Hawaiian luau Let’s face it: nobody needs a specific reason to head to the 50th state. There’s perfect weather all year long and scenic wonders only rivaled by postcards and culinary delights… aloha! No excuses needed for a Hawaiian getaway.

You simply go.

But only in a state of starvation could one fully understand the excitement of a Hawaiian culinary tour. While there are too many to list here, I have selected my favorites… of the favorites!

First you’ll arrive in the Big Island and check into a luxury resort — Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, for example — for five or six nights. We’re talking 4,000 square feet of heaven here: two bedrooms, two and a half baths, a living and dining area, kitchen, private pool and Jacuzzi. Tropical fish rule the surroundings while you take it all in through a window view of the Pacific coast.

Next, start the following day honing your cooking skills under the supervision of a world-renowned chef. You and other guests will indulge in multiple-course meals made from the freshest local ingredients. The Big Island includes farms loaded with tasty fruits.

Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show on Oahu

You’ll be met with greetings from hula dancers in order to get into a festive mood. (You can never get enough of that traditional Hawaii fanfare… and you haven’t boarded the cruise yet!) Then you’ll cruise the Waikiki coast for two hours while the sun sets over the ocean. Imported and domestic cheeses are among a spread of appetizers. Make room for the five-course dining experience as Hawaiian and Jazz musicians fill your ears with a feast of their own. Did I mention you’ll be a part of the show? It’s interactive, and fun!

Ala Moana Food Tour

Honolulu’s shopping district is enhanced with the Ala Moana Food Tour, where a foodie guide is waiting to share his or her favorite meals with your taste buds. For two and a half hours you will sample several tastings from local establishments. Two words: Go hungry!

Chinatown Food Tour — OahuHawaiian luau

Honolulu’s Chinatown will be presented to you, complete with Asian markets and eateries… for two hours! A knowledgeable tour guide will take you to five restaurants where you’ll enjoy up to seven samples of the best in Vietnamese and Thai food. I see Honolulu cheesecakes on the menu; dessert to end the day of delights? Check.

Talk about paradise to go. Hawaiian foodie excursions are simply a click or two away. And don’t worry; no vacation budget is too small. Not even for the Big Island.