Friday, March 28, 2014

Honolulu Graffiti Art (Oahu)


Re-viewing Honolulu through the lens of graffiti art provided a tantilizing window to gain a glimpse of the underground urban subculture that emerged within an environment marked by towering luxury highrises, patterns of bottle necked vehicles, and a pristine ocean border. Not your expected cityscape for an urban art movement. 

{Love the flying spam musubi and floral lei in the piece above. Graffiti art with Hawaii motifs--pretty sweet!}


This interesting mural depicts the Hawaiian spirits and urban development of Honolulu to the left, with the political lyrics of IZ's song "Hawaii 78" cited on the upper right. This piece offers social commentary of urbanization; yet it is ironic that graffiti art itself is a direct expression and cultural product of the very urban experience that is being critiqued. 


Plumeria, rainbows and hair as ocean waves (outside the frame of this pic).


Famous graffiti artist :)


I like that this one says "Aloha Family"


Reminiscent of Keith Haring but with local icons--shave ice, pineapple and sunglasses 


Dancing coconut, Makapu lighthouse, and a Hawaiian sunset over the Pacific. 


Titled "Honolulu City Lights"

Really neat spray paint technique when you look close up. 


Most of these murals can be seen in various parking lots and walls throughout Honolulu (and especially the Kaka'ako district). It was fascinating for me to re-see familiar everyday spaces through the lens of graffiti art. I've been to Office Max many a time, for example, but I never thought to look at the back alley of the store to see what lay behind. 

The exciting thing about Honolulu is that graffiti art is everywhere...you just need to adjust your visual lens to see it. :)

{mahalo to PA for the up close and personal Honolulu urban art tour}



Santouka Hokkaido Ramen (Oahu)




Despite the two rules: cash only and no take out orders, Santouka continues to be packed with a steady crowd. I ordered the salt ramen with the 12 hour braised pork (the #1 item on the menu). It looked visually pleasing (in terms of color, shapes and textures) considering ramen is mainly just long noodles in a soup base, but the flavor of the broth and texture of the chewy noodles was just average. In Japan, Hokkaido ramen has traditionally been known for its shoyu base (which IS on the menu), so Ill need to try that another day for a fair review. I did like the decor and the use of ramen bowls as art on the walls. It's a hidden popular spot in the Don Quijote outdoor food court. 

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Martin & MacArthur $10 off (Expires 4/6/14)



One of my favorite stores to buy Hawaiian giftables for others and oneself has a promotion Ive not yet seen before: $10 off $100 purchase with this coupon or online code. Enjoy!

Various locations: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Faith, Slippers & Surfer Bethany Hamilton




These are the most inspirational slippers I own. 

When pro surfer Bethany Hamilton's left arm was bitten off by a tiger shark while paddling on her board, this Kauai native lost 60% of her body's blood. She miraculously survived and astounded doctors when she recovered in a month's time. What's powerful about her story is that despite the shark attack, she hit the waves again, went back to surfing, and won her first title just a year later. (And just a couple days ago she took thePipeline Women's championship). What an inspirational testimony of faith, courage, resiliency and determination!

I initially bought these slippers for pragmatic reasons...I was color-struck by the turquoise foot beds and brown leather straps, and I liked the arch support Cobian slippers are known for. It was the salesperson who highlighted that this pair was special because it was designed in partnership with Bethany, and was accented with a gold signature and her hibiscus logo.

I liked it. 

It wasnt until I kicked off my slippers in that haphazard way one does at the beach, that the bottoms flipped over and I saw the true beauty of the pair I bought. There was a biblical reference and colorful art work depicting the shark attack on the bottom of the rubber soles!

Now I really liked it. 

The left foot reads, "With Faith All Things Are Possible" (based on Mark 9:23) and is adorned with cherry blossoms and the infamous ocean scene. 

The right foot reveals Bethany's life motto: "Overcome"


I didnt know that Bethany was a Christian, nor that the Cobian company would imprint such an overt message of faith on their product. I'm glad they did. 

My friend said the slippers had a message meant especially for me. It could be true. But Bethany's message and story is certainly an encouraging one for many.  

For more on surfing, Bethany's documentary, and her testimony of faith see: http://www.soulsurfer.com/story.html

Friday, March 21, 2014

Free Firework Show (Oahu)


Every Friday night at 7:45pm viewed from  Hilton Hawaiian Village, Magic Island or Fort Derussy. (This photo was taken from the parking lot at the Hilton Hawaiian.) Nice little Honolulu treat. 

Exact firework time differs per season's sunset hour--a little earlier in the Winter and closer to 8pm in the summer. 


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Muse Room (Oahu)


Ultra-feminine three year old boutique in Kailua, specializing in romantic inspired clothes and giftables. Dresses run $30-40. 

Muse Room
332 Ulunlu Street
Kailua 96734

Tan Tan Ramen (Oahu)

I was craving the char siu Tan Tan ramen, with its slightly spicy sesame broth (shoyu ramen also available). As my brother once said, this place is worth it just for the huge and deep chunks of char siu. :)

Located at the Ward Center and bottom floor of the Ala Moana shopping center. 

Modern Hotel (free movie night) (Oahu)


Top level of the 'modern hotel' patio >>free large screening of a movie and pop corn, sitting in beach chairs partially in the water and partially in the sand. It's a hidden Honolulu gem.  First Monday or Tuesday of each month. 

Pool level bar has live acoustic music 5-9pm featuring local artists. 

Punalu'u beach (Oahu)




Hit by the waves. Protected my iPhone. Ran after slippers. Soaking wet. 


{Mahalo to Coco for the excellent island tour}



Monday, March 17, 2014

Salt Gastropub (Oahu)


Gastropubs have just hit the scene in Honolulu over the past year and a half. 

Salt in Kaimuki has a nice vibe and creative mixologist using homemade syrups. Come for the "Chicken fried local rabbit" plated with pancetta and gravy, and also the "Scotch egg" paired with Chinese sausage, micro greens and uni aioli. 

Sadly they were out of four--yes four--items we ordered. What's up with that?!

Koko Head Cafe (Oahu)


Came for the grand opening weekend at this brunch-only Kaimuki joint. Koko Head Cafe fills in a much needed gap for a casual brunch place outside the hotel resorts. The dishes run $4 for muffins, scones and bread, and $9-13 for omelets, pancakes, salads and sandwiches. The former Top Chef contestant uses locally grown produce when possible, perhaps from her boyfriend's farm on the North Shore. 

The Yuzu sesame seed muffin was stiff yet subtle in flavor. The vegetable omelette with okra, tomatoes and goat cheese was smooth and balanced. They serve Illy coffee and the Damman tea was smooth and velvety. 

Crossing my fingers for a successful run. The place was packed!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Kaypee Soh (Oahu)


Fresh and modern designs from textile artist Kaypee Soh. Love his store, the goods and his artwork. Casual, colorful and well crafted. 

This weekend: 20% off his textiles (rugs, pillows, and more)

Located at the Ward Warehouse. 

Friday, March 14, 2014

Vintage Cave (Oahu)

At $300 a head it will be a very special occasion that takes me here. Simply looking at the photos on yelp speaks to the finesse of the multi-course dining experience where jackets are required and a secret entrance (under Shirokiya) channels you in to a universe of exquisite culinary indulgence. 

I had a similar dining experience in Montreal, Canada which has been one of the best meals I've enjoyed to date. Very similar palette, technique, ingredients, style and presentation as Vintage Cave (but half the price). Still remember each course. My guess is that VC in Ala Moana will be just as memorable, if not more. 

And now for that special occasion...!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Teeks Slippers (Oahu)


From ombré to black quilt to animal print slippers, Teeks are surprisingly comfortable and I'm told last a very long time. $50 at Dolce (Ward Center) and elsewhere. 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Best Manapua (Oahu)

Head to Libby's for a Classic Manapuas
410 Kalihi street

Chun Wah Kam's (CWK) in Kalihi for more creative and gourmet-ish  Manapuas. 

505 Kalihi street


Best Dim Sum (Oahu)

Hands down the best down home dim sum can be found at Panda Cuisine in Ala Moana. Dim Sum is reasonably priced, tasty, and iserved from opening until 2am. Park under ground. Also across the street from Walmart/Nordstrom parking structures. 

641 Keeaumoku, Honolulu 96814


For a formal and fancier ambiance head to the top floor of the ala Moana shopping center for Jade Dynasty. They serve Dim Sum from 10am until 5pm. Great fir large parties. Guests sit around large round banquet tables, and food is presented well. 808.947.8828

Best Seafood (Oahu)

So I haven't been to these seafood places, but my brother and his friends say these are some if the best places to hit while on the island:

Nico's Pier 38
Live music Fri and Sat

Tanioka Seafoid and Catering
Voted "Best" 2013 
94-903 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu 96797

Fresh Catch
In Kaimuki and Kaneohe
808.735.POKE

Best Thai Food (Oahu)

My favorite greasy hole in the wall is this green garage like space with picnic tables and food served in to-go styrofoam boxes called Bangkok Chef. Cheap. Tastes like that yummy carcinogenic burnt part of the pan that gets encrusted on your food. 

Located at:
1627Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu 96817

If you're looking for a casual sit down place that uses real bowls and utensils, there's Siam Garden Cafe. 

Located at:
1130 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu 96816

And for curries, noodles, rice plates and salads Phuket Thai in the McCully shopping center is another place to try. 

1960 Kapuolani blvd unit 109
Honolulu 96826

Best Vietnamese Food (Oahu)

For a clean, casual and trendy-ish pho joint I like Ha Long toward the airport. 

City Square Shopping Center 
1286 Kalani Street B107
Honolulu 96817

I also like Pho Kitchen near Kaimuki High School. In addition to Pho they serve vermicelli (bun), rice plates and vietnamese sandwiches. 

2919 Kapuolani blvd
Honoluku 96826 

Others like Pho #1 in Kapolei. Good place if you're in the area. 

777 Kamokila Blvd unit B
Kapolei 96707

And heres a Nov 2013 newbie to Honolulu located across the ala Moana shopping center:

Pho Saigon
1538 Kapuolani, Ste 101
Honolulu 96814

Monday, March 10, 2014

Bloomingdales (Oahu)

Ala Moana shopping center rocks. Coming in 2015 is Bloomingdales and 50 additional shops. Can this mall get any better?! :)

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Letarte (Maui)

My favorite bathing suit company, Letarte, has a rustic-beach styled flagship store in Paia, Maui...and is opening a new shop in Newport Beach CA. With their boho island-chic suits adorned with dangling "jewelry" (seashells, beads, sea glass), the business is catching on in beach towns on the east and west coast. 

Best wishes to the two Letarte sisters!