Best Macaroons in Hawaii

French macaroons are overtaking the cupcake craze in trend-setting cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles...and this classic french treat is starting to hit Honolulu as well.

The first time I had a macaroon was at the 19th century establishment, Laduree, in Paris, France. With appreciation for this classic french treat, I drove around Oahu just a few weeks ago hunting for the island's best macaroon. I was surprised to find that even Kaimuki's two french cafes, Cafe Laufer and JJ's Bakery, did not carry french macaroons. After visits to various patisseries, I've concluded that he island's best places for macaroons is located...(drum roll please)...at the Ala Moana shopping center!

The Honolulu Coffee Company (See 2015 Update at the end of this section)
(Located on the third level next to Godiva toward Sears) has the best quality macaroons (see photo above).  Each cookie half is baked to perfection--light and delicately flaky outside, yet moist and chewy on the inside.  The dough is shaped is a perfect circle with even edging. The ganache is smooth and creamy, the flavors well infused, and the assembly of the cookie evenly pressured and well painted/dusted.  (All characteristics of a quality macaroon).  My favorite is the caramel with hawaiian sea salt macaroon which I highly recommend.  Haupia (coconut) and Lilikoi (passion fruit) are locally inspired treats. NOTE:  January 2015 Update: Honolulu Coffee Company no longer uses the local baker mentioned in this paragraph.  They now make the macaroons in house which are dry and unflavorful, with stiff fillings.

The second best place for macaroons located just steps away from the Honolulu Coffee Company, is the Pacific Place Tea Garden (on the third floor overlooking Center Stage, in push cart kiosk near Louis Vuitton/Neiman Marcus).  The Apricot-Lavender was surprisingly delightful and memorable, and the pistachio was bursting with flavor.  The assembly was a tad sloppy--unevenly shaped and sized cookies, messy ganache fillings, and broken edges.  The photo (below) shows the lack of french perfection of these macaroons.  The Pacific Place Tea Garden has hit/miss macaroons (some flavors better than others) but are priced $0.10 cheaper than the Honolulu Cookie Company.  Because these two places are only yards away from each other, I simply mix and match my favorite flavors from each place and enjoy them all the same.

I'll be back in Honolulu in just a couple of days, and look forward to checking out one more macaroon place: La Tour Cafe (888 N Nimitz Hwy).  {Thanks for the tip, Auntie!} My tummy can't wait.



Win a chef's table at Mariposa

Here is the Mariposa drawing blurb:

"Enter to win a private Chef's Table experience with chef de cuisine Marc Anthony Freiberg at Mariposa, located at Neiman Marcus. The winner will receive a personally-designed 4-course menu for two at the award-winning restaurant.

Plus, receive a $500 Williams-Sonoma gift card, courtesy of Ala Moana Center.

This is a gift that the foodie at heart will appreciate and use to whip up their own culinary treats.

Both of these treats, you'll only find at Ala Moana Center. With over 290 stores and restaurants, Ala Moana Center is where to go to grant every wish on your list."

To enter the contest, click here."

Tartine (San Francisco)

I was introduced to Tartine by AL who lived right across the street from this bakery in his smartly decorated Mission District apartment. It's a "too busy to talk" New York yuppie type of bakery right in the heart of friendly SF. The shop is dressed in white and silver decor (with a hint of wood), where every cup, napkin and pastry is lined up neatly > everything in clean lines. Folks in business suits read the daily paper while sitting on high stools...and the rest wait in a long line (usually out the door) for scruptous scones, cookies and pastries. Their baked goods are fantastic.

I went there nearly everyday for a week, and it still remains my favorite SF morning stop.
http://www.tartinebakery.com/

Citizen Cake (San Francisco)

Great place for desserts, coffee and tea! Elizabeth Faulkner, a former film student, named her acclaimed SF bakery affectionally, "Citizen Cake" (after the movie Citizen Cane). When I first heard about this place, I trekked all over town to get here--the first two times it was closed, the next time, I arrived in time to have 15 mintues to slurp down a pot of hot tea with my cal-french slices of delight. Moving out of the Hayes Valley and into the Pacific Heights area, Faulkner's shop continues to maintain it's loyal following.

Best Places to Dine (Maui)

[david paul's island grill]

Been to all three and recommend them all:

Pineapple Grill: Award winning: Best Restaurant, Best Wine List, Best Hawaiian Fusion. At the Kapalua Resort, 200 Kapalua Drive, Kapalua, 808.669.9600 (lunch: 11-2:30; grill menu: 2:30-5:30; dinner) lunch entrée: 9-17; dinner: 26-40; and a great happy hour (pupus/drink) menu on the lanai overlooking the pristine golf course. Of the three listed here, it is the most casual restaurant (perched within the confines of the Kapalua golf course). Very peaceful view and chance to relax with friends on the comfortable outdoor sofas under the sun, moon and stars. Live music from 7-8pm.

David Paul’s Island Grill: 900 Front Street, Lahaina, 808.662.3000 (average entrée $45). Great place for formal dining indoors and covered lanai. Everything from appetizers to dessert was delicious. Good wine list as well. Call for reservations as this place is usually busy.

Lahaina Grill (127 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, 808.667.5117); $10 off coupon at the airport baggage claim kioks. Average entrée: $40. Feels like a french bistro inside. Impeccable and attentive service. I also enjoyed the preparation from appetizers to desserts here. A popular mainstay in Maui.

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

"Downtown" - Honolulu Tapas & Business Model

From the owers of Town comes a tapas venue named Downtown (not that any of these names aren't already confusing in Honolulu. Town for example isn't located in town, but in Kaimuki.)

Located in the Hawaii State Art Museum, Downtown is a dim lit place that serves small portioned meals > order a few plates per guest and enjoy their creative menu.

This summer I was impressed with the business plan of Town and Downtown > truly eco conscious, earnestly concerned about issues of sustainability, and always supporting local Hawaii farmers and businesses whenever possible. They are known for giving back to the community (notice they are at many local events), and for not mixing business with politics. Tney have proven they can do the latter and still stay financially afloat, if not soaring to new heights. This is a company that works with integrity > they know what they are about and they don't waiver. Truly respectable.

If I were to run a restaurant, I would ask for business consultation from Town/Downtown > I like what they stand for - orgainic food, quality service, community partnerships, and business with integrity. Moreover the manager of Downtown is truly a warm, approachable and sincere guy. Kudos to the restaurants!

Downtown

at the Hawaii State Art Museum (behind the gift shop; ground level)

250 S. Hotel Street

808.536.5900

Limited hours: Monday-Satruday, 11am-2pm

Roy's Chocolate Souffle to End Childhood Hunger

From Sept 20-26th, a portion of every Chocolate Souffle ordered at any Roy's location will be donated to "Share Our Strength" organization to end childhood hunger in the U.S.

It's a good cause but funny concept--spend alot of money dining at Roy's for dinner and then only a small portion of the price of the dessert is donated? Nonetheless, I'm still a fan of Roys (still can't say enough about the Hawaii Kai location) and will be supporting this cause.

To see other participating restaurants in cities across the U.S. click here.

For more info:

http://strength.org/
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/news/GADO_press_room.html

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 2 {Kaneohe to the North Shore}

Continuing on with the self guided tour: Start from Kailua/Pail Lookout (See Part 1: From Waikiki to the South Shore) or take Highway 3, the Likelike Highway or the Pali Highway to get to the Windward side.

Kaneohe
From Kailua or the Pali Lookout take the Kamehameha Highway toward Kaneohe. Golfers can try their hand at one of the hardest golf courses in the U.S. at the Ko'okau Golf Course. Even if just to practice your swing, it's one of the most beautiful ranges I've ever seen--the view is spectacular. (And sure beats golf ranges in Korea which I thought were urban eye-sores). Located close to where the Kam Hwy/Pali Hwy meet.Stop off at the Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens (45680 Luluku Road) which is one of the few botanical gardens that you can actually drive through. You can also go on hikes and camp there, but I just like to do a slow drive to the top where I picnic with a book or journal and admire the lush green Ko'olau mountains. (Admission free, 9-4pm daily). Prior to the gardens, I like to stop at the Okazuya on the corner of Kam Hwy and Luluku to pick up some bentos.


On the Kam Hwy you can stop off at the Windward Mall across the street to pick up other necessities and grab a Starbucks or Jamba Juice treat. Other lunch/dinner spots in the area: El Mariachi is one of the best Mexican food places I've tried (quite authentic for Hawaii) located at 451151 Kam Hwy (808.234.5893) and the Vietnamese shop next door is good too. Deluxe Pastry Shop is said to have the best donuts and long johns (i.e a long custard donut in mainland-speak) at 45-1042 Kam Hwy, 808.247.4235.

Next stop: Byodo-In Valley of the Temples (47-200 Kahekili Hwy). From the Kam Hwy, take Haiku Road to the Kahekili Hwy (route 83) and pass the cemetary. The Temple offers a calm respite of the day, and is scenic spot and transport to another world. This replica of a 960 year old temple in Uji, Japan (near Kyoto) takes me back to my travels in Japan. Beautiful archetecture, a bell, koi pond (buy fish food at the on-site gift shop), bamboo garden, and one of the largest wooden Buddah statues in the world, make this a lovely stop and great photographic site. The Kaneohe temple was built in the late 1960s to memorialize the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii (roughly 1886). ($2 admission; 8:30-4:30pm)
Keep driving down the 83...and enjoy the relaxing view. You'll find a lot of vendor booths along the way selling fresh fruit and local artisan crafts. Do stop at the fruit stands...they cut up a fresh pineapple for you or grab some fresh mangos or papayas for a refreshing treat on your island drive. You'll also see a number of competiting shrimp shacks (or trucks) along the way. Stop along the road...or wait until you get to the Haleiwa in the North Shore for a popular one called Giovanni's.

Ka'a'awa Valley
One of my favorite Hawaii moments, was taking a day trip through the Kualoa Ranch in the Ka'a'awa Valley. It was an absolutely beautiful and breath taking opportunity to ride through the open area of greenry--lush mountain ranges...ocean views. Life just couldn't get any better than that. Simply amazing. The Kualoa Ranch is where movies such as Jurassic Park, Peral Harbor and Godzilla were filmed. I have yet to process the photos I took while there. It felt like I was a million miles away from the city, a little protected haven from the world.
Laie
After a long drive you'll come to the northern tip of the island at Laie. Here, you'll find one of the most popular tourist attractions: the Polynesian Cultural Center. (55-370 Kam Hwy; 808. 293.3333). A field day to learn about Pacific Isander culture from Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Marguesas, and Hawai'i. The "theme park" is divided into different islands where you can learn about the dance, rituals, food, language and culture of the various groups with audience-participation. If you haven't been here at least once, I think it's worth a stop. Some critique that the Cultural Center is a comodified colonialized cultural production...which it may be...but for tourists and locals alike, it's one of the few spaces in the U.S. where Americans can learn about the Pacific Isander history and experience in an experiential way. Do plan to spend the whole day here to take in the richness of each theme park island, the IMAX shows, and luau. And at the very least, attend the luau for one of the best shows on the island. You'll get a good variety of Hawaiian food here (tempered for the mild non-local taste bud) and the show is pretty fantastic--colorful, representative of the different cultures, and the BYU kids who work here do a great job of entertaining. {You can also just stop by the gift shop and park in the green stalls for 30 minutes for free. Just tell the person at the booth when you enter the parking lot.}

Bringham Young University. Tours are held at the university, one of the largest Morman private schools outside of Utah. There's a nice garden, Morman church and cemetary next door as well (55-600 Naniloa Loop). Interesting tid-bit: You can rent clothes from the temple if you're not appropriately dressed.

The North Shore

The North Shore has become synonymous with surfing. For a nice yet casual outdoor lunch/dinner on the beach, stop by Turtle Bay Resort's joint, Ola (57-091 Kam Hwy, 808.293-0801). Great food and nice outdoor relaxing atmosphere, set apart from the resort giving you a nice feeling of secultion and relaxation right on the beach. I think it's a hidden gem (well, not that hidden) but one of the best places to eat on any beach I've been to (even better than eating on the beach in Nice, France). This might be the best meal you can get until you get back into town. The hotel resort itself is really nice, and there's a public beach part and a resort part of the grounds. Large turtles do swim in the area (hence it's name) through I personally haven't seen one. A small spa at the resort (disappointing really) but nice pool area for cocktails on lounge chairs under the sun with an ocean view. Really nice actually. {Some good angels to take surfing photos too due to the break close to the resort grounds.}

Next drive to Waimea Bay, to see some of the largest and most dangerous 30foot waves on the island (particularly during the winter). It gets really crowded on the two-laned windy road during peak season--cars parked anywhich way to catch a view of the tides...and surfers that dare to scale them. It's also the home of Death Rock (or Jump Rock, more subtly) which I didn't dare to do...and where only the brave take a leap into a deep hole and back out into the ocean. The beach is home to the Quicksilver surf competition. Some of the best orange sunsets can be seen here in November.The Pipeline reef near the Ehukai Beach is said to have the hollowest and biggest barrel on the North Shore. The shape of the waves (like long pipes) give this area it's name. The Triple Crown Surfing competition is held here. Only 25 parking stall on the road, so during the winter, be prepared to hitch, walk, or be creative.Stop by Haleiwa town to eat, shop and get a snack. One popular place here is Matsumoto's for some good Shave Ice. The long line and wait is worth it. The impatient head across the way to Aoki's which they say is just as good. For me, I'm loyal to original shave ice king.

Folks like the mexican resturant in the main shopping plaza--it was okay. On another occassion I tried the popular Giovanni Shrimp Shack (59-618 Kawoa Pl) and that was okay too. It's fresh shrmip caught from the North Shore, deep friend and drizzled with garlic and butter...with a side of rice. It was rich and I got tired of eating shrimp after shrimp. The best part is sitting under the trees and eating with your fingers with good friends. The truth is, I have a really hard time thinking of a good place to eat in Haleiwa.
There's a monthly Art Walk in Haliewa every last Sat of the month (6-9pm) with music, artists and food booths. One of my favorite surf artists, Heather Brown, sells her work here (as well as in Chinatown). There's also a Surf Museum and other botiques and shops to stroll through--one of the few custom bikini stores I've encountered, some hippy type shops, Hawaiian Island Creation store, and other casual finds.
Waialua
This is an off-the-beaten path type of district in the North Shore. What I like most, is the historic Sugar Mill that hosts a farmer's market (Sat 8-12:30) with a funny blue food truck that I just had to photograph, surf shops, and a soap factory in the towered mill which was a fun place to take photos (posted later). I also bought little wooden magnets (shaped as slippers) here. The largest warehouse in the back has vintage type furniture and clothes, and a small Wailua Coffee shop stand that serves Shave Ice with syrup made from 100% natural fruit juice (lilikoi, guava, etc). It was good but the ice still chunky. After that shave ice run, I still went to Matsumoto for another shave ice that same day. The area is also known for bottling Waialua Soda Works.

And for the day's last stop: Take the Kam Hwy (99) to Waihiwa and stop off at the Dole Plantation. (64-1550 Kam Hwy). Here run around the world's largest maze, take the platation train tour, and walk around the varieties of pineapple growths. There's history to be learned about the plantation workers--they have black and white images of Asian American laborers cut outs posted throughout the pineapple fields. But I think the historical aspect gets lost on the commercialization of Dole products. The gift shop is large...and has 2-3 restroom areas (the main reason to stop by). People come here for their pineapple ice cream (check coupon books for buy-one-get-one-free). I went here on three occassion to try their ice cream but they close promptly at 5pm. Finally got to try it on my last visit...where I dropped my cone as I tried to take a photo. :( I guess the "pineapple whip" was okay, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.


From there, take the H2/H1 back to Waikiki...or continue on with "Island Tour - Part 3: West and Central Oahu."

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!