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Destination: Maui Article Source: Copyright © 2012 by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House Inc. All rights reserved.
Sailing is at its best on this two-hour champagne cruise. The 50-foot Scotch Mist II, which holds just 25 passengers, gives you an intimate and exhilarating ride, with complimentary champagne, chocolate, juice, beer, and white wine. Private charters are available. www.scotchmistsailingcharters.com.
You can spread out on deck and enjoy the gentle trade winds on this 47-foot catamaran. Cruises are limited to groups of 24, and children three and under are free. An easygoing, attentive crew will serve you hot and cold pupu, such as grilled chicken skewers, spring rolls, and a fruit platter, along with beer, wine, mai tais, and champagne at sunset. www.sailmaui.com.
This 118-foot yacht is set up with a dance floor, open-air deck, snack bar, and cocktail lounge. Unlike other sunset dinner cruises, there's no need to rush to get a good seat—the upper-deck tables are reserved. Dinner is prepared fresh daily by the onboard staff, which also provides table-side service. You have a choice of roasted chicken with sesame sauce, a 12-ounce prime rib with au jus and horseradish, macadamia-crusted mahimahi, or a vegetarian couscous pocket with tomato, mushroom, and herb sauce. www.mauiprincess.com.
This custom catamaran is one of the slickest and best-equipped boats on the island, complete with a VIP lounge for 12 people by the captain's fly bridge. Trips are on the pricier side, mainly because the initial cost doesn't include the cooked-to-order meals. But if you're willing to splurge a little for live music, an onboard chef, and upscale service, it's absolutely worth it. From mid-December to early April the cruise focuses on whale-watching. Check-in is in front of Leilani's restaurant at Whalers Village. www.sailingmaui.com.
Live music and a festive atmosphere are the calling cards of this two-hour sunset cruise. Accommodating up to 140 people, the cruise generally attracts a younger, more boisterous crowd. Vegetable and cheese platters are served, and two drinks from the full bar are included. www.mauiprincess.com.
Destination: Kauai Article Source: Copyright © 2012 by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House Inc. All rights reserved.
This group offers a seasonal program at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. A range of big-name artists, from Ricky Lee Jones to Taj Mahal, have been known to show up on Kauai for planned or impromptu performances. www.kauai-concert.org.
This talented local group presents plays throughout the year. www.kauaicommunityplayers.org.
Relax to the instrumental music form created by Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) in the early 1800s. Shows are at Hale Halawai Ohana O Hanalei, which is mauka down a dirt access road across from St. William's Catholic Church (Malolo Road) and then left down another dirt road. Look for a thatched-roof hale (house), several little green plantation-style buildings, and the brown double-yurt community center around the gravel parking lot. There is also a weekly Saturday show in Kapaa town.
Destination: Hawaii (Big) Island Article Source: Copyright © 2012 by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House Inc. All rights reserved.
At this celebration, the entertainment includes a Samoan fire knife presentation as well as songs and dances from various Pacific cultures. Traditional dishes are served alongside more familiar fare, and there's also an open bar. www.marriott.com.
On the graceful grounds of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay, this luau takes you on a journey of song and dance, highlighted by a dramatic fire-knife finale. Before the show, you can participate in workshops on topics ranging from coconut-frond weaving to poi ball techniques. The excellent buffet features a feast of local favorites like kalua pig, poi, and ahi poke. Generous refills on the mai tais don't hurt, either. www.sheratonkeauhou.com.