Elite Traveler May-June 2018

EXPLORE HAWAII

GUIDE TO HAWAII

The Island of Hawaii is unlike any other. Where else can you hike into the crater of a live, molten volcano, swim with dolphins in crystal-clear waters off a black-sand beach, dine on freshly caught mahi-mahi by the ocean, and even heli-ski on the extinct volcano of Mauna Kea, all in the same day? The youngest Hawaiian island has 10 of the world’s 13 microclimates, five different volcanoes including the active Kīlauea, world-class surfing and incredibly lush jungles coupled with fields of black lava rock. It is the perfect place to explore wild, rare nature during the day, relax to live music with a passion fruit cocktail in hand as the sun sets, and enjoy the warmth, history and always laid-back vibes of the 50th state. Come for the quiet, calm and intense natural beauty. Wander through quaint fishing villages, dine on mouth-watering, completely locally sourced regional Hawaiian cuisine or ride horses through valleys and rain forests. For true relaxation, stunning landscapes and adventure, the island of Hawaii simply can’t be beat.

by Ashley W Simpson

Learn to surf in the sport’s birthplace

BEST PLACES TO HAVE…

Traditional Hawaiian cuisine MERRIMAN’S In 1988, chef Peter Merriman opened his namesake regional Hawaiian kitchen, a beautiful mountainside oasis dedicated to local produce long before it was trendy. Ninety percent of Merriman’s ingredients come from island farmers, fishermen and ranchers, and you can taste the freshness on the plate. Feast on wok-charred ahi (it was invented here), lamb from the nearby Kahua Ranch and bulgogi-spiced Kauai shrimp. merrimanshawaii.com

Fresh seafood overlooking the ocean HUGGO’S RESTAURANT With its thatched roof and open- air dining looking directly over Kailua Bay’s black-rock beach, Huggo’s has the nautical charm of a local fisherman’s hideaway. Seafood is naturally the highlight here — enjoy the seared sesame- crusted ahi, along with avocado fries, coconut-wasabi slaw and pineapple-infused sangria while listening to live music. huggos.com

The ultimate frozen treat ORIGINAL BIG ISLANDSHAVE ICE CO Original Big Island Shave Ice Co is a local classic. Dating back to 1957, the family spot uses all-natural syrups and toppings. Offerings such as passion fruit, Melona mixed with blue vanilla cream and mango-guava shave ice are as colorful as they are flavor-packed. obisic.com

Photos Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB)/ Larry Marshall, Hawaii TourismAuthority/Tor Johnson, IHVB/ Kirk Lee Aeder, IHVB/Elizabeth Brentano, IHVB/Paul Zizka