The island of Oahu

One of the great things about the Ala Moana Hotel is its location, almost on the beach, it also abuts Hawaii's top mall, the recently refurbished Ala Moana Mall. The hotel is also only about 15 minutes from the airport, which is convenient after a long flight.

There are several restaurants in the hotel. Try the Plantation Cafe for breakfast; they make a killer Grand Marnier waffle. There is also a nightclub by the name of Rumours, which I never had the chance to even try, and the piece de resistance is Aarons, on the 36th floor (the top floor). Aaron's is a restaurant. Though I didn't get to eat there, I did enjoy a couple of drinks at the bar, which with its floor to ceiling windows provides a stunning panoramic view of Waikiki.

We started the meal with the Steak Tartare served with toast points prepared tableside so you can have it prepared to taste, with as much or as little pepper as you want. My personal favorite on the appetizer side was the Duck and Foie Gras dish. This was the epitome of heaven on a plate for me. The duck was neither burnt nor greasy.

For my main meal I succumbed to the lamb, which somehow I managed to finish. Delicious.

Finally, for dessert we couldn't resist the Grand Marnier (I believe it was) soufle. Truly heaven. Do let them know ahead of time as this takes 20 minutes to prepare. It comes with a sauce. Hint: the more sauce, the better.

The wait staff are impeccable. Knowledgable and courteous, they whisk dishes away as required, bringing the next items to the table, but are never too visible, which helped to make this a perfect spot for a romantic evening.

P.S. I had the best cosmopolitan I've ever had here.

Aside from its dismal location, once you step through the elevator doors you're transported into another world of fine food, wine, ambience, and if you're lucky, good company. Don't worry if you have to wait a while for your table - they're normally very fast and the bartender is exceptional.

The food is uniquely Hawaiian and pulls many of its ingredients from the Pacific Ocean region.

I started the meal with an asparagus soup made with truffle oil, an amazing treat, served with asparagus and lobster salad. Thinking it didn't get any better than that, I received my wake up call with Macadamia nut coconut crusted lamb chops ($38) served with an asian ratatouille and roasted garlic smashed potatoes. I finished my dinner with a selection of creme brulees. The brulees are presented in five Japanese soup spoons stuck with chocolate to a marble tray, my favorites being the coffee and the macadamia nut brulees. Sadly, I was so focused on my food that I neglected my partner's dinner.

The bay is the result of the ocean's breaching and incursion into two volcano craters. There are hiking trails with very pretty vistas and the park areas have good picnicing sites.

Avoid walking on the rocky ledges where waves are breaking, they can be very dangerous. The rocks are actually lava. Lava is very porous and crumbles easily.

Hanauma Bay Nature Park closes down all day on Tuesdays; all other days it's open from 6am to 6pm. There is a US$3 entrance fee if you are a non-resident; free entrance if you can show valid local identification. There is a US$1 per car parking fee. You can call +1 (808) 396-4229 for other information about the park twenty-four hours per day, including information on emergency closures.

The Hanauma Bay Education Program teaches all about the bay's natural state. If you are going to be snorkeling or diving you are required to sit through the educational movie, which is actually quite entertaining.

Because you have to walk down to the bay from where you leave your car, it is possible to take a bus down, we walked down but took the bus up, well worth the $1 one-way fee, especially if you're carrying a lot of equipment.

A couple of miles further down Kalaniana`ole Highway, you'll come to a spot where there are invariably a couple of cars pulled over to the side of the highway. There is a great hike up the hill, with phenomenal views, including a light house and I understand if the weather is good you can see some of the other islands.

There is no cost, although I'm not altogether certain that the hike is legal, but it a lot of fun, though a certain level of fitness is required. Since the wind is very strong, I don't suggest wearing skirts.

Whether you're a hiker, jogger, walker or just out for a pleasant car ride, the Tantalus and Round Top Drive is the perfect place to spend a few hours. The views of Diamond Head, downtown Honolulu and Punchbowl Crater (military cemetery -- a very educational visit) are fantastic. If you're lucky enough to be on the mountain at sunset, the views of the city's lights are amazing.

The road Round Top Drive is a nine-mile loop and is very pretty in of itself, so do take your time on the drive.

Along Round Top Drive, you will find the entrance to Puu Ualakaa Park

Less than a half mile further along the road you will come to the entrance to Puu Ualakaa Park. This park contains the best views from Mount Tantalus. In the movie Blue Hawaii, this is where Elvis Presley and his girlfriend went for a picnic.

The overlook at Puu Ulalakaa Park offers a panoramic view of southern Oahu from Diamond Head to your left, through Waikiki, downtown Honolulu and to Punch Bowl Crater and the Honolulu International Airport beyond on the right.

Take special care of your car and belongings at this park. The forest borders the parking lot and car break-ins have been known to occur.