Ever since Mark Twain tromped through the jungles of Maui in 1866 on a newspaper assignment, Hawaii has been catnip to the great and the good. We asked some of our favorite tastemakers and personalities—actors, chefs, and yes, writers—born or living in or associated with our fiftieth state to tell us what they love most about the islands.

Emilie De Ravin
Actress, Lost (works on Oahu)
"I consider the Kahala Hotel on Oahu paradise in paradise, an elegant sanctuary that combines the best of nature with the joys of modern life. The gym, Chi, is first-rate [808-739-8888; kahalaresort.com; doubles, $475-$1,055]. I also love the Lanikai Juice Bar in Kailua, which blends fresh fruit together with natural honey and soy milk [600 Kailua Rd., No. 101; 808-262-2383; juices, $4-$6]. At twilight, I meet up with the cast at Jameson's by the Sea, in Haleiwa, to snack on fish tacos and mai tais [62-540 Kamehameha Hwy.; 808-637-6272; entrées, $20-$45]."

Josh Holloway
Actor, Lost (works on Oahu)
"One of the best things you can experience on Oahu is to swim with dolphins in the wild. Dolphin Excursions will take you out into the calm waters of the island's west side, where you'll be able to swim with pods as they play in shallow bays [808-239-5579; dolphinexcursions.com; $115]. Second suggestion: Go to Sushi Sasabune, in Honolulu, and order the Chef's Special. Some people call the chef here the 'Sushi Nazi' because he tells you just how much soy sauce you can have with your nigiri, but the place really delivers. The whole cast started going here years ago when we filmed the pilot [1417 S. King St.; 808-947-3800; $4-$15]."

Carrie Ann Inaba
Judge, Dancing with the Stars (raised in Honolulu)
"I have two favorite beaches. The first is Hapuna Beach State Park, on the Big Island. I go bodysurfing with my dad when I'm in town. The second is Sandy's, in Honolulu. The current and undertow are very strong there, and it inspires a reverence for the power of nature. It's beautiful and dangerous all at once. But the most magical place in Hawaii is Molokai's Kalaupapa National Historical Park, where Father Damien DeVeuster cared for quarantined Hawaiians suffering from leprosy [nps.gov/kala]. There is a certain something about this whole island, probably due to the incredible amount of love that was shared among those who lived here during such difficult times."

Carlos Santana
Musician (lives part-time on Maui)
"The town of Paia, on Maui, is nani, the Hawaiian word for beautiful. It's a small gem of a place that embodies the essence of aloha spirit up on the north shore of the island. It feels like it hasn't changed since the sugar plantation days. My favorite place there is Mama's Fish House—simply the best restaurant in Hawaii [799 Poho Pl.; 808-579-8488; entrées, $28-$65]."