B on Hawaii

Any chance we get to write about Lana‘i, we’re more than thrilled to do so. Tickled pink, one of a certain generation might say. On the weekend of January 13 - 15, 2012, the Four Seasons Resorts Lana‘i will host the Lanai Jazz Festival. From the highland climes of the Lodge at Koele, bebop and swing will drift among the kiawe-scented air, while cool licks and walking bass lines will emanate from the shores of Hulopoe and the Manele Bay Resort.

Are you a glamour gal (or guy) always on the lookout for an occasion to don your ball gown (or tuxedo) and hobnob with other such fabulously like-minded folk? Even better—do you like to eat, drink and be entertained in the name of a good cause? Then by all means, consider heading to the Halekulani on Oscar Night where you’ll have the opportunity to walk the red carpet, swill top tier cocktails and view a telecast of the 84th Academy Awards.

It’s that magical time of year again: When the Big Island lava surges (with gusto, we might add), the winds come sweeping down from the Holualoa coffee belt... and a sumptuous variety of ale flows effortlessly from hundreds of taps at the Kona Brewers Festival. While it may be two months away (March 10, 2012), there’s no time like the now to plan your “Brews for the Big Rock” weekend so you can maximize your Hawai‘i Island experience.

On the successful heels of this past December’s Kona Surf Film Festival at the Mauna Lani Resort, the 2nd Annual Waimea Ocean Film Festival will unfold this January on the Big Island of Hawai‘i with a series of deep water-related flicks, special presentations, panels and filmmaker meet-and-greets.

Sammy Hagar, of Van Halen fame (or infamy, depending on which side of the fence you pump your fist), is bestowing a special little New Year's treat on the residents of Alohaland—and eventually the world. It seems "Mr. Tequila" is branching out into the distillation world (after selling his Cabo Wabo tequila brand for a whopping $100 million, yowza),

Sammy Hagar, of Van Halen fame (or infamy, depending on which side of the fence you pump your fist), is headed to Hawai‘i this November to bestow a special little treat on the residents of Alohaland—and eventually the world. It seems "Mr. Tequila" is branching out into the distillation world, this time down rum avenue (like a good pirate). And the fruits of his labor will be only available to Hawai‘i residents for the first few months of production. 

For nearly two centuries, caffeine enthusiasts have been reaping the benefits of Hawai‘i-grown (and harvested) coffee on the Big Island. Every November, the most devout followers and leaders in the Hawai‘i coffee industry share, demonstrate, taste, cook with, draw and paint their most prized coffee beans with anyone with the desire to experience them. It’s called the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, and this year it all unfolds on November 4 – 13 in Keauhou.

Every fall on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, ranchers, cowboys (and gals), foodies and farmers walk past a few parrots, cross over a tram track, climb a staircase, pass a fleet of bronze sculptures, head over a babbling brook and descend into an expansive ballroom inside the Hilton Waikoloa Village for the annual Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Ag Festival. This year the action takes place on Friday, September 30, and you best start saving your appetite.

Recently brought to our attention was a long-time favorite, Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides’ receipt of two significant awards—a Small Business Administration award and a local Chamber of Commerce “Environmental Awareness” award. The ocean expedition company acknowledged these accomplishments just as they began celebrations for their 40th year in business—that is, taking eager ocean-enthusiasts to Kealakekua Bay (and elsewhere on the Kohala Coast) to experience the vibrant underwater life that persists in Hawai‘i.

This weekend, Queens Beach in Waikiki will see more foot traffic by legendary watermen and women than anywhere else over the course of the entire year. It’s the full-swing of Duke’s Oceanfest, and the “Legends Lonboard” contest kicks off Friday, going well into Saturday afternoon; it is followed/preceded by the open water mile swim, SUP and paddleboard races, as well as a variety of water events that all culminate with a rockin’ luau at sundown on Saturday, August 27th.