Category: Hawaii Accommodations & Dining

The Counter at Kahala Mall is a build-your-own burger joint that used to have Hawaii Five-0’s Daniel Dae Kim as part-owner. Although he’s since sold his share in the company, The Counter continues to be the buzz in the burger biz. By “build-your-own,” customers customize their burger via a simple checklist. From choosing the type […]

Auntie Pasto’s has been a fixture on Beretania Street for as long as I can remember. The Italian restaurant’s faded red roof and green trimming show signs of its age. But beyond the dull colors, Auntie Pasto’s has been making an attempt to break out of its “hole-in-the-wall” shell and into an eatery of choice […]

Your sniffly nose will be happy to hear that the Marriott in Hawaii offers allergy-free guest rooms. They’re the first in the islands and among the first in the nation to make the dust-free move. But we’re talking more than just dust-free. Hotel rooms will be free of dander and dust-mites, too. Rooms on the […]

Are you wondering why The Cheesecake Factory Waikiki always has such long lines? Is it worth it to visit this popular spot? We’re sharing our local know-how for visiting Honolulu’s Cheesecake Factory and our best tips for minimizing your wait time.  Waiting in Line The most notable thing about The Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki is […]

Siam Palace is probably the most eclectic restaurant I’ve ever been to. It’s not so much what’s on the menu but what’s on the walls that left me riddled with confusion. From Valentine’s hearts strung across the faded yellow walls to stuffed scarecrows ready to burst at the seams – it became clear that this […]

Imagine visiting Honolulu in the 1920s and 30s, among a ship full of passengers just as eager to reach this dream destination. The vessel set sail a couple weeks prior, and still the energy levels are up. You look around to see ladies deep in conversation, kids still gripping their suitcases with excitement – when […]

Kauai Kookie is one of the most creative kookie kompanies in Hawaii. They put a unique spin on typical cookie recipes, using local ingredients and lots of love and aloha. And if not shown through their cookies, the family-own business shares the joy of a classic favorite with a warm welcome to their Hanapēpē factory […]

Call it the midnight munchies or just plain hunger, but sometimes that pang in your stomach hits when most everyone is asleep – including the cooks! So where do you go when you’re up late in Hawaii in search of some food to fix your hunger funk? I’d start with your hotel first. Most have […]

My search for the best pineapple fried rice began a few years ago when our favorite Thai restaurant in Manoa closed for good. They had, hands-down, the best pineapple fried rice in Hawaii because it never skimped on the “goodies” and always had the perfect blend of sweet and saltiness. Definitely one of my comfort […]

Lychee is truly a “gift for a joyful life,” as it’s translated from Chinese. You know, that small, prickly red fruit that you see growing all over Hawaii? Perhaps you’ve tried it at a local farmers market? Aside from the pain of peeling off the prickly shell, this fruit definitely brings happiness to anyone who […]

If puka means “hole” in Hawaiian, then what’s a puka dog? It’s actually a hot dog that’s been completely revolutionized into one with a HOLE lot of flavor, and it’s something we get every time we’re on Kauai. I rarely eat hot dogs but always make an exception when it comes to puka dogs because […]

When you first pull up to Paalaa Kai bakery, it appears to be pretty low-key; no flashing signs like Leonard’s Bakery but rather a modest yellow sign with faded walls lightly dusted in red dirt, compliments of Waialua’s rich farming lands. (Top) Mouth-watering sweets ready to be devoured. (Bottom) Keeping it old school in Waialua. […]