Aloha Aqua enthusiasts!

If you’re here reading this note, then you are on the right track! Aqua prides itself on its quality, affordable hotel experience…and every few weeks I will update this page with the latest and greatest happenings in and around your Aqua hotel. Want to know where the best snorkel spot is that you can walk to from Waikiki? Need to find the tastiest mai tai? Looking for the most unique clothing boutique? How about Hawaiian Regional Cuisine restaurant with an extensive wine list? You’ll find all the answers here.

I look forward to sharing my secret spots throughout Oahu with you. And don’t forget: If you’re headed to a neighbor island after your Aqua stay, be sure to check out http://www.bonhawaii.com/for the hottest happenings on Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and The Big Island of Hawaii. You can also sign up for the twice-monthly newsletter, to receive ongoing updates from the isles.

Mahalo, and enjoy your stay!
Brian Berusch
Publisher
B on Hawaii

FINE HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE AWAIT

There are whispers of the holiday season carried by the trade winds through Waikiki this week... And just outside of Waikiki, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is celebrating it's annual "World Art Bazaar" at the Academy Art Center on Victoria Street, a few miles from the center of town. Running through December 14th, the World Art Bazaar is a collection of contemporary and antique goods the museum has collected from around the world, and then sells to lucky in-the-know visitors during the holiday season. The kicker: There are items to fit most all budgets, and the Academy insures all goods were acquired through Fair Trade practices. Items include rare Japanese lithographs, vintage Chinese furniture, Indian ceramics, hand-woven Indonesian textiles and various jewels from across the globe. The perfect holiday gifts to bring home abound! World Art Bazaar at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, 1111 Victoria St; 532-8700. www.HonoluluAcademy.org

GET IN THE KITCHEN AT WAIKIKI'S HOTTEST RESTAURANT, HONE YOUR CHOPS

A relative newcomer on the scene is Gourmet Events Hawaii; they offer inside the kitchen cooking classes and seminars at some of O'ahu's top restaurants, for both individuals and small groups. Through the end of 2008, the organization is working hand-in-hand with Beachhouse restaurant chef (and Culinary Institute of America graduate) Rodney Uyehara, to bring guests in to his ultra-modern kitchen for a little education and fare sampling. The oceanfront eatery, has garnered the reputation as one of Waikiki's hottest new restaurants, and with good reason; Chef Rodney has quite the following. He'll teach you and your pals to craft the perfect salmon tartare, or chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, brie and mushrooms with a champagne caviar cream sauce. Also, wine pairings are available for partaking during the kitchen session. If you're mouth's already watering, pick up the phone and make a reservation! Gourmet Events Hawaii at the Beachhouse restaurant, $99 per person. 922-3111 for reservations.

YOUR INSIDER LOCALE FOR FRESH FARE, KAVA AND LIVE MUSIC

Every visitor to Hawaii aspires to meet an insider, or, find that locale where they can learn about the most off-beat things to do around the islands. Diamond Head Cove Health Bar is "that" place in Waikiki. Located on Monsarrat Avenue, off the slopes of Diamond Head Crater, "Da Cove" is within walking distance of all Aqua hotels, just above Kapiolani Park. At the eatery, locals flock for the Acai berry and granola bowls, omelets, smoothies and salads. A few times a week, the owner opens the doors past the twilight hours for those who want to enjoy a cup of fresh kava and some live, local Hawaiian music. The vibe during "A'wa Nights" (which can extend past midnight) is coffee house meets Fiji beach scene. Come pull up a stool at the health bar, and find out what surf breaks are churning, what the new board shape of the seasons is, or which "Lost" actor has been frequenting The Cove. Diamond Head Cove Health Bar, 3045 Monsarrat Ave, 732-8744 or www.DiamondHeadCove.com

DAY TRIP TO MAUI? TAKE THE SUPERFERRY, SEE SOME WHALES

The Hawaii Superferry has added two sailings to its schedule, running through New Years. Now the influx of visitors to Waikiki can all hop a ride to Maui, if only for a day trip. The Superferry is a high-speed sailing vessel that leaves from a port in Honolulu and arrives on Maui in under 3 hours. The ship can hold up to 800 passengers and 200 vehicles, and has various indoor seating lounges, an outdoor sun deck, gift shop, cafe, First Class lounge, internet access, televisions and more. At only $49 each way, the prices are better than flying, and during the current whale season, offer a rather unique way to travel between the islands. The added times are at 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (from O'ahu to Maui) and returning at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Hawaii Superferry, www.HawaiiSuperferry.com

A NEW (PINK) PARTY EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, OCEAN FRONT

A Waikiki institution, Tiki's Grill & Bar, has launched a weekly club night entitled "Pink Tiki", and it starts this Friday, Nov. 21 at 10:00 p.m. The event was spurred by Tiki's drive to be a community supporter; a portion of all proceeds from drinks served during the event will go to benefit The Queen's Cancer Center in Honolulu. The "Pink Tiki", a new drink concocted by Tiki's bartenders, will debut at the party this week. Tiki's has an unprecedented 2nd floor location, facing the gentle waters off Waikiki Beach, right on Kalakaua Avenue. They serve lunch and dinner, in a breezy indoor-outdoor setting, and feature live music nightly. For the "Pink Tiki" weekly parties, a DJ will spin island-inspired beats in the Ocean Room, which will feature drink specials, dancing, VIP bottle service, and a late night class on drink making for aspiring bartenders or party hosts. Open to all! Pink Tiki at Tiki's Grill & Bar, every Friday evening at 10:00 p.m. 2570 Kalakaua Avenue; 923-TIKI. www.tikisgrill.com

WAIKIKI SHELL IS MORE THAN A CONCERT VENUE. IT'S A HIDDEN GEM

For those of you who seek a live concert on the grandeur scale, make sure you check out whom is playing at the Waikiki Shell during your O'ahu visit. Discretely hidden in Kapiolani Park, the Shell is within walking distance from any Aqua hotel. The venue, a picturesque amphitheater capable of accommodating thousands of spectators, has hosted everything from Hawaiian hula performances to Jack Johnson's Kokua Festival and Jimmy Buffet. In November, the venue hosts "Saltimbanco", Cirque du Soleil's premiere Hawaii show. Featuring a circus-like format albeit with a storyline and unbelievable feats of human strength and choreography, it's definitely not one to be missed. Master banjo player and bluegrass hero Bela Fleck will play two shows on Nov. 28 and 29. On December 13 the Honolulu Symphony Society performs "Peter and the Wolf". Waikiki Shell, Kapiolani Park. Visit www.blaisdellcenter.com/venues/waikikishell for a complete calendar of events.

FORE! GET TEE'D OFF WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM YOUR HOTEL

For so long, we have neglected the poor golf enthusiasts who grace Waikiki with their presence! Dust off those clubs, because this one if for you. The Ala Wai Golf Course, smack dab at the north end of Waikiki, is within walking distance of your hotel; no car needed! Heck, you don't even need clubs, as you can rent them at the clubhouse. The Ala Wai's 5,861 yard, 18-hole par 70 course offers both views of Diamond Head, the Ko'olau mountain range and the Honolulu skyline. Although a rather flat course, it's impeccably maintained, and a great value for those seeking a day on the links. At $21 for Twilight or 9-hole play, this is a no brainer hole in one! Ala Wai Golf Course, 404 Kapahulu Ave. Call 733-7387 for tee times or log on to www.co.honolulu.hi.us/des/golf/alawai

BURN RUBBER AROUND O'AHU FOR A DAY IN YOUR OWN DELUX RIDE

Admit it fellas: You've fantasized since the moment you knew you were headed to Honolulu about growing a Tom Selleck-style moustache and driving a Ferrari around the island. Well, we can help you make one of the two come true with this item... Hawaii Exotic Car Rental is located right in Waikiki, and offers an array of sporty rides to enhance your island experience. If you're locked to the beach and on foot for your stay, consider seeing the sights beyond Waikiki for a single day from the driver's seat of your own Maserati, Corvette, Escalade or Porsche. Book 'em, Magnum! Hawaii Exotic Car Rental, 2025 Kalakaua Blvd. 942-8725.

A SHOT OF FRANCE'S MOST EXPENSIVE LIQUOR WITH YOUR MEAL?

Ever noticed that fancy, crystal decanter perched at the tippy-top shelf at your favorite watering hole? It's called Remy Martin, and it's very expensive. It's also very tasty, and very French. So is the executive chef (French, that is) at La Mer, one of Waikiki's consistently top-rated restaurants. Effective immediately, through December 31, 2008, Chef Yves Garnier at La Mer is offering a one-of-a-kind Remy Martin "Ultimate" tasting dinner, each item from which either makes use of the fancy liquor, or is designed to complement it, in some regard. For example, the "Tournedos of Venison with Chestnut Mousseline" is finished with a Remy Martin glaze; or the "Tatin of Foie Gras on Mango with Lavender Honey" is the perfect pairing with a sip of the good stuff. At $150 per person (without wine tasting, add $40), we have to say, it's worth the price tag. La Mer, 2199 Kalia Road; 923-2311 for reservations. The Remy Martin menu is available until 9 p.m., nightly.

HILO HATTIE FOR YOUR FINEST ALOHA DUDS

You've heard the name. You've definitely seen the ads. And you've probably seen the trolleys filled with tourists heading down Kuhio Ave. en route to their flagship location. Now it's your turn. Hilo Hattie is the epicenter of Aloha garb; if you are a discerning shopper that wants the most authentic Hawaiian garments, hop on the free shuttle to the huge store on Nimitz Highway, just a 10 minute ride from Waikiki. Top-quality aloha shirts, pants, shorts, towels and slippers are just the start; holiday gifts, candy, Hawaiian salt and spices, lamps, dolls, keychains and calendars are the icing on the cake. Also, don't miss their collection of Hawaiian quilts, if you really want to tuck in to your Hawaii memories every night, back at home. For those returning this summer: Hilo Hattie will open a brand new 29,000 sq. ft. store in Waikiki in June of 2009. Hilo Hattie, 700 Nimitz Hwy., 535-6500. www.hilohattie.com for more information.