by Mark on December 28, 2007
This past Wednesday we were both off from work so decided to head to the north shore. We went to Dole Cannery where it had been renovated and expanded to include food court, outside seating area, and more gift varieties. The last time I was here was probably more than 2 years ago and was suprised to see the new changes and rejuvenated landscape.
The food court was definitely something new and more people were visiting compared to years ago.
A nice outside seating area for those preferring to be outside than shopping indoors.
Emiko desperately wanted to ride the locomotive so we rode one despite the cloudy and showery condition. The ride was about 30 minutes where it took us around the pineapple farm with a voice recorded information about how Dole Cannery was originated and more about pineapples.
Pineapple actually grows above the ground.
Lots of green and lots of brown on the opposite side.
Rather than eating at the food court, we went to eat at one of the shrimp farms in Kahuku. We stopped at Fumis.
We ordered a Garlic Shrimp plate which came with 8 pieces of shrimp, 2 scoops of rice, side salad and a slice of a pineapple. Sorry we didn’t have enough time to take a photo as we were hungry and forgot to take a photo. Unlike the other Kahuku shrimp joints, Fumis had enough tables, seats, and a good roof shade so you could enjoy the food and rest a while. There were enough parkings and potable restrooms nearby with handwash area. Soaps were provided too.
After lunch, we decided to explore Waimea Falls and try hiking. Along the way, we stopped at Teddy’s Bakery but most of their sliced portions were already out of stock, only full sized cakes were available. So we progressed to Waimea and along the way Sunset Beach, Lanikea, and Chun’s all looked fun surf wise. Surf ranged in the 5 – 7 ft range.
I haven’t been to Waimea Falls for almost 8 years. Came here last time with Takamitsu Soga and Shinichi Yahiro and tried their ATV tour that trailed around the Waimea Valley. It was a fun ride and a beautiful view all the way. I never actually saw the fall itself so this was something new.
The hike up to the fall was nice and not as tiring as I thought it would be. The trail was all paved so walking was all that was needed. Along the way, there were a variety of vegetations and flowers but most of it was not as beautiful and properly maintained. Litters were evident and some of the plants needed more care. Came to my mind that Oahu in terms of beauty (nature) comes to last of all the Hawaiian islands. I agree…
A red ginger plant – many of Hawaiian flower decorations use this.
Something rare in Hawaii.
Luckily, we finished the hike prior to this heavy downpour. We both had a nice time at the Waimea Falls. We then went to Cholo’s for dinner and tried the fish burrito plate before heading to Pearlridge Mall around 7pm. Got home about 9:30pm and boy it was a long day of fun! See more photos here.
by Mark on December 28, 2007
Steve & Barry’s will be opening their first Oahu store at the former CompUSA space in Waikele. They will take up about 24,000 SF of space and provide an apparel collections.
Their unique business is focused to the $15 or less price range. Why so cheap? Well, they don’t do advertising so they could keep the prices low. I am sure there are more things involved but the low price is an attractive deal. Also, they have recently signed a contract with Laird Hamilton, a famous big wave rider from Maui, to design and promote surf and skate apparel line. See news article here.
by Mark on December 28, 2007
From big commercial developments to a full-fledged university campus and a slew of major new roads, those who live, work and play in Kapolei can expect to see dramatic changes in O’ahu’s “Second City” by the end of 2010.
Kapolei will start to see more construction and development as the year progresses. Check out the news and a nice projected map of Kapolei here.
by Mark on December 26, 2007
Patisserie will be closing their last retail operation at Kahala Mall by the end of this year. It’s sad to see them leave as I have used to visit and buy their bakery (now closed) at the corner of Kuhio Avenue and Nahua Street in Waikiki. Back then, that was the only bakery in Waikiki. Today, the only Waikiki bakery is Saint Germain but there are also other places where pasteries are served. Patisserie will be looking for a new site but at this time they will concentrate on their wholesale operation. See news article here.
by Mark on December 25, 2007
This year, we celebrated our annual Christmas get together at John’s house. The usual friends and families gathered and shared the potluck style dinner. John and Y had a beautiful Christmas tree decorated with butterflies and John’s gorilla grabbing a little blue haired doll – a typical John. Joji and Akiko arrived little bit later than usual as they were in California, but it was nice for them to drop by directly upon arrival.
See the Christmas 2007 photos here.
by Mark on December 24, 2007
We decided to spend the Christmas Eve in Waikiki this evening. We went to eat at Cheesecake Factory and wandered around the hotels in Waikiki. It was a nice evening to see the many Christmas decorations and everyone in the spirit of celebration. But not until a stranger approached and asked me, MARI-FANA? I had to laugh as that’s something I haven’t heard in a long while with a blunt pronunciation. Oh well, when you get buyers, sellers will never stop. Go figure.
Emiko in front of a Christmas tree at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center; me with a zebra at the Hyatt Hotel.
Chinese Chicken Salad: Sliced Chicken Breast, Rice Noodles, Lettuce, Green Onion, Almonds, Crisp Wontons, Bean Sprouts, Orange and Sesame Seeds. Tossed in Special Chinese Plum Dressing.
Bistro Shrimp Pasta: Crispy Battered Shrimp, Fresh Mushrooms, Fresh Tomato and Arugula tossed with Spaghettini and a Delicious Basil-Garlic-Lemon Cream Sauce.
Winter train display at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel.
And finally… Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian) to you and your family!
by Mark on December 24, 2007
Sara, co-worker from work, brought us mulled wine which is actually called Glogg in Swedish. It’s a spiced up wine that is served hot. In Sweden, this is a very common drink during the holiday season. This was my first time to try a mulled wine and it was delicious. The smell of the spices is very rich and the warmness a right perfection for Christmas. If you like sweet wine, this is a nice wine to try. Thank you Sara and Merry Christmas to you too!
by Mark on December 22, 2007
Doraku Sushi, which has one location in Miami Beach, is expected to open in Waikiki sometime next week, offering Japanese cuisine with a Latin twist.
Kevin Aoki, owner of Doraku Sushi, will be opening his sushi restaurant at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
He currently operates the same type of restaurant in Miami, Florida and a son of the founder of Benihana of Tokyo restaurant chain. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner. Read news article here.
Doraku Restaurant (website)
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
3rd Floor, Section B
by Mark on December 22, 2007
Tonight, Emiko prepared a soba pasta made with butter, katsuo-boshi, ao-negi, shoyu, and nori flakes. I must say that it was delicious and something unusual. We also had roast chicken from Costco and tomato cucumber salad with sesame dressing from Coco Ichiban.
by Ari on December 22, 2007
We went to Kobe to enjoy pre-Christmas.
It was a good day to bring Mai and Koa because of the weather and uncrowded weekday.
Harbor Land was exciting by the Christmas tree and decorations all over. We just strolled all over.
Koa was excited by looking at the ocean.
The color of the ocean was different but the harbor looked somewhat like Honolulu Harbor.
We entered into Kobe beef restaurant and tried to take pictures of steak.
However, we completly forgort about it and ate almost all..
We took pictures of them, but we would rather refrain from uploading here.
Since Koa is still small, we had to come back before the night came.
I think Kobe around this time of yera msut be nice.
I wish you all have merry Christmas!