Hawaii Mom Blog

Visit Maui: Oku's Sushi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

My Maui foodie friend, Julie, mentioned that Oku's Sushi in Kihei was the place to go to satisfy my friend's sushi craving.

So we drove to Kihei and stepped into this inconspicuous eatery with a few tables and a sushi counter.

Veggie Dynamite

The Dynamites are a specialty, and even though I was stuffed from lunch, I had to give it a try. I don't eat a lot of seafood, but luckily there was a Veggie Dynamite with just mushrooms and zucchini. The Dynamite Sauce was delish - it reminded me of those broiled sushi bakes so popular throughout Hawaii.

Tamago Nigiri

Oku's Assorted Sushi Special

Oku's Assorted Sushi Special included 8 pieces nigiri and 1 piece tekka maki.

Maguro Tataki

My friend had his sushi craving satisfied. He really enjoyed the tataki, which he requested to-go since he was so full from the sushi, but there is no take-out (although you can "order when dining in and 'take home' any leftovers in a to-go-box" - like we did with the tataki).

Thank you, Julie, for the recommendation!

Oku's Sushi
1993 S Kihei Rd unit 17

Kihei, HI 96753

Visit Waikoloa: Island Gourmet Markets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If you're staying in Waikoloa and want to avoid the resorts and the resort prices, Island Gourmet Markets has plentiful options for meals. They have grab-and-go, cook-to-order, as well as groceries so you can cook your own!

During our Waikoloa stay, we ordered breakfast.

Buttermilk Pancakes with Side Bacon

Banana Paradise Pancakes

Loco Moco

Omelette Supreme with Fried Rice

The Omelette Supreme included sausage, bacon, ham, and cheese.

Ultimate Hashbrown Breakfast

I had the Ultimate Hashbrown Breakfast, which included hashbrowns topped with bacon, sausage, cheese, and bell peppers. It was served with two eggs. I wish the hash browns were crispier, but it was a hearty breakfast!

Island Gourmet Markets
69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive

Space B1/B2, Waikoloa, HI 96738

Visit Big Island: Residents' Beach House

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Even though I've stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai a few times before, it wasn't until my recent stay did I try the Residents' Beach House.

Thai Chicken Salad

The Thai Chicken Salad included Hirabara greens, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, green papaya, mint, and a citrus peanut dressing. The chicken was a little on the dry side, but the flavor was good.

Garlic Parmesan Fries

It's hard to go wrong with Garlic Parmesan Fries! They were delish!

Longboard Lager Battered Ono & Chips

We actually got served our food before we had any silverware, and had a very long wait for silverware, unfortunately. We had to flag down our server as she nor the food runner didn't even notice our silverware was missing. Other than that, service was overall fine.

The menu is pretty standard for a local resort, but the options were satisfying.

Residents' Beach House
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Zootopia 2 Review - Now on 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray™ and DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Disclosure: Complimentary code was received for review purposes

Film Synopsis

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voiced by Academy Award® winner Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

Zootopia 2 focuses on the misunderstood snakes and how they got such a bad reputation. Judy and Nick, who are now partners, set out on a mission to find out why the snakes are not allowed in the city, while unscrupulous officials try to stop them from uncovering the truth.

The partnership between Judy and Nick go through ups and downs (literally) in the movie as they search for answers and find themselves in peculiar and scary situations.

And once they find the answers they were looking for, they take accountability of their issues and vow to be better partners.

Zootopia 2 features many familiar faces from the first film, and lots of fun new characters. It's a movie full of adventure, humor, and thrill, as well as compassion and empathy.

And at the heart of the movie is a story about how differences are not weaknesses, as Nick explains to new recruits that we're more alike than we think we're different. If we just take the time to talk to and listen to one another - our differences could actually make us stronger.

Wise words that humans in today's world should heed.

Zootopia 2 is now on 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray and DVD!

Bonus Features*

Featurettes:

o The Zookeepers — Trot along with writer/director Jared Bush and director Byron Howard for a tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios! Get a behind the scenes look as they open up the doors to meet cast and crew and share about all the work done to bring the movie to life.

o A City of Stars — Meet the fur-tastic voice actors behind the cast of Zootopia 2 as filmmakers share the joy of having the original cast returning and how each new role found its purr-fect match.

o Everybody Can Draw! — Sketch along with Benson Shum, Animation Supervisor, as he talks about his role on Zootopia 2 and guides viewers in drawing everyone’s favorite new beaver, Nibbles!

o Zoo-prising Secrets — Uncover ssssurprising references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the movie, along with fun facts.

o Wilde Times in the Booth — Hop inside the recording booth for plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes fun. See how the hilarious cast brings their characters to life!

o The Treat Trolley — Meet the cheerful crew behind the Treat Trolley that brings smiles and snacks throughout the halls of Disney Animation to keep the studio artists fueled and energized.

o "Zoo" Music Video by Shakira — Celebrate friendship and adventure with Shakira in her music video for the movie’s new song, “Zoo.”

Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut, with an overall introduction by directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard.

What's In the Box?

Where Are They Now?
Animal Hospital

Welcome to the Team

Desert Festival

Clawhauser Tracks Judy

A Plight at the Museum

Clawhauser's Family

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer

Feature Run Time

Approx. 108 minutes

Rating

Southwest Airlines' New Boarding / Seating Process

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I'm loyal to Hawaiian (Alaska) Airlines - except when Southwest releases promos. I recently took advantage of a WN promo, which meant the first time I would be flying WN ever since they implemented seat assignments and a new boarding process.

Open seating has its pros and cons . . . earlier this year, before assigned seating started, I booked a last-minute (as in 2 hours before) flight on WN from LAS to HNL because my original flights on UA were delayed and it was possible that it could've been severely delayed or even cancelled (I take advantage of Sam's Club promos and stock-up when they have WN GCs on sale - even when not on sale it's a good deal; I also had credit to use up, and the one-way flight was very reasonably priced).

I didn't want to chance not going home that day, so I booked on WN knowing we were getting the last boarding assignments (C50s!) and I prepped the boys that we would most likely be seated in middle seats next to strangers. The majority wanted to go home earlier vs wait and see, so I cancelled my UA flight (used miles; even though we were already checked-in I could easily cancel via the app and my miles were immediately credited and I was refunded the fees).

Well, it was a miracle that we ended up all sitting together / near other, with my boys all in the very last row together, me in the aisle next to them, and my husband in the aisle in front of them. The luck was thanks to most people not wanting to be near the lavatories and late arriving passengers.

And we ended up back home 6 hours earlier (our original flight on an UA was delayed overall by just a few hours).

With assigned seating, such a dilemma where you get stuck in a middle seat is easier to avoid (or easier to prepare for).

I read many, many, many complaints about WN's new process, but my recent flight between HNL to ITO went smoothly, even with a 15-minute delayed boarding due to a late inbound flight (and we still arrived on time!).

I have no priority (CC, AL, OR ALP), so I booked a choice fare with a standard window seat (the row was full). I checked-in and got boarding group 4. I could've bought priority boarding for $10, but I wasn't concerned about overhead bin space (which is a big reason why many choose to board early), and instead I opted to upgrade my seat for $15 to a preferred seat - and I chose an empty row (which remained empty for the flight).

I had to recheck in to get a new bp, and once again got boarding group 4.

Boarding went rather smoothly, and overhead bin space was not much of an issue, especially since it was a light fight. Pretty much all the preferred rows only had 1 passenger on each side of the A/C.

I was unaware if people tried to move to a different open row in a different seat category, which I've read has been an issue on some flights, but this flight was overall uneventful.

I prefer assigned seating and am happy with this change.

Visit Nevada: Shake Shack

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Shake Shack is always a good option for quick, but good fast food. I don't eat burgers, so I usually order a chicken sandwich, but this time I decided to try the 'Shroom Burger - a fried portobello stuffed with cheese!

'Shroom Burger

It was so delicious - I would definitely order it again.

We also got various other burgers, as well as a bunch of sides and sweet treats (I finally tried the frozen custard!).

You can opt for single or double patties, and customize the burgers with various toppings (for extra).

Bacon Cheeseburger

Avocado Bacon Cheeseburger

Onion Rings

Parmesan Fries

Shack Stack

Cheese Fries

Chocolate Frozen Custard

Shake Shack always satisfies!

Visit Waikoloa: HiCO Coffee Company

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

After trying the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich at HiCO Coffee Company in Waikoloa, it became one of my fave breakfast sandwiches from the area.

Hashbrown & Bacon Croissant

The Hasbhbrown and Bacon Croissant is so filling. All my breakfast faves in a croissant, with a yummy pesto mayo.

Smoked Ahi Cucumber Toast

HiCO Acai Bowl

HiCO is a great option for breakfast in the Waikoloa area!

HiCO Hawaiian Coffee
68-1845 Waikoloa Rd suite 126
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

Castaways Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

After a long day at a Robotics competition, our team stopped by Castaways Ice Cream, and it was the perfect way to wind down and celebrate the end of the season together.

Castaways focuses on island-inspired flavors made in-house, and creating a space that feels welcoming and fun. I tried the lychee mochi flavor—creamy, lightly sweet, and studded with chewy bits of mochi. A total win.

They truly mean it when they say samples are unlimited. Our kids definitely took advantage of that, and our server was more than happy to oblige—never rushed and always cheerful. Outstanding customer service. They also make cookies in-house, which you can add to your ice cream, and you can build full ice cream sundaes or choose toppings à la carte. Milkshakes are available too, including fun cereal-infused options.

Whether you’re flying solo or with a crowd, it’s a place to enjoy ice cream and good vibes.

CASTAWAYS ICE CREAM

2346 S. KING STREET

Visit Nevada: Hiking at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

While in Nevada, we attempted to go to Lee Canyon for some snow play, but highway patrol ended up turning people around since the snow was minimal. Since we were already on Mt. Charleston, we decided to check out the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway which was just a few minutes away, and it turned out to be a starting point for a number of hikes.

The Kunav Huveep Trail is an easy "stroller-friendly" trail, and we did some of the Pack Rat route, which leads to a very steep Escarpment Trail.

It's hard to tell from this pic, but the incline was pretty steep - it reminded me of the tunnel in DMZ in Korea (IYKYK).

We didn't do the entire trail since we had no plans on hiking (we just had some free time and decided to get some physical activity in), and we really weren't dressed for it nor did we have adequate water, etc., but the park ranger at the Visitor Center said the views are incredible if you can get to the top.

Even though it was in the 40s, it was very warm being out in the sun.

It was nice to be outdoors, away from the hustle & bustle of The Strip. The views were pretty!

If hiking is not your thing, there are a number of exhibits you can see around the Visitors Center, and of course there are restrooms.

Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway
2525 Kyle Canyon Rd

Mt Charleston, NV 89124

Visit Big Island: NOIO

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

NOIO is a Japanese restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai that specializes in sushi. They do offer an omakase experience, but on this visit we opted for the a la carte menu.

Complimentary Miso Soup

Shore Salad

The Shore Salad was comprised of various types of seaweed, such as lepe o Hina and umibudo. It was very oceanic in flavor.

Yasai Nanban

Black Cod Dolce

My friend loved the Black Cod Dolce.

Hamachi Carpaccio

Sake Chicken

The Sake Chicken was on the dry side, but the broth was very pleasant.

Hotate and Madai Nigiri

The sushi was superb, as expected.

Chocolate Salted Caramel Dorayaki

The Dorayaki, a pancake-like confection with a filling, was served with chilled barley tea. The server recommended getting some vanilla ice cream to accompany the dorayaki, and I happily obliged.

Sesame Wagashi

The night ended with complimentary Sesame Wagashi.

Definitely opt for seafood / sushi if you plan to dine at NOIO - those dishes were the most favored!

NOIO
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Galentine's Dinner at Istanbul Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Mosaic of Meze Platter

My girlfriends and I celebrated Galentine's at Istanbul Hawaii - always one of my favorites for a great meal. The modern Turkish-Anatolian cuisine featured on the menu can be overwhelming for first-timers, but our server did a great job highlighting her recommendations.

We started with the very popular Mosaic of Meze Platter featuring hummus, muhammara, babaganoush, labneh, spinach borek, and olives served with a delicious sourdough pide. Half the group ordered the Anatolian Doner - shaved lamb and beef with brown-butter Kahuku tomato and Waianae herbs. I don't usually order lamb, but my friend assured me that it did not have a strong lamb taste. It was a good call because I really enjoyed the dish! Service was exceptional as usual and we had a great time celebrating!

Anatolian Doner

Jidori Chicken

Istanbul Hawaii

1108 Auahi Street

Honolulu, HI

(808)772-4440

Pig and the Lady Returns to Kaimuki

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

There’s something special about a full-circle moment—and that’s exactly what this visit to Pig and the Lady felt like. The Le family, who once owned a toy shop just a block over, has returned to Kaimukī—but instead of toys, they’re now serving some of the best Vietnamese food on the island. We couldn’t be happier for them.

The energy is high, the vibe is welcoming, and they’re just as popular as ever—maybe even more so now, thanks to the added bonus of easier parking in the area. I had to book our Saturday night reservation a few months in advance, so by the time the day finally arrived, we were excited and ready to eat!

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and we were seated outside, which made for a relaxed evening.

From the Piglet menu, one of our boys ordered the Piglet Pho.

From the Bites menu, we tried the winter vegetable rolls and the bigeye ahi tatami toasts.

The toasts were amazing! Highly recommend!

The Le Fried Chicken Wings were a standout as always. Both sons absolutely loved them, which is always a win.

We also tried the chestnut and mushroom pâté, which came with sourdough madeleines. This one was definitely an acquired taste—quite different from anything else on the table. While it wasn't my personal favorite dish of the night, I appreciated the creativity and the way it was presented. Adventurous eaters might enjoy exploring this dish.

For my main, I ordered the bo kho pappardelle, and it was hands-down my favorite dish of the night.

It had a nice kick of spice, but nothing overwhelming; just enough of a kick to keep things interesting.

My husband and our other son both went with the Pho 75 and thoroughly enjoyed it. As with any great pho, the broth is what makes the dish, and Pig and the Lady absolutely nails it—deep, fragrant, and soul-satisfying.

Dessert was non-negotiable. One son had his heart set on the lilikoi “crunch”— he loves anything lilikoi—and it absolutely delivered!

We also couldn’t leave without ordering the signature P&L Soft Serve Swirl, which changes flavors regularly. That night’s swirl featured salted dulce de leche custard paired with coconut black sesame sorbet, finished with crushed coffee brownie brittle.

It was the perfect way to end this incredible meal.

Our experience was outstanding from start to finish, and seeing the Le family’s continued success makes it even sweeter. Kaimukī is lucky to have them back—and we’re already counting down to our next visit (I'll be jumping on OpenTable right after I write this to book another reservation!). Next time, we might go for lunch, since the lunch menu offers a different lineup (including their signature Pho French Dip!!).

If you're not able to dine-in, they do offer take-out, and you can also find them at the Farmers Markets at KCC on Saturdays or in Kailua on Thursday evenings.

________________________________________________

THE PIG AND THE LADY

3650 WAIALAE AVENUE (GROUND FLOOR, NEXT TO GOODWILL)

808-585-8255

Civil Beat Plaza
(Ground floor, next to Goodwill)
3650 Waialae Ave., #120
Honolulu, HI 96816

Visit Las Vegas: Trapped!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

While in Las Vegas, we decided to do an escape room at Trapped!

It was an impromptu decision, and we were lucky to book a time slot online for a decent time for the same night.

There were several escape rooms to choose from, and we chose Pandora's Box.

Upon arrival to Trapped!, we checked in, and were given three options to choose from in terms of how much help we wanted during the 60 minutes.

We then watched a video about the rules, were directed to lock up our phones in lockers, and proceeded to another room where we watched a video of the story behind Pandora's Box.

Staff members role play, which adds to the fun of the experience. We proceeded to our escape room, and the fun began!

In terms of escape rooms and based on rooms I've tried in the past, this room was on the easier side, and very family-friendly. It was also very interactive with neat effects (spoiler - we got a little wet). During moments where we seemed to be stumped, an employee chimed in to give us some clues.

Overall, we needed minimum clues, and we fortunately escaped just in time.

The entire family had a blast.

Highly recommend for a fun family night out in Las Vegas, away from The Strip!

Trapped!
4760 Polaris Ave

Las Vegas, NV 89103

Visit Maui: Mala Ocean Tavern

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

While on Maui, I had dinner at Mala Ocean Tavern. It was one of the numerous businesses that experienced damage from the Lahaina fires, but it has since re-opened and the business is thriving.

The menu features much less Mediterranean-inspired dishes than before, as I experienced on my last visit during lunch, and focuses more on seafood, as the name would imply.

Hood Canal Oyster Shooter

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

The Crispy Brussels Sprouts appetizer was a huge portion. It was delicious, with a nice burnt honey shoyu glaze.

Seared Scallops

The scallops were fantastic, and I loved the accompanying Parmesan risotto.

Pan Fried Mahi Mahi

The Pan Fried Mahi Mahi was accompanied by a black bean garlic ginger butter sauce. It wasn't like the Chinese-style black bean sauce that I had expected, but it was still so flavorful, and the mahi was cooked perfectly.

It was super busy, and service was on the slower side, but the manager would check up on us whenever he noticed us waiting for our server.

Reservations highly recommended!

Mala Ocean Tavern
1307 Front St
Lahaina, HI 96761

The Pig and the Lady in Kaimuki

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:59:00 +0000

Pho 75

Last year The Pig and the Lady closed shop in Chinatown and welcomed a brand new location in Kaimuki. Located in the Civil Beat Plaza building, they are open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday; dinner Tuesday through Saturday; and closed on Mondays.

l opted for an outside table, but I think next time l'd like to eat inside. I got a quick peek and I liked the booth seating and the energetic vibe inside. There were a lot of great menu options, but for my first time at the new location I had to get the classic Pho 75. Next time, I am going back for my other favorite, the Pho French Dip. You won't be disappointed with the Le Fried Chicken Wings or their soft serve either.

Brussels Sprouts

Spring Rolls

Vegan Pho

Soft Serve - coconut with black sesame

The Pig and the Lady is an iconic Hawaii restaurant and I am happy they moved to a more convenient location in Kaimuki! Parking is available in the building for a validated flat rate of $2.50 for 2 hours.

The Pig and the Lady

3650 Waialae Ave.

Honolulu, HI 96816

808-585-8255

Visit Hilo: Wailoa Grill

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I recently picked up breakfast at Wailoa Grill (they are a sister company to the popular breakfast spot Hawaiian Style Cafe).

They have a decent breakfast menu, but my friend and I both ended up getting a breakfast burrito ($12.95).

Portuguese Sausage Breakfast Burrito

Bacon Breakfast Burrito

I appreciated how stuffed the burrito was. There was eggs, bacon, bell peppers, cheese, and hash browns in it.

What I didn't appreciate it was how there was a lot of egg shells in my burrito - I had to spit out a lot of eggs. I also didn't expect frozen, pre-made hash browns.

The burrito itself was good, minus the egg shells.

The service could have been improved as well. Upon arrival, there was no line. However, the employee was writing out the specials board and it took him a literal minute to even acknowledge us before finally saying "I'll be right with you," as he continued to make us wait to order while he finished writing the specials.

Being in the service industry, if my team member intentionally ignored a customer and made him / her wait even further for something that could be finished after providing service, I would be sure to address it with the team member.

Wailoa Grill

93 Lihiwai Street

Hilo, HI 96720

Visit Las Vegas: Area15

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Area15 is an "entertainment district" that offers two Zones of activities, attractions, shopping, dining, and events.

You can buy ticket packages and make reservations for various experiences, or if you simply want to browse around, you can get an Access Level 0 ticket, which includes free entry and a fun self-guided scavenger hunt.

Scavenger Hunt task

We went to Area15 to go to Meow Wolf's Omega Mart, but we had a lot of fun doing the free scavenger hunt.

There are so many things you can do at Area15 - escape room, golf, arcade, racing simulation, laser maze, and so much more.

There are also a few exhibits outdoors that you can view.

It's quite overstimulating, with bright, flashing lights in all colors and music blaring, but it's definitely a fun experience.

There is a nominal charge for parking.

Area15
3215 South Rancho Dr
Las Vegas, NV

Predator: Badlands Now Streaming on Disney+

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:49:00 +0000

Disclosure: Code received for review purposes.

Predator: Badlands is now streaming on Disney+!

Predator: Badlands is the newest installment in the The Predator and Prey line-up.

Film Synopsis

Set in the future on a deadly remote planet, Predator: Badlands follows Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan, who finds an unlikely ally in Thia and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

Predator: Badlands is a stand-alone movie that can be followed and understood even if you haven't seen all of the Predator or Prey films (I personally only have watched the first two films).

Dek, a Predator, and Thia, a synth, go on an adventure seeking the Kalisk. They encounter numerous obstacles and we watch as their relationship evolves, while wondering if Thia's intentions are authentic.

After accomplishing his goal, Dek returns home where he refuses to return to the clan who rejected him, and the film ends in a way that could lead to a possible sequel.

Bonus Features*

Deleted & Pre-Visualization Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary:

Sand Trap – An early animatic version of Dek’s very different first encounter with Thia.
Squirt Canyon – The full version of Dek and Thia traversing the water-filled trench while trying to survive Genna…and each other.
Tessa vs. Abe – Tessa faces off against a superior synth in this deleted scene and storyline.
Razor Grass – The original previsualization of Dek, Thia, and Bud’s first hunt together…sort of.
The Outpost – Thia takes Dek to a small Weyland-Yutani field facility where they experience a few things that ended up being used elsewhere in the final film.
Super Power Loader Extended – Special additional moments during Dek’s climactic final battle with the Super Power Loader and the Kalisk.

Featurettes:

Embodying the Predator – Meet the talented team of designers, performers, and effects artists responsible for bringing one of cinema’s most terrifying creatures to life on screen in ways we’ve never seen before!
Authentic Synthetics – Get up close and personal with synths Thia and Tessa as star Elle Fanning walks us through the process of crafting two characters who may look the same but have evolved in surprisingly unique ways.
Building the Badlands – With razor sharp grass, killer trees, and terrifying animals, never has a planet been more deadly than Genna. Uncover how a team of artisans built this threatening landscape, transforming real locations into the dangerous environments seen on screen.
Dek of the Yautja – For the first time ever, director Dan Trachtenberg has given audiences an extended peek at Predator culture. Follow the evolution as filmmakers reveal the process behind developing the Yautja’s home world, spacecraft, and family dynamics.

Audio Commentary: Watch the film with audio commentary by Director Dan Trachtenberg, Producer Ben Rosenblatt, Director of Photography Jeff Cutter and Stunt Coordinator Jacob Tomuri.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

Visit Hilo: Kats and Lemons

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I always love checking out bakeries, so of course I had to visit the recently-opened Kats and Lemons.

OREO Core Cookie

OREO Brownie

The cookies and brownies are enormous! They will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ube Tart

Coffee and Fruit Tarts

I also got tarts in various flavors. They were a pleasant bite!

Owner Kat started out baking from home, then doing local markets and bake stands. It's so great to see people realizing their passions and making their dreams come true!

Kats and Lemons
417 Kalanikoa St

Hilo, HI 96720

Visit Utah: Zion Canyon Brew Pub

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We worked up an appetite hiking for a few hours at Zion National Park, and one of the closest eateries was Zion Canyon Brew Pub.

Buffalo Meatloaf Burger

My husband loved this burger.

Elevated Elk Burger

Bangers & Mash

The bratwursts were made with wild game and served with a mango-apple chutney.

IPA-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Club

I had the IPA-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Club. The chicken wasn't very spicy, but it was juicy and tender.

Chimichurri Fries

They offer seasoned fries or chimichurri fries with each burger / sandwich, or you could upgrade to onion rings, salad, or a cup of soup or chili for $3.

Service was overall good and we were happy and satisfied.

Notew: There is a path from the Visitors Center to Springdale, so if you parked at Zion, you can walk to the restaurant, or even catch the free shuttle. You simply need to make sure you bring your entrance fee pass with you to show proof that you paid for entry for when you return to your car. We didn't realize there was a path, so we drove out of Zion, only to later drive back in to take the scenic drive (the entrance pass is good for 7 days).

As for parking, there are some stalls that are paid parking in the restaurant lot (I'm guessing Zion visitors sometimes park there if the lots are full in Zion), but there are others that say "2-hour parking," which is free parking, as we confirmed with the restaurant employee.

Hua Mochi Aloha

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Sometimes the best food discoveries happen completely by accident. I was heading to Kahala Mall with my coworkers to grab lunch when a bright pink food truck parked along Kilauea Avenue caught my eye. I had no idea what it was, but I knew I had to walk over and check it out.

Turns out, it was Hua Mochi Aloha, a local vendor that regularly pops up at the KCC Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Mililani Farmers Market on Sundays. I had somehow never heard of them, but clearly plenty of people have — they’re known for their fresh mochi stuffed with whole strawberries.

Once I learned that, choosing what to order became very easy. I went straight for the classic strawberry mochi and also bought two of the strawberry chocolate. At $5 a piece, it’s definitely on the pricier side for mochi, but I don’t mind paying a little extra when something is genuinely good.

And these were good. Soft, chewy mochi on the outside, fresh fruit inside, and just the right amount of sweetness. Not something I’d splurge on every week, but absolutely worth trying at least once — especially if you’re a mochi lover or just appreciate a fun local treat.

I’m glad that pink truck caught my attention. If you ever spot Hua Mochi Aloha around town or at the farmers markets, give it a try!

Visit Las Vegas: Honey Salt

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

One of my favorite restaurants from our recent trip to Las Vegas was Honey Salt in Summerlin.

Banana Split Mocktail

Lobster Roll

Backyard Favorite Burger

Biloxi Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

I had the Fried Chicken Sandwich, since on the menu it stated it was "Named as one of Las Vegas Weekly's Best." And it was really good, with a slaw and house Durkee dressing.

Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Fries

Mary's Roasted Organic Chicken Soup

Sweet Potato Fries

Brookie

I loved the Brookie - a brownie + chocolate chip cookie combo, which was topped with salted caramel chunk ice cream. The brownie was moist and the cookie was nice and chewy.

Service was excellent. When our food was brought to our table, one of my kids remarked "They knew who ordered which plate. We didn't need to raise our hands when they said what the food was." I thought that was very observant of him and telling of the kind of service we received at Honey Salt.

Honey Salt is a charming restaurant with a chill vibe and great food and service!

Honey Salt
1031 S Rampart Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89145

Visit Big Island: ‘Ulu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

While at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, we had breakfast at ‘Ulu. They offer both a breakfast buffet as well as a la carte menu items. I usually prefer to get a la carte menu items since I never get my money's worth at buffets (as of this post it was $59 per adult).

Hualalai Sunrise Smoothie

The Hualalai Sunrise Smoothie had non-dairy yogurt, orange juice, banana, strawberry, flax, and honey. It was sweet and refreshing. I didn't taste much of the honey, but the strawberry and banana flavors were more forward.

Huevos Rancheros

My friend enjoyed the Huevos Rancheros.

Loco Moco

I had the Loco Moco, which consisted of braised short rib (you could also opt for grilled fish), topped with an adobo gravy and served with Ali‘i mushroom fried rice. I thought the greens were out of place, and the short rib was unfortunately too tough, but the gravy was tasty and I really liked the fried rice.

I'll definitely have to try the Huevos Rancheros next time!

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96725
(808) 325-8000

Sushi Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I’ve heard people rave about Sushi Bay for ages — especially about their generous portions of fish and the fact that it’s always packed. I finally made it out there with the family, and honestly, the buzz is well‑deserved.

Even on a Monday afternoon, we waited about 15 minutes for a table. Not bad at all considering how busy the place stays. Once we were seated, the service was warm and friendly, and the sushi came out surprisingly fast. They take orders the old‑school way — through your server rather than tablets or conveyor belts — but somehow they’re still quicker than Genki Sushi.

And yes, the portions live up to the hype. Thick, fresh slices of fish that feel like a real treat, not the skimpy cuts you sometimes get elsewhere. Prices were another pleasant surprise. Our meal for four came out to around $80, which felt more than fair given how much we ate. I’m pretty sure the same spread would have cost noticeably more at other sushi spots.

If you’ve been curious about Sushi Bay or debating whether it’s worth the wait, I’d say go for it. Great value, great portions, and a genuinely enjoyable family meal. Highly recommend.

Tekka Maki

Chicken Karaage

Negi Toro and Spicy Tuna

Kake Udon

Agedashi

Salmon and Ahi Nigiri

Unagi

Spicy Tuna

California Roll

Shrimp Tempura

They are open from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily. Last order for dine-in is at 5:00 PM, but you can still get items to-go until 6:00 PM.

SUSHI BAY

91-590 Farrington Highway

808-693-9922

Visit Utah: Bumbleberry Gift Shop & Bakery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Bumbleberry is a gift shop / bakery / ice cream shop in Springdale right near Zion National Park.

They make a popular Bumbleberry Pie (you have to read their website to find out what bumbleberry is), but we went specifically for ice cream.

Of course we had to get some Bumbleberry Ice Cream!

Bumbleberry Cobbler

The Bumbleberry Cobbler had pieces of pie crust, and I loved that extra buttery texture.

Checkerboard Mesa

The Checkerboard Mesa was a brown sugar flavored ice cream with peanut butter, chocolate pretzels, and pretzel bark.

Emerald Pools

Emerald Pools was a mint ice cream with mint cookie pieces.

Bumbleberry Cheesecake

Cream cheese ice cream was combined with bumbleberry flavoring and cheesecake pieces.

Bumbleberry is a great stop post-Zion-hike for ice cream, souvenir shopping, and restrooms!

Bumbleberry Gift Shop & Bakery
897 Zion Park Blvd
Springdale, UT 84767