For some people I know, hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai makes them break into a sweat.  Others I know won't even think about driving the famous road to Hana.  For those people, I do not recommend ziplining.

The Society of Seven got their start in 1969. You would have probably called them a variety act then. Their success led to a regular gig in Las Vegas. Before they left—almost 10 years ago—they trained a troupe to carry on in Waikiki. Through September 20, the Vegas version is home, performing at the showroom at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. 

In the summer, the aquarium hosts Ke Kani O Ke Kai, The Sound of the Ocean, a series of five Hawaiian music concerts. You tour some exhibits, nosh on a selected menu of dinner entrees from local restaurants, and about the time the sun sets, you take your place on the grassy lawn and settle in for the evening performance. 

Last month, I flew to Maui for the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. (You can read a recap of my experience at “The Grand Tasting” here.) I arrived at the Saturday afternoon Kapalua Wine Tour at The Ritz-Carlton promptly at 12:45 p.m. I hauled my laptop, two cameras, digital voice recorder, phone, notepad and pens in my favorite traveling backpack—the Sherpani Tosca. That meant my hands were free for things like, oh, wine. 

On Friday evening, I arrived at the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival with no plan—other than to enjoy some wine.  When I entered the Aloha Garden Pavilion at The Ritz-Carlton for “The Grand Tasting,” I quickly realized I would need a plan.  I settled on pinot noir as the sun set behind Molokai across the open ocean channel.

I stood in the hot sun for 35 minutes yesterday morning waiting for a table at The Gazebo Restaurant on Maui.  I ordered the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pancakes.  When I asked Sherrie, my server, what was the secret to the famous pancakes, I fully expected her to shake her head and say, "Sorry.  Can't say."  Or, "There is only one person here who knows and that's the chef.  He's not talking."  But she didn't. 

Tomorrow, I head to Maui for the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. I've been treating myself to a glass of wine the past two evenings to get in shape for the event. Here is what I am looking forward to on my island-hopping, weekend vacation to Maui.... 

In Hawaii, most musicians play for the enjoyment of it. They hold full-time jobs and may play for a hula halau or pick up a side gig here and there. That’s true of many Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners. Only a select few musicians in Hawaii—like anywhere—break out. Two are Daniel Ho and Makana.

Not all of Hollywood’s movies make it to Hawaii. This Friday, however, a movie will open in a limited release—including the islands of Hawaii. Princess Kaiulani is a coming-of-age story of a young woman in Hawaii. The lead character in this movie was, indeed, a real woman and a real princess.  

I climbed aboard in front of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach at 3:00 p.m. While the captain turned the boat around, “Rabbit” gave us our briefing. Yes, his name was Rabbit. At least, that’s what he said. “In case of a water landing,” Rabbit said, “Put on your life jacket like this, grab two beers and jump overboard.” 

A few weeks ago, we conducted an informal poll on Facebook. We asked, “What’s your favorite Hawaii adventure?” 168 of our fans responded. Many of you could not make up your mind and reeled off a laundry list of your favorite adventures. We ran all those responses through our not-so-very-scientific analysis—called hand tabulating—to give you this report. 

Tomorrow, some 20,000 people are expected to crowd Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki on Oahu between 4:00 and 10:00 p.m. for—of all things—SpamJam. (Officially, Waikiki SpamJam.) Yes, we’re talking about the canned, spiced ham here. 

This past Saturday, on Oahu, I decided to devote the day to Hollywood, in particular the TV shows Lost and the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives," hosted by Guy Fieri. I further decided to go mobile with my day--tweeting about it real-time. I used my iPhone to take pictures as I went, and I ran those images through one of two iPhone applications: Polarize and Pano.

In 2006, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii named Carol Yotsuda a “Living Treasure” for her efforts in preserving the culture of Hawaii. Carol is the executive director of the Garden Island Arts Council, a volunteer position she’s held since 1998. She is also a retired teacher, active artist, and she produces E Kanikapila Kakou, a Hawaiian music program held on Monday evenings through March on Kauai. The gatherings are conducted in the style of backyard musical jam sessions for which Hawaii is known. This year’s EKK theme is “The Stories behind the Songs.” Here, Carol recaps three recent performances by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole and Sean Na'auao, Cody Pueo Pata, and Aaron Sala and Snowbird Bento.

I missed National Pancake Day yesterday and, for some reason, I feel like I missed out on something. Pancakes—particularly pancakes topped with bananas and macadamia nuts—are steeped in the food culture of Hawaii. Especially topped with coconut syrup.

Guest blogger Carol Yotsuda recaps the third performance of E Kanikapila Kakou on Kauai. In its 27th year, the Hawaiian music program is held Monday evenings through March. The gatherings are conducted in the style of backyard musical jam sessions for which Hawaii is known, with many bringing their own ukulele to strum along and hula dancers stepping up to share their gifts. This year’s theme is “The Stories behind the Songs.” The February 1st event featured award-winning composer and Hawaiian language specialist Puakea Nogelmeier. He was accompanied by Lolena Niau Nicholas and Hau'oli Akaka.