Friday, April 24, 2009

Behind the License Plate


I remember having an identity crisis when I first arrived on the island. The crisis was spurred by the desire for me to vote in the Hawaii preliminaries for the 2008 election. But more specifically...it came due to a need to replace my mainland license plate with a Hawaii State one. How do voting, licenses plate, and identity crisis all tie together?

Well, the only reason why I wanted to change my plates was so that I could vote the in the Hawaii preliminaries. And perhaps in order to register to vote, I had to change my drivers license...and in order to do that I had to register my car...which entailed passing a state car inspection (a unique process to in Hawaii, btw)...which required putting on Hawaii State plates. I forget the whole shabang...but I know at one point I was like, "Man, do I really want to vote that badly this year?" The answer was...Yes!

So...I was really really sad to have to unscrew and take off my old mainland plates. I'm not kidding...I talked about the changing of the plates to so many people. It was such a sentimental moment and symbolic act of change, acceptance, and adjustment. I guess when one moves to a new place, city or country, the process of relocation forces one to consider what aspects of oneself and ones lifeways will be kept, discarded, altered or changed.

Since I arrived at HNL with only 2 suitcases in tow, I guess my car was the biggest sentimental thing I had on the island. And at the time, it was a sad moment for me to say goodbye to the one thing that so boldly represented my mainland ties--my home town state name written above the little numbers and letters that distinguished my car from all the other little Honda's out there in the world!

It's funny to look back at that moment, because now that I'm on the mainland...I hadn't even thought to change my Hawaii State plates back to my former ones. The little rainbow on the front and back of my car has become so special and meaningful to me...I don't know if I dare to take it off...just yet.

LAX to SF and Austin


Airfare wars make traveling that much easier...for those with expendable cash.

Los Angeles to San Francisco: $36 o/w if you fly before June 24th. Love SF for it's local charm, unique boutiques, and good eats!

Los Angeles to Austin: $70 o/w. Outside SF, Portland, and NYC, Austin is my favorite artsy town. It's a combination of Orange County meets the Seattle/Portland artist district...very cool city to live in if you had to move to Texas (photo above). Last time I visited Dallas and Houston a year or two ago, housing was VERY cheap there...places that go for 1.2 million in the OC are under $200,000. Holy moly! (Huge Asian American population in Plano...and with the same planned communities, I felt like I was Irvine all over again...most bizarre feeling).

Book on American Airlines at: www.aa.com

{I'm trying to keep these blog posts limited to Hawaii stuff...but every now and then I'll other stuff here until I get my new blog site up.}

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The Dash


Today my aunty in Waipahu forwarded me a link to a touching poem called "The Dash" (by Linda Ellis).

When you look at a person's tombstone you the see the day they were born and the last day of their life...and the dash in between. The thing that matters most...is how we live that dash.


{I dedicate this post to my dear friend, Jules, to whom I send much love and prayer during this difficult time.}

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Earth Day in Hawaii


Yay! Today is Earth Day! I went to my first Earth Day celebration at Venice Beach in L.A. around 10 years ago. It was a small, little known event...about the size of a small half acre park. Today, issues of environmental sustainability have caught on...not just as a marginalized political movement, but as a consumer lifestyle. Earth Day is no longer for the "hippie" types but your average everyday person. Department stores and local super markets alike promote reusable shopping bags; organic food and clothing have become accessible choices; and fair trade/non-sweat shop made products are finding their place in the consumer market. We are the Green Generation.

There are a few ways that Hawaii is taking part in today's Earth Day event:

Oahu:

The University of Hawaii, Manoa hosts an annual Sustainability Fest celebration in honor of Earth Day. Thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests will be on the UHM’s campus from 11AM to 10PM on April 22nd to enjoy an open air market place followed by a free outdoor concert. Participants enjoy delicious food and multi-cultural performances as they browse 100 booths with socially and environmentally conscious artists, musicians, businesses, and organizations. Guests participate in booth activities to receive stamps on a score card which they submit for great prize drawings including bicycles, surf boards and a solar powered back pack. The day concludes in the beautiful Andrew’s Amphitheatre with a free outdoor concert featuring local favorites such as John Cruz and Pressure Drop. http://sustainablesaunders.hawaii.edu/

Kauai:
Kauai Community College is hosting a collective Earth Day 2009 event and invites all to attend from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The goal is to hold a student centered, community involved event on campus to promote sustainable action.

Big Island:
World Botanical Gardens in East Hawaii (Hilo and the Hamakua Coast) are gathering each day at the Gardens for free Garden Director Tours and reduced pricing for those that mention Earth Day as the reason for their visit. http://www.wbgi.com

Volcanoes National Park
hosts two programsin the Kipuka of the National Park: 1) Help restore the native forest and learn the history of kipuka along Mauna Loa Road - 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday, April 22.

The public is invited to join park botanist Sierra McDaniel for a tour of the upland forest along Mauna Loa Road. There will also be an opportunity to lend a hand in on-going efforts to restore the native forest. Call McDaniel at 985-6097 and leave a message that includes a contact name and phone number.

2) Hike through a kipuka of rare and ancient plants in Kahuku Unit - 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22. Limited to 20 people. Pre-registration for both programs is required. http://www.hawaii247.org/2009/04/19/earth-day-at-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/

Other
Feel free to post other events you know about from around the islands. {I'm sure other festivals and events will be hosted over the weekends. Check out the KCC Famers Market...at the very least I'd expect Earth Day to be recognized there.} Happy Earth Day!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Best Malasada's - Leonards vs. Champions


oooo...now this is a real toss up. Where to find the best malasadas, Portuguese donuts, on the island. The main difference between malasadas and regular donuts is that there is more egg and butter that's used--resulting in a more dense texture and egg based taste. They are a bit fluffier, have a hint of a sour tang to it (the type of yeast perhaps?), and most noticeably have no donut holes!

In Hawaii, "Malasada Day" is the day before Lent. I guess protestants and catholics want that last bite of Portuguese goodness before giving up sweets and fats before Easter!

Champions seems to be the local favorite ($0.60/each). These malasadas are dusted in grainy sugar. Served hot, they just melt in your mouth. I remember the first time I had my first malasada--I was enroute to the airport to deliver a box of hot ones for my parents. The warm, pliable donut was not too sweet, not too oily, and just yummy all over.

If I'm on my way home and need to catch the H1 freeway off of Kapahulu, I'll stop by Leonards for a malasada treat ($0.70/each). Mostly for it's convenience. Leonards is great because they have an assortment of malasada fillings (haupia (coconut), pineapple, guava and chocolate, among others.) Depending on the day, week or four seasons, the change of flavors brings customers checking back for more.

I think I enjoy malasadas from Champions best...and there was a no-named malasada truck in front of a supermarket in Salt Lake that wasn't too shabby. Some like the ones found at the yearly Punahou carnival best.

Where do you find your favorite malasadas?

Champions
1926 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
808.947.8778

Leonards
933 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI
808.737.5591

Best Cocopuffs - Liliha Bakery


When I got to the island and people talked about Coco Puffs--other than the chocolate round-balled kid's cereal {think: "I go cookoo over coco puffs}, I had no idea what they were referring to.

One the first time I had a cocopuff was at a potluck at sharon and joe's place. We had vanilla bean Coco Puffs and chocolate Coco Puffs. Yum!

Basically, a Coco Puff is your standard cream puff injected with vanilla or chocolate pudding. Different places garner certain reputations in Hawaii, and Liliha Bakery is the place known for these little treats. Supposedly they sell around 3,000 of these puffs a day (at $0.85/each). Beard Papa's has gained momentum on the mainland, but I haven't found a branch in Hawaii branch that rank like they do on the mainland. I find that Liliha's still has bragging rights for best cream puff on the island.

Liliha sells other baked items and offers a diner menu. Andy, Christian and I had breakfast at the diner counter one morning. Christian swears by the goodness of the UFO hot pink colored myterious flavored "fruit" jam (which was "radiation" scary looking if you ask me)...but I was thankful that I ordered their Cinnamon french toast. Andy got the traditional local morning feast--portuguese sausage, egg and toast combo. Long wait, so get there early!

Liliha Bakery
515 N. Kuakini Street (and Liliha Street)
Honolulu, HI
(808) 531-1651

Best Shave Ice - Matsumoto's vs. Wailoa

Who ever thought that sweetened frozen water could be such a delight?

In Hawaii it's called "Shave Ice"...not "Snow Cone" (ahem, mainlanders)...and that's Shave Ice without the "d".

For the past decade it's been a toss up locating the best joint for this yummy ice treat. The popular assumption is that locals head to town for Waiola, while tourists head to the North Shore for the historic Matsumoto's. The reality however is the line isn't always that clearly drawn. Locals and tourists alike give mixed thumbs up for both places. Here's my take...

The Pro's and Con's:

Waiola
+ The most fine shave ice you'll ever find in the U.S. It's so delicate it just melts in your mouth. Waiola has a patented ice razor machine that's certainly worth checking out. You won't find ice any better than this.
+ They have two local establishments in the Waikiki/town area which provides easy access for tourists and local residents. (In fact, a couple friends of mine walked there from their Waikiki hotel--that's some shave ice determination!)

- On the down side, I find the syrup less potent and flavorful than their Matsumoto's.
The syrup also doesn't "stick" to the ice as much, so on occasion I feel like end up eating water.
- When you sit down on an indoor stool (Kapahulu location), there are a ton of big bugs on the window screen--unappetizing.
- Hard to find parking, and usually must sit outside on the bench to finish off your treat.
- Served in Dixie cups.
- I don't recommend getting mochi-balls at Waoili--they are tasteless and hardens in the ice.

Matsumoto's
+ In my opinion, it has the best flavored syrup on the island. The syrups are distinguishable, potent and long-lasting. There's a ton of flavors so to keep things easy you can simply order their triple flavored combos: Rainbow, Hawaiian, or Matusmotos.
+ The shave ice good ole double layered white paper cones and wooden spoons--old school classic touches. (You can pay a little extra for the plastic protector to keep the syrup and ice from running down your hands.)
+ The ice cream used here is rich, creamy, and quality stuff.
+ The syrup colors are vibrant and the workers are trained to be generous with the syrup portions. Adding condensed milk and azuki beans adds variety to an old classic, but I still prefer plain shaved ice or shave ice with ice cream inside. (Yum!)
+ I personally like nostalgic and historic places--and Mastsumoto's is an old time grocery store that first opened in 1951. A North Shore landmark, they and are celebrating their 60th anniversary. Congratulations!

- On the down side, it's a far drive to the Northern part of the island just for shave ice.
- Parking is either on the muddy lot next door, or street parking on the street perpendicular to the joint.
- Long lines--not fun on hot days, and the last thing you want to do after the long car ride to the North Shore. (The long lines keep Matsumoto's next door competitors, Aoki, in business)


My mainland friends and I vote for Matsumoto's...but to be honest, I frequent Waiola more often to due it's convenience in town. Love getting shave ice after a day at the beach or after shopping at Ala Moana Center. Either joint you choose, don't leave Hawaii without trying this local favorite!

Which shave ice place do you prefer?

Full-screenMatsumoto Shave Ice
66-087 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712

Waiola Shave Ice (original)
2135 Waiola Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 949-2269

Waiola Bakery & Shave Ice
525 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 735-8886

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Killer Airfare Deals - $198 r/t


Los Angeles to Honolulu:

Got my ticket today for $198 R/T (plus tax -> $235) on Continental.

It's a good price considering that a one day conference I'll be at in a couple of weeks (on women and leadership) runs $150.

Hope to be back on the island every month!


Shout out to Nely whose photo is posted here. She's super talented and full of that warm aloha spirit! Hi Nely! :)


Reservation Tip:
For deals...check a web site like Travelocity (to see which airline has the best price), then go directly to that airline company's site to purchase your ticket. This way, you save on the booking fee, and if you run into any problems in the future (e.g. you need to change your flight, etc, you deal directly with the airline and not Travelocity--no extra fees for a ticket change...and no being put on hold while they contact the airline on your behalf.).

Nothing against Travelocity--they were great when I got to the airport in Paris and realized I didn't have my ticket on me! For $100 they got me on the next flight. But it was a 2 hour ordeal since they had to keep calling me back (I was at a pay phone in Paris) and since they had other phone customers to take care of. They also had to call the airline to make changes and than call me back multiple times for various confirmations.

Would've been easier for me to have just walked up to my airline counter at the airport and speak with an assistant there--but I needed to have bought the ticket right off the airline website, not a third party like Travelocity. Oh well, live and learn.

Hawaii Car Rental



The best rental car deal is at: Costco.com

I looked at discounts from various airline mileage programs (e.g. triple bonus miles), coupon deals, and Costco. I've done this a couple times for different trips, and find that Costco.com always gives the best rates with no hassle. Here's what I found:

Tip 1: Always book a car reservation. I have a friend who worked at Enterprise during college. He said that there are no regulations on how much to charge a person for a daily car rate when they walk in the door without a reservation--there's a suggested range, but no regulation. Employees are thus encouraged to size up the customer when they walk in the door and then estimate how high they can charge a person. The price of your rental may differ from the next person who orders the same car model and dates and hours rented. Pretty sneaky, eh? I called by phone today and found that by far, booking online gives you much better rates.

Tip 2: The cheapest rates are when you reserve a pick up at 12noon...and return time at 12noon. This may not be the most optimal pick up and drop off times for you, but here's what you do. If you book a reservation at noon, you can always pick up a car earlier than noon...just keep in mind that the time will just start ticking the minute you leave the lot. 11am say, instead of 12 noon.

Tip 3: So what happens if you want to return the car later than 12noon? Car Rental policies charge a late fee for the first 1-2 hours past your initial pick up time at the airport. Thereafter, they will charge for one extra day's rental. So you'll have to do the math...is the extra day's rate cheaper than booking for your exact desired drop off time? The average daily car rental rate is $30/day in Honolulu; $20/day in Maui. In my case, I'd rather pay the $30 extra day than the extra $60 cost if I were to book at the exact times I need.

For example:
Actual Rental Car Times Needed: Monday Pick up at HNL 11:30am; Friday Drop off at 9:30pm
My Costco Reservation: Monday Pick up at 12noon; Friday Drop off at 12noon (Cost $120)
Alternative Costco Price: Monday Pick up at 11:30am; Friday Drop off at 9:30pm (Cost $180)

So...I would pay $120 plus $30 late charge = $150 for five days (vs. $180)
The bottom line is that booking from noon to noon saves me $30.

Hope this helps. Happy car renting!

[For those not renting a car and needing hotel shuttle, please see my post on Airport Shuttle and Taxi services]

Tax Day in Hawaii


Not going to make that 4:30pm Post Office deadline?

There are a couple of major post offices that have blue mailboxes (the kind that looks like R2D2) where you can drop off your tax papers in. You'll see a sign on the blue metal boxes. Kaimuki post office requires items dropped in there by 11pm for example.

The airport post office closes at 2am but get there by midnight for the date stamp.

In Irvine there was a special table to drop off your taxes outside the major post office. Two smiling happy people were there to welcome the tired tax-doers. They hand stamped each mailer to assure you that your items were received on time. No line and super friendly volunteers.

{black and white photo of the old hawaii post office}

Monday, April 13, 2009

Where Asian Americans Live


According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 66% of all Asian Americans live in just five states: California (12.1% of the state population), New York (5.6%), Hawai'i (63.6%), Texas (2.9%), and Illinois (3.4%).

Amazingly, 54.7% of all Asian Americans live in just six metropolitan area:

Metropolitan AreaAsian American Population% of Total U.S.
Population
Los Angeles1,799,00011.4%
New York1,343,0006.7%
San Francisco1,279,00018.8%
Honolulu566,00064.9%
Washington DC-Baltimore373,0005.1%
Chicago367,0004.2%

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Favorite Comedian - Race & Humor

Russell Peters is my favorite comedian...if you haven't seen him, type in his name on YouTube. The majority of his jokes center around race, racial stereotypes, and racial conflict--but in a humorous way.

He's coming to the Brea Improv (April 30-May 3) $45

View YouTube clips with key words:
"Chinese People" or "Be a Man" (same clip)
"!xomble"
and "indian flying terrorist"

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Stage Restaurant - 2 for 1 Special


To celebrate their 2nd Anniversary, Stage Restaurant is doing it once again...offering a 2 for 1 special...which means 50% of your tab is paid for on the house!

I missed it last year because reservations were fully booked. So call early. Here's the deal:

April 6-18
Stage at the Honolulu Design Center
call 808.237.5429


It one of the trendy-er-ish spaces to eat...or rather, since Hawaii is a casual place, creating an "ambiance experience" is not as high a priority as say San Francisco, West LA or New York. In that respect, this is as good as Honolulu gets. The decor is certainly traditional modern. And yo can even buy the table, chairs and fixtures you eat on. The food is gourmet good too! (read my other posts for Stage)

Friday, April 3, 2009

Intro to Meditation - Yoga Hawaii


meditation occurs when one find the balance to be able to steady the mind and breath

this takes practice, stamina and training

for an introduction to meditation, a local hawaii studio is holding an intensive weekend series. i personally cannot do meditation for longer than 50 minutes; i die doing it. i can't imagine doing 3 long days of it. nonetheless, for those interested here's the scoop:


Friday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 7:00-9:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 26, 7:00-8:45 a.m.

$135 at Yoga Hawaii in Kaimuki
call 808.739.YOGA for details

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Hawaii (Gourmet) Places to Eat


Not full reviews but here's my bite sized take:


Roys (Hawaii Kai is my favorite nationally, was impressed; been to the Waikiki one three times--food and sauces are overdone; the presentation sloppy); SF comes top to the Hawaii Kai location). Hawaii Kai offers the best menu (classics and others) and best quality of food and presentation. Waikiki has some surf & turf set menus not offered elsewhere (LA and Texas for example).


3660 on the Rise (kaimuki) – Often overlooked by popular reviews but locals and foodies know this is another great place to dine. while Alan Wongs is the standard expected and safe in many ways, 3660 adds a little flair and excitement to their dishes. The word that I recall thinking was "exciting." The flavors are big, the spices high making the dishes pop in your mind and tastebuds. Paired with wine, appetizers and dessert this makes for a nice evening in an unexpected little town.


Alan Wongs (or Pineapple Room at Macys) : The restaurant on King Street is surprisingly informal; valet parking only; food quality is consistent and good; mostly safe. But this is what gave it it's earned reputation. Call ahead for special occasions and they will give you a special announcement scroll and dessert; the desserts are great. The Pineapple Room is good enough for me (salmon in ochazuki is good); I love taking and meeting friends here for lunch. If at the mall and choosing between Macy’s Pineapple Room and Neiman Marcus’ Mariposa, I’d pick the latter (though not Hawaiian food).


Sam Choys (The original restaurant was decent but disappointing. It’s now closed. The Sam Choys breakfast and lunch joint still open; a great stop to the airport). I'd rather just buy his cookbooks and cook at home.


Stage (Honolulu Design Center) - wants to get "in" on the scene, the first restaurant I ever saw that self identified itself as an "Asian American" resturant (what does that mean? hmmmn....the politics of food..!) with a pacific rim twist. It's entering it's second year on the culinary scene with innovative ideas, flavors and combinations. I enjoy the kitchen here...and for a quick sampler visit Amuse Wine Bar (they share the same kitchen). The desserts are great--wonderful pastry chef.


Plate Lunch:

Rainbows; L&L (the former for the 1970s effect drive in )


Healther:

Kakaako Chicken (Ward); brown rice and healthy options; owners are from 3660 on the Rise



My personal favorite is Roys (at Hawaii Kai in particular)--excellent quality; attention to detailing in preparation and presentation; nice atmosphere; and c'mon it's the Flagship spot don't ya know :)

Free & Fun things to do in Waikiki


Free Movies on Waikiki beach – "Sunset on the Beach" hosts a 30 foot screen and shows family friendly films; food vendors and musicians perform; table and chairs set up but bring your own towel just in case; Satrudays and sundays (check times/dates: http://www.sunsetonthebeach.net)


Free Fireworks (fridays) at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (can be viewed from the beach walk or any part of the waikiki strip)

Free live Hawaiian music in the evenings – Moana Surfrider is my favorite (outdoors under the big banyon tree; grab a drink and sit under the stars). Almost all big chain hotels (e.g. Sheraton and Marriott Waikiki good too) have live music; usually held around the hotel poolside areas.

Free Beach Walk Programs: free Cultural activities and lessons everyday (e.g. learn hawaiian chants, the hula, obake (ghost) story readings and more). ask local hotels near the beach walk for schedule.


Live Hula dancing and Hawaiian Music on the beach: Waikiki (across from McDonalds) put on by the city; just gather around; very informal.


Live Hula Hawaiian entertainers (DFG—Duty Free Gallery; 8:30ish on top level). The show is to "introduce" tourists to different Hawaiian styles of dancing--Polenesian, etc. One of the few places on the island to get French crepes can be found downstairs in the food court.


Waikiki beach – jump into the ocean and take a dive! Need I say more?


Walk on Kalakaua Ave and watch the street performers; browse the high end shops.


Nike runs on Wednesdays at 6pm (meet at the Waikiki Nike Store next to Tiffanys/BR)


Honolulu Festival – (Mid-March); last year was packed with people, the parade lasting until 9 or 10pm


Favorite Honolulu Lunch Spots


By this I mean good places to “lunch.” Great spaces, good food, and nice ambiance; places to meet for a nice afternoon with friends or co-workers.

Downtown (Hawaii State Art Museum)
Pavilion Café (Honolulu Academy of Arts; outdoor)
Mariposa (Neiman Marcus, Ala Moana Mall)

Casual Eating & Meeting:
Town (Kaimuki) – healthy, as urban-ish as Honolulu gets

I like the Pineapple Room too (Macys, Ala Moana)

Best Of Hawaii Posts

For friends and family traveling to Hawaii this spring and summer...I've decided to post up some quick highlights of my personal takes on the best places to eat, drink, shop and be in Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. I'll start with Honolulu first!

{Locals and visitors, please feel free to add your comments and suggestions!}