Muumuu Heaven – New School Standards

Muumuu Heaven – New School Standards

This Kailua shop is where old Hawaiian-print dresses and fabrics go for a refresh. Designer Deborah Mascia recycles tired muumuus to create fresh designs with amazing tropical flair and surprising combinations of colors and patterns. Celebs who wear Muumuu Heaven include Lauryn Hill. This shops is a fave of local fashionistas and donates 1% of proceeds to charities.
Kaunaoa Beach

Kaunaoa Beach

A gentle, lovely strand of white sand so real its hard to believe its man-made. Waves here are mellower than at next door Hapuna. Brunch at the Mauna Kea Hotel fronting Kaunaoa is a Big Island tradition. With a due West orientation sunsets are mighty fine. Towel? Check. Snorkel? Check. Book? Check. Right on.
Ginger-Crusted Onaga at Alan Wong’s

Ginger-Crusted Onaga at Alan Wong’s

Super chef Alan Wong has twice attempted to remove this favorite from his menu. Special requests from regulars brought it back. This is perhaps the most amazing fusion entree in the world, an ambrosial layering of sweet miso and sesame saucy, ginger spice crust, and firm-fleshed onaga. This is on the culinary bucket list for any foodie.

Red Salt Restaurant

Red Salt Restaurant

The house restaurant at the boutique luxe Koa Kea Hotel & Resort on Kauai is a sleeper in the islands. The name refers to the ala’e sea salt collected on the West Side of Kauai at Salt Pond Park. It’s also a star element in the Red Salt Poke, a Hawaiian-style salty ceviche with shoyu that is an islands staple and a highlight of meals at this joint, which are Hawaii-fusion but not heavy handed. But you gotta love pork and the Kalua Pork “Luau” with Taro Gnocchi
Volcano Mist Cottage

Volcano Mist Cottage

Two people. On a misty volcano. In the primeval rainforest. That’s the attraction of the Volcano Mist Cottage. Located one mile from the entrance to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where Madame Pele reigns supreme, this lovely spot is tucked into the Kilauea Forest Preserve amidst groves of vermillion blossomed ‘ohi’a and hapu’u ferns. The preserve is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. The outdoor shower….
The Shipman House in Hilo – Victorian Style, Living History, Hide in Plain Sight

The Shipman House in Hilo – Victorian Style, Living History, Hide in Plain Sight

Big Island rancher W. H. “Willie” Shipman purchased this graceful, secluded Victorian high above Hilo Bay for the grand sum of $13,000 in 1901. The house has entertained marquee guests ever since. During a 1907 tour of the South Pacific, writer Jack London and his wife stayed for five weeks there. (Hilo lacked a single hotels at the time.) Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last monarch and a noted musician, tinkled the ivories…