LOCAL GRILLIN' ON THE NORTH SHORE

After a nice, long, serene hike in Waimea Valley or a long day snorkeling at Sharks Cove, your body will be craving something nutritious. Sure, you could go for a buttery shrimp plate or a slice of pizza in Hale'iwa. But why not go healthy - and local? At the Waimea Valley Grill and Sharks Cove Grill, your lunch isn't only set amidst luscious scenery, it's also locally produced. North Shore native Thomas Naylor (pictured) and his father Chet Naylor run the company. At their grills, you can choose from an array of salads made from North Shore greens from Pupukea Gardens, sandwiches of locally caught fish or curried rice made with cranberries and almonds, and spiced with locally grown Kaiulani Spices. Thomas Naylor tips us off on his prime dish: "My favorite is the cheeseburger made with North Shore Cattle beef, with avocado and grilled onions. I eat one almost every three days," he says.

— Lacy Matsumoto

HIP TO HELP

What's trendy now? Actually, it's pretty hot to be a philanthropist and make a difference in this world.

Take Eric Rulona, who after returning from a trip to Malawi, decided to take his design background and really make a difference with New Day Kids. With a network of talented designers, event planners, and marketing and sales people, he mixed the ingredients to create a successful fundraising campaign.

"We listen to the needs of the schools in Africa and approve projects that we can raise funds for here in the United States. We want to give quality exposure to the schools, and also make it easier for people who want to contribute to worthwhile causes to get involved," Rulona explained. "I think there is a huge lack of trust when it comes to charity, especially with the younger 20- to 30-somethings. This is a very savvy and informed crowd, and they are demanding levels of transparency and accountability that many large organizations don't do well." The company is made up of two small teams, one in Hawai'i and one in New York City. As a small organization, it operates with minimal overhead in order to give 100 percent of donations to the projects. "Our goal is empower youth by increasing their options for the future," Rulona said. Get involved by visiting www.newdaykids.org.

— L.M.

BRAZILIAN BLING

Swarovski crystals seem to be turning up everywhere: on handbags, stilettos and now as body adornment. Leah Nacion, owner of the Waxing Company, www.thewaxingco.com, offers Swarovski crystal body bling for clients' hips, bikini lines, shoulders, decollete — wherever she wants it. It's kinda like a temporary tattoo, with a sparkling reflection. Request a heart, star, dragonfly or butterfly. Depending on the body part, and the client's skin type, the body bling can last from four days to two weeks, and costs $20.

Nacion also applies glitter body tattoos. The hottest designs among local women are the hibiscus and plumeria, but the Om and kitty cats are not far behind. These cost $15 to $20 and last up to 10 days.

The Waxing Co. is in McCully Shopping Center, 1690 Kapi'olani Blvd.; 952-6500.

— Paula Rath

PAU HANA POWER HOUR

Like the idea of exercising, but don't have time during the typical early-morning or lunch-break cycle? Local exercise company Force Fitness has teamed up with Pipeline Café to offer a 50-minute extreme cardio session that also feels like a club outing, complete with lasers and a thumping bass beat from Pipeline's massive stereo sound system. Classes, $20, are scheduled for every Monday at 6 p.m., with a Mix & Mingle session beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. (Yes, your lazy significant other can get a drink at the bar.) For more information and to find out more about the trainers, go to www.forcefitnesshi.com or call Rod Redondo at 265-1859.

— Tracy Chan, Honolulu.Metromix.com

SALES & BARGAINS