Category: Hawaii Accommodations & Dining

“What do you recommend for fresh fish?” a friend asked on his recent visit to Oahu. While Honolulu is filled with great restaurants, fish doesn’t get much fresher than at Nico’s Pier 38. The Honolulu Fish Auction is just across the street, which produces the daily menu. Large open-air windows in the dining area look […]

Even before the morning sun spreads across Manoa Valley, a tiny shop is hard at work. And you can tell by the delicious aroma of freshly-baked manapua wafting from beneath the closed door that they mean business. Over the years, Island Manapua Factory has become a favorite among dim sum lovers in Hawaii, but what […]

For years, Liliha Bakery has been a famous Hawaii landmark. This little bakery and restaurant nestled in the heart of Honolulu’s Liliha neighborhood is famous for coco puffs, but there’s lots of other great food to try here too. And now, Liliha Bakery Waikiki is bringing its coco puffs and other delicious treats to Hawaii’s […]

Spending any time in Hawaii may cause you to ask an age-old question: What’s in SPAM?  This canned food is sold and eaten across the world, but it’s especially popular in Hawaii, where you can find an assortment of dishes featuring it. But if you’re wondering what’s inside the colorful tin cans, we’ll first look […]

It’s Wine Down Wednesday, and you know what that means…A toast to getting halfway through the week with a nice glass of some pinot noir or merlot or both. But if you’re on vacation, then everyday in the island should be wrapped up with some wine. You’ll find wine on almost any restaurant’s menu; at […]

If you’re planning on dining in Hawaii, you may wonder: do Hawaiians use chopsticks? And will you need to use them during your vacation?  Hawaiians Do Use Chopsticks! Chopstick pros rejoice: Hawaii has great opportunities for using chopsticks, and they’re available at many restaurants and stores here.  But if you aren’t comfortable using chopsticks, don’t […]

I’m pretty certain that you won’t find another shave ice place like Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha (HOPA), and you most definitely won’t find another Uncle Clay. This cute Chinese man has one of those ridiculously contagious smiles; the kind that not only shows in the curves of his mouth but in his happily […]

Hawaii itself is exotic, but if you dig a little deeper you’ll discover the truly unusual places to stay in Hawaii. What many find most striking about Hawaii is its tropical beach scene, but what about the lush rainforests of Kauai, the rocky volcanic coastline of Big Island or the wide, open country sides of […]

Sushi is a big part of Hawaii cuisine. A lot of this is thanks to the islands’ proximity to the ocean and their Japanese influences. Plus, people in Hawaii love rice.  But Hawaii sushi has a personality all its own. And while most won’t be the “authentic” sushi many foodies revere, it’s a unique experience […]

Some people just can’t stand spam, while others eat canned meat on a daily. And if you’re like our Bruce Fisher, you’ve entered the jamming world of spam a little later in life only to find out it ‘ain’t half as bad. I’m not one of those die-hard spammers but rather an occasional spammy, who […]

After a work meeting in downtown Honolulu, I had a hankering for a hot dog. Not wanting to settle for just any run of the mill Oscar Meyer, I headed over to Hanks Haute Dogs, the crème de le crème of dogs and a true wiener. I mean winner. Featured on hit TV shows, such […]

Unlike the poisonous berries Katniss Everdeen uses to outsmart the Capitol in The Hunger Games, ohelo berries are far from deadly. In fact, they’re quite tasty, ranging from somewhat tart in the raw to mildly sweet when cooked. The Hawaiian nēnē goose would agree on its decadence, as ohelo have become a favorite snack for […]