Merrie Monarch Festival Underway on Hawaii Island

The 46th Annual Merrie Monarch festival -- four days of music, dance, exhibits an parades all dedicated to the memory of King David Kalakaua -- is on now through Sunday, April 11 in Hilo. A feast for all the senses -- beautiful and fragrant tropical lei and other florals, ancient and modern hula, kane (men) and wahine halaus are all featured, with groups from all of the Hawaiian Islands, the mainland and as far away as Japan competing in the dance competitions. King Kalakaua, known affectionately as the "Merrie Monarch", reigned over the Kingdom of hawaii from 1874 until his death in 1891. A patron of the arts, Kalakaua was responsible for restoring many of the nearly lost cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people, including Hula which had been forbidden by missionaries for more than 70 years. All hail King Kalakaua for preserving this gift of dance for future generations!

Ready for Some Retail Therapy, Island Style?

Be the first to wear it on your home club courts...tennis courts that is...one of the coolest (literally and figuratively) new labels to appear in what feels like decades! Athletic DNA is available exclusively at the Four Seasons Hualalai Tennis Club on Hawaii Island's "gold coast". Super soft, silky and light weight fabric with a logo I'm betting will be as familiar as the "Just Do It" slash soon. Simple, clean and inmastakable. Athletic DNA tag: Designed to Compete. Worn to Win. It's in Your Bood.
Moving from courts to beach, pool and beyond check out the oh so chic, os so easy to wear resort lifestyle collenction at Seaside Boutique, also located on Hualalai Resort property, just a ball toss away from the courts. The lady & The Sailor is one of the latest lines of clothing to make it to the boutiques racks...yummy sorbets and neutrals dominate for spring/summer 2010 with fabrics that float like a warm summer breeze as you move through your day and onto sunset cocktails.
While you're there, slip into one of the hottest basic tees to turn fashionistas heads everywerhe you go (available only at Seaside Boutique) is part of the "standard" James Perse collection designed exclusively for Seaside Boutique at Hualalai. One of the dreamiest cottons ever...grab one in every color -- they''ll take you through summer and fall in style and comfort!

Exceptional Exotic Florals

Flowers for Mama in upcountry Holualoa has been creating floral masterpieces for nearly 25 years in a centruy-old home workshop in this tiny, historic village situated just 4 miles above Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
Specialty leis...including wrist and head leis...and gemlike small arrangments to oversized, dramatic, highly-styled floral art are Flowers for Mama hallmarks. While much of the goods are sourced directly from their lush hillside gardens, owners Gene (Bucky) and Richard (both Hawaii Island natives) have culivated relatiotionships with the island's top growers over the years. Many of them producing highly prized, highly allocated rare blooms only available to those who understand and respect the botanical jewels. From perfectly formed, delicately-hued King Proteas to hearty, brilliant scarlet Torch Ginger and every fabulous flower, fern and greenery in between, this duo takes natural beauty to supernatural heights! Studio visits by appointment; custom floral workshops on request; event styling and florals for every celebration! All florals available for pick up or delivered to you with much aloha! 808/324-0109. flowersformama@aol.com.

Hidden Gems -- Small Cafes, Big Flavors

Some of Hawaii Island's most interesting, most flavorful, ultra fresh foods are tucked away in the least expected places - these are the favored hideways for locals in the know who are craving "ono grindz"!
Seek them out on your next visit, you won't be disappointed! Ceviche Dave's is located in Kona's new light industrial area...step inside, take in the cool, laid back vibe and you'll swear the sand and sea are right outside the door! Dave and wife April spent decades following the sun, surfing all the best breaks worldwide. While they were at it they collected numbers of ceviche recipes from tropical climes around the globe...tweaking them to develop their own unique bold flavors & culinary stlye. The result: the best citrus-cooked fish dishes in Hawaii...uber fresh, delicious and protein packed. If you're lucky, Dave (on guitar) will be jamming with friends while you're there. And whichever ceviche creation you decide on, do not leave without a handful of April's sinfully addictive chewy, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with crunchy sea salt!
Further south...about 12 miles south of Kona en route to pristine Kealakekua Bay, you'll find the roadside Nasturtium Cafe. A tiny jewel with "backdyard" tranquil gardens, the Cafe serves up sustainably grown, mostly organic salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps that nourish both body and soul with each delicous bite! Desserts make this place a mecca for locals and frequent visitors alike...forget the diet and indulge!