Duke Kahanamoku

Today's Google Doodle > Duke Kahanamoku, the king and grandfather of surfing. A five time Olympic swimmer, leis line his statue's arm in Waikiki. Today is the 125th anniversary of his birthday. 

Spicy Italian Pasta (Recipe)

Dine al fresco on a warm night and serve this pasta with warm garlic bread knots, Caesar salad (with lemon-anchovy dressing), an antipasti dish (or chartreuse and cheese platter), and a bottle of red Italian wine. End the meal on a refreshing light note with a scoop of homemade gelato.

Found this recipe online >it's easy and tasty. The spice comes from the sausage. Grocery cost is $15 at TJs on the mainland or $50 Safeway/Whole Foods in Hawaii. Cooking time 30 minutes. Serves a family of 4-5, good as a potluck dish too. (Buy the spicy Italian sausage from TJs for a perfect kick.) 

Waikiki Brewing Company (Oahu)

Waikiki Brewing Company, my second favorite craft beer joint, might seem to cater to tourists with its Kalakaua Street location and Waikiki branding in its company name. And perhaps that's it's downfall because the beer here should be enjoyed by locals as well. Not as good as Honolulu Beerworks, but not too bad either. I tend to like Porters and Stouts, but of the beer flights I tried I enjoyed the Ala Moana Amber most. 

A new company, they didn't have enough T shirts printed, new glasses to sell, or other tourist pharphenilia to unload. I do like their colorful logo design and there's an ample amount of picnic bench seating for groups and seats at the bar--especially considering its Waikiki location. Be forewarned that parking is zilch so be prepared to walk from your hotel, or Uber/taxi it over if you're local. 

It's exciting to see the craft beer trend being introduced and established on the islands. 

Waikiki Brewing Company

1945 Kalakaua, Honolulu HI

Good Evening Waikiki

Good evening, Waikiki! Ah, to soak in the ocean waves and a hazy sunset on a warm summer's night. 

CS Wo and Sons - Furniture Store (Oahu)

Founded in 1909 on Oahu, CS Wo and Sons sells transitional Asian furniture (or Oriental furniture as it is still appropriately called). The pieces are nicely curated for those looking for an updated look with a touch of Asian accents in the legs of a table or chair, the darker wood stains, fabric design selection, or Asian and Island decor pieces.

In a funny way, their showroom reminds me of my parent's home (photo above). I now see where how much their taste has been influenced by their years growing up in Hawaii. CS Wo & Sons also tries to cater to a crowd interested in a conservative modern/transitional look (below). The furniture lines are clean and angular (photos from their website) and the bed linens in the showroom are by Calvin Klein--as an example that highlights their taste.

For those who like this furniture style, it's nice to know where to shop. Customers should know though that the pieces are not hand crafted but purchased through large warehouses on the mainland and overseas. I've seen some pieces they stock in other stores but the prices at CS Wo & Sons are fair or even cheaper. Moreover I like supporting family run businesses that earn your trust through generations of personalized quality service.

(Oh, they have a cookie and coffee bar as a touch of hospitality; the peanut butter cookies weren't too bad)

Here's the info:

CS Wo & Sons, 702 South Beretania Street, Honolulu