Hula Planet:What To Do In Hawaii

What To Buy For The Hawaii Lover On Your Christmas List

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got Christmas shopping on my mind today. So, I wanted to revisit last year’s gift idea post with some fresh ideas for what to get your friends and family that love the Aloha State. Hawaiian Happy Cakes –

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Hawaii’s Tastiest Sweet Treats

WARNING: You may want to have a napkin nearby as we review these mouthwatering sweets. If you like sweets, you’ll find some onolicious ones in Hawaii! From easy to find to off the beaten path, here’s my list of Hawaii’s tastiest sweet treats: 1. Coco Puffs from Liliha Bakery in Honolulu, Oahu When I took my first bite of a Coco Puff , instinctively I said, “Mmmmmm…..mmmmm!” This puffed pastry treat is  filled with a buttery, creamy chocolate pudding and topped off with a coconut and vanilla topping. How good are Liliha’s Coco Puffs? Well, here’s what one reader wrote in the comments of my Liliha Coco Puff post . All I can say is WOW – stumbled across this post before going to spend a week in Oahu and it was more than worth the $50 round trip cab ride from Waikiki just to taste one of those amazing coco puffs !! Of course, I couldn’t just stop at one and after buying a box to go I was left licking the wrappers after the last one was eaten . Thank you so much for this recommendation!! 2. Maui Gold Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Pineapple Grill on Maui Pineapple from Hawaii is delicious, but Pineapple Grill in Kapalua takes this fruit to a whole new level in their signature dessert. As if the cake wasn’t delicious enough, they top it with Roselani macadamia nut ice cream, toasted coconut and a caramel sauce. 3. Shave Ice If you need to cool down after a day at the beach or a hike, a Hawaiian shave ice will refresh you. Shave ice is similar to a snow cone but with ice that’s very finely shaved making it soft and smooth. You then have a choice of flavorings that add the sweetness. You can find shave ice all over Hawaii. A few of our favorite shave ice joints are: - Matsumoto in Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore – This shave ice place is the most famous. - Waiola Bakery & Shave Ice on Kapahulu Avenue by Waikiki on Oahu. - Aloha Island Shave Ice on the Hana Highway in Paia on Maui 4. Malasadas Portuguese immigrants introduced this doughnut-like pastry to Hawaii. Malasadas are filled with a variety of creamy fruit-flavored centers, as well as chocolate and vanilla fillings.  The best way to have a malasada is to  purchase it while it’s still warm and eat it right away. You can find malasadas in most Hawaii bakeries. Freshly made malasadas are also popular at  Hawaii’s farmers markets . Three of the more famous places to try a malasada are: - Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue by Waikiki on Oahu - T. Komoda Store & Bakery on Baldwin Avenue in Makawao on Maui - Tex Drive-In off Highway 19 near Honokaa on Hawaii’s Big Island 5. Happy Cakes on Oahu As I said in my Happy Cakes post , this cake lives up to its name. This golden moist cake bursts with the iconic flavors of Hawaii – pineapple, macadamia nuts and coconut. Need I say more? There’s a chocolate version, too.  You can pick up a Happy Cake at a variety of locations that I describe in my Happy Cakes post or you can order them online. 6. Hula Pie If you go into any of the TS Hawaii Restaurants (for example, any of the Duke’s restaurants) save room a slice of Hula Pie . This generously-sized (e.g. sharable) pie is made of macadamia nut ice cream, topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and more macadamia nuts. 7. Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie from Ted’s Bakery on Oahu’s North Shore I must thank a Go Visit Hawaii reader, Janet Rivera, for telling me about Ted’s Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie. I had been to Ted’s Bakery a number of times for breakfast or lunch, but somehow missed that chocolaty, coconuty, creamy goodness up until last year. If you’re stopping into Ted’s with a large group, purchase an entire pie to share, otherwise I recommend purchasing the a slice that’s individually packaged. 8. Mochi How does one describe mochi ? It’s a soft Japanese rice cake usually filled with ice cream. I realize that description doesn’t exactly sound delicious, but you’ve got to trust me on this one. You can find mochi in grocery stores and bakeries around Hawaii. 9. Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts No list of Hawaii’s best sweet treats be complete without chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Though they’re not too difficult to find on the US Mainland, you certainly can’t find the variety that Hawaii offers. See my post on where to find macadamia nut farms in Hawaii . Most farms have a shop where you can sample all sorts of macadamia goodness. My favorite kind is the milk chocolate toffee covered macadamia nut. They’re delish! — Did your favorite sweet treat make the list? What’s your favorite sweet snack or dessert in Hawaii? Where did you try it? © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .

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Best Dining in Lanai

After three visits to Lanai, we’ve had a chance to dine at almost every restaurant on the entire island. For such a small island, Lanai’s chefs sure do cook up some great food. From local ono grindz to haute cuisine, Lanai has it all. I’ll share our favorite places to dine in Lanai organized by meal. BREAKFAST Hulopoe Court at Four Seasons Manele What a beautiful place to start the day with a yummy breakfast. We usually opt for the bountiful breakfast buffet, but their al a carte menu is a good option, too.

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Maui & Lanai New Year’s Eve Events 2010/2011

Lana'i Fireworks at Hulopoe Beach Will you be welcoming in 2011 in Maui or Lanai? You find plenty to do to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bit of Aloha. I’ve prepared this list of Maui and Lanai New Year’s Eve events to assist you with your planning. Here’s what’s going on December 31, 2010. *  Pacific Whale Foundation offers a new Year’s Cocktail Cruise departing at 10:30pm. The cruise departs from Ma’alaea Harbor and includes appetizers, desserts, live island music and cocktails. Pricing starts at $55.96. See this link for more information. *  Pacific Whale Foundation will host a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise departing Lahaina at 10:45pm. This two-hour cruise will include a four-course dinner with Hawaiian style entertainment. Pricing starts at $87.96. Booking online saves you 10%. See this link for all the details. *  Zoom on into 2011 at Fairmont Kea Lani’s  Totally Tubular New Year’s Eve 80′s Party on New Year’s Eve. The event begins with a reception at 7pm with pupus, games, fortune tellers, and children’s prizes followed by a gourmet buffet featuring lobster and filet mignon. The celebration continues in the Kea Lani Ballroom with dancing and a DJ leading up to the midnight New Year’s Eve countdown. $250.00 per person, 16-20 years old – $100.00, 6-15 years old – $40 and Children 5 years and under complimentary. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please call 808-875-2290 or email concierge.kealani@fairmont.com for reservations. Reservations are limited and are required for this event. Visit www.fairmont.com/kealani/ for more details *  Ring in the New Year at the Epicurean Delight Dinner Buffet at Sheraton Maui Resort Dinner will be followed by live music, dancing and drink specials at the Cliff Dive Bar. Pricing is $89 for adults, $34.50 for kids ages 12-16yrs old and  $17.25 for children ages 5-11yrs. For reservations, call 808- 661-0031. *  Molokini Bar and Grille at Makena Beach Resort Maua will offer a special New Years Eve Three-Course Dinner & Celebration with dinner served from 6pm to 9pm and  entertainment from 8:30pm to 12:30am. You can review the three-course menu selections here . Pricing is $62 ($84 with wine pairing) for adults; $30 for child ages 6-12. For reservations, call 808-875-5888. *  Kaanapali Beach Hotel hosts a New Year’s Eve four-course dinner at Tiki Terrace Restaurant. The menu includes Shrimp Poke Salad, Seafood Lawalu, Ko‘ala Lamb Chops, Seared Opakapaka stuffed with Crab, and more. Finish the meal with decadent winning specialties including Banana Caramel Eruption or Chocolate Fudge Cake. Seating is from 6-9 m and the full course dinner is $55 per adult, $35 for children (ages 6-12). Children 5 years and younger dine free (one child per paid adult). Call 808-667-0124 for reservations. * Kaanapali Beach Hotel features a Magical Maui New Year’s Eve Party. This dinner party features a mythical extravaganza of world-class illusions and Hawaiian legends starring Jody & Kathleen Baran. This event Includes an arrival Mai Tai, gourmet three-course dinner, pre-show hosted beer & wine bar (no host throughout the evening), dancing, contests, party favors, balloon drop, champagne toast and an early morning breakfast. The dinner menu features three courses with a choice from the following entrées: Fresh Island Snapper, Shrimp & Tenderloin, Grilled Chicken with Shrimp or Marinated Tofu with Sautéed Vegetables.Prices for this extravaganza are: $175 for Gold Circle seating (front row tables), $155 for adult general seating. Special kama‘aina, and children’s pricing are available. Check-in time is 8:30pm and the party ends at 1am. For reservations call 808-667-0124. *  The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s The Banyan Tree will also ring in the new year with sophisticated fare, offering gourmands a five-course menu created by Ryan Urig and an ala carte menu. Live contemporary jazz by Raw Silk and festive party favors will set the stage for a memorable celebration from 5:30 to 10:00pm. After 10pm, the festivities move to the lobby with entertainment until 2am. Pricing is $125 per person. For reservations, call 808-669-6200. At the time of preparing this list, there have been no reports of New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight  in either west or south Maui resort areas. I have confirmed that there will be New Year’s Eve fireworks at Hulopoe Beach near Manele Bay on the island of Lana’i. Lana’i is only a 45-minute ferry ride away from Maui. Since the ferry only operates during daylight hours, you’d need to stay overnight at either Four Seasons Lana’i at Manele Bay (where the fireworks show will take place), Four Seasons Lana’i Lodge at Koele , or Hotel Lanai. No matter where you stay on Lanai, an island shuttle is available to pick you up at the ferry and take you anywhere you need to go on the island as well as all your transportation needs. All three Lanai hotels will have restaurants open for a special New Year’s Eve dinner. I spent my New Year’s Eve at Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay last year and really, really enjoyed it. The fireworks show at the beach was spectacular. Advice & Notes: Due to demand and this special time of year, some of the special dining events require a 48 or 72 hour cancellation. Please make sure you are aware of the cancellation policy as you make your reservations. Unless otherwise noted, you can assume that taxes and gratuity are not included in the pricing listed. I recommend you make your reservations as soon as possible to secure the event you prefer. Seating is limited, particularly on the cruises. Many restaurants will allow children ages four or five and under to dine for free with each paying adult. While you’re in Maui and Lanai start practicing the phrase Hau’oli Makahiki Hou , which is the Hawaiian way to say Happy New Year. It’s pronounced, “how-oh-lay ma-ka-hee-key ho”. Hau’oli Makahiki Hou and happy 2011 everyone! © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .

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Gift Ideas for the Hawaii Lover on Your List

Is there someone on your holiday gift list that loves Hawaii? Well, I have the perfect gift list for you. Whether you choose ‘ono food gift or something artistic, you’ll be certain to win brownie points with many mahalos. Hawaiian Happy Cakes –

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Gift Ideas for the Hawaii Lover on Your List

Is there someone on your holiday gift list that loves Hawaii? Well, I have the perfect gift list for you. Whether you choose ‘ono food gift or something artistic, you’ll be certain to win brownie points with many mahalos. Hawaiian Happy Cakes –

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Making Hawaiian Chocolate from Cacao Beans in Hawaii

workers, or in large cocoa factories where it can be done by machines. The cacao beans are later transferred to wooden crates or baskets with banana leaves in between and on top to enable an optimal fermentation. The duration of the fermentation depends on the variety and is from 2 to more than 7 days. [...]

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