Cultural inspiration on Hawaii's: Big Island

Sunset, July, 2004

This island is still growing, as a river of molten lava pours often from the caldera into the sea and has long been considered a spiritual place where simply standing still on the ancient lava fields can energize the body. An island of unique experiences, you can walk behind a waterfall that drops from 500-feet above to 500-feet below. Have a tingling foot massage standing in the calm bay at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, where natural artesian springs bubble up through the ocean waters. Sit on the Kona seawall to meditate on the flying fish jumping just out of reach of passing cruise boats. Stand at the top of a volcano near steam vents that wash your cheeks with a natural sauna.

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On the Kona Coast, the Kohala Salon at the Hilton Waikoloa Village celebrates Earth, Water, Air and Fire with massage, soothing soaks, Chi Kung breathing and heat wraps for cleansing. A few steps away from the resort, the King's Trail leads guests on a walk of discovery, through fields of ancient petroglyph rock art, carved thousands of years ago by the early Hawaiians, providing a great mystery to contemplate. After a green tea facial at their Hawaiian Rainforest Salon & Spa, the neighboring Waikoloa Beach Marriott serves up extraordinary and healthy dishes of locally grown mushrooms, strawberries, asparagus and Chinese bok choy cabbage, all accompanied by the best fresh local poi. Work it all off at the resort's dozen-or-more fitness classes. At Kona Village Resort a secluded massage is offered in a thatched hale (house) perched on an 1801 lava flow.

At the Mauna Lani Spa, May 27 to May 31, 2005, visitors have a rare opportunity to meet Hawaiian spiritual masters and international leaders in wellness and healing. More than a wellness seminar, the annual Ke Kumu 'O Mauna Lani, led by Hawaiian historian Danny Kaniela Akaka, presents lifestyle seminars to nourish the spirit, sharing practical applications for guests to take home and integrate into their daily lives.

Hawaii is an exotic destination with all the comforts of being a U.S. state. Hawaii is the only state with its own music, its own language and its own dance. Hawaii's multi-ethnic population offers endless possibilities to experience Pacific, Asian and Western healing techniques, cuisine, festivals, events and activities. The energy derived from Hawaii's natural, healing environment will rejuvenate and soothe your spirit, enticing you to return to the Islands of Aloha time and time again.

RELATED ARTICLE: Simply Delicious--Eat Hawaiian

For first-timers, not liking poi is not unusual. Most visitors only try it at a luau, often minus the proper accompanying dishes. True Hawaiian food, prepared and served in the proper way, is what locals call "ono," meaning totally delicious. Small Hawaiian food eateries offer easy-to-try mini-dishes of roasted kalua pig and poi, sweet potatoes, squid lu'au, and steamed fish. Green onions, Hawaiian salt, pickled ginger add the "bite." Coconut milk pudding, called haupia, is the sweet finish.

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In addition to the traditional luau meal, Hawaii is the home of the now world-renowned Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Internationally known chefs Sam Choy, Roy Yamaguchi, Alan Wong, Mark Ellman, Beverly Gannon and others have taken island fish and combined them with locally grown fruits and vegetables, creating a food-lovers paradise in the islands. Dishes tend to be light on oil, and cooked minutes before they are served. Island gourmet eating is healthy eating and most of the chefs have affordable cookbooks with substitution lists for use back home. Poke (po-kay), often called the soul food of the islands, is marinated raw fish. Sometimes seared, for the faint-of-pallet, it combines seaweed, Hawaiian spices and the freshest of fish. It doesn't take long to acquire a taste for poke.

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Resorts offer regular schedules for chefs dinners, preceded by a short cooking demonstration. Diners learn that four minutes is really all it takes for the melt-in-your mouth fish saute, what to do with tofu, and the tricks for perfect fresh coconut desserts. Hawaii's melting pot of ethnic cultures becomes the simmering pot for incredible taste treats.