Fine dining in Hawai‘i is an elegant meal that is the direct result of a chef working from fresh-off-the-farm produce. Here, that combination is known as Hawaii Regional Cuisine, which combines the classic techniques of Europe, the savvy style and sophistication of American Regional Cuisine, and the exotic ingredients of the Pacific Rim. Peter Merriman,… Continue »
Volcano Winery, located just outside of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, is America’s southernmost winery and one of only two in the Islands. Fourteen acres of Symphony grapes are grown in the vineyard and harvested, fermented, bottled and sold on the premises. The Symphony grape, which is a hybrid of the Grenache Gris and Muscat of… Continue »
Looking for a way to relax and kick back but still enjoy the culture and aloha of Hawaii? Check out a slack key guitar concert, spotlighting a musical style that originated in and flourishes throughout the Islands. For a bit of an introduction, imagine: It’s the late 1800s on the grassy plains of the Big… Continue »
Shave ice — it’s not your average snow cone. Debates rage over which shack, shop or stand has the most finely shaven ice or perfectly crafted syrup. From haupia, which means coconut, to li hing mui, a salty dried plum, to strawberry, shave ice flavors can be selected to fit anyone’s taste buds and offers… Continue »
While here on Hawai‘i Island, you’ll likely encounter many scenes that you wish you could save forever. From the other-worldly scenes found at the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to the lush greens of Hilo or that big one you caught while on a sportfishing trip out of Honokokau Harbor, a picture is indeed worth a… Continue »
Loosely translated, a lu‘au is a big feast with a lot of singing, dancing and fun. Lu‘au often feature homegrown entertainment, complete with traditional hula and Polynesian festivities. Served with that is a main course of kalua pig – tender, shredded pork cooked in an imu (underground oven) – and typical Hawaiian sides of poi,… Continue »
The plate lunch is a quintessential part of Hawaiian cuisine. Tending to be two parts rice, one part mac salad, and one part meat, these large meals cover the basics and sometimes even all three daily meals. Even better, their prices rival those of any typical fast-food joint found in Hawaii. Just pick up a… Continue »
Kava is a relaxing, non-alcoholic drink used for centuries by indigenous cultures throughout the South Pacific. Big Island farmers are beginning to cultivate kava – also called ‘awa – for commercial use, and kava bars are bringing the friendly brew to the mainstream. Studies have shown that kava, taken in moderation, promotes a state of… Continue »
In its authentic form, hula is the most powerful expression of indigenous Hawaiian culture that exists. The chants and dance comprise an oral history of Hawai‘i’s native people, passed down from a kumu hula (teacher) to each generation. The Big Island is home to the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival, which is held every year in… Continue »
You’ve seen locals digging into a dish that resembles cubes of raw fish—this is poke (“poh-keh”), arguably the best way to eat freshly caught ‘ahi (tuna) or tako (octopus). Poke can be raw or smoked, and tossed in a variety of sauces, from simple shoyu (soy sauce) to original flavors like wasabi or sesame. You… Continue »