Hawaii: a feast for the senses - Special Advertising Supplement

Sunset, July, 2003 by Tina Gabri

Hawaii's delectable cuisine has taken the world by storm, impressing even the most discerning taste buds with unique flavors found on the islands and created by master chefs who concoct intoxicating dishes that capture the taste of Hawaii's multi-ethnic culture. The distinctive cuisine has swept across the Pacific Ocean, capturing the imagination and attention of travelers who consider indulging in great food an important part of their vacation.

Taste the textured flavors of Oahu's celebrated chefs, the Big Island's fresh local ingredients and Maui's inspirational eateries. Venture to neighborhood restaurants on Kauai, Molokai and Lanai where the island's savory secrets are revealed with every bite.

Combining the scrumptious fare with island adventures is the best way to delve deep into this vacation. From luxuriating in spas that cater to every last whim with true Hawaiian hospitality, to snorkeling with technicolor fish, to hiking amidst majestic mountains and seascapes, the key to a healthy and satisfying getaway is simply coming to Hawaii.

Oahu

Some of the finest cuisine in the world can be found within just a few square miles on Oahu, home to legendary Hawaiian regional cuisine restaurants. At Alan Wong's Restaurant, try the wickedly delicious steamed Opakapaka (pink snapper) laulau and shredded kalua pig wrapped in taro pancake. Head to Chef Roy Yamaguchi's Roy's Restaurant for its delightful mesquite smoked Peking-style duck in a ginger lilikoi sauce. Chef Mavro Restaurant dazzles diners with tantalizing French-Hawaii cuisine presented as an adventure in food and wine pairings.

Between meals, be sure to experience the island's many adventures. Hike up to Makapuu Lighthouse or Diamond Head Crater, all the while relishing unobstructed views of the crystalline Pacific Ocean. For those who prefer being pampered, opportunities abound at any of the island's many spas, including the Ihilani Spa, a 35,000-square foot oasis, The Malama, An Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa in the Ala Moana Center, or the Na Hoola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.

Big Island

Kona coffee is not the only Big Island food of note. Hawaii's chefs are revered for their use of local ingredients that add that unique taste of island life to their fare. Direct from island growers, ingredients used at Hawaii Calls Restaurant are bursting with just-plucked flavor, like the out-of-the-ordinary hon'shimeji and maitake mushrooms. Menu concoctions include opah (moon fish) caught along the Kohala Coast, salmon, and seaweed grown at the Big Island's Natural Energy Lab. At the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, an Outrigger Resort, chefs grow two different taro varieties--dark, sweet mo'i and butter-crunchy lehua--to creat the poi at the property's luau. Kohala Coast chefs also love to feature Big Island ingredients such as hearts of palm, taro, Waimea corn and strawberries, Kawamata tomatoes, Parker Ranch beff, and Kahua lamb. The agreeable climate also produces world-famous Kona coffee, Big Island chocolate and vanilla, and macadamia nuts, as well as tropical fruits like rambutan and lychee for Big Island menus.

Maui

One of the original founders of the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine movement, Beverly Gannon, has been serving well-sated customers for years at Haili imaile General Store, with dishes like Korean Barbecued Steak Sandwich and the Paniolo Pork Ribs, with a side of Maui Fried Onions. At Chez Paul, in Olowalu, France and Hawaii meet again for scrumptious pairing. For a midday cool-off, head off to Roselani Ice Cream, the famous family-run shop that offers up outrageous made-from-scratch desserts, most notably its magnificent sundae. To work off some of that excess energy derived from those indulgences, cool off in the sparkling blue bay with a snorkel tour at Molikini Crater, where you'll be surrounded, by hundreds of colorful fish that swim around you as you delight in this unique experience.

Kauai

Just as delicious as their gourmet counterparts, the small neighborhood restaurants on Kauai do the islands proud with the impeccable quality and taste of their menus. For breakfast, nothing beats waffles and omelets at Kalaheo Coffee Company and Cafe. Lunchtime is the perfect time to head over to Duane'ss Ono-Char Burger, where you'll be served up fresh fish made exactly to your liking. Aloha Diner brings Authentic Hawaiian dishes to the table with laulau (pork or chicken wrapped in taro leaves), lomi lomi salmon and poi. Fine dining, however, is not a scarce commodity on Kauai. At Gaylord's Restaurant, Chef Andy Althouse creates a unique rendition of poke (a variety of raw, seared or cooked seafood), marinated with fresh ogo, ginger, chile flakes and sesame oil, served with Hawaiian ginger sauce, as well as fresh Hawaiian Tuna, pan seared with Japanese non and sesame seeds, served with infused oils and aged Yamasa shoyu (soy). And the renowned A Pacific Cafe brings elegance and creativity to top-quality cui sine, with dishes like poached scallop ravioli and wokcharred mahimahi.