It's hard to imagine a more appealing ad for a Hawai'i vacation than the photo of President Barack Obama bodysurfing at Sandy Beach in August. That shot and others on Kailua Beach led to Mainland press dubbing Hawai'i the "Zen State," home turf of his even-tempered "no drama Obama" presidential campaign.

By all accounts, President Obama is comfortable here, and the first family is likely to return — welcome news at a time when many kama'aina will spend 2009 vacations in the Islands, too.

Perhaps the Obamas and locals alike will be served by the advice in the new "Zagat Hawaii," which gives users picks for places to "Eat/Drink/Stay/Play" — restaurants, nightspots, hotels, Island attractions, golf courses and shopping.

"What's important this year is that it's the first time Zagat (pronounced zuh-GHAT) has done an all-Hawai'i guide," said Lynn Cook, local editor and consultant for the guide.

Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island topped the list as best resort and Volcanoes National Park was voted most dramatic in the Islands' Natural Beauties category.

Kapalua Plantation on Maui, the 2009 PGA Tour season opener, took golf course honors.

Roy's and Alan Wong's Hawai'i Regional Cuisine topped the dining categories.

"Zagat Guides are read all over the world," said Cook, who coordinated reviews and wrote parts of the book's introduction. "... With this in mind, we've included a glossary of Hawaiian and Japanese terms."

"At a time when our visitor industry really needs help, Zagat has committed to doing a Hawai'i guide; it's a great shot in the arm. And of course, we're thrilled it's being published at the same time as a Hawai'i boy is making history."

To construct each guide, Zagat invites prominent people in their fields to draw up lists of Zagat candidates and then recruits voters at local events to vote online at zagat.com.

Hawai'i contributors included Advertiser food editor Wanda Adams and fashion writer Paula Rath. Island voters for the 2009 guide totaled 4,149. Anyone can vote year-round; those who do receive a copy of the guide.

"Hawai'i has a wonderful blending of different cultures, and it's beautifully reflected in the sophisticated types of fusion fare that scored well in this guide," said Zagat editor Donna Wilkins in New York.

"It was fascinating to explore the local twists on traditional cuisines, and I was surprised at how difficult it can be to nail down a specific type of cuisine for many restaurants; often there is a blending that creates something unique."

More than dining, Wilkins also applauded the rejuvenation in Waikiki — new retail outlets, hotel renovations, nightlife venues.

"Waikiki has undergone a tremendously exciting change over the past few years and there is definitely a renewed vibrancy. I'm glad we had a chance to cover those areas of Hawai'i — and we are really appreciative of all the local residents who took the time to vote and give us their opinions," Wilkins said.

Zagat Guides, known as the "burgundy bible" for their unchanging maroon covers, are available in print ($13.95 at major bookstores), on the Web, on the Palm and Windows operating systems, on Blackberry, on mobile phones, and on TV.

A small sample of Zagat's choices are seen here. Find full reviews at www.zagat.com.

LANA'I

Don't miss: Garden of the Gods, Manele Bay

Dining: Lodge at Koele Dining Room, Lanai City Grille

Stay: Four Seasons Lanai; least pricey, Hotel Lana'i

Garden of the Gods, on Lana'i is a must-see experience in an "eerie" Mars-like landscape.

MOLOKA'I

Don't miss: Moloka'i mule ride, Molokai Museum & Cultural Center

Dining: Hula Shores in Hotel Molokai, Paddler's Inn

Stay: Hotel Molokai, Molokai Shores condominiums

Moloka'i's mules take visitors on an "exhilarating" trek down 1,700-foot cliffs.

MAUI

Don't miss: Haleakala National Park, Wailea Beach

Dining: Most popular, Mama's Fish House; most bang for the buck, T Komoda bakery

Stay: Best overall, Fours Seasons Wailea; least pricey, Old Wailuku Inn, Old Lahaina Inn

Haleakala, Maui, the "jewel in the crown" of Hawai'i's parks.

KAUA'I

Don't miss: Waimea Canyon Park, Kalalau trail

Dining: Most popular, Beach House; most bang for the buck, Hamura Saimin

Stay: Mid-range, Hanalei Bay Resort

The mile-wide Waimea Canyon State Park offers "well-marked trails" and "incredible scenery".

BIG ISLAND

Don't miss: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls

Dining: Most popular, Merriman's; most bang for the buck, Cafe 100

Stay: Best overall, Four Seasons Hualalai; least pricey, Inn at Volcano

Volcanoes National Park, "one of the best national parks ever".

O'AHU

Don't miss: USS Arizona, Lanikai Beach

Dining: Alan Wong's; most bang for the buck, Matsumoto's Shave Ice

Stay: Halekulani; least pricey, Wyland Waikiki

Lanikai's "powdery white sand," "calm water" and "awesome" view of the Mokulua Islands are deemed near "perfection".