Hawaii

With all the adventure of Hawaii's daylight hours, it's hard to imagine there could be more. But there is! Rivaling the opportunity for action-packed days is the opportunity for equally active nights, particularly on Oahu and Maui. Of course Oahu's Waikiki is famous for its outrageous nightlife, but most start the evening a little slower with "pupus," cocktails and dinner at some of the island's best local establishments. (And thanks to the island's multi-ethnic history, you'll find everything from Japanese to French to Thai to Hawaiian.)

For "Pacific Rim" cuisine, Alan Wong's is hands-down an island favorite. If Eurasian dishes tantalize your tastebuds, Indigo (in Chinatown) comes highly recommended. Legend Seafood Restaurant serves up great dim sum, and Ono Hawaiian Food makes the house specialty a menu of traditional Hawaiian dishes. Hau Tree Lanai and La Mer are two other native favorites, both for their food and oceanfront settings. For breakfast, grab a box of Malassadas (Hawaii's version of a donut) from Leonard's Bakery in Honolulu. Maui's dining scene is just as mouth-watering. Pacific O', Mama's Fish House, Gerard's and Five Palms are some of the local stomping grounds.

Once the check is paid (and depending on the mood and energy level), it's on to your pick of island hotspots. From pulsing dance clubs like Club Sundance, Maile's Place, Hoomalimali and Casanova's to more low key watering holes like Princess Café in Honolulu, the University of Hawaii's Anna Bannanas (with nightly local bands) and Buzz's in Lanikai.

As our ancestors discovered centuries ago, there is really no denying Hawaii's natural appeal. E Komo Mai - Come join us.

For more information on life in Hawaii, go to:
www.hawaii.com
www.bestofhawaii.com
www.digitalcity.com/honolulu