In the heart of busy Honolulu Oahu, Foster Botanical Gardens is a 13.5 acre oasis of tropical plants, some rare and endangered, collected from throughout the world’s tropics over a period of 140 years.

The oldest of several botanical gardens in Hawaii, Foster Botanical Garden started after William Hillebrand leased a portion of what is now central Honolulu from Queen Kalama in 1853.

As a botanist Hillebrand planted a great many trees, then left Hawaii for his native Germany, where he produced Flora of the Hawaiian Islands (1888).

The site was then sold to Thomas and Mary Foster, who added several acres and plantings before it was bequeathed to the city as a public garden in 1931.

The first Foster Botanical Garden director was Dr. Harold Lyon, a preeminent botanist in Hawaii.

Major streets now encompass the site, check the satellite image to get a feel for how precious a retreat this makes in the center of a busy city.

Of note are the orchid gardens, a prehistoric glen, a multitude of protected exceptional trees, and, as you can see, a magnificent palm collection.

Guided tours of Foster Botanical Garden are given to thousands of school children as well as visitors from around the world.

For additional information, please visit Foster Botanical Garden

We often envy birds and wish we could glide through the air like them. But how about the thrill of skydiving over one of the most beautiful places in the world – Kauai, Hawaii?

For a remarkable skydiving experience, be sure to visit the best – Skydive Kauai. Skydive Kauai is owned by U.S. National Skydiving Champion Dave Timko.

You can enjoy a memorable tandem skydive over the lush, tropical island of Kauai, Hawaii.

After about a 30 minute plane ride and reaching about 10,000 in elevation, you’ll jump out of the plane and begin your half-minute freefall over the Garden Island’s incredible southern shore.

Once your parachute opens, you slowly descend for about 10 minutes and then safely reach the ground. All along taking into amazing local views.

Skydive Kauai owner Dave Timko preaches safety, and his company offers a perfect safety record.

To remember your outing, you will also receive a DVD of your Kauai skydiving experience.

You can find Skydive Kauai at the Port Allen Airport on Kuiloko Road in Hanapepe, and they are open seven days a week.

Skydive Kauai
http://www.skydivekauai.com/
Phone – (808)335-5859

With breathtaking views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu’s famous skyline, Sarento’s Top of the “I” brings a bit of Italy to Hawaii with style.

Sarento’s has old country warmth, hospitality and live piano music are part of the atmosphere that makes this fine dining establishment one of Hawaii’s most celebrated.

Sarento’s Top Of The I in Honolulu is a two star Italian restaurant. This restaurant is quite expensive, but well worth every dollar. 

The restaurant is located in the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki, in Waikiki, Hawaii.

It’s been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence award. This place features great views. When you step inside the restaurant, you’ll notice an elegant atmosphere. 

Sarento’s offers diners a casual elegance but with superior service. Combined with the terrific culinary offerings, Sarento’s has well earned numerous accolades from the local Hawaiian community.

Sarentao’s also features fine wines to meet everyone’s taste.

Sarento’s Top of the “I”
1777 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 955-5559

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can find the magnificent Akaka Falls State Park. Akaka Falls State Park is located about about 11 miles north of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The drive to Akaka Falls State Park is somewhat scenic, offering nice views of Mauna Kea.

Once you reach Akaka Falls State Park, there is a short, half-mile loop trail that you will need to hike to view Akaka Falls. The easy trail is along a well maintained and paved route.

The path takes you through thick Big Island foliage and you definitely know you are in the tropics when you follow the path to the viewing area. The Akaka Falls is located on the Kolekole Stream.

Akaka Falls is breathtaking as the 442 foot Akaka Falls drops over lushly green coated cliffs and then into a deep blue pool far below.

The word “Akaka” means a separation, a split or crack in Hawaiian. The reason Akaka Falls was given this name is due to the deep gorge that the waterfall plunges into below.

Not only is view of Akaka Falls incredible but so is the thundering sound. The amazing sound that Akaka Falls makes is caused by rushing water filling the air. The mist from Akaka Falls can be felt quite far away.

The legend of the falls surrounds a Chief named Akaka that lived in the area. He had an affair with a woman down stream. Apparently his wife caught them together, and ran away crying.

Chief named Akaka tried to catch her, Akaka tripped and tragically fell to his death at the bottom of the pool.

Akaka Falls State Park is a 66-acre preserve that’s covered by a canopy of lush rainforest vegetation. The park includes beautiful birds of paradise, azaleas and giant plants with leaves measuring almost 2 feet in length.

For those that are more adventuresome, take a short nature walk that will lead through a variety of bamboo groves, ferns, ti and orchids. You will then have the opportunity to see the 100-foot high Kahuna Falls.

To reach Akaka Falls, take Route 19 and pass by several sugar cane fields. You will see a turnoff for Akaka Falls State Park around the 13 mile marker towards Honomu. Simply follow the signs to Akaka Falls.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa has unveiled a brand new high-tech telescope for the luxury resort’s unique cosmic experience – Tour of the Stars.

Guests at the luxurious Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa will be able to view Hawaii’s celestial skies with the new Celestron high-definition 14-inch aplanic telescope. The new Celestron telescope is Hawaii’s only recreational HD telescope.

Due to the new Celestron telescope, Tour of the Stars guests will enjoy better views, greater clarity, and more photography opportunities from the state-of-the art equipment.

In addition, local Maui schoolchildren will also benefit, as Hyatt Regency Maui donated their prior telescope, the Meade 16-inch reflector “Great White” to Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina in a special celebration in late June.

The Hyatt Regency Maui’s new Celestron CGE PRO 1400 HD computerized telescope is the largest in its class. The telescope truly provides an infinitely superior flat clear image, that will ensure an improved image quality and excellent astrophotography opportunities.

“It’s very rare for people to have access to this kind of cutting-edge telescope,” says Edward J. Mahoney (“Eddie”), the resort’s Director of Astronomy and NASA Solar System Ambassador. “This new telescope will enhance the overall experience of the resort’s Tour of the Stars by giving guests access to unique, crystal clear celestial observations.”

Since the introduction of the new telescope, Mahoney plans to lead more entrancing astronomy tours, in addition to special star-parties in conjunction with notable celestial activities. Stargazers will have the chance to view little-seen constellations and take close-up photos of the moon’s surface, while learning intriguing stories of ancient Polynesian way-finding and constellation myths.

The Tour of the Stars program runs about an hour long and is offered nightly at 8:00pm, 9:00pm, and 10:00pm. The price is $25 per person for adults and just $15/per person for children.

A special romance-inspiring, couples-only Romance Tour of the Stars at 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday includes champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Concluding five years of dedicated use, Hyatt Regency Maui will present the Meade 16-inch reflector, “Great White,” which continues to offer excellent image quality, to Sacred Hearts School.

Mr. Mahoney is currently a teacher of science enrichment classes at Sacred Hearts School, and will be able to develop an Astronomy Club and to host stargazing parties among the students once or twice a month with “Great White.”

“We’re grateful to Hyatt Regency Maui for their incredible generosity,” remarks Susan Hendricks, Principal of Sacred Hearts School. “Thanks to the Hyatt Regency Maui’s donation, teachers and students will be able to conduct astronomical studies that previously had not been possible.”

Zanzabar Nightclub in Waikiki is still one of Hawaii’s best hot spots, once the sun sets over the deep, blue Pacific Ocean.

Zanzabar is located in the middle of Waikiki, inside the Waikiki Trade Center – at the corner of Seaside and Kuhio Avenues.

Even though Zanzabar Nightclub may no longer be as popular today compared to several years ago, the nightclub is still the most famous nightclub in all of Waikiki.

Zanzabar offers patrons state of the art equipment that creates the perfect playground for their very talented DJs to spin sounds that keep the hottest eye candy on the floor all night long.

If you are looking for some privacy, then VIP members can enjoy a sound-proof room and specialized entertainment for non-stop uninterrupted fun.

Popular Zanzabar Nightclub is known internationally, and it’s where both visitors and kama’aina (locals) play together until dawn.

Courtesy of:  Zanzabar Nightclub (VIP Room)

Featuring cutting-edge style, atmosphere, terrific music, clientele, and class, Zanzabar Nightclub is definitely the place to be to dance the night away.

Zanzabar can accommodate up to nearly 1,000 people, so plan to get their early for your best spot.
The nightclub welcomes people 21 and over or even 18 and over on certain nights. You can find parking available in the same building for $3 with validation.

Zanzabar Nightclub
2255 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: 808-924-3939

The Halekulani is one of the world’s finest and most acclaimed luxury resorts, and has just announced “The Art of The Cocktail” weekend. Since its inception in 1984, Halekulani has received more than five hundred accolades, awards and honoraria.

This wonderful event will take place starting on Friday, Sept. 17th through Sunday, Sept. 19th 2010.

Throughout the weekend, the “The Art of The Cocktail” summit will provide guests the opportunity to interact with some of the world’s most celebrated mixologists including – Dale DeGroff, Julie Reiner and Tony Abou-Ganim.

The Halekulani Living luxury and lifestyle series is designed to provide guests with immersive, authentic and memorable experiences by celebrating three distinct elements, Halekulani Connoisseur, Halekulani Wellness and Halekulani Masterworks. These programs aim to enrich lifestyles with everyday luxury, health and wellness, culinary escapes and masterful works of art.

Advance reservations are required for all “The Art of the Cocktail” events. A 5-seminar package is available for $160. Alternatively, guests can select their activities on an a-la-carte basis with rates ranging from $40 to $125 per person.

There is a full schedule of events planned at the Halekulani,  and include intimate gatherings, hands-on seminars, as well as numerous informative discussions. Below is a sample of what guests can enjoy:

Friday, September 17
Kick Off Cocktail Party Rub elbows with many of the world’s finest mixologists while sampling their spirited creations and enjoying delicious appetizers, accompanied by live jazz music.

Saturday, September 18
Spend the day in lively seminars, discussions and classes hosted by our who’s who of mixology.

* The Evolution of the Cocktail

Mixologists Julie Reiner, Dale DeGroff, Tony Abou-Ganim and Simon Ford engage in a panel discussion on where the industry was, where it is today and what we can look forward to in the future.

* Gin: The Noblest Spirit of All?

Simon Ford presents a historical overview of gin while Julie Reiner creates Classical and Contemporary cocktail creations.

* Tequila: The Treasured Agave Distillate

Dale DeGroff and Tony Abou-Ganim walk through a brief history and tasting of tequila while creating awe-inspiring cocktails, sharing insight on how to make the perfect margarita.

* Island to Island

Julie Reiner and Simon Ford prepare the most innovative cocktails while utilizing island influences from England to Hawaii.

* Stocking and Tending Your Home Bar

Tony Abou-Ganim, the “Modern Mixologist,” highlights the secrets of creating cocktails at home, explaining what should be stocked in a bar, tools of the trade, and how to use them.

Experience an evening of scintillating conversation at the Cocktail Palooza while guest mixologists shake and stir their signature specialties.

Sunday, September 19:
Wrap up the weekend at the Bloody Mary Brunch featuring the opportunity to create a signature bloody mary while enjoying a delectable 3-course brunch.

Ocean View room accommodations are available during the event at a special rate of $460 per night including daily breakfast for two (plus applicable taxes).

For information and reservations, please call (808) 931-5040.

Do yourselves a favor, — the next time you want a restaurant meal served to perfection, make a reservation at BLT Steak – (Bistro Laurent Tourondel), located at the Trump Waikiki, 223 Saratoga Rd., Honolulu, HI, 96815

OK, I never thought I’d say this, but move over, Ruth’s Chris, Hy’s, and Wolfgang’s, –there’s a new kid in town, and he has a knack for doing things right.

My friend and I had heard some good things about BLT, so we thought we would try it out ourselves and see what all the positive commotion was all about.

BLT is a medium sized restaurant and very tastefully decorated. We were seated at a corner booth located at the rear of the restaurant, which was unusually comfortable.

Starting things off, we chose a dozen fresh oysters on the half-shell ($34.00/doz.), but we first had to make a choice of which of 4 different species of oyster we desired. Now, that’s a first for me!

We made our selection after a brief course in “oysterology” from our server, and our selection was superb, –very mild tasting and very fresh, and served with lemon wedges and a horseradish seafood sauce.

An ice-cold Heineken went well with the little critters as we waited for our entree.

We chose a main course consisting of a Porterhouse for two ($72.00), cooked on the rare side of medium-rare, which was prepared with a red wine reduction and served with horseradish on the side.

I’m not a big Porterhouse aficionado, but this steak was to die for — most excellent!

A baked potato accompanied the steak for me, and my partner had roasted tomatoes. Both were prepared excellently and were quite enjoyable.

Both were priced ala carte at $8.00 each. We skipped the pre-entree salad, which I’m sure my dearly departed mother would be so upset about.

We chose an Arrowood Chardonnay, ($72.00), which was very enjoyable, but probably more suitable for the oysters than for the Porterhouse.

Dinner was capped off with a shared dessert consisting of a peanut butter chocolate mousse ($10.00), and a cappuccino. — This dessert was absolutely superb!

Our server, a young lady named Peris, was like a server from heaven. She was always attentive, very knowledgeable about everything on the menu, (including the oysters – now that was impressive!), and very professional.

I recommend BLT Steak wholeheartedly and trust that your experience will be as marvelous as ours. Please enjoy!

BLT Steak
Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk
223 Saratoga Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
Telephone: 808-683-7440

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.

Located on picturesque and legendary Waikiki Beach on Oahu, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa now offers its guests a unique opportunity to combine insight into Hawaii’s rich culture of song and dance with a great exercise regimen – Hula-cise.

You can try Hula-cise at he hotel’s own Na Ho’ola Spa, several mornings a week. Taught by instructor Samantha Tom, both men and women can learn the basic movements of Hula, as well as engage their bodies in a low impact aerobic hula-exercise.

Samantha Tom is a native of Oahu and has over 18 years of dancing experience with an island hula halau (hula school).

Tom leads her guests in an hour-long session of hip movements, arm extensions and body motions that frame the culture of Hula, and conditions quads, gluts, core and lower back.

“Hula is a great morning exercise,” remarks Tom. “Paired with a spectacular view of the sun rising over Waikiki Beach’s Healing Stones, Hula-cise is the perfect way to begin the day.” While enjoying Na Ho’ola Spa’s two-story outlook on Waikiki Beach, guests will experience a stimulating work-out in true Polynesian style:

• A brief description of Hawaiian culture with traditional song selections that narrate the ancestry and art of Hawaii and the South Pacific Islands.
• Dance steps include four fundamental movements of Hula: Ka Holo, Ka‘o, Hela, and Ami.
  
• Classes are offered Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Cost is $25 per person and reservations are required.

For additional information about Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, visit www.waikiki.hyatt.com.

The Spa Moana at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is now infusing a dynamic new workout into their extensive fitness program.

The luxury spa has just introduced Zumba. The Latin inspired workout – Zumba – eliminates the “work” from working out. by combining incredible Latin and international music with dynamic, yet simple exercise moves.

Zumba class participants will constantly be engaged and entertained with the variety of rhythms including salsa, merengue, samba, belly dancing, cumbia, flamenco, reggae, and more.

The luxurious Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is proud to be the first Ka’anapali resort on Maui, to offer Zumba classes to its resort guests, island visitors and kama’aina.

Karen Paresa, who is the Fitness Coordinator at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, says, “Zumba is a perfect addition to the resort’s fitness program. Zumba is about creating a place where, for one hour a day, guests can go to sweat, dance, and, most importantly, have fun.”

Paresa, along with other certified Zumba instructors at Spa Moana, will lead classes every Tuesdays and Thursday mornings at 9:00am in the expansive Fitness Center aerobics studio. A special Monday evening session at 5:30pm will be offered just for Hyatt staff.

Pricing for the Zumba classes will be $10/class per person for Hyatt Regency Maui guests and kama’aina, and $15/class for all non-resort guests.

Spa Moana is Maui’s only oceanfront spa, and offers its customers an extensive variety of fitness classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Hydro-Fit, Beach Boot Camp, and more.

General Manager Michael Jokovich states, “Conde Nast Traveler readers recently ranked Spa Moana as among the country’s top resort spas for 2010. We are dedicated to frequently updating offerings, so we can offer a wealth of amenities and activities that exceed guests’ expectations.”

For additional information regarding Zumba at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, contact the resort at (808)661-1234, or visit the website at www.maui.hyatt.com