For our New Year's trip to the Big Island, our family flew go! (a subsidiary of Mesa Air Group of Phoenix, Ariz.), which operates four Bombardier CRJ-200ER jets for its interisland service. With ticket prices as low as $19, go! has been aggressively battling Hawaii's two incumbent, locally-grown carriers, Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines. All five of us traveled for what it would've cost for just two of us three years ago. The jets are smaller and the frills non-existent (they charge you for juice), but they get you there, and that's what matters. Our kids, especially, loved boarding from the tarmac. Music is "LostCode" from Plethora by MRDC (Magnatune).

The Hawaii State Legislature kicks off each session with Opening Day ceremonies, featuring much pomp and circumstance, music, and food. Lots of food. While the speeches and music are a draw, and all the open doors at the State Capitol provide an excellent opportunity for lobbyists and activists to plead their case, most of the crowd packs the halls of government for the free lunch. Music is "Life In These Islands" by Kaukahi, as performed live as part of Opening Day ceremonies.

The grand opening celebration for Apple's second store in Honolulu, at Kahala Mall in East Oahu, featuring hula and a traditional Hawaiian blessing. The Feb. 10, 2007 opening is the first new Apple Store in three months, and features the company's register-free layout.

The 13th annual Honolulu Festival, promoting "understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony" throughout the Pacific Rim. Here's a peek at the festivities at the Hawaii Convention Center on Sunday, March 11, 2007 (although the festival began on Friday and also included events at Ala Moana Center and in Waikiki). Music is "Ka Loke Polena" as performed live by Raiatea Helm.