Ululani - Best Shave Ice + February Free-bee

Ululani in Kahului and Lahaina, Maui, is simply my favorite shave ice shop on all of the hawaiian islands.  The big kicker for me is their homemade syrup and fine shaved ice. Made from fresh fruits, the syrup is made daily by the owner who taste-tests the consistency and flavor for perfection.  The guava syrup is thick, the lilikoi flavor comes complete with tad-pole looking seeds, and mango comes with small shavings of fruit.  I tried almost all of their flavors and lychee is one of of my personal favorites. 

Reasons why I like Ululani over others (matsumoto/aoki/waiola/etc):
- Ice is shaved fine
- They punch holes in the ice so the syrup flows through
- They give free added syrup if the bottom of your cone is dry and flavorless
- They provide a special plastic shave-ice stand to help support your table eating efforts
- They give you a punch card (buy 10 shave ice, get one free)
- They have a range of flavors from tropical, to tiger blood, to red velvet
- The workers have the aloha spirit
- Convenient locations

The lines are long but the wait is worth it.  I like picking guests up from the Kahului airport and driving down Dairy Road straight to the Ululani stand (shack looking place on the corner of Dairy Road/Hana Hwy).  Here you can eat under the patio shade at the neighboring restaruant tables (Ululani makes this permissible). There is also the orginal shop in Lahaina if you are staying in the Kaanapali/Kapalua side of Maui.

For the month of February get a free add-on to every shave ice order!  Now that's a treat on top of a treat!  Tanks eh, Ululani!

Where it's at:
http://ululanisshaveice.com/

Penguini - Best Gourmet Gelato & Sorbet in Paia, Maui

Penguini is the best kept secret in Paia. I like revealing hidden finds and supporting local start ups, and mark my words...it’s just a matter of time before this place gets hoppin'.

Melissa, the chef-entrepeneur, makes fresh gelato and sorbets daily. You never know what flavor will be offered until you get there. She herself doesn't know what she will create until she wakes up in the morning, sees what fresh ingredients are around, and embarks on the process of exploring a new creative combination. Kula Strawberry and White Chocolate is her most popular sell. I enjoyed her Ruby Red Grapefruit with Mint sorbet, Goat Cheese Gelato, Coconut Kifer Lime Sorbet, Chocolate Hazelnut Rum gelato, and Green Tea gelato. As you can tell, her culinary training inspires her to work with flavor combinations, and use ingredients you'd not usually associate with frozen desserts (the goat cheese was fabulous, btw).

The texture of her gelato is smooth, creamy and rich. Her sorbets are light and filled with flavor. She uses local and natural ingredients when possible. And check out the unbeatable price: 2 scoops with your choice of flavors for only $3.00! Now that's a real treat!

Melissa McKelvy left her post as pastry chef at Wolf Gang Puck's Spago and opened up her own little joint in Paia. This sweet 30-something entrepenuerial chef kicked the fast paced beat of the glizy restaurant world to put her tastebuds to work under her own direction and whim. I was inspired by her courage to leave her post at a nationally reknown restaurant to start something small yet authentic to her soul. Her shop opened just six months before I stumbled upon it, and chatting with her was an inspirational delight.

Her shop front is a cozy little room in the back of Paia Inn. The location is pretty hidden and one would easily miss it were it not for a little "A" shaped sign perched on the sidewalk. Currently, the store is simple--it's just a wide window opening where customers order their treats (they have homemade cupcakes, petite pastries, Chai tea, and coffee too.) If you peek inside, the wall of her kitchen is painted a bright hot-peony pink, with a side door dressed in French inspired black and white toile window curtains. Her decor taste is whimsical and fun, and I can't wait until she's able to expand her business into a bigger space. For now, customers can enjoy her treates outside in the shade of a wooden bench.

See you there!

93 Hana Hwy #3 (look in the far back of the building)
808.214.4608

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday - 12:30p.m. to 8:30pm

Best of Kahului, Maui

My dad and his family are from Maui and I love returning here time and again. I like that the island is big on local community events. Casual and informal, there's always something going on. Just check the local papers or flyers at the restuarants.

Kahului, the main city center is not an exceptionally unique Maui town, but it is a good center for living must-haves: Costco, Barnes and Noble, Krispy Kreme and the biggest mall on the island.

But there are other stops to explore:
Tasaka Guri Guri (Maui Mall stripmall) - the best homemade ice treat on all the islands

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum - great historical site of labor and commerce
Maui Film Festival: June 17-21 (Maui Community Cultural Arts Center) - a great way to catch some well made films

Typically my usual Kahului stops include:

Starbucks at the mall - multiple outlets for laptop work by the window and comfi chairs.
Food Court at the mall - indoor eatery under glass roof; quick, easy and convenient
Airport - can't get anywhere without this joint
Macy's - the main department store on the island
Borders Bookstore - small but they'll get you what you need (even if it has to be shipped)
Krispy Kreme - a stop right before the airport (take back donuts to friends/family on Oahu)
Costco - after your flight arrival to the island pick up your goodies (on the way to Kihei, etc)
Bark Avenue - best couture pet store in all the Hawaiian islands. love the maui branch even over the hawaii kai branch.

Where's it at:
Maui Arts & Cultural Center One Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732
808.242.2787

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum 3957 Hansen Road, Puunene, Maui, HI 96784
808.871.8058

For other Maui side trips see my post on the Best of Wailuku and Best of Kihei (forthcoming).

Best of Maui - Highlights

{Maui highlights in no particular order}

Road to Hana - A must-drive at least once in your life. Enjoy the lush views and take hike and a dip if you dare.

Wailea Beaches - Spend an afternoon under a rented cabana. My favorite spot (shhhh) is Polo Beach.

Drive through the cane fields from Kahului to Kihei. One of my favorite drives of all time. Can do this drive over and over and over. Super relaxing and beautiful.

Paia and Makawao - Drive to the upcountry and experience a laid back, artist type community. Love these two areas alot!

Maui Ocean Center - This is where I saw my favorite sealife exhibit: Jellyfish tanks! So peaceful and mesmerizing to watch these 'fish' puff in and out as they glide around in water.

Hike down Haleakala - And check out the Silversword endangered species plants. If you need to use the restroom, go behind a rock (women: bring portable toilet tissue).
Take the old sugar cane Lahaina Train - I was driving somewhere, had to make a u-turn and saw this touristy but historical train. They have dinner train rides too! (website)

Walk around Laihaina on Front Street for tourist shops. Check out the Maui Jim (sunglasses) flagship store, the big historic 135+ year old banyon tree, and my favorite resturant on Maui, Lahaina Grill. Plus every Friday from 7-10 pm is Art Night in this city where you can stroll galleries and watch artists in action.

Sugar Mill Museum - very cool historic place just outside the airport (1o min or so).

Iao Valley - walk down the trails and enjoy the green covered pointed mountain view.
Shops at Wailea - Perhaps the best shopping on the island (upscale stores and other favorites like BCBG, BR, Coach, Tiffany's. Even a store called Serendipity.) The Queen Kaahumanu mall in Kahului is your typical midrange mall. The Maui Mall has a theater and the Guri Guri store for the island's best strawberry and orange ice treat.

Grand Wailea Spa - My favorite place for a spa treatment (Bacara in Santa Barbara is gorgeous and elegant)--but at this spa they offer you two complementary treatments: an apricot seed scrub down to start. and then enterance into various mud and milk baths, waterfall massage areas, steam rooms, and an upstairs lounge area and open air deck.

Drive past Mckena beach and past Oneule Beach and you'll come to a desolate lava area that is very cool in it's own way. The view is stunning because in an unexpected way. You can try to make a hike to the ocean but you need sturdy shoes and pants in case you fall and cut yourself on the sharp lava. Makes for great photos. Very black all around. And not your typical Maui beach scene. A hidden find! (Shhhh)
Lavender Farm - stroll the farm on a self guided walk, have informal tea outdoors, and shop the Lavender gift store. (directions)

Maui Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch - One of the few places on the Hawaiian islands that bottles their own wine, offers tours, and wine tasting. Good place to pick of a bottle for your travel collection. (directions)

Maui Film Festival - this June festival in Wailea hosts international and independent films paired with organic wine, cocktails and live music. There are smaller festivals and gatherings throughout the year. Check the site for details.

Places I'd like to visit:
Paper Airplane Museum - 2,000 models in the Kahului Mall complex (70 Kaahumanu Ave)

Aloha Shirt Museum - Paia corner (know what it looks like, don't know the street names)

Whaler's Village Mall and Museum- in Kanapaali. (Lahaina Cannery Mall is not the most interesting but a good enclosed respite area away from the heat and has a food court. I had Baile Vietnamese sandwiches on my last visit.)

Maui Onion Festival - at Whaler's Village every May. Free admission, food boths, games, beer gardens and a raw onion eating contest. That I've got to see!

Family Time - Honolulu

With summer break finally here and airfares as low as they are, friends with kids are headed out to the island. Here's my Top things to do with your family list--off the top of my head:

Toddlers and Kids:
Honolulu Zoo (small by mainland standards, so a good break for the parents)
Honolulu Aquarium (an often overlooked site)
Beach (bring sandcastle buckets and shovels)
Swim with dolphins - Kahala Resort
Visit the penguins - Hawaiian Village Hotel (in the courtyard)
Story time at the Hawiian bookstore - Ward (waikiki hotel location closed from what i recall)
Older Kids & Teens:
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park - Kapolei (a 40 min drive)
Sea Life Park - (like Sea World) - Makapuu Point on the South side
Ice Skating - Honolulu Ice Palace
Miniature Golf - Jungle River or Bay View golf parks
"Sunset on the Beach" - free movies near Duke's statue
Movie Theater - Ward
Family Together Time:
Picnic at Ala Moana or Kapiolani Park
Day at the Beach
Island Tour
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
Parasailing, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking at Hawaii Kai harbor
Horseback riding or jeep tour at the Kualoa Ranch
Tour of Pearl Harbor/USS ArizonaCollege Aged:
Surf lessons
Bowling - Aiea Bowl
Karaoke - Karaoke Room 2, Karaoke Hut
Dave and Busters (18+) - Ward; open air dance floor top level
Waikiki bars and clubs (various on Kalakaua)
Waikele Outlets20-30-something:
Concerts and shows at the Blaisdale Center
Honolulu parades and festivals (see local papers)
Chinatown lounges - forget the names, located next to one another on Hotel St, San Francisco-ish
My favorites: Pearl, Uncle Bo's, Indigo, W Hotel, Chinatown lounges
30-40-somethings:
Live Music & Wine Bars - see other posts
Cultural events and festivals (see local paper)
"First Fridays" - monthly Chinatown Art Walk
55+: Jazz and Food festivals (check local papers)
Dinner Cruise - departs Aloha Tower
Massage, Facial and Golf at local Resorts
Sail Boating

{Disclaimer: places I recommend but have not myself been to: Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Sea Life Park, Ice Skating, bowling, jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing...and yes, snorkeling and surfing}

Art & Historic Honolulu

In Honolulu
Hawaii State Art Museum
Bishop Museum
Queen Luliokulani Palace
Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial
Hawaii State Capitol and the Kāmehameha I Statue
Punch Bowl National Cemetary
Contemporary Museum

Outside Honolulu:
Hawaii Plantation Village
Dole Pineapple Factory
Historic Chinatown

A Perfect Day in Honolulu

I've had to host different guests flying into HNL (airport) from the mainland. Having gone through the routine a few times, here's my suggestion for a perfect welcome and first day in the Aloha State:

First, check online to confirm the flight arrival time and baggage claim number they'll be arriving at. For tips on the cell phone waiting lot or to help your guests make ground transportation arrangements to the hotel, see my {previous post}. Tune the car radio to a local Hawaiian radio station (for ambiance sake) and get ready to give them a warm hug, Hawaiian kiss and long "Alooooha!" when your guests arrive.

A nice touch:
- Bring fresh leis for each guest.
- Come with piping hot malasadas from Champions or Leonards (yum)
- And don't forget cold water or Aloha/Hawaii Sun brand soda cans in fun tropical flavors.
Next, depending on what time your guests arrive (and what time their hotel check-in time is), I suggest that you leave the suitcases in the trunk...and do a combination of the following:

- Stop at Walmart on your way to town. They can pick up gifts/omiyage (left side of Walmart has the kitschy Hawaii stuff; also cracked seed and mac nuts by the checkout), an extra towel, sunscreen or pair of slippers.
- Pull over at Ala Moana Beach so they can dip their toes in the water and wave hello and "aloha" to the ocean waves. Easy parking and close access to the beach and water make it a quick stop...and immediate sense of gratification after a long flight.
- Refresh them with a light Hawaiian snack: Shave Ice at Waiola or tropical ice cream flavors at Bubbies.

Head to the hotel to settle in, clean up, and rest.
Have a late lunch at Alan Wong's Pineapple Room in Macy's (this gets the obligatory Alan Wong run out of the way--especially if you never make it to the King Street restaurant). If a later flight or time is passing on, you can do afternoon tea at Mariposas in the Ala Moana mall or the Veranda at the Waikiki Moana Surfrider until 4pm or so (make reservations ahead of time).

Your guests can spend some leisure time in the afternoon while you rest too:
- Shopping at Ala Moana mall or along Kalakaua blvd in Waikiki
- Catching some golden sun at the Waikiki beach
- Catching up on some zzz's in the hotel room.As it draws closer to the evening, watch the sunset from the beach path near the Hale Koa hotel or along the Ala Moana walking path (depending on where you are at the time). Have dinner at Roy's in Waikiki, and watch free evening fireworks that shoots off from the Royal Hilton Waikiki. Take a night time stroll to visit the legendary Duke's statue on the beach, stopping at shops along the way (open unitl 11pm). Check out the star lit evening scene at the Moana Surfrider, and then head over to grab late night drinks and dessert with live jazz at the Halekulani hotel.And call it an early night--remember that your guests will be jet lagged coming from the mainland.

Breakfast, Tea, Lunch & Things - Waikiki

Here's a quick run down on quick places to eat while in Waikiki:

Breakfasts

Wailana Coffee Shop (1860 Ala Moana Blvd) offers an old diner classic feel with killer breakfast deals--$4 or so gets you eggs, bacon, sausage and toast. The lines look long but goes by pretty fast (20 min wait on weekends.) Across the way is Eggs and Things (343 Saratoga Rd) always crowded and popular with Japanese tourists--get there early. Pay for parking or bring plenty of quarters for meters. Check out Mac 24/7 at the Prince Kuhio Hotel (2500 Kuhio Ave., 808.922-0811) for the biggest pancakes I've ever seen. It's bigger than my face and thicker than magazine, and will last you three plus meals.


For a nice brunch try Orchids at the Halekulani hotel (Sun, 9:30-2pm, 808.932.2311) or Prince Court (100 Holomoana St, Hawaii Prince Hotel). The later has a hot and cold buffet with the second best granola I've had--laced with coconut, cinnamon, dried pineapple, and other Hawaiian inspired flavors. Ocean view of the harbor and nice service. I haven't been but others recommend: Hoku's (10:30-2pm, 808.739.8780) at the Kahala Resort and Mariposa (Sun, 11-3pm, 808.951.3420) at the Ala Moana Nieman Marcus.

If you're headed toward the airport you can stop off at Sam Choy's Breakfast Lunch & Crab (580 Nimitz Hwy) or Liliha Bakery and diner {see other posts for more on this}.

Afternoon Tea

Tea sandwhiches, scones and dessert parted with a pot of freshly brewed tea is a nice mid-afternoon treat. Not to heavy and a perfect way to get out of the sun. In Waikiki try the Moana Surfrider hotel and sit on the veranda facing the big bayon tree from 1-4pm (808.921-4600) ($42), Neiman Marcus restaurant Mariposa ($31) on Sundays 3-5pm (808. 951.3420) or the Veranda at the Halekulani hotel in Waikiki from 3-5:30 daily ($26) 808.923.2311. {For more on tea places see other posts.}
Snacks

You can't leave Hawaii without getting some shave ice. Try Waiola Shave Ice at 2135 Waiola Ave/ Paani Street (808.949.2269) or 525 Kapahulu Avenue ((808) 735-8886). Libby's Manapua sells manapua for $0.95 each--they sell out the good stuff before noon, and at times there's a line out the door. {photo above} (410 Kalihi Street a few blocks from Nimitz Hwy, 808.841-2253). Leonards and Champions are well known for their malasadas and Liliha Bakery for their Coco Puffs. The best Dim Sum outside the San Gabriel Valley (CA) is at Panda Cuisine. Located across from Walmart they have one of the few places that serves din tai fun. The best part? Dim Sum is served all day until 2am! (641 Keeaumoku Street, 808.947.1688). And pick up some killer musubi at Mana Bu on King street (1618 S. King St., 358-0287). Get there before 1t0:30am when doors open for musubi (rice balls) filled with shiso (leaf), wakame (kelp), veggie curry pilaf and baked salmon, colorful and individually wrapped for a snack on the go. {photo below}. You can also try locally owned Bubbies or Dave's for ice cream, or Japan branches of Mochi Cream mochi (Shirokiya's) orBeard Papa's cream puffs at the Waikiki Beach Walk (Lewers ave.)For snacks to take home, make a run to Walmart (mac nuts, crack seed, cuttle fish), Costco (furikake cereal mix, hurricane popcorn, chocolate covered mac nuts individually packaged for co-workers) and Wholesale Unlimited (cracked seed, arare, Betty's Shortbread Cookies, smoked ika) in seven locations. The Honolulu Cookie Company has chocolate dipped shortbread cookied shaped in pineapples at the Waikiki Beach Walk on Lewers. Big Isaland Candy has the best chocolate dipped shortbread, but you have to fly to the Big Island for those.

Lunch on the Go
Check out Puka Dogs on Kuhio Ave for island flavored hot dog relishes; Cheeseburger in Paradise (2500 Kalakaua Ave) which only sells cheeseburgers--not hamburgers (it's was just okay). And the top level of Shirokiya dept store at Ala Moana mall has pre-packaged Japanese food to go--a great bento for a picnic at the beach or Ala Moana park.

Early Bird Specials
Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar--get there by 5pm for 50% off sushi on Thursdays (I believe). My experience in Oahu wasn't too good (2552 Kalakaua Ave, 808.931.6286). A popular place in Maui.

Drinks and Libations

For a relaxing evening, head to the Surfrider Hotel for cocktails and beer under the stars. Sit under the big banyon tree by the pool and listen to live music nightly. A mellow but festive place to unwind in Waikiki. Also, check out the live jazz lounge at the Halekulani Hotel (photo above). Relaxing, signature drinks, sake, fondue and dainty desserts. Love that the lead jazz singer is Asian American (a rarity). Those are two of my favorite Waikiki places. Nicest night time Honolulu panaramic views are from the Hano Hano room at the Sheraton Waikiki, and Aarons at the Ala Moana hotel.
For wine lovers, try a glass at Roys Waikiki (226 Lewers, 808.923.7997) and Nobu Waikiki {above} (2233 Helumoa Rd, 808.237.6999). Other wine places outside Waikiki: Amuse, Brasserie Du Vin, or Vino. To buy and bring a bottle for your own dinner I recommend Amuse, Fujioka's Wine Store (2919 Kapiolani Blvd), or Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquor (3496 Waialae Ave) for the best selection on the island. The Wine Experience allows you to cork your own unique mix--but plan to return in couple months to pick up your order. You can also purchase one of their house bottles; I enjoy bringing it next door to the India Cafe (1016 Kapahulu Ave) which doesn't charge for corkage. Costco has a decent selection for wine on the run.

Rum drinkers: Rum Fire at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Local brewski's and live music: Check out Tiki's at the top of the Waikiki Resort Quest hotel (2570 Kalakaua), Dukes at the Waikiki Outrigger (2335 Kalakaua), or Kinkaids in Ward. Sports and beer at the Yard House on the Waikiki Beachwalk, E&O Trading Co and Big City Diners (latter two at Ward.)

Mainland Girl Island Tour - Part 1 {Waikiki to the South Shore}

I can't believe it's been only a few weeks since I was on the island. Seems like ages ago, especially since I have many "I miss Hawaii" days. Looking forward to my coming back. There's a family reunion on Oahu in a few days and some folks wanted some suggestions for an island tour. Here's my take...and please add your own recommendations too.

First off, do roll down your windows for some fresh air, open the sunroof for some golden rays, and turn on the radio for some local island style music:

KINE 105.1 FM
KQMQ 93.1 FM
KDNN 98.5 FM

You can do a morning hike at Diamond Head ($3 per person). You'll need to do a 100-200 stair climb at the end, but it's a rewarding view at the top. Afterwards, stop at Monsarat Street for some food. It's a quaint and overlooked area for tourists. I like the fish tacos at South Shore Grill/Mi Casa Tacaria, Diamond Head Cove Bar for acai bowls, or stop by my favorite place in Monsarat: Diamond Head Grill for the best portobello mushroom sandwich on the island. Yup, it's that good. An alternative is to drive up H1 highway and start off the day with Breakfast in Kaimuki. Drive up Waialae Ave for an assortment of little cafes. Cafe Laufer (3565 Waialae) offers some of the best french styled pastries, omelets, fresh fruit in a cherry blossom themed botique. Opens at 10am.Town (Waialae/9th) is one of my favorite places for lunch and dinner, but their breakfast lacks creativity. toast. eggs. coffee. juice. Great place to read the morning newspaper outdoors. Coffee Talk (free WiFi), only has muffins and bagels at a local grungy coffee shop. Big City Diner {below} is the most practical as it opens at 7am and has some hearty local breakfast specials. senior specials too.

If you backtrack a little you can also go to the Kahala Mall for Whole Foods Market, the first and only on the island. Has some senior rates and early morning breakfast specials. Pick up some water and healthy snacks for the road. Starbucks and Jamba Juice near the market for a quick morning pick-me-up. You can get that last minute iPod at the Apple store, grab a pair of shorts at Banana Republic or pick up that swim suit at Macy's at the mall (swimwear available 12 months/year at Hawaii Macy's!). Across from the mall on the otherside of the freeway is a shopping plaza strip that has my favorite healthy market, Umeke Market & Deli (for healthy bento lunches or a hot meat with seats inside), as well as my favorite bread bakery Great Harvest Bread Company (4400 Kalanianaole Hwy).The Kahala Mandarin Hotel has a spacious high ceiling casual area for Afternoon Tea and serves special Thai/Vietnamese/Indian curries on Wednesday afternoons. (You get 3-tiers of each curry, rice, and condiments). A great way to relax. And the curry is actually quite good-- maybe overpriced, but the sunlit airy ambiance makes up for it.
As you continue on the Kalanianaole Hwy, you pass through an easily missed neighborhood called Aina Hina. Stop by the shopping plaza that houses Foodland market and check out my favorite gourmet cupcake place, Cake Couture (820 West Hind Drive #112, 808.373.9750). A couple doors down is an eatery called Jack's that serves local breakfasts (spam, eggs, Portuguese sausage) and is said to have the best biscuits on the island. Personally I thought the biscuits were too dense, tasteless and hard to swallow. For better biscuits I head KFC in the shoppping plaza down the road (with Bank of America and 7-11). Next door to Jack's is where you'll find the popular Uncle Clay's shave ice, or slurpies to be sure, which is topped with what he calls "magic sauce" (lihimui and such).Next stop: Hawaii Kai. Stop by Costco to pick up goodies, drinks, a hot dog or pizza. Opens 10am. Ross store in the same plaza for that extra towel or pair of slippers that you forgot to bring. Check out the view of the marina in the back (one of my favorites) where there is free Tai Chi on Wednesday mornings and a farmer's market. In the Long's shopping plaza, stop by one of my favorite eastside restaurants, Blue Water Grill, which serves good california-italianish cuisine with a delightful marina view. The Shack a few doors down has surprising good greasy burgers (perfect after a hike) while Baile has good Vietnamese sandwhiches and Pho to go. Heading back to Kalaniana'ole Hwy, check out Roy's restaurant (the original) which does not open until dinner, but if you look out your window (non-ocean side) you can see where it all began. You can stop off for some parasailing at the Hawaii Kai docking area. And Koko Marina Plaza further down the road is the last best place to pick up stuff before you head around the island. Get your snorkel gear to rent, Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream, stop by Kokonuts now famous because Obama got his kids shave ice here, Kona Brewing Co for some tap, catch a movie, check out the wine store, get hawaii themed dog clothes, and go crazy at Price Busters (the Hawaii version of Dollar Tree or $0.99 store...but with better stuff.)

The South Shore Stop for a snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Wave hello to Koko Head Crater on your left (hike it if you like) and drive around the island and enjoy the ocean view. Drive to view the Halona Blow Hole (the construction is complete and there are areas now palces to sit and enjoy the view). This is the famous place of the 1953 film "Here to Eternity". And at your next driving stop, park at the next outlet--it's one of my favorite's. Jump over the wall and walk down (carefully) to see the earth erosion and fierce crashing waves. Catch a view of Sandy Beach and hold onto your hats at this windy point. Do an easy grade 2 mile walk to the Makapu Lighhouse and pleasant view of Rabbit Island, and a beautiful white and red lighthouse photo. Stop by Sea Life Park for the kids (also wherea part of the Drew Barrymore/Adam Sandler movie "50 First Dates" was filmed.)

Get in your car and drive around the corner to Sandy Beach and watch some surfers catch the waves (never surf here--or break your neck). You can drive through the parking lot for a glimpse if you don't want to catch some sun and get your feet sandy. There's small patch of grass under a tree that I like--shade plus a non-sandy Sandy Beach. ha ha ha.
Next stop, Waimanalo. Get some Dave's icecream (love their coconut mac-nut, and green tea flavors) next to the Akebono sumo wrestler statue (in front of a long red building strip mall). This is really your last major stop, so do a bathroom break or tourn one of the little tourist shops as you lick your cone.

Enjoy the 'country' road trip through Waimanalo...don't stop at the Waimanalo beach--they have many extra large sand crabs the size of my palm, but more importantly said to be not a safe beach. Nice drive though.
Take the 61 East to Kailua or 61 West to the beautiful view from the 985 ft Pail Lookout. The Nuuanu Pali State Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and do remove hats and put on that windbreaker. I personally like the small town of Kailua. Find Obama's vacation spot...go windsurfing...drive by some beautiful mansion-like homes, and visit my most favorite beach in the world: Lani Kai. It's the most calm, pristine oceaned, turquoise watered, fine sand, non-touristy beach on the island. Where to eat? First, try the famous Boots and Kimos (119 Hekili St, 808.263.7929) for some darn big pancakes and local style breakfast. The wait is usually long, and I guess the reputation outweighs the food (in my humble opinion). It's a local treat though. The town has different strip malls where you'll find various restaurants: Lani's Cafe has spam, loco mocos and such...Formaggio for wine and good pizza and appetizers, while Assagio Italian resturants always a safe choice. For more Kailua resturants click here.Then head down the Pail Highway back to downtown and Waikiki...or continue on my post on my island tour and stayed tuned for: "Island Tour - Part 2" which connects the South Shore to the Windward side through the North Shore!