Hawaii is home to some of the most incredible spas in the world. Most boast fresh local flora, kukui nut oils and other indigenous island ingredients upping their aromatherapy and apothecary ante. In my book, the queen of all spas can be found at the Four Seasons Hualalai, The Hualalai Spa.

Mark Arbeit is the master of manipulating light. He creates captivating portraiture, fashion, landscape, and nude photography through his innovative techniques. His passion turned full-fledged career all began here in Hawaii. I’ve had the honor of working with Arbeit and so it was real treat to re-connect for this weeks Haute interview.

Perhaps everything is really better in twos! This piece made me simultaneously have a midnight craving for Thai and trade in single-dom for couple-hood to find a loyal “partner-in-dine.” Thai is one of my favorite shareable cuisines well known for its overflowing plates of pad thai, sticky fried rice, and bevies of curries begging to be shared by two. Foodies are in for a real haute treat with Thai Me Up: Haute 5 Thai Restaurants in Honolulu.

It’s a triple whammy Friday and this Haute Weekend Happening is all about it! Get ready to spend your introduction to the weekend hopping from party to party and taking in haute fashion, charitable causes and cutting edge cuisine along the way.

Whenever a colleague comes to town or an LA-based girlfriend considers an impromptu HI getaway, I typically always recommend the ultra-haute boutique hotel The Waikiki Parc. The hip, forward-thinking sister to the elegant, classic Halekulani Hotel offers up all sorts of edgy cool. As if home to Nobu and an haute rooftop pool weren’t enough, the chic hotel also boasts an array of special guest packages for the multi-faceted jet setter, adventure seeker and business traveler alike.

When I began research on this top 5, I was fairly certain that Hawaii was not home to many cigar bars, let alone smoking venues. I thought that constantly warm weather and clean tropical air didn’t mix well with clouds of Cohiba smoke. In the end, I was wrong and surprised to find that Honolulu has a host of top-notch cigar spots. Check them out.

London-based nightlife impresario, CEO of Cinemoi.TV and over-all media mogul Oliver Bengough has some serious Hawaii roots. His French-Italian father Francois Provenza has built quite the reputation here in Oahu as the fun-loving owner and operator of the ever-so-popular Fat Greek restaurant.

Although it’s the unofficial end of summer, I say it ain’t over ’til the weather dips below 80 degrees. Here in Hawaii that means we’re pretty much celebrating summer year-round. So, if you’re interested in stretching vacation season out a bit longer, I suggest a trip to paradise. Kauai, Hawaii, is especially captivating with its lush greenery, waterfalls and romantic appeal.

Craving chocolate, cheesecake, or creme brulee? If you’re like me and can’t seem to complete a meal out or special occasion without a sweet treat, than this is the Haute 5 for you. We’re sharing the most sinful, decadent, melt-in-your mouth desserts in Honolulu.