Dec 11 
if you grew up in hawaii, chances are you caught one of the many sumo tournaments broadcast from the blaisdell to televisions across the islands. i thought of my fella when i first spotted the sumo match
and, if that's a bit too kitsch, you can still add a little sumo love to your holiday with pop ink papers' chop sumo gift wrap (individual sheets can be found here).
Dec 10 hopefully, the weather, unlike the wga and amptp, will cooperate today and i will be at the beach by the time you read this. yep, the only bright spot in the ongoing writers strike is that my fella has a lull in his schedule allowing us to fly home for an early holiday visit.
while i take a breather from blogging, you can look forward to a mix of island inspired holiday gift ideas while i am off scouting the streets of oahu.
have a lovely monday!
Dec 8 
can it be? modern design and eco-friendly in waikiki? yep, it seems aqua hotels recently unveiled hotel renew (formerly known as the ocean tower hotel in its past life) as their boutique entry into the growing green hotel movement. in addition to the in room guest recycling program, each room features a sexy dimmable lighting system (energy conservation, perhaps?), water saving fixtures in the bath, and housekeeping gets the job done with non-toxic cleaning products.
and, be still my beating heart, there appears to be a faux eames aluminum management chair in guest rooms.
amenities include a pillow menu, complimentary wi-fi, lcd televisions, organic snacks to tempt you in the mini bar, and the hotel gets bonus points for being completely non-smoking. geeks will surely want to play around with the in room computer/entertainment system that offers everything from netflix to satellite tv/radio plus a place to dock your ipod.
the hotel is located about a block from the zoo and is a short walk to kuhio beach.
introductory rates start at $149 a night through the end of year, and if you are planning a waikiki holiday be sure to inquire about the stay free package (fyi - work is still being completed in the lobby so be sure to request a room on a higher floor).
click over to tripadvisor for traveler reviews before you go.
Dec 6 
fighting eel + lily lotusjust two days left to save 15% off your order at ali'i kula lavender. also, sat, dec 15th is their final appearance for the year at the kcc farmers market. pre-orders for pickup are available so long as you call it in by tue, dec 11th.
on saturday, shop the offbeat holiday trunk sale featuring the tee designs of roketo and a mix of up and coming indie designers.
cottage by the sea has been named the exclusive island stockist of etsy favorite hazelnut cottage. stop by saturday for a trunk show and enjoy 10% off the collection. meet designer jan avellana who will also be accepting custom orders on her hand stamped creations.
ali'i kula lavender, deals, hazelnut cottage, tamara catz dressing room, maui, oahu Dec 6 
the season of giving is in full swing and here's a cool way to give back to the community. the ronald mcdonald house of hawaii is always on the lookout for volunteers to host their sunday night dinner club for families who have made manoa their home away from home while their children receive medical treatment at local hospitals.
families staying at the house arrive from the neighbor islands as well as from guam, samoa, and other parts of the pacific so the weekly supper may be their only chance to enjoy a home cooked meal. round up a few family and friends and savor your time together while whipping up everyone's favorite dishes to share with the ronald mcdonald 'ohana.
you can find more details here. and, if cooking is not your thing, do take a moment to peek at the ronald mcdonald house wish list.
