Hawaii's Back Yard

Bringing Paris dining down to earth, and Maui

Like all great revolutions, Le Fooding was born from a rebel group's passionate support of a cause. In its case the dissidents were innovative chefs in France who wanted to liberate haute cuisine from the shackles of Michelin stars, bone china, polished silver and crystal stemware.


Eco-friendly thrills await on Maui

Duane Ting is afraid of heights. That probably wouldn't be noteworthy were it not for the fact that one of the big draws of his new company is a zip line that stretches 650 feet (65 stories) above the floor of Maui's magnificent Waikapu Preserve.


Tours serve up taste of Hawaii's 'salad bowl'

Sushi for Robin Williams; salmon stuffed with crab meat for James Coburn; penne pasta and sausage for Dan Aykroyd; medium-rare prime rib for Heather Locklear -- from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s, Matthew Gray was the personal chef to a host of Hollywood stars, and he knew exactly which dish would ease their tension from a hard day on the set and bring a smile to their faces.


Big Isle man puts stars within reach

Wayne Fukunaga has stars in his eyes every night, and it's an experience he loves to share. The longtime astronomy enthusiast conducts "heavenly" one-hour programs every week at several resorts on the Big Island's Kohala Coast.


Project restores native flora of Maui

By observing the water flow in Iao Stream, Ray Neilson can tell what the weather is like six miles away, high in the mountains of Iao Valley on Maui.


Family Fun Day celebrates Central Oahu

At Dole Plantation's Family Fun Day two years ago, Mike Moon's 1-year-old daughter, Mikayla, was so taken with a friendly costumed character that she latched onto his arm and wouldn't let him go.


Riding high

A saddle is as important to a paniolo's (cowboy's) work as a hammer is to a carpenter. Because he spends many hours on horseback, it has to be sturdy and comfortable for both him and his mount.


North Shore farms will be open to public tours

When Pamela Boyar was growing up in Westwood, Calif., in the 1950s, fresh fruit and vegetables were delivered to her home twice a week.


On First Friday, Wailuku throws a party

On the first Friday of every month, Wailuku, Maui's normally sedate county seat, shows it knows how to party. As the sun sets, the block of North Market Street between Main and Vineyard streets is closed to vehicular traffic. Shish kebabs sizzle on grills. Kids twirl hula hoops in psychedelic colors.


Nostalgia thrives at Old Wailuku Inn

The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono recalls the Hawaii of yesteryear when palm trees towered over most buildings, when all kids needed for recreation was a surfboard or a fishing pole, when strangers were welcomed into homes as if they were longtime friends.