Level 8 Grace Continue The Grace series seems like a natural extension of all of this. It’s aimed at people who want something functional yet stylish, without the exorbitant price tag of some of the fancier brands. I’ve been using the Grace EXT Expandable Carry-on Luggage (the 20-inch model) for a few months now and wanted to share what worked, what didn’t, and if it’s really worth your money. Quick Specs: This is an ABS+PC hardshell suitcase that expands up to 15%, has a front laptop compartment (fits screens up to 15.6 inches), weighs approximately 8.5 pounds, and comes with…
Author: kissnearme
NHawai’i chefs and restaurants are among just over 500 nationwide in the running for the 2026 James Beard Awards. The semifinalists named in a press release this morning by the New York-based James Beard Foundation include four national award nominees and five for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific. Five of the nine are first-time semifinalists at America’s top culinary awards Hawaii’s 2026 semifinalists for the national awards, all firsts except The Local General Store, are: Featured Restaurateur: Peter Merriman—Merriman’s, Monkeypod Kitchen, Moku Kitchen and others, multiple islands Emerging Chef: Bao Tran—ThursdayChinatown SEE ALSO: The owners of Giovedì, the Hale ‘Aina’…
Our favorite places to stay in the Cotswolds Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa – A countryside escape with a Michelin-starred restaurant, an exceptional spa and acres of private parkland. Norton wood – A grand country hotel on the gateway to the Cotswolds, offering historic charm, panoramic countryside views and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.Holford Arms – A relaxed gastropub break with great food, comfortable rooms and great value in a quieter corner of the Cotswolds. What you need to know about staying in the Cotswolds Before you start booking, it helps to understand what you’re working with. The Cotswolds cover a…
WWhether you want to run, walk, swim, or bike, there are tons of outdoor fitness activities happening every month on O’ahu. SEE ALSO: The ultimate guide to hiking on O’ahu Biathlon Magic Island January 24, 2026Where: Ala MoanaRoute: A 5km run around Ala Moana Beach Park and a 1km swim in front of the parkwaikikiswimclub.com, @waikikiswimclub Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Health Hawaii Pacific Health Women’s 10 & 5K Fun Run January 25, 2026Where: WORK / Diamond headRoute: Both the 10K and 5K races start and finish at Kapi’olani Park and take runners through Diamond Head and Kāhala.hawaiipacifichealth.org, @hawaiipacificealth Valentine’s…
1. Wellness Nordic Eco Resort, Northern Ontario, Canada Wellness Nordic Eco Resort. Credit: Instagram @emilywhoexplores The first time I entered one of Sunnd’s geodomes, I almost gasped. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Superior, surrounded by forests that seem to go on forever. At night, with no light pollution, the stars were so bright that I could see the Milky Way without even trying. What makes Sunnd special isn’t just the location, it’s how carefully everything is designed. The wood-fired hot tubs (an absolute paradise after a day of hiking) are heated with fallen wood. And the guided tours of ancient indigenous…
Editor’s note: This summary, first published in 2025, has been updated for this year. Ben Franklin Crafts This local craft store not only sells the materials you need for new artistic endeavors, but also hosts them classes that can help you start your journey. You can learn to crochet lei, make resin coasters, assemble key chains and more. Multiple locations, benfranklinhawaii.com, @bfcrafts SEE ALSO: 42 amazing things to do Photo: Courtesy of Downtown Art Center Downtown Art Center The DAC offers art classes every month, some stand-alone and others in several sessions. Making Art for Art’s Sake Saturday features a…
Warm beach destinations Let’s be honest, the main appeal of traveling in February is finding a place that doesn’t require three layers and a big coat. If you’re looking for sun and sand, these places are perfect without the exorbitant summer prices. Mexico has become my favorite recommendation lately. On the Riviera Maya in particular, you have Cancun if you want an all-inclusive vibe, Tulum if you’re looking for something more low-key and Instagram-worthy, or Akumal if you just want to swim with sea turtles without a hundred other people doing the same thing. The weather is comfortably in the…
Photo: Thomas Obungen WWhen I sent a set of photos of this dessert omakase to Frolic editor Mari Taketa, she said, “It doesn’t look like Hawai’i.” Except for Joyce Harada’s long-closed Little Bakery in Pāwa’a, Honolulu hasn’t had a dessert restaurant driven by this kind of next-level geekiness and whimsy. With today’s debut of the Asatos Waikīkī Flavor Lab dessert bar at the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī, now we do. Owner Neale Asato’s dessert philosophy is on display in the flavors of the Asato Family Sorbet Stand, offering everything from Lemon Peel Cola and Li Hing Vanilla Float to Cotton Candy…
Why Legian makes sense The location is the main attraction. You’re within walking distance of many restaurants along Garlic Lane, there are shops on Legian Street when you need a new sarong or souvenirs, and the beach is basically your backyard. Day trips to Ubud for the rice terraces and temples are fairly easy to arrange, or you can head south to Uluwatu for spectacular cliff views. In terms of cost, Legian is really reasonable. You can find basic but clean accommodation for around £30 a night, or go completely overboard on luxury resorts which will cost you upwards of…