Hawaii
Who: Steve and Roberta Harrell of Ken Caryl (celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary)
Where: Hyatt Regency Resort, Maui
Best meal: Hula Grill, 800-667-6636, 2435 Kaanapali Parkway. Banana-glazed opah (moonfish) with macadamia-nut-roasted opakapaka (pink snapper) under a thatched-hut umbrella with palm trees at arms length and a view of Lanai.
Best deal: “Road to Hana” drive. Top down, sunscreen on, radio tuned to Hawaiian music on a Maui morning; it’s time to head out to Hana on the Hana highway. It’s a wiggle of a road that runs along Maui’s northeast shore. The drive takes three hours, so plan to spend all day. Going to Hana is about the beautiful, tropical journey, not the destination. Pass through rain forests and the most spectacular rustic coastal views one can imagine. Buy the Road to Hana CD ($18 at any local shop) and pop it in the CD player to be sure and hit the highpoints.
Best time to go: October was perfect. The weather was sensually tropical, the water warm and the cool tropical drinks added to the intoxicating tropical allure. Order a Mango Banana Blitz at any local bar.
Don’t leave home without: Your favorite sandals. Required evening wear at the local fine restaurants requires shorts, a comfortable shirt and shoes, which means sandals.
