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Paradise Lost
Rob Kendt January 29, 2007“We used to go to a place called Indigo,” Yunjin says of Honolulu’s popular Eurasian restaurant, where diners can sample the cuisine in the main room or unwind in the Opium Den & Champagne Bar. For French food, she recommends Michel’s, a posh, pricey eatery that also gets a nod from Josh as an ideal spot for a romantic dinner. Carnivores will want to try Hy’s Steak House, designed to resemble an English mansion but serving a mix of European and Hawaiian specialties.
One particular favorite of Yunjin’s is Hoku’s, the main restaurant at the nearby Kahala Hotel & Resort, which puts its own spin on the fusion theme: Signature dishes include slow-braised Kahuku pork belly, pancetta-crusted onaga (snapper) and salt-crusted rack of Wisconsin lamb.
That’s not the only reason to visit the sprawling grounds of the Kahala Hotel. There’s also a full-service spa, where Yunjin swears by the traditional Hawaiian massage known as lomilomi. She gets it with hot stones. "It rubs away your toxins. It’s like heaven,” she said.
See our slideshow of Paradise "Lost."
A native of Korea with a thriving career in films and commercials there, Yunjin was quick to locate Sorabol’s in Honolulu, whose Korean dishes she loves -- even if it's not up to par with her mother's home cooking. And while she recommends a luau for most visitors, she also points out another way to relish the local entertainment: a magic show performed by John Hirokawa near Waikiki. "I thought it would be really cheesy and touristy. But I was surprised; it’s really fun, if you want to see a magic show."
For the more nature-oriented Emilie, the best way to savor the island’s natural beauty is a day’s drive up its eastern coast.
Visitors might start with a breakfast at the Kahala Hotel, then take the Pali Highway (Route 61) northeast to Kailua, stopping at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout for one of the island’s most breathtaking views. From the idyllic beach at Kailua, you can take the Kamehameha Highway (Route 83) northward up the coast, stopping along the way for a walk to appreciate the seascapes -- and to stock up on snacks. “A lot of people set up beautiful fresh fruit stands and shrimp shacks on the side of the road,” Emilie said.
See our slideshow of Paradise "Lost."
The Fairmont Kea Lani
Canfield has been with The Fairmont Kea Lani for over 10 years and has accummulated 18 years of concierge experience. She was hired to open the hotel, having worked previously at the Four Seasons in Austin and Maui.
BEST RESTAURANT
Sorento's on the beach.
BEST GIFT FOR A SPOUSE
Something from the shops at Wailea: Coach, Gucci, St. Johns, Tiffany.
BEST GOLF COURSE
The Gold Course at Wailea.
BEST DAY TRIP
The Road to Hana.
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