Hawaii Tourism Blog

Hawaii: How Sweet It Is

lisa.mercer — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:38:58 +0000

Hawaiian cuisine represents a fusion of the many cooking styles that immigrants brought to the islands. When you eat at a local restaurant, you will detect culinary influences from the United States, China, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Polynesia and Portugal. While fish and pork dishes receive most of the publicity, visitors with the proverbial sweet tooth will feel like kids in a candy factory.

Chocolate
Hawaii is the only U.S. State where cacao can grow. In fact, it has been growing on the Big Island since the 1850s, but only gained popularity in the late 20^th century. Still, the state has less than 200 acres of cacao growing land, which makes Hawaiian chocolate a rare commodity.

At the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory in Kona, the owners grow, harvest, ferment, dry and roast their own beans and process it into chocolate. All of the work takes place on their own farm. Waialua Estate on the North Shore of Oahu boasts the largest cacao farm in Hawaii, with 25 productive acres. The workers carefully harvest the cacao pods, ferment the nibs and allow them to dry in the warm Hawaiian sun. Talented chocolate artisans transform the nibs into enticing chocolate.

Liliha Bakery Honolulu
Chocolate is one of the key ingredients in the Coco Puff, made famous at the Liliha Bakery in Honolulu. Chocolate pudding fills this cream puff pastry. A buttery macadamia nut and Chantilly frosting tops it off.

The bakery, which opened in 1950, was located in a tiny retail outlet at 1703 Liliha Street. When their baked goods gained popularity, they moved to a bigger store, but kept the same name. Liliha Bakery became a local tradition. Children would stop on their way home from school and enjoy a glazed doughnut. Friends would chat over coffee, and aunties would pick up cakes for the family potluck dinner. Some of the staff members have served the company for as long as 40 years. Open 24 hours, Liliha Bakery also serves meals.

Coconuts
Although coconuts are not indigenous to Hawaii, they are deeply integrated into Hawaiian traditions and culture. When the Polynesian introduced Hawaii to the coconut tree, the created a match made in heaven.Since the coconut thrives in tropical climates, the trees were at right at home in Hawaii.

While relishing its nutritional benefits, the Ancient Hawaiians also used coconut fibers to cover their canoes and coconut shells to help create the drums used in spiritual rituals. Coconut also served as construction material, and as a beauty product.

If you love coconuts, plan to visit in July for the Niu Festival at Grand Wailea Maui. If you can’t make the festival, be sure to try Haupia, a traditional coconut milk-based Hawaiian dessert, which often graces the tables at luaus and other Hawaiian celebrations. Although technically a pudding, its consistency resembles a gelatin dessert. Haupia is served at the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. If you happen to be at Sunset Beach on the North Shore in Haleiwa, drop into Ted’s Bakery and try the Original Chocolate Haupia Pie.

Ted’s Bakery
In 1906, after obtaining a five-year contract to work on a sugar plantation, Torojiro Nakamura immigrated to Maui from Japan. He was eventually transferred to a plantation on Oahu. When his contract ended, he decided to lease the land.

In 1950, he bought land in Sunset Beach, on the North Shore of Oahu, and opened a small grocery store. His grandson, Ted, eventually joined the business, and added a bakery. The bakery also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Malasada
During the late 19^th century, Portuguese laborers from came to Hawaii to work in the plantations. With them came their traditional foods with them, which included a fried dough pastry called the “malasada.” These confections are comprised of egg-sized balls of yeast dough that are deep-fried in oil, then coated with granulated sugar.

Tex Drive In
Tex Drive-In is a landmark on the Honokaa-Hamakua coastline. Their bakers elevate the malasada to an art form. Perhaps that’s why they sell almost 70,000 a month. In addition to their regular malasadas, they offer varieties filled with a fruits, Bavarian cream or chocolate.

Guri Guri
Guri-guri is a Hawaiian frozen dessert which is a cross between sherbet and ice cream. Supposedly, its ingredients include fruit juices, soda and condensed milk, but nobody knows for sure. The Tasaka family of Maui has been selling this beloved desert for 90 years, but the recipe is a family secret. Their shop at the Maui Mall in Kahului opened in 1973. Before that, they sold their product at their candy store.

These are just a few of the tasty sweets you will find in Hawaii. They add a whole new meaning to the words “sweet vacation.”

Polynesian Cultural Center’s new ‘Hawaiian Journey’ Movie

Christian Wilson — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:08:51 +0000

My friend and I had the opportunity to pre-screen the Polynesian Cultural Center’s latest movie shown in their IMAX theatre. The theatre itself underwent a major makeover and was closed for several months. The exterior of the theater now appears to be a large volcano that appears to spew out volcanic smoke. The entrances to the theater are replicas of volcanic lava tubes.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The film ‘Polynesian Journey’ was locally produced and filmed exclusively in Hawaii. The movie depicts stunning aerial views of almost all of the major Hawaiian islands that are difficult to access. Watching the movie in comfortable seats in a modern air-conditioned theater is a great way to orient yourself to the islands. From what I understand, the screen of the IMAX theater is the largest in the world. I don’t believe IMAX film was used in this movie but the images and sound were very clear. I don’t want to spoil the special effects unique to this movie, but prepare yourself for some cool technical features of the theater.

The duration of the movie is about 15 minutes, it is definitely a highlight of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s unique visitor experience. The Polynesian Cultural Center is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Tropical Farms: The Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet, Oahu Hawaii

Christian Wilson — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:10:46 +0000

Tropical Farms is a country home that was transformed into a lovely store. Hundreds of visitors stop each day either by car or motor coach on their way to the Polynesian Cultural Center or on a circle island tour around Oahu. It is an ideal place to stretch and use the restroom since it is almost the half-way point around the island. As visitors approach the entrance, they are warmly greeted by Tropical Farm’s friendly staff and invited to try free samples of their coffee and macadamia nuts. The unsalted macadamia nuts are my favorite.

Original art such as watercolor paintings by local artists is featured. The decor inside the store reminds visitors of Hawaii’s old plantation days. The mementos from the ’40′s and ’50′s posted on the walls of the store give the atmosphere a personal touch.

The owner of Tropical Farms, Mr. Paty, has been able to fulfill what visitors read about in Hawaiian travel brochures. He and his helpful staff and authentic offerings truly deliver and radiate the spirit of aloha which makes everyone feel comfortable and secure. He takes visitors out of their hurried pace and lets the natural surroundings of Hawaii making shopping fun and memorable.

Tropical Farms is a refreshing stop that gives visitors a glimpse of Hawaii is supposed to look and feel like. Even as a small store, Tropical Farms weave scenes together into an unfolding story of Hawaii — a story that make each item in the store seem especially valuable. All other shopping on the island just offer a boring, ‘big-box’ experience.

Address: 49-227 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe, HI 96744

Map: https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&cid=11079200092898020051&q=Tropical+Farms&iwloc=A&gl=US&hl=en

Phone: 808-237-1960

Website: macnutfarm.com

Hours: Open Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Haleiwa Town, Oahu

Christian Wilson — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:45:57 +0000

The quaint town of Haleiwa is located on the North Shore of Oahu. A two lane highway that 2 millions visitors use each year connect the town with the neighboring communities of Waialua and Pupukea. A high speed bypass road was recently constructed to relieve the amount of traffic that was forced through the community. Haleiwa has a population of about 4,000 people.

Haleiwa is known for its laid back lifestyle and charming throwback old plantation town shopping venues, art galleries and eateries. One of the favorite places for visitors and residents to visit is the Matsumoto’s Shave Ice store even though you might have to wait a half an hour in line and there isn’t a nice place around to sit down and enjoy a shave ice. The North Shore Marketplace is a mecca for surfers and shoppers looking for unique items that reflect the beauty of Hawaii. Cholo’s Mexican Family Restaurant is located inside the marketplace and is a local favorite with plenty of parking.

Many people just park their cars and walk through the town and browse. Surf n’ Sea is one of Haleiwa’s oldest and commercially successful stores. It sells millions of dollars worth of surfboards each year to people from all over the world.

Haleiwa’s most popular attraction would have to be the North Shore Shark adventure. It looks kind of scary but the underwater cage propped up by buoys is very secure. If you are not brave enough to go inside the cage, you can pay for an ‘Observer’s’ ticket.

Statue of King Kamehameha I in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii

Christian Wilson — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:22:24 +0000

King Kamehameha I (photo: Wikipedia)

The statue of Kamehameha I was sculptured by AmericanThomas Ridgeway Gould and was completed in 1883. It is a brass casting of the ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands in the early 19th century and establishing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1810. It was originally intended to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Captain Cook’s arrival to the Hawaiian Islands, but a shipwreck delayed its arrival.

The statue stands in front of the Aliʻiolani Hale government building in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Status of Augustus (photo: Wikipedia)

Some people think Gould used the sculpture of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar from Prima Porta as a model for Kamehameha I. The Augustus sculpture would most certainly have been known by Gould, since it was well known in the United States and Europe. Gould’s neoclassical work was often inspired by classical artwork. Here are similarities between the Augustus of Prima Porta and Kamehameha the Great including the raised right arm and the fact that Kamehameha holds his spear in his left hand like Augustus, even though Kamehameha was thought to have been right-handed.

Location:
King Kamehameha V – Judiciary History Center
417 S King St, Honolulu, HI
(808) 539-4999

Angel’s Ice Cream: Michelle Obama’s Favorite Ice Cream Store in Hawaii

Christian Wilson — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:02:38 +0000

Michelle Obama exiting Angel’s Ice Cream with a double chocolate ice cream treat.

Even the most ardent followers of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign to promote healthier food are going to buckle if they pass Angel’s Ice Cream store located in the Laie Village Shopping Center on the island of Oahu. Angel’s Ice Cream is always busy with locals and tourists, even during the dead of winter, from 10 am until 10 pm each night (except Sunday).

Angel’s Ice Cream

She has a top team of ice cream specialists on hand creating the most delectable treats known to mankind to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Angel Ho has been perfecting her signature desserts since 1996. Matsumoto’s, Oahu’s oldest shave ice store is located 30 minutes away in Haleiwa, is famous for its shave ice, but I prefer Angel’s slightly more because of the texture of the ice and the shave ice flavors. Plus at Angel’s, I like the fact I don’t have to stand 20-30 minutes outside to wait in Haleiwa where there is little or no parking available.

She and her energetic staff are always happy to be of service to their customers and care about the quality of their products. They feel rewarded as they watch them enjoy every ounce of their desserts.

You may think that all ice cream desserts may be unhealthy. Angel also serves wonderful Acai cups and smoothies that provide a safe and tasty boost of energy to surfers, busy moms and workaholics.

Smoothies made with Aloha!

After Michelle Obama visited the Ice Cream store last month in January, Angel was inspired to start developing a special healthy smoothie using the top 20 nutrient dense foods in the world mixed with her standard smoothie adapted from Dr. Schlacter’s (a local physician’s) and Dr. Fuhrman’s (an expert nutritionist) food pyramids.

Sneak preview of Angel’s Healthiest Smoothie on Earth (not available to the public yet)

Her healthy smoothie contains spirulina, kale, chia seeds, baby spinach, broccoli, kiwi fruit, pear, bananas, peach, pineapple, soy milk, apple juice, cinnamon, organic honey, blueberries, strawberries, unsweetened cocoa, Kona Red super juice, and ice. Future ingredients may include the following super juices from brazilbotanicals.com: Hawaiian noni juice, Tibetan goji juice, Thai mangosteen juice, Brazilian acai juice, South American camu camu juice and Red Nopal juice. One her customers is on her “healthy smoothie only” regimen for 2 weeks and has lost over 30 pounds. He plans to lose 90 pounds in 60 days. Who would have thought that an ice cream store would be the best place to lose weight and get healthy?

Angel Ho, owner of Angel’s Ice Cream

If you are one your way back to the White House or if you want a treat to reward yourself for braving Oahu’s North Shore’s Shark Adventure Tour, Angel’s is the place to go. They offer plenty of free parking and welcome people of all ages. There are 3 tables inside the store and plenty of dining tables just outside the store. There are no restrooms inside but there is one available at the Laie Village Shopping Center at L & L’s family restaurant.

55-510 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, HI 96762
Laie Shopping Center‎
(808) 232-2233

Video clip of Angel's Ice Cream

Map

Ukelele Festivals in Hawaii

lisa.mercer — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:54:45 +0000

Nothing says “Hawaii” like the melodious rhythms of the ukelele. If you visit between March and October, you will enjoy free annual ukulele festivals on Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. Past guest artists have included Grammy Award pop singer, James Ingram, jazz saxophonist Gabe Baltazar, Santana’s bass player Benny Rietveld, and drummer Noel Okimoto. Amidst the spectacular Technicolor of the Hawaiian islands, local food, dance and craftsmanship blends with the music and creates an unparalleled experience. Some festivals even feature ukulele lessons and valuable door prizes, while others sell authentic, handcrafted instruments.

A Brief History of Ukelele in Hawaii

Historians speculate that the first ukeleles were made by Portuguese cabinet makers and sugar cane workers from the Madeira Islands, who arrived in the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1879. The music of these immigrants made a lasting impression on the people of Honolulu. In August of 1879, the Hawaiian Gazette reported that Madeira islanders have been entertaining people with nightly street concerts, played on instruments that were a cross between the guitar and the banjo. The instrument was the small, four-string Madeira guitar. Once called the machete, it eventually evolved into the Hawaiian ukulele.

After they fulfilled their obligations to the sugar cane industry, many of the Madeira immigrants relocated from the plantations to Honolulu, where they could practice their former professions in a cosmopolitan setting. While most were cabinet makers by trade, they also used their woodworking skills to craft stringed instruments.

Several stories explain how the ukulele got it’s name. Some say that Queen Lili’uokalani thought it came from the Hawaiian words for “the gift that came here”, or “uku, ” meaning gift or reward, and “lele,” which means “to come.” Other historians suggest that the instrument was originally called “ukeke lele” or “dancing ukeke,” with “uke” being the name of a Hawaiian three stringed musical bow.

Another legend recounts a story about Gabriel Davian and Judge W. L. Wilcox, who was a member of a well-known Hawaiian family. Apparently, the two men attended a housewarming party at the Wilcox home in Kahili. Davian entertained guests with a ukulele he had made himself. When one of the guests asked the name of the instrument, Davion joked that, judging from the way one “scratched at it,” it was a “jumping flea.” The guest asked Judge Wilcox, who was fluent in the Hawaiian language, to translate, and Wilcox supposedly answered “ukulele.”

Ukulele in Modern Music

Perhaps you never had a particular interest in ukulele music, but one day, you turned on the radio, and heard an enticing cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Or perhaps it was a haunting rendition of Wonderful World.

The singer and ukulele player was Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole. In Hawaiian his last name means “the fearless eye, the bold face.” At age 10, he performed at Steamboats in Waikiki – where his father was a bouncer and his mother was the manager – and as a teenager, he formed a band called the Mãkaha Sons of Ni’ihau. In 1993, he decided to go off on his own. It was the best decision of his musical career. After signing with Mountain Apple Company, his music graced the soundtracks of films such as Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester and 50 First Dates.

Save the Date for These 2013 Ukulele Festivals

In Oahu, the 43^rd Annual Ukulele Festival will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2013, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Oahu.

The 13th Annual Waikoloa Ukulele Festival will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm at the Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort.

The 8th Annual Maui Ukulele Festival takes place on Sunday, October 13, 2013, from 1:00 t 6:00 pm at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, Maui.

Kauai has not yet announced the date of its 9^th Annual Kauai Ukulele Festival, but it will take place at the Kukui Grove Center in Lihue, Kauai. The center sits in the Ha`upu mountain range, which is one of the most spectacular mountains on Kauai.

Kahuku Farms Country Café, Kahuku, Oahu

Christian Wilson — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:21:19 +0000

Kahuku Farms Country Cafe offers a refreshing alternative of what a typical Waikiki café offers. For one thing, being in Kahuku, you are on the opposite side of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. This northern point of the island is of the few open and undisturbed scenic places that many local residents are trying to preserve for future generations to enjoy.

Most roadside stands normally do not represent the farmland behind them, rather, they purchase most of their fruit wholesale from Dole Plantation or harvest the fruit from a farm on a different part of the island. Kahuku Farms, however, grows all of their own fruit from their large farm. They wholesale their fruit to large restaurants all over the state.

Kahuku Farms is not a typical roadside fruit cart, but a beautifully and cleverly built café, kitchen and covered seating area in the middle of their landscaped garden and plantation. The front of their café offers sweeping views of the ocean, and the back of the café offers views of the mountains and over a hundred acres of their own farmland.

The quality of their farm is a testament of the many decades the families of hard work the owners have put into this fine property. The beauty of the plants and gardens are very inviting. Combine that great country feeling with friendly café that offers refreshing treats, farm-harvested vanilla bean ice cream, tangy lilikoi sorbet, thirst-quenching mango iced tea, and delicious fresh fruit smoothies and you have a place that irresistible to visitors.

The menu is also topped with a wholesome farm fresh salad and a hearty Panini sandwich. Sweet Papayas and Apple Bananas from their farm are also available, as well as a variety of country products and gifts. Even if you are not a vegetarian, I promise you will enjoy the food here such as: fresh mango teas, lilikoi, banana, haupia and papaya smoothies, ice cream and sorbets, sundaes, grilled banana bread, grilled veggie salad, veggie Panini sandwich, farm pizza and salad, or how about tomato & eggplant Bruchetta topped with mozzeralla?

Kahuku Farms has been a great partner with the neighboring Kahuku High & Intermediate School with their Green Summits, recycling drives and sustainability intitiatives. Their tasty and fresh food makes it easy to inspire young people to make healthy eating a life-long habit.

Kahuku Farms is open Friday – Monday, 11am – 4pm. Farm tours offered from Friday to Monday.

For Tours and Reservations: 808-628-0639
Farm Cafe: 808-293-8159

Kylie Matsuda
reservations@kahukufarms.com

They are located on the island of Oahu, across the street from Romy’s Shrimp Stand at 56-800 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731.

Website:

http://kahukufarms.com

Video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican Restaurant, Haleiwa, Oahu

Christian Wilson — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 19:59:30 +0000

I have dined at Cholo’s 5 times over the past 6 years. The first time I went to Cholo’s the water tasted like it had a little chlorine in it. I’ve experienced the same thing in other Hawaii chain restaurants such as IHOP, Ruby Tuesdays and Chili’s so I stopped drinking water at those restaurants. But the 3 times I visited Cholo’s in the past 2 years, the taste of the water is now fine.

I like the colorful and bright décor of the restaurant, it reminded me of the time I lived in Mexico City for 8 years when I was a child. I don’t think I will ever find a place that will cook Mexican food as well as our cooks did when I grew up in Mexico, but I am always hoping for a restaurant that can come close.

When I first arrived at Cholo’s this past week I was a little concerned because it looked very busy from the outside. But just when I thought I might have to wait 5-10 minutes outside, a friendly waitress whisked me inside and found me a table. Within a minute of sitting down another friendly waitress had some nachos and salsa on the table for me. I am very picky about nachos that are too salty or get soggy when mixed with salsa or guacomole. Cholo’s nachos were perfect for me.

I browsed the menu quickly since I already knew what I wanted, a enchilada combo with ground beef, which is served with refried beans and friend rice. My order arrived quickly and was surprised by the serving size. My waiter also brought by a second bowl of nachos chips which I ate with the enchiladas. I ordered a glass of sweet and delicious lilikoi juice to add something different to my dining experience, which didn’t disappoint.

After completing my meal, I paused for a few minutes to collect my self because I felt the serving size was bigger than I had expected. I felt the value for the meal was worth it and appreciated the friendly and attentive waitresses even though my appearance and attire was a little scruffy after a long day of work.

Sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself after a long week of work, and Cholo’s delivered. I am not sure why they have received some negative reviews on Yelp. I tried hard to look for weaknesses that other people have been pointed out, but I couldn’t find any glaring problems to report. Maybe it was a former disgruntled employee or a competitor, not sure. I appreciate Cholo’s attention to excellent customer service and the way they express genuine gratitude for patronizing their restaurant. When you have spent big money for a vacation on Hawaii, you do want businesses to appreciate the time and money you have saved to be greeted by a business that is happy to see you.

North Shore Marketplace
66-250 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712

(808) 637-3059

http://cholosmexican.com

Complimentary nachos and salsa

Saigon Noodle House

Christian Wilson — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 04:30:48 +0000

Vietnamese Food and Sandwiches
45-1151 Kamehameha Hwy
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744

235-6107

Open Daily from 10:30am to 8:30pm

I have visited this restaurant twice now, each time for dinner and each time I have not been disappointed. The service is friendly, the restaurant is clean and bright, they offer a large variety of food that is priced reasonably. The restaurant has about a dozen tables and the layout of the restaurant is rather generic but does offer Asian decor. The restaurant staff are Vietnamese so the food is authentic but does cater to the taste of the local people. Parking is available but it gets filled up between 6 and 8 pm because of neighboring restaurants and other businesses. The restaurant does have a restroom available.

Spicy Shrimp Plate

For dinner, my friend and I shared Papaya Salad with Shrimp, and for a dollar more, spring rolls were added. We also added a spicy shrimp plate. I have tried their curry chicken plate and caramel flan in the past, and they were both great. It took less than 15 minutes for our to be served to us.

The restaurant is family friendly. They serve lemonade, Expresso French Coffe, Soybean, but do not serve alcohol.

You are not going to find too many restaurants that large servings at low prices in a clean and friendly restaurant. So if you are doing a circle island tour of Oahu and you are near the large town of Kaneohe, I heartily recommend this restaurant.

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