Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Beautiful Holualoa...from Holualoa Inn

















The sun is shining, trades blowing...another beautiful day at Holualoa Inn! Can't get any better.

Up Country on Hawaii Island

From Paniolo (cowboy) country and the Kona Coffee Belt (on the Island's west side from roughly Kaloko through Holualoa and Honanau) up to the heights of often snow capped Mauna Kea at more than 13,000 feet, Hawaii Island's mauka lands combine the beauty of its natural history with adventure hikes and chances to viewr are floral and bird species. Take time to travel from sunny beaches and quaint bayfront towns to explore these fascinating regions. Visit gohawaii.com for more details. Contact me to arrange a custom-designed private tour.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Winning Makeovers: Hawaii Island

Four Seasons Hualalai Resort didn't miss a beat in its commitment to re-inventing its beloved Beach Tree Restaurant. The location was razed and re-built to further enhance it's absolutely beach/oceanfront location at one of Hawaii Islands most beautiful spots. Casual beach chic at it's very best. Speaking of best, Chef Nick Mastrascusa has finally brought a menu and passion for perfectly prepared food to match this paradise locale. Soft spoken, with the confidence and grace of a finely tuned athlete, Mastrascusa -- aside from being a masterful chef -- is just that. Growing up in Uruquay he embraced that country's two favorite pastimes: soccer and cooking. Recruited to the Uruquay's National Soccer Team at just 17, Mastrascusa suffered a career ending injury in his first year of play. Soccer's loss, is food lovers' gain! The entire menu is a winner, but don't miss his signature Paella or Charo's Gnochi (his mother's secret recipe)! Book in time to catch the sunset. 808/325-8000.
The legendary -- and beloved -- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island's spectacular Kohala Coast, re-opened last year following a 2-year renovation and enhancement project after the 6.8 earthquake in 2006. Expanded rooms, oceanfront bathrooms with floor to celing views and exciting new restaurants (Number 3, Manta and Monettes) are among the highlights. Check them out on www.maunakeabeachhotel.com.

Hawaii Island's Best Boutique Inns

Opened late last year at the northern tip of the Big Island is Hawaii Island Retreat. From elegant lodge suites to luxury Yurts this luxe eco retreat is a hidden gem on healing lands. Infinity pool, hiking trails and endless Pacific views make this the perfect place to hideaway, chill and rejuvenate. Conceived, built and operated by Jeanne Sunderland who developed and directed the Spa Withou Walls at the Fairmont Orchid, check out this eco-minded, luxury retreat on line: www.hawaiiislandretreat.com.
Holualoa Inn sets the benchmark for blissful, luxury bed & breakfast inns in Hawaii. Perched on the slopes of Mt. Hualalai on Hawaii Island, the 30-acre property is a tropical garden of eden. The casually-elegan 6-room inn, designed in gracious "Old Hawaii" style, features indoor/outdoor living at its best with interiors inspired by owner Cassandra Hazens "treasure hunting" travels throughout Indonesia, Thailand, India and her many years as a part-time Hawaii Island resident. Checkout the outstanding website (the video is exceptional) and shoulder season special pricing on the blissful, beautifully appointed Queen Rooms (25% off rack rates now through June 11). www.holualoainn.com.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Life & Times on Hawaii Island

Lucky Live Hawaii is a popular pidgin phrase resonating here with natives and transplants alike. Today, with ten years on Hawaii Island -- a transplanted California girl -- each day brings new appreciation, new discoveries and new friends. On this blog, you will find insider tips and recommendations to make your time here magic! From the hottest new chefs and restaurants, not-to-be-missed hikes, bikes and beaches to luxury resorts, boutique inns, retail therapy and spas...you'll find it here! Looking for a custom designed insider's itinerary to the island's hidden treasures? Look no further. Need an extra special venue for your event, retreat or celebration? We can secure some of the Island's most exclusive locations and manage every detail of the event for you -- musicians, lightinig& sound, floral stylists, catering, photographers and more. Follow me for all of the latest Hawaii Island news, happenings, celebrity sightings and "Best of" reviews.