Hawaii Mom Blog

Alan Wong's Kahala

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Fun fact: My very first dining experience at Alan Wong’s Restaurant was about 20 years ago as a “secret shopper,” so I guess in a way that was my foray into the media / blogging world. (My name was provided by mutual colleagues at the time).

It was an excellent experience then at King Street, and now at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, that excellence continues, where guests are treated to a taste of Hawai‘i through the lens of a culinary legend.

I was thrilled to visit Alan Wong's Kahala (6 years after the pandemic forced the cancellation of my last res at King Street in April of 2020!), indulging in the classics while being treated with sincere hospitality.

"Soup and Sandwich"

The "Soup and Sandwich" is my fave. The elevated take on a classic "grilled chilled and tomato soup" is comforting on so many levels.

Whole Tomato Salad

Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Cake

Sumida Farm Leko Kalua Pig Caesar

This was a table fave. The peppery watercress and the smoky kalua pig added nice dimensions of flavor to this local take on a Caesar.

Ginger Crusted Onaga

For many, this Ginger Crusted Onaga dish is synonymous with Alan Wong's.

Pineapple "Shave Ice"

Frozen pineapple is shaved super fine for a delightful "shave ice" that my friend could not stop eating!

Waialua Chocolate Crunch Bars

Looking forward to returning, and also looking forward to the return of one of my fave dishes . . .

Congrats to Chef Alan, Leigh, Chef Spencer, Chef Miya, and the entire AW Kahala team!

Alan Wong's Kahala
Kahala Resort

5000 Kahala Ave #5000

Honolulu, HI 96816

Visit San Diego: Mr. Moto Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Mr. Moto Pizza is a Cali chain that serves up all sorts of pizzas, as well as stuffed knots.

I decided to grab a Pepperoni Jalapeno Ranch stuffed knot.

At just $4, it was huge, and it was a meal in itself.

It was essentially like a pizza, but stuffed in a garlic knot.

Definitely hope to try the pizzas one day!

Mr. Moto Pizza
879 W Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101

The 18th Annual East Honolulu Food Festival Features Vintage Vibes Under a Full Moon on May 2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:46:00 +0000

Credit Tyler Shortt

Mary, Star of the Sea Church and Schools will host their 18th annual East Honolulu Food Festival (EHFF) on Saturday, May 2 from 5:30 to 9:30pm on the school grounds located at 4470 Aliikoa Street. Themed “Under the Moon in Old Hawaii,” this beloved family-friendly event invites the public to celebrate local cuisine under a full moon against a nostalgic backdrop reminiscent of Old Hawaii.

The EHFF is the largest festival in East Honolulu, drawing approximately 2,000 food and beverage enthusiasts from across the island. The all-inclusive ticket price allows limitless tasting portions from over 20 participating restaurants and purveyors. This year’s participants include newcomers Vintage Books Hawaii and Mango Mango in addition to such returning favorites as bEASTside Kitchen, Cafe Julia Hawaii at Laniakea, Katsu Sando 808, Il Gelato, Maile’s Thai Bistro, Tight Tacos, Kamitoku Ramen, Kapa Hale, Quiora and more. Kai Vodka will sponsor a Tiki Bar featuring island-inspired cocktails, while Kona Brewing Company and a wine tent will offer an assortment of craft beers and wines for guests 21 years and older.

Credit Tyler Shortt

The admission price includes a robust line-up of kids’ activities and live DJ entertainment as well as access to the coveted silent auction, where festival go-ers can score restaurant certificates, staycations, and more. Ridesharing (Uber or Lyft) is encouraged but free parking and shuttle service are available at nearby Kalani High School.

Tickets are priced at $100 for adults and $40 for children ages 3-13. Admission is free for children under three. VIP tables are also available and come with premium experiences such as servings of prime cuts from Hy’s Steakhouse. Purchase tickets in advance on the website at www.theEHFF.com. Tickets are also available at the door for an additional $5 fee. Proceeds from the event will support programs for the community and Mary, Star of the Sea Church as well as fund educational activities and technology upgrades for the Schools.

Credit Tyler Shortt

Participating Restaurants and Businesses

bEASTside Kitchen Maile’s Thai Bistro

Big Girl Bakes, Sweet & Savory Mango Mango

Cafe Julia Panda Express
Da Spot Health Foods & Juices Peace Cafe

Il Gelato Hawaii Quiora

Kahala Nui Solera

KAI Spirits This Lil Piggy

Kamitoku Ramen Tight Tacos

Kapa Hale Vintage Books Hawaii

Katsu Sando 808 Win Spuntino

Kona Brewing Company Hy’s Steakhouse (VIP table only)

Visit Japan: Ippudo Horie

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Ippudo Horie was just a couple doors down from our hotel (Mimaru Osaka Namba North), and we passed it almost every single day. After a long day out, we decided to keep things easy and grab dinner close by. No planning, no commute—just walk in and eat.

We had been to Ippudo NY before, and it was excellent. So of course we were wondering… would it be even better in Japan?

Yes. 100% yes!

The ramen was everything you want and more.

Broths that are rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

Noodles that are perfectly cooked with just the right bite. Fresh and balanced toppings.

The gyoza and fried rice were perfect compliments to the ramen.

Ippudo ended up being one of our favorite meals of our trip!

------------------------------

IPPUDO HORIE

1-1-12 Minamihorie, Osaka 550-0015 Osaka Prefecture

Visit Mexico: Zarape Tacos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Along the La Bufadora Market are several food stalls, and our tour guide recommended Zarape Tacos as one spot to eat at.

There are only a few tables. "Community" condiments of peppers, salsas, sauces, and veggies are placed on the table to jazz up your tacos.

The menu is small - just a few taco varieties (fish, beef, chicken), as well as some tortas.

Service was very friendly.

Palace Saimin

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

There’s something special about walking into Palace Saimin—like stepping into a piece of Hawaiʻi’s history that’s still very much alive. This year, they’re celebrating 80 years, which is no small feat in the restaurant industry that’s constantly changing.

Palace Saimin is one of the few old-school saimin houses still around, and you can feel the old school-ness—from the no-frills setting to the comforting, familiar flavors that haven’t tried to chase trends. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why simple food, done right, never goes out of style.

The saimin still hits the spot—warm, savory, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something nostalgic and comforting. It’s not trying to reinvent anything, and that’s exactly the point.

More than just a meal, a visit here feels like supporting a piece of local culture.

Places like this are becoming rarer, and it really makes you appreciate the people who’ve kept it going.

PALACE SAIMIN

1256 N. KING STREET

808-841-9983

Visit San Diego: Extraordinary Desserts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

A Google Map search of "desserts near me" resulted in a visit to Extraordinary Desserts.

It's the cutest dessert cafe and the vibe is just so whimsical.

They have so many desserts to choose from, but my kids all ended up with the Frozen Hot Dark Chocolate a la Mode

Frozen Hot Dark Chocolate a la Mode

They were the fanciest Frozen Hot Dark Chocolates I've ever seen!

Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookie

I got the Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookie, which was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. It was enormous, and they even plated it so prettily!

Definitely visit Extraordinary Desserts for a sweet, sublime experience.

Extraordinary Desserts
1430 Union Street

San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Japan: Nara, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari Taisha

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We booked a one-day bus tour through Tripadvisor that hit several of the region’s most famous points of interest—and it ended up being one of the easiest ways to see a lot in a single day. No worrying about transportation or logistics, just hopping on and off the bus and taking it all in. It was a full schedule, but perfect for maximizing our time.

First stop: Nara Park.

Of course, we had to buy the famous deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed them. Some were calm and even bowed politely, but others… let’s just say they were a little more aggressive.

At one point, we even got nipped in the butt—definitely not something we expected, but we couldn’t stop laughing. It made for a pretty unforgettable start to the day.

At one point, we also came across someone quietly chanting with a bowl in front of him, his face completely hidden beneath a hat. My son felt compelled to give him some money, and when he placed it in the bowl, the man gently bowed in return while still chanting—but we never actually saw his face. It was brief, a little mysterious, and oddly meaningful.

Before heading back to the bus, we grabbed some strawberry soft serve from Park Kitchen—a perfect little treat to hold us over until lunch.

Lunch was at Kyoto Wasabi Arashiyama, and it ended up being such a smooth, enjoyable break in the middle of a packed day.

One of the big perks of traveling with a tour group is that everything is already taken care of—and this was a perfect example. When we walked into the restaurant, our tables were already set, each with its own individual hot pot stove and all the ingredients laid out and ready to go.

All we had to do was fire up the stove and start cooking.

This restaurant proudly displayed the bronze statute signaling that the beef they serve is authentic and real Kobe Beef.

After lunch we hopped back on the bus to our next destination ...

...the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. To get to the Grove, we took a short walk from the Nonomiya Shrine.

The bamboo forest is just as beautiful as the pictures I've seen on the internet.

On the way back to the bus, we spotted a line (always a good sign in Japan) at the Rilakkuma Honey Stand for the cutest bear-shaped treats. Totally worth it… even if it meant hustling back to the bus right after.

We then visited the stunning Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This place is just as breathtaking in person as it is in photos. The top floors of the temple are completely covered in gold leaf, and when it reflects off the surrounding pond, it almost doesn’t look real.

Our final stop was Fushimi Inari Taisha.

The bus dropped us off a couple of blocks from the base of the trail, and our guide walked us to the entrance, sharing a few helpful tips along the way. After that, we were free to explore on our own.

After that, we were free to explore on our own.

We made our way up the path, aiming to get far enough where the crowds started to thin out so we could get some photos with less people in the background.

We made it up to one of the smaller subsidiary shrines before realizing we needed to turn back in order to make it to the bus on time.

By the end of the day, we were completely exhausted. The bus ride back to our original pickup spot was noticeably quiet—everyone winding down after a full day of nonstop sightseeing.

These kinds of day tours are great if you want to check off multiple iconic spots in a short amount of time. But if you’re someone who likes to linger, explore deeper, or move at your own pace, visiting these places on your own might be the better way to go.

Disney Wonder 4-Night Baja Cruise — Dining

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

One of the things my family loved about cruising is the dining, and how you can always find something to satisfy your appetite.

In addition to the restaurants on your dining rotation, there are numerous fast-casual options, buffets, and even room service. Most everything is included in your cruise package, with the exception of certain restaurants and specialty items.

On embarkation day, after dropping our stuff off in our cabins, we immediately went to Cabanas, a buffet option for lunch and breakfast.

There is no shortage of options to choose from - soups, breads, meats, noodles, salads, fruits, seafood, desserts, and more!

Most of the buffet options for breakfast and lunch remain consistent, with select entrees being available only on certain days.

Don't miss out on the Mickey Churro Waffles for breakfast on the last full day!

For many in our family, one of the best things we ate on the entire cruise was this Chicken Tikka Masala at Cabanas on the last day.

The unlimited soft serve was such a treat. We went to Eye Scream every day!

Each night you are assigned a restaurant for dinner, and you are also assigned service staff who are with you for the duration of the cruise. When you book a cruise, you can opt to be seated with your own party only. It is not guaranteed, but we did end up with our own party only, and it seemed like most cruisers who selected own party got to sit with their own party as well. I've read that some cruisers enjoy meeting others and love to sit with "strangers" who eventually become friends by the end of the cruise.

There are also two seating options. We were originally assigned 830pm, but I immediately switched to 545pm (830pm is close to my bedtime!).

We had great servers who would give us puzzles and trivia. Almost every night there was some kind of show or performance during dinner.

A puzzle given to us by one of our servers

I thought the food in the dinner restaurants were fine. Nothing extraordinary, but fine. We'd usually order all the appetizers to share, and an entree and dessert each. I've read some people do two entrees per, all desserts . . . you can really go big!

Triton's:

Duck Confit

Iced Lobster & Jumbo Shrimp

Gaston's Escargot Gratinee

Wild Mushroom Stuffed Pasta in a Vegetable Broth

Conchiglie Pasta

Roasted Rack of Lamb Medium

Breaded & Deep Fried Brie

Oven-Baked Salmon Royale

Chateaubriand-Roasted Filet Steak

Warm French Country Bread with Olive Spread

French Onion Soup

Classic Opera Gateau

Apple Tart Tatin

Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

Animator's Palate:

Garlic & Herb Focaccia with a Roasted Garlic Dip

Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes

Smoked Salmon Tartare

Sliced Serrano Ham

Tomato Tarte

Grilled Tuna Steak

Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese Soup

Herb-Crusted Pork Chop

Ginger-Teriyaki Dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin

Black Bean Chipotle Cakes

Warm Sticky Date Pudding

Cookies 'n Cream Sundae

Lemon Ice Box Pie

Tiana's Place:

Prince Naveen's Cajun Charcuterie Board

Pickled Gulf Shrimp & Satsuma Orange Salad

New Orleans Seafood Pepper Pot

Boudin Sausage Fritters

Sauteed Gulf Shrimp & Grits

Big Daddy's Roasted Prime Rib of Beef

Ahi Tuna Tartare

Herbed Brioche with Roasted Onion Dip

Iceberg Wedge

Roasted Creole Half Chicken

Charlotte La Bouff's Bucatini Pasta

Mama Oldie's White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Chocolate Doberge Gateau

Tiana's Buttermilk Beignets

New Orleans Bananas Foster Sundae

There are optional dress-up (formal) nights, and even a Pirate Night with a special menu (if you have no Pirate attire, you can use the bandannas left in your cabin).

For the most part, dress code for dining in the rotational restaurants is casual.

Pirate Night menu:

Johnny Cake with Mango Dip

Angelica's Lime Marinated Shrimp

Carrot & Cilantro Soup

Sri Sumbhajee's Vegetable Samosa

Deep Fried Calypso Crabcake

Chevalle's Lamb Shank

Sivann's Red & Yellow Beetroot Carpaccio

Tia Dalma's Jerk Chicken

Jack's Treasure-of-the-Seas

Rum Soaked Chocolate Cake

Caramel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake

You can opt to prepay gratuity for your dining team before you board (or once onboard via Guest Services), and also opt to give them more gratuity in provided envelopes on the last day of the cruise.

For breakfast, the main options include Triton's, Tiana's Place, or Cabanas.

Triton's:

Fresh baked goods:

Eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns

Southern Hash

Omelet

Power Crepe

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Belgian Waffle

Fresh Fruit

Peanut Butter & Jelly Typhoon

A few eats from the casual spots on Deck 9:

Pete's Boiler Bites

Pinnochio's Pizzeria

Pete's Boiler Bites

On disembarkation day, you get assigned a breakfast restaurant and your reservation time is based on your dinner seating.

As you can see - the food options are plentiful! You definitely will not go hungry!

Visit Catalina Island: Lloyd's of Avalon

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

Of course we stopped to get some ice cream while on Catalina Island. We ended up at Lloyd's of Avalon, where one of the employees told us they source the ice cream from various vendors (so it's not housemade).

Cookie Monster

Mocha Almond Fudge

Bubble Gum

Honey Churro

I had the Honey Churro, which was a little too sweet for my liking.

Everyone else loved the ice cream flavors they chose, however.

The ice cream definitely helped to beat the Catalina Island heat!

Lloyd's of Avalon
315 Crescent Ave

Avalon, CA 90704

Visit Pasadena: Lucky Boy

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

We had an appointment in Pasadena, and just so happened Lucky Boy was right next door, so we grabbed some lunch.

While waiting in line to order, I overheard many people order breakfast burritos (even though it was lunch time), so naturally, I decided to get one too.

Famous Breakfast Burrito

It's hard to tell just how huge the breakfast burrito was by this pic, but it was nearly as big as my face.

There was enough bacon, eggs, and cheese in the burrito to feed a small family!

Turns out all the portions are huge!

Hamburger

Onion Rings

The Onion Rings were not the greatest - they had a nice batter, but it was not seasoned.

Avocado Burger

Fries

SoCal was experiencing a heat wave, so the shakes were a welcome treat!

If you go to Lucky Boy, bring your appetite!

Lucky Boy

640 S Arroyo Pkwy

Pasadena, CA 91105

916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I recently met up with @melissa808 at 916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen, who said I needed to try the Honey Toast there.

They feature yakiniku and hot pot deals, or you can simply order a la carte or appetizers, like we did (plus dessert).

Banchan

All the appetizers were delish and I would order them all again. If I had to choose a fave, it would be the mandoo. They were extra crispy on the outside with a tasty, savory filling.

916 House Fried Rice

Fried Mandoo

Agedashi Tofu

Honey Toast

The Honey Toast was enormous, topped with multiple scoops of ice cream, fruit, and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

I look forward to returning with the family!

916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen
94-818 Ukee Pl
Waipahu, HI 96797

Visit Las Vegas: Border Grill Mandalay Bay

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Mix and match tacos

For the last three concerts my friend and I attended at Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, we have stayed at the Luxor hotel which is connected to Mandalay Bay. This makes it convenient for us to walk over to the stadium. Most recently, we dined at Border Grill Mandalay Bay before a Bruno Mars concert.

The Mexican restaurant offers a plentiful gluten free menu which was great for us since one of our friends is gluten sensitive. The menu features tacos, enchiladas, salads, and entrees. The tacos and enchiladas come in threes and they allow you to mix and match so you can customize your plate. I had the enchiladas and they were delicious. I had some of my friend's fish - pescado zarandeado - which was recommended by our server. That dish was stellar.

A great choice for food and drinks before your next concert!

Pescado zarandeado

Enchiladas

The Counter at Miro

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I get teased about being a picky eater, but on occasion, I will happily indulge and eat everything placed in front of me, as I did at The Counter at Miro.

The multi-course tasting menu showcased the skill and refinement that Chef Chris Kajioka is known for.

Every dish was superb, but my absolute fave was the Waygu Brioche — I could've eaten half a dozen of those.

Here is all that we devoured (huge thanks to Chef Chris for sending me the menu details!):

Oishii oyster, tosazu, kona limu

Tartlet of lean and fatty tuna, wasabi, ama ebi, ossetra caviar

Puff of caramelized onion, truffle and harbison cheese

Wagyu brioche, smoked oyster, hokkaido uni

Kanpachi, paste of charred scallion, ho farm tomato, tomato ponzu

Chawanmushi, surf clam, pea and asparagus ragout, dashi butter

Hawaiian rolls, roasted garlic and honey butter

Scallop, shio kombu salsa verde, yuzu, crispy kombu

Grilled shortrib, japanese sweet potato, hirabara farm carrots /

Donabe of wagyu shortrib and fried leeks, nanatsuboshi rice

Buttermilk panna cotta, pineapple and yuzu granita, shiso, vanilla ice cream, coconut water foam

Mignardises

Thank you Chef Chris & team for a fabulous meal!

The Counter at Miro currently offers 2 seatings, with the second seating offering a more extensive menu than the first.

The Counter at Miro
1108 12th Ave C
Honolulu, HI 96816

Visit Las Vegas: Best Friend at Park MGM

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Family style at Best Friend

I've walked past Best Friend before and it definitely looks like a good time so I was excited to dine at the restaurant from Chef Roy Choi. Best Friend opened in 2018 at the Park MGM featuring Choi's famous Korean tacos from his popular LA food truck, Kogi.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were lucky to be seated at the Chef's table located inside the kitchen. I actually preferred the bright table over the vibey club atmosphere of the main restaurant. We started off with the delicious house bread and shared the banchan sampler. For our meal we shared the korean wings, kimchi fried rice, kogi short rib tacos, and slippery shrimp. The dishes were all outstanding with the tacos and wings being the table favorites.

The restaurant is such a vibe. Definitely a fun time with friends!

From the outside

Checking in at reception

Entry to the main dining room

Happy to be seated at the Chef's table

Do not miss out on the Kogi tacos and Korean wings!

Disney Wonder 4-Night Baja Cruise — Connecting Navigator's Verandah Rooms 6140 & 6142

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

When I searched for rooms when booking our first Disney Cruise, I opted to get connecting verandah rooms to fit our family of 5. The least expensive turned out to be the Navigator's Verandah Rooms, which have an enclosed verandah.

We were in 6140 and 6142.

Each room had a king size bed and a convertible sofa sleeper, which the housekeeping made into a bed each evening while we were out at dinner. The curtains could be pulled for privacy.

At turndown housekeeping would also create something with the blanket and leave us chocolates.

The bathrooms are split, with a shower and sink in one room, and a toilet and sink in another.

We are carry-on travelers, so there seemed to be ample space for us. It did take some time to get used to all the vibrations and creaking while trying to sleep, and we could hear the occasional guest passing through the halls, but for the most part, there was minimal noise.

It was nice to be able to gaze out at the ocean, where we saw whales, dolphins, and even sea lions.

View from the verandah as we went back to San Diego port.

Visit Las Vegas: Broken Yolk Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:29:00 +0000

Hash Skillet

During a weekend trip to Las Vegas, we had brunch at the Broken Yolk Cafe. The go-to spot for breakfast and brunch has five locations in Las Vegas. We visited the Town Square location and while we waited for a table, we went shopping at the nearby Total Wines.

The menu is extensive, but I loved that you could get a side of almost everything. I love to have sweet and savory so I was happy I could order my favorite avocado toast, but also satisfy my craving for pancakes!

Smoked Salmon Avo Toast

Classic Avocado Toast

Side Order Lemon Ricotta Pancake

Although it was busy, the service was awesome. Great spot for a casual and affordable brunch.

Lunch at J. Dolan's

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:01:00 +0000

Giacomo Pizza

I've been a longtime fan of the pizza at J. Dolan's. So long, that I remember when it used to be JJ Dolan's, but I had not visited the Kahala location until last month. I am happy to report the thin crust pizzas are still delicious as ever.

We walked in on a Sunday afternoon and were seated right away. J. Dolan's is all you want in a pub - cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and good food and drinks. It's great for a casual lunch while you watch your favorite sports game.

You can order pizza by the slice or by the whole pie. If you are not in the mood for pizza, other menu options offered are fish and chips, fries, onion rings, calamari, chicken wings, and salads. I didn't see a dessert menu, but we walked over to Kahala MKT next door to satisfy my sweet tooth.

J. Dolan's is open daily from 11am and is available for group reservations and private parties.

Fish and Chips

J. Dolan's

4210 Waialae Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816

Mariposa Hawaii Closing in May 2026

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:01:00 +0000

Mariposa Lunch View

An Ala Moana Center restaurant staple famous for their popovers will be closing next month. Although I hadn't dined in recent years, I have many fond memories from baby showers to Mother's day lunches. Mariposa Hawaii will definitely be missed.

As soon as I heard the sad news, I made a reservation on Open Table and dined at the end of March. Since then, it seems pretty difficult to make a reservation, but I would check Open Table frequently as reservations may open up.

For my last meal at the iconic restaurant, I had the burger. Of course service was top notch, but the carefree atmosphere is what makes Mariposa so comforting while you share a delicious meal with good company. Mahalo Mariposa for the wonderful memories!

Last popover.

Mariposa Burger.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day April 18 and Upcoming Events!

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:41:00 +0000

Mililani YMCA

Healthy Kids Day: Run, play and hop on over to the YMCA of Honolulu’s annual Healthy Kids Day which makes its return Saturday, April 18, at all YMCA of Honolulu branches island-wide. The free community event is open to individuals and families of all ages and invites the public to enjoy a wide range of interactive, family-friendly activities designed to promote healthy living, youth development, and community connection. Attendees are encouraged to get their free tickets online in advance. To learn more and register, please visit bit.ly/ymca-healthy-kids-day-2026.

Leeward Y Martial Arts: Leeward Y’s martial arts program, offered monthly on Mondays from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Thursdays from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Fridays from 4-5 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m., provides teens and adults with a fun, structured way to build strength and discipline. Participants learn a blend of techniques—from striking and grappling to balance and ground skills—while improving coordination, self-defense and overall fitness.

Nuʻuanu Y Youth Aikido: The Nuʻuanu Y's aikido classes, held monthly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 3-4 p.m., offer a unique approach to self-defense that emphasizes harmony, discipline, and personal growth. Open to participants ages 6 and up, the program helps build confidence, focus, and mind-body coordination while fostering respect and awareness through the practice of “ki,” or universal energy.

‘Ōpio Summer Membership: Teens ages 13-18 can stay active, safe and connected through the ‘Ōpio Summer Membership program, offering up to 815 free memberships from May 30-August 2. With access to seven YMCA locations across Oʻahu, teens can enjoy gyms, pools, fitness centers, group classes and more — plus opportunities to make new friends, give back through community service and connect with caring mentors.

Summer Day Camp: Keiki can join Summer Day Camp for a variety of fun experiences, including outdoor play, weekly field trips, arts and crafts, and more, with options that include overnight camp at Camp Erdman for eligible ages. These programs help keiki thrive through exploration, friendship and learning all summer long.

Y Teen Club: The Y Teen Club is open to students who have completed grades 6-7 and Summer Junior Leadership is open to students who have completed grades 8-11. Both are free this year and offer activities that build confidence, connection and leadership skills.

Summer Challenge: An annual event designed to motivate and engage members through fun, goal-oriented activities that encourage healthy habits and community connection. We will share more details on this once it is finalized.

ROARchestra Rally on May 3, 2026

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

Hawai‘i Youth Symphony (HYS) and the Honolulu Zoological Society presents the inaugural ROARchestra Rally: A Youth Day of Music at the Honolulu Zoo on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Over 500 HYS student musicians in various ensembles will be performing to the delight of zoo guests (and animals!) from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM (zoo gates open at 10:00 AM).

The ROARchestra Rally is included with Honolulu Zoo admission.

Prices:

● Kama‘āina & Active U.S. Military: $10 adults / $6 children (ages 3–12)
● General Admission: $21 adults / $13 children
● Keiki ages 2 and under: Always free

Tickets and zoo memberships are available for purchase onsite and online at honoluluzoo.org.

Sponsorships and ‘Ohana Packages
If your business or ‘ohana is interested in supporting this event, please visit https://www.hiyouthsymphony.org/roarchestra/ for more information!

Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony helps to ensure all youth have access to resources and tools to help foster their love of music, while bringing joy to the community and people of all ages and backgrounds. For more information, visit https://www.hiyouthsymphony.org/vision/.

Little Plum Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:46:00 +0000

I revisited Little Plum recently after not being too impressed during my first visit when they opened about two years ago. A friend suggested it for lunch—it was her first time—and I was open to giving it another shot, hoping things might have changed.

We shared a few dishes: the cucumber appetizer, crispy pork belly, and the fresh catch. The cucumber appetizer was light and refreshing, a decent start.

The crispy pork belly was the stronger of the savory dishes—nicely cooked with good flavor and texture.

The fresh catch didn't quite hit the mark for me. It was dry.

Dessert ended on a high note, though. The mochi churros were easily the highlight for me—crispy on the outside, chewy inside.

Service was friendly and welcoming throughout the meal, which always makes a difference. I really want to like this place, but after a second visit, I’m still kind of on the fence. Maybe third time's a charm?

LITTLE PLUM

2754 Woodlawn Drive

808-888-0330

Visit Hilo: Keaukaha General Store

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

Keaukaha General Store is one of my fave stops in Hilo for quick and reasonably-priced eats.

I usually get the Breakfast Croissant Sandwich, but on my most recent visit I got a BLT.

It was stuffed with lots of bacon (the good kind of bacon - not the super skinny strips that some places use).

Keaukaha General Store is a great place to check out for cheap & tasty eats!

Keaukaha General Store
11 Silva St
Hilo, HI 96720

Visit Catalina Island: Coney Island West

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We grabbed a quick bite at Coney Island West while on Catalina Island because one of my kids wanted Fish & Chips.

Fish & Chips

Onion Rings

The food was satisfying and hit the spot. There is limited seating in the restaurant area, but you can find places to sit along the main street to eat your food while gazing out into the ocean.

Coney Island West
205 Crescent Ave
Avalon, CA 90704

Visit San Diego: Ketch Grill & Taps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We were famished after arriving into SAN, having flown on an airline that doesn't serve any food besides packaged snacks, so after checking into our hotel, we walked to Ketch Grill & Taps.

Salmon Melt

Spicy Chicken Sandwich

I had the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and it was pretty disappointing because there was very little meat - it was mostly skin!

I did really like the Fried Pickle Spears, however.

Fried Pickle Spears

Spicy Wings

Double Cheeseburger

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower

The cauliflower was not too crispy, but the buffalo flavor was very bold.

Seafood Combo

The food was overall fine (with the exception of the chicken sandwich), and the views were great!

Ketch Grill & Taps
1360 N Harbor Dr

San Diego, CA 92101