Gardens and Gallery: 1) On my last trip I recommended and continue to recommend a visit to the Ali'i Kula Lavender Gardens in Upcountry. Getting there is as much fun as the gardens themselves. What views! Incidentally, if you plan to eat lunch there, reservations are a must. Besides viewing the flora, be sure to take home some special jams with hints of lavender. 2) If you love watercolor as I do, then a visit to Sherri Reeve's Gallery in Makawao is a "must add" to your list. Sherri's paintings are filled with vibrancy and details uncommon to many watercolor artists' work. She has done so many creative things with her art that any budget can afford examples of it. A real plus, the staff are very friendly and accommodating. Sherri on specific days is in the studio and will sign her work, whether it be a large limited edition print or a small art tile.

For more info on the lavender gardens, click here.

For more info on Sherri Reeve's, click here.

Recommendations '08 (Two trips)

Maui, Hawaii : Faithful readers know that when I travel to Hawaii, I always return with recommended 'musts' should you visit that part of the world. This year is no exception. This issue will focus on Maui. Next month I will focus on Oahu. As always, most of my suggestions are not the traditional ones around the congested Lahaina-Kihei-Wailea areas. Instead, they are where the crowds aren't. (Bear with me, some are repeated indicating their strong standing with me.)

To Do: Besides driving the road to Hana, seeing the view from the top of Haleakala, taking a whale watching boat tour during the winter months (the Lahaina area), enjoying the many beaches, especially Makena, be sure to take the drive to Tedeschi Winery in Upcountry. A fun time even if you don't drink wine! Be sure to stop along the way to take pictures and visit the little shops and stores. Enjoy lunch (very low key and informal) at The Ulupalakua Ranch Store just across the road from the winery. (If Johnny is cooking, tell him that Bob sent you.) But don't turn around there, as most tourists do; instead drive at least 10 miles farther down the road to see the dry side of Maui and the black volcanic remains. The farther you travel, the more isolated you become. Eventually, the road becomes unpaved and single lane. Sadly, you can no longer complete the back circuit to Hana due to a huge landslide.

A Place to Stay: Finding a place to stay in the Paia is becoming more and more difficult. There is an anti-tourist wave hitting the Islands even though it is a major source of revenue for many. This year we stayed at the Blue Tile Beach House with million dollar views and feet from the ocean. The prices were reasonable for that part of the world. We plan to stay there again. If you stay there, be sure to tell them that Bob sent you.

Food: Even though Paia (the town where we traditionally stay) is a small community – thus, no need for directions – there are a number of funky restaurants serving delicious meals within the downtown area. Dress is always informal. Most feature seafood as a specialty. However, most also offer excellent vegetarian as well as other meat options. The establishments below have been suggested in the past and continue to receive that status. They offer wonderful food, 8/10 or above. The Paia Fish Market for informal sit down or carry out provides great value - the food every bit as good as the much pricier Mama's Fishhouse down the road. At Cafe des Amis the crepes are marvelous, the dessert ones – decadent. We paid two additional visits there on this trip. For incredible pizza containing all organic produce, visit the Flatbread Company near town center. The crust is unique in the most positive way. Visit its web site at http://www.flatbreadcompany.com.

For a delectable gourmet experience, have at least one meal at the Hali'imaile General Store (tel. 808/572-2666). Many restaurant critics rate Bev Gannon, the chef - owner, as one of the best in Hawaii. Based upon our numerous lunch visits, we could not agree more. This Epicurean experience is located upcountry, about a 15 minute drive from Paia. (The evening pricing is much steeper.)

Komodo Bakery in Makawao, a small artist community upcountry from Paia, is where you can enjoy decadent malasadas (take my word – you will love them). Arrive in the morning while they are still warm. The cream puffs are also wonderful! Despite the distance, we always make several visits there during our stays.

For coffee drinkers I continue to recommend Anthony's Coffee Company on the main drag of Paia. Two companions claimed it to be the best coffee they have tasted.

Gardens and Galleries: 1) Ali'i Kula Lavender Gardens in Upcountry is a wonderful, almost meditative place to visit. Walking the grounds can be serene with expansive views of the Maui coastline below. Incidentally, if you plan to eat lunch there, reservations are a must. Besides viewing the flora, be sure to take home some special jams with hints of lavender. Over the last several years, these gardens have continued to expand. In speaking with the owner, Alii Chang, he has just begun! 2) If you love watercolor, as I do, then a visit to Sherri Reeve's Gallery in Makawao is a "must add" to your list. Sherri's paintings are filled with vibrancy and details uncommon to many watercolor artists' work. She has done so many creative things with her art that any budget can afford examples of it. A real plus, the staff are very friendly and accommodating. Ask for Eloise to assist you. Sherri on specific days is in the studio and will sign her work, whether it be a large limited edition print or a small art tile. 3) A new gallery recommendation this year, though I have visited it many times, is The Curtis Wilson Gallery located downstairs from the Kula Lodge Restaurant. The gallery is small but contains some of the most magnificent images of Maui or of anywhere else I have seen. Though I cannot afford a traditional print of this talented artist's works, I have purchased beautiful cards and small framed copies that are within everyone's budget. Incidentally, the restaurant above serves very good food with a stunning view.

Obviously, I can't travel to this paradise without offering some suggestions. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel there many, many times. This time, I tried to search out some new venues for you. I will also mention a few that have proven their staying power over multiple visits. All the below are on the Island of Maui.

Recommendations '05 Kauai

Activities – There are so many things to do that books are written on the topic. I am recommending three to you. Waimia Canyon (pictures above) is a must see on the Garden Isle. However, no matter where you travel, expect heavy traffic along much of the major highways, especially early morning when Kauaians are heading to work as well as afternoon when they head home. The Kauai Products Fair in Kapa'a (Thursday - Sunday) is definitely worth a stop. I left somewhat poorer! If you enjoy coffee, then be sure to visit Kauai Coffee Company – excellent opportunity to sample a wide selection of local java. For more info, click here.