook, look for the big BANANA BREAD sign (you can't miss it) across the street from the fire station on Highway 11 and you'll come across the Captain Cook Baking Company, which bakes excellent banana bread with macadamia nuts, under the "Auntie Helen's" label. The bread is made with Big Island bananas and macadamia-nut honey, and baked right there in the kitchen. This bakery-sandwich shop also sells Lilikoi Gold passion butter, cheesecake-brownies, and submarine sandwiches on its own house-made breads.

The Kohala Coast

Shops on the Kohala Coast are concentrated in and around the resorts.

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Among the hotel's shops, Sandal Tree carries footwear with style and kick: Italian sandals at non-Italian prices, designer pumps, and other footwear to carry you from dockside to dance floor.

Kings' Shops
These stores are located near the Hilton. A recent find here is Walking in Paradise (tel. 808/886-2600). The footwear -- much of it made in France (Mephisto, Arche) -- can be expensive, but it's worthwhile for anyone seeking comfort while exploring the harsh lava terrain of this island or the pedestrian culture of Kailua's Alii Drive. Toward the mauka (mountainside) end is Noa Noa, filled with exotic artifacts from Java and Borneo and tropical clothing for easygoing life on the Pacific Rim. At Under the Koa Tree, some of the island's finest artists display their prints, woodcrafts, and paintings. For snacks, ice, sunscreen, wine, postcards, newspapers, and everyday essentials, there's the Whalers General Store, and for dining on the run, a small Food Court with pizza, plate lunches, and the Wild Boar Juice & Java bar for fresh-pressed carrot/ginger juice or a steaming cup of brew.

Hualalai Resort
Ka'upulehu Store, in the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, is a perfect blend of high quality and cultural integrity. Located within the award-winning Ka'upulehu Cultural Center, the store carries items made in Hawaii: handmade paper, hand-painted silks, seed leis, greeting cards, koa bowls, wreaths, John Kelly prints, and a selection of Hawaii-themed books. Hualalai Sports Club and Spa, in the same resort, has a winning retail section of beauty, aromatherapy, and treatment products, including Hana Nai'a Aromatherapy Products. The products include mango and jasmine perfumes, Bulgarian rose water, and herbal lotions and potions.

Mauna Lani Resort
In The Fairmont Orchid, at Spa Without Walls, the finest European beauty treatments, a well-trained staff, and products using seaweeds, salts, herbs, and essential oils make it hard to resist the spa's refined allure.

Art Appreciation -- The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr. (tel. 808/882-7222), is home to one of the world's most impressive collections of Asian and Oceanic art. It's displayed unpretentiously, in public and private spaces. Laurance Rockefeller planned his resort so that the art would be integrated into the environment. The result is a spiritually and aesthetically uplifting view in every direction. A 7th-century granite Buddha is the oldest work in a collection that incorporates art from China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and Polynesia, including Hawaii. The Lloyd Sexton Gallery and John Young paintings throughout the hotel reflect Rockefeller's commitment to the finest.

Waimea

Waimea is lei country as well as the island's breadbasket, so look for protea, vegetables, vine-ripened tomatoes, and tuberose stalks here at reasonable prices. Mainstays include Honopua Farm and Hufford's Farm, side by side, selling freshly-cut flowers and organic vegetables. You'll find Marie McDonald, one of Hawaii's premier lei makers, at the booth. (If you want one of her designer Waimea leis, you have to order ahead; call tel. 808/885-4148.) Also here is Bernice Berdon, considered the best maker of akulikuli leis, a Waimea signature that comes in yellows, oranges, and fuchsias. If you're here around Christmas, you'll find phenomenal protea wreaths.

Small and sublime, the Waimea Farmers Market, Highway 19, at mile marker 55 on the Hamakua side of Waimea town (on the lawn in front of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, West Hawaii office), draws a loyal crowd from 7am to noon on Saturday.

At the other end of Waimea, the Parker School Farmers Market, held Saturday from 7:30am to noon, is smaller and more subdued, but with choice items as well. The Kalopa macadamia nuts are the sweetest and tastiest I've ever had. Hilo's wonderful Dan De Luz Woods has a branch at 64-1013 Mamalahoa Hwy., in front of the True Value hardware store.

Other shops in Waimea range from the small roadside storefronts lining Highway 19 and Highway 190, which intersect in the middle of town, to complexes such as Waimea Center, where you'll find the trusty old KTA Super Store, the one-stop shop for all your basic necessities, plus a glorious profusion of interesting local foods.

Cook's Discoveries, at a prominent corner on the Hamakua side of town, is better than ever. With its upscale galleries and shops, Parker Square will likely be your most rewarding stop.

Honokaa

Mamane Street Bakery, on the main drag (45-3625 Mamane St.; tel. 808/775-9478), will fill all your coffee-shop needs. Fresh-baked breads, pies, and pastries (including melt-in-your-mouth danishes) are served with good coffee in a tiny cafe lined with old photographs.

Hilo

Shopping in Hilo is centred on the Kaiko'o Hilo Mall, 777 Kilauea Ave., near the state and county buildings; the Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza, 111 E. Puainako, just off Highway 11 on the road north to Volcano, where you'll find a supermarket, drugstore, Macy's, and other standards; the Bayfront area downtown, where the hippest new businesses have taken up residence in the historic buildings lining Kamehameha Avenue; and the new Waiakea Plaza, where the big-box retailers (Ross, Office Max, Borders, Wal-Mart) have moved in. For practical needs, there's a KTA Super Store at 323 Keawe St. and another at 50 E. Puainako St.

A Special Arts Center & Gallery -- Part gallery, part retail store, and part consortium of the arts, the East Hawaii Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St., across from Kalakaua Park (tel. 808/961-5711), is run by volunteers in the visual and performing arts. Keep it in mind for gifts of Hawaii, or if you have any questions regarding the Hawaii Concert Society, Hilo Community Players, Big Island Dance Council, or Big Island Art Guild. The art gallery and gift shop exhibit locally made cards, jewelry, handmade books, sculptures, and wood objects, including museum-quality works.

Studio Visits -- The airy Volcano studio/showroom of Phan Barker (tel. 808/985-8636), an international artist, is a mountain idyll and splendid backdrop for her art, which includes batik paintings on silk, acrylic painting on wood, oil on paper, dye on paper, and mixed media sculptures. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums ranging from the Smithsonian to Saigon. In addition to studio visits (by appointment only), she also offers beginner classes in silk painting and drawing.

Adding to the vitality of the Volcano arts environment are the studio visits offered by the Volcano Village Art Studios. Several respected artists in various media open their studios to the public by appointment. Artists in the hui include Ira Ono (tel. 808/967-7261), who makes masks, water containers, fountains, paste-paper journals, garden vessels, and goddesses out of clay and found objects; Pam Barton (tel. 808/967-7247), who transforms vines, leaves, roots, bark, and tree sheddings into stunning fiber sculptures and vessels, from baskets to handmade paper and books; raku and jewelry artist Zeke Israel (tel. 808/965-8820); and sculptor Randy Takaki (tel. 808/985-8756), who works in wood, metal, and ceramics.

ENTERTAINMENT IN HONOLULU / HONOLULU ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Honolulu Information — Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:57 am

Author: Honolulu Information

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:57 am

ENTERTAINMENT IN HONOLULU

As the geographical centre of the Pacific, Honolulu is also the entertainment capital of this vast region. There is much to do and see in its many entertainment venues.

Art

Hawaii is home to many world-class artists, and Honolulu has multiple galleries displaying their work. The Arts of Paradise Gallery in Waikiki features the art of more than 40 of Hawaii's best artists.

Honolulu Academy of Arts, which opened its doors to the general public in 1927, was the dream of Anna Rice Cooke. Her goal, which became the goal of the Academy as an entity, was to create a place where, artistically, "East meets West." There is a large main exhibit area that is used for temporary special exhibits. In addition, there are several other permanent galleries along with a wonderful shop and a delightful restaurant, the Pavilion Cafe, set in a tropical courtyard.

Cinema

In Honolulu's prestigious Restaurant Row near downtown, nine screens show first-run features. In the old Dole Cannery area on the other side of Honolulu's downtown area there is a 16-screen Signature Theatre.

Music and Dance of Polynesia and Beyond

All the colourful islands of the Pacific are well represented in the music and dance of Honolulu. Two excellent production shows are The Magic of Polynesia and the legendary Don Ho Show, both at the Waikiki Beachcomber. The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu's North Shore also presents daily and nightly music and dance extravaganzas. Free entertainment is presented often throughout Waikiki. Two of the best free shows are the classic live hula show at the Waikiki Shell and Aloha Waikiki, at DFS Galleria.

Lovers of classical music should make a date with the The Honolulu Symphony. The highly reputed Symphony attracts some of the world's finest guest conductors and soloists. The Hawaii Opera Theatre has been entertaining lovers of the genre for years.

Luau

One of the most popular forms of entertainment for the visitor to Hawaii is the luau, a traditional Hawaiian festival party. Guests are served sumptuous food and drink and treated to a music and dance extravaganza. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel on the beach at Waikiki, offers the Royal Hawaiian Luau, one of the best around. Germaine's Luau is another favourite, as is the luau at Paradise Cove. On the North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a luau that is widely praised for its authenticity and quality.

Museums

Honolulu boasts one of the country’s most interesting local history and cultural archives, the Bishop Museum. Located downtown, this fascinating place was founded in 1889 by Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a member of the Hawaiian royal family. The museum primarily focuses on the islands of the Pacific Basin, but it also houses a fascinating astronomy exhibit. Also downtown, the Mission Houses Museum allows one to step back in time to the early 19th century, when Honolulu was a bustling whaling port.

For those interested in Military history, the island of O'ahu offers many choices. At the northern end of Waikiki, you'll find the historical Fort DeRussy. The mighty Battleship Missouri has been turned into a Navy and World War II museum at Pearl Harbor. Nearby, the Bowfin Memorial Park has many exhibits about undersea warfare in the last century.

The Music Scene

The most popular venue for rock and pop concerts is the 9000-capacity Neal Blaisdell Arena, located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu also do their share to entertain the rock and pop fans visiting Waikiki.

Nightclubs

Honolulu, like most cities, has a wide variety of spots where nightlife flourishes. Most of these nightclubs are in the tourist area of Waikiki. In the Waikiki Trade Center you will find the large and luxurious Zanzabar Nightclub. Other night spots include the boisterous Pipeline Cafe, and Chai's Island Bistro in the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which features the best local Hawaiian performers. There are also countless karaoke and hostess-bars throughout Honolulu. Ala Moana is the main area for these establishments.

Live Theatre

The premier house for live theatre is the Diamond Head Theatre in the shadow of the Diamond Head State Monument. Another place to see live theatre is at the Manoa Valley Theater near the University of Hawaii. The Honolulu Academy of Arts has the Doris Duke Theatre that sometimes presents plays and musical showcases.

Golf

One of the main reasons visitors come to the Hawaiian Islands is the abundance of beautiful golf courses. Honolulu's home island of Oahu has a number of great choices. Coral Creek is a favourite for its lush tropical landscaping, exotic coral formations and challenging par-72 course. On the North Shore you'll find the Links at Kuilima. The crowded Ala Wai Golf Course is a convenient and reasonably priced place to play. If saving a few dollars is important, Stand-by Golf can get you next-day and same-day tee times at discounted rates.

For information on all of Honolulu and Oahu's many activities, stop by a hotel activity desk, an activity broker or any airport kiosks. The most thorough source of information is the Convention & Visitor's Bureau (+1 800 464 2924/ http://www.gohawaii.com).

FOOD & DINING IN HONOLULU / HONOLULU DINING GUIDE

Honolulu Information — Thu Dec 21, 2006 6:03 am

Author: Honolulu Information

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 6:03 am

FOOD & DINING IN HONOLULU

Honolulu is a city that is rich in dining and drinking choices. Cuisine from all cultures can be found here in abundance. The competition to capture part of the tourist market (5 million people annually) makes restaurants innovative and very conscious of quality. Whether you are in the mood for seafood, Chinese, Italian, French, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese or good old American fare, Honolulu will not disappoint you.

Waikiki

Hawaii's premier vacation destination, Waikiki, boasts every imaginable kind of dining establishment. Every large hotel has at least one restaurant and some boast five or six; most are very worthwhile. For great steak, your choices are many. Seafood places are also just about everywhere in Waikiki. At the Lobster & Crab House in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, a large tank of live Maine lobsters is positioned at the entrance so that you may pick your clawed choice for dinner. La Mer, in the Halekulani Hotel, is a nouveau French seafood restaurant that is one of the top-rated establishments in Hawaii.

Many residents and visitors consider Matteo's in the Marine Surf Hotel to be one of the finest Italian restaurants in Waikiki and Honolulu. The superb menu is served in an intimate setting. The wine list here is also one of the best in town. Duke's Restaurant & Barefoot Bar is also in a class all by itself, offering great food, live Hawaiian music and a fantastic beachfront location. This is the place to be on a Sunday afternoon after a refreshing dip in the blue Pacific. A Honolulu institution and an absolute "must" for any foodie is the original Chart House Restaurant overlooking the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. The food, service and sunset are simply wonderful. For Japanese Teppan-yaki, try Tanaka of Tokyo, with three locations in Waikiki. A Japanese fast food favourite, the Ezogiku Noodle Café, also has several locations throughout the city.

Chinatown

As might be expected, Honolulu's Chinatown features some of the best Chinese restaurants in the Pacific Basin. In addition to regional Chinese establishments, you'll find other authentic Asian eateries here. Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Indonesian food is available and in most cases, very reasonably priced. There are about ten restaurants in and around the Chinese Cultural Plaza on King Street. Enjoy buffets, dim sum, or inexpensive a la carte meals from all regions of China. One of the best known restaurants in the Plaza is Legend Seafood Restaurant. As the name suggests, seafood of all kinds is in the spotlight here. It's a noisy place reminiscent of modern-day Hong Kong. The dim sum lunch is not to be missed. Many excellent Vietnamese restaurants are in this district; the most famous is probably Pho 97 on Maunakea. It's easy to confuse them, but don't worry too much about it; the menus and prices are comparable. Anyone sampling Vietnamese cuisine for the first time should order a huge, steaming bowl of Pho, the ubiquitous Vietnamese soup.

Downtown Honolulu

The centre of this fascinating melting-pot city offers a wide choice of dining establishments. Straddling the border of downtown and Ala Moana is Restaurant Row on Ala Moana Boulevard. Among the restaurants found here is the trendy Sunset Grill. Several blocks away, the Aloha Tower Marketplace at the Port of Honolulu also boasts a number of excellent dining choices. Hong Kong Harbour View Seafood Restaurant offers authentic Cantonese dishes. Chai's Island Bistro is the place to go for upscale Hawaiian dishes and contemporary Pacific Basin cuisine.

Another gourmet hot spot is the Chef Mavro Restaurant. Under the stellar direction of the culinary wizard who was formerly executive chef at La Mer, this restaurant has garnered accolades from the likes of Gourmet Magazine and The New York Times. In the centre of Honolulu's old town, you'll find Murphy's Bar and Grill on Merchant Street. As might be expected, the corned beef and cabbage are great and there's plenty of Guinness on tap. Palomino Euro Bistro on Queen Street usually wins prizes for decor and cuisine every year. The Pavilion Cafe at Honolulu Academy of Arts is a wonderful place for lunch. Have a delicious, healthful meal and a glass of wine in a tropical courtyard, surrounded by many wonderful works of art.

On the Pearl Harbor side of Honolulu, you'll find Sam Choy's. This is a great place to have a hearty, stick-to-the-ribs meal prepared in contemporary Hawaiian style. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ala Moana and Kaakako

There are some great places to dine on the stretch between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. The two main thoroughfares that span this four-mile distance are Ala Moana and Kapiolani Boulevards. The many-sided Victoria Ward Centers on Ala Moana has some of the best spots in town. In the Ward Warehouse, you'll find cheap seafood at The Chowder House and pricey steaks at Stuart Anderson's. Across the street in the Ward Centre, visit Ryan's Grill, a great saloon with excellent food. This is a favourite watering hole for the downtown business crowd. One of the area's premier seafood restaurants is John Dominus on Ahui Street near Ward Centre.

Nearby the huge Ala Moana Shopping Center, you'll find the I Love Country Café. It is one of the best places in the area to sample inexpensive local cooking, with lots of Philippine and Thai accents. In the Ala Moana Center itself, there are over 30 choices for dining. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company on the second level serves up shrimp dishes of all kinds in a fun atmosphere. Delicious Italian food can be enjoyed in the contemporary setting of Assaggio's, easily distinguishable by the modern-art fountain out front. The Ala Moana Food Court, also known as the Makai Market, has over 20 stalls that serve American, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and local cuisine. Singha Thai Cuisine, across from the Renaissance Ilikai on the Ala Moana/Waikiki border, is one of the best Thai places in Hawaii. It's a large restaurant with excellent food and authentic Thai dancers performing twice every evening.

East Honolulu (Kahala and Hawaii Kai)

This upscale stretch of coastline features many dining opportunities. The elegant Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel hotel offers numerous dining choices, most notably Pan-Asian gourmet room Hoku's. The Kahala Mall at the end of the H1 freeway has several excellent choices.

Farther down the coast toward the beaches near Coco Head, the community of Hawai'i Kai boasts one of the best restaurants in Hawaii, Roy's. The cuisine is a mixture of Continental, Japanese and local Hawaiian. It's very pricey, but well worth it.

Manoa Valley

This lovely area is home to the University of Hawaii and is one of Honolulu's nicest suburban neighbourhoods. In the centre of the Valley, the Ala Manoa Shopping Center is a gathering place for students, professors and residents. The most unusual of the restaurants in the valley is Paesano, a top-notch Italian bistro owned and operated by a family from Laos. The comfortable eatery serves food to rival any Italian dining spot in town. It's located in the Center, on Woodlawn Drive.

These dining establishments represent just a small cross-section of the hundreds of great places in Honolulu and its home island of O'ahu. Wherever you turn in this Pacific metropolis, you'll find opportunities to enjoy wonderful cuisine.

Merry Christmas

stud — Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:56 pm

Author: stud

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:56 pm

Merry Christmas Honolulu.
STUD