Hawaii Mom Blog

Kona Sea Salt Magnesium Products

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

Last year, when I visited Kona Sea Salt, I was gifted with Magnesium Drops. I was somewhat familiar with the benefits of magnesium chloride - it helped with inflammation, relaxation, anxiety, and more, so I had no hesitation placing a few drops of the magnesium in my water every morning.

Ever since, the inflammation and pain in my knee has been noticeably less.

I was running low, so I ordered a refill and also the Magnesium Mist.

I love that the magnesium is sourced from right here in our deep sea and is produced simply via solar evaporation.

I have also tried their Electrolytes. Each packet offers a 3:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio. The electrolytes sure came in handy after sitting out in the blazing heat one afternoon for 4 hours and I became severely dehydrated. I poured a packet into water and I instantly felt better after drinking it.

Coconut water powder is an ingredient, but the taste is very faint.

You can buy these products at Kona Sea Salt's gift shop or online!

Visit Utah: Zion National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Even though we were in Salt Lake City, Utah a year ago, we decided to visit Zion National Park in South Utah during our recent trip to Las Vegas. This is because the drive was at least an hour shorter from Las Vegas.

We left Las Vegas around 530am in hopes to get to Zion around 8am, as we wanted to get there early enough to ensure we got a parking spot - but we totally forgot about the time zone change!

Even though we got there after 9am (after some pit stops along the way), there was still some parking left at the lot by the Visitors Center.

Entrance fee was $35 per standard vehicle (good for 7 days), and during most times of the year, there is a free shuttle that takes you to various stops throughout the park.

We went on the last day of the shuttle season. When the shuttle does not operate, visitors can drive to each spot, but parking is limited, and we were told by one of the shuttle drivers that certain areas are blocked off once parking is maxed out.

I read mixed reviews about going when the shuttles operate vs going when they are not operating, and I appreciated that we were there during the shuttle operations. We didn't have to wait long for a shuttle, and although some shuttles were packed, I liked the convenience of not having to drive and find a parking stall.

There are nine shuttle stops and multiple trails throughout Zion National Park. We hiked a few of them.

The first was a super short, super easy trail - The Grotto Trail, which gives you some nice views of the Court of the Patriarchs.

We then went on the Lower Emerald Pool Trail down to the Kayenta Trail (we got off at stop 5 and ended up at stop 6).

There was a nice little waterfall that flowed into the emerald pool (there is also a middle and upper pool, which we did not hike to).

The Virgin Rivers runs through the Park.

It's imperative you don't swim or drink from any of the rivers or streams in the park due to the high presence of cyanobacteria.

On the two aforementioned trails, there were some really steep steps, slippery and muddy pathways, as well as paved trails.

Hiking shoes are highly recommended.

It was a brisk 40 degrees, but with all the hiking it did get kind of warm.

Weeping Rock

We also went on the Weeping Rock trail. I wasn't planning on going on the hike, even though it was short, as the shuttle driver said it was pretty steep. However, we saw a family that took our family photo (and we took their photo) on the first little hike, and they said it was worth it to go up.

So we did. Yes, it was steep, but it was neat to see the Weeping Rock, where water is dripping out of the sandstone. The trail was actually closed for a couple years due to a rockfall and re-opened back in September.

You can also drive the Scenic Route on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway for even more spectacular views.

We were there for about 3 hours total, and had a nice time enjoying the outdoors. We even saw some deer!

If you are a more adventurous hiker, you can do The Narrows or Angels Landing (read about Nadia's experience on The Narrows here).

La Birria Pearl Kai Opens Today (4/8)!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

La Birria opens its newest location at Pearl Kai today!

They opened up the first La Birria food truck back in Oct. 2020 with a simple concept in mind — to take one menu item — birria tacos, and excel at it.

They have since expanded to 2 brick-and-mortars, as well as franchises.

You’ll find all the usual faves at the new spot — Birria Queso Tacos, Hell Fire Tacos, and Birria Ramen.

Birria Queso Tacos

Birria Ramen

If you dare risk your tongue, buy a Mexican Roulette pack of 12 tacos, one of which is a Hell Fire Taco (I've only ever made it through 2 bites).

Mexican Roulette (11 Birria Questo + 1 Hidden Hell Fire)

Agua Fresca • Horchata • Cold Brew Horchata • Strawberry Horchata

Congrats to the La Birria Team!

La Birria - Pearl Kai

98-199 Kamehameha Hwy

Visit Maui: Patticakes Bakery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

While on Maui, I saw Patticakes Bakery cookies in a shop, and wondered if there was an actual bakery we could go to.

I Googled and saw the bakery was just a few minutes away. The door was covered, and it was hard to tell if it was open for business, so I opened the door and saw a commercial kitchen. I was surprised and a little embarrassed to have walked in during the middle of operations, but asked one of the employees if we could buy cookies, and I could! She talked about how they don't have a storefront and I could indeed buy cookies, and most purchases are done online for pick-up.

I bought some cookies for omiyage as well as for the family.

If you love crispy, bite-sized cookies, you will love Patticakes Bakery cookies!

I'm team chewy, but these cookies were yummy! The flavors were really balanced, and it was not uncommon for me to eat two at a time - they were just so good!

They also make all sorts of other goodies, such as banana bread and brownies. Pre-order via their website, or find them in shops around Maui!
Patticakes Bakery
1464 Lower Main St STE 104

Wailuku, HI 96793

Visit Japan: Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

One of the highlights of our Japan trip was a day tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island—booked through Tripadvisor—and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful days of the entire trip.

The day started early with our first Shinkansen experience from Osaka to Hiroshima.

Once again, Google Maps came to the rescue. It helped me figure out exactly which Shinkansen to book, what time to leave the hotel, which station to go to, and even which platform to stand on. Honestly, I'm not sure how I would travel around Japan without it!

We had heard that it’s best to reserve seats on the Shinkansen ahead of time—and I’m glad we did. Reserved seating takes away the stress, especially when you’re on a schedule for a tour, and you're also traveling with kids.

I ended up purchasing our tickets through this website a few days before the trip… on my phone.

Would I recommend doing that? Not exactly.

It worked, but navigating the site on a small screen was a bit of a challenge. If I could do it again, I’d definitely book on a computer before leaving for Japan. Much easier to see everything clearly and avoid any last-minute stress.

We made it to the train station, grabbed ekiben (bento boxes) for the ride (an absolute must when taking the Shinkansen), figured out how to print our physical tickets at the station, and successfully boarded our train to Hiroshima. Everything felt a little intimidating at first, but once we were on, it all came together.

The Shinkansen itself? Smooth, fast, and incredibly efficient. Watching the scenery zip by while sitting in a clean, quiet cabin—it’s one of those experiences that feels very “Japan.”

Before we knew it, we arrived in Hiroshima and met up with our tour group.

We quickly boarded the bus, and enjoyed the ride over to the ferry terminal. From there, our guide had everything handled—tickets in hand, we walked straight to the loading dock and onto the ferry.

Before boarding, our guide gave us a great tip: sit on the right side of the boat for the best views of the famous torii gate—and it did not disappoint.

After arriving on Miyajima Island, we disembarked and began walking through the main shopping street toward Itsukushima Shrine.

Our guide had warned us ahead of time—not to stop while walking to the shrine, and that we’d have plenty of time afterward to explore, eat, and shop. It was so hard to resist. The smell of grilled seafood, the rows of snacks, the endless little stalls—it definitely built up our appetite.

We toured the shrine together, taking in its beauty and the iconic views, and then we were set free to explore.

And that’s when the real fun began.

We wandered through the streets, grabbed lunch, sampled local treats, did a little shopping, and just soaked in the relaxed island vibe.

Once back on the mainland, we boarded the bus again and headed to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

The atmosphere here is hard to put into words—quiet, powerful, and deeply moving.

The Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved exactly as it was after the bombing, is one of the few structures that remain partially intact. It serves as a powerful reminder of what happened in August 1945.

Another meaningful stop is the Memorial Cenotaph, which holds the names of the victims. It’s designed so that when you look through the arch, it perfectly frames the Atomic Bomb Dome in the distance—a quiet but powerful alignment that symbolizes remembrance and reflection.

Our tour included entry into the museum, which was an experience in itself. Seeing the artifacts, clothing, photographs, and personal items from that day really brings history into a very real and emotional perspective. I chose not to take photos inside the museum - it just didn't feel right in a space that carries a lot of emotion and history.

By the time we boarded the Shinkansen back to Osaka, we were completely exhausted—but in a good kind of way.

We got back around 8:45 p.m., and there was no way we had the energy for a full dinner outing. Instead, we grabbed some quick takeaway ramen from a spot next door to our hotel, ate, and called it a day.

Leeward Drive-Inn's Fried Chicken

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

I grew up eating Leeward Drive-Inn's Fried Noodles, and many people know that that's a go-to from the restaurant, but it wasn't until a few years ago did I discover just how good the Fried Chicken is.

Box Lunch

My go-to is the Box Lunch, which includes fried noodles, a huge piece of fried chicken, hot dog, rice, and Portuguese sausage. It's so much food and lasts me multiple meals.

Even as leftovers, the chicken is still so juicy and tender. Pop it in a toaster oven or air-fryer to crisp up the skin!

Fried Noodles + Fried Chicken add-on

Fried Chicken Plate

The Fried Chicken Plate has 3 pieces of chicken!

Leeward Drive Inn
94-209 Pupukahi St
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 671-7323

Visit Maui: Kumu Farms Cookies

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

We stopped at Maui Tropical Plantation, and in the Country Market, which is a joint venture between Kumu Farms and Maui ‘Oma Coffee Roasting Company, I found huge cookies from Kumu Farms. Kumu Farms not only produces fruits, but other snacks and products.

At the check-out stand, I couldn't resist getting the cookies.

I bought some Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chewy cookies for the kids, as well as a Tutu's Gourmet Aloha Cookie for myself.

It was bigger than my hand! It was very peanut butter forward, with oatmeal, mac nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut. It was reminiscent of a "cowboy cookie," and although a little on the crisper side (I'm team chewy), it was a good cookie.

The Country Market also offers various other locally-made goods, coffee, souvenirs, and more.

The Country Market

1670 Honoapiʻilani Hwy
Waikapu, HI 96793

Soon's Kal-Bi's BBQ Family Pack

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

Soon's Kal-Bi is a popular Korean spot in Salt Lake. We ordered their family pack, which was $67.25 for 3 kal-bi, 3 bbq chicken, 6 bbq beef, meat jhun, and 5 piece man doo. For $7.25 extra, you can add veggies and rice.

Everything was tasty and we did have some leftovers (enough for a couple of people). I really liked the chicken and man doo.

Cash only!

Soon's Kal-Bi
Salt Lake Shopping Center
848 Ala Lilikoi St

Honolulu, HI 96818

Visit Catalina Island: Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.

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

Our first stop on Catalina Island was to Catalina Coffee & Cookie. Co. for some refreshing drinks and sweet treats.

Mango Strawberry Smoothie, Matcha Latte, Peach Strawberry Smoothie

The cookie was huge, soft, and chewy.

Best Brownie Ever

I personally wouldn't consider the brownie the "Best Ever," but it was really good - chewy and moist.

Order online to minimize the wait time!

Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.
Metropole Market Place

205 Crescent Avenue
Avalon, CA 90704

Visit Maui: Pau Bakery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I always love going to bakeries, so when my Maui foodie friend, Julie, mentioned Pau Bakery, I made sure to stop by during my recent Maui trip.

In addition to typical bakery offerings, like cinnamon rolls, cookies, and muffins, they offer locally-inspired treats, as well as a nice variety of empanadas and alfajores.

Ham & Cheese Empanada

The empanadas are nicely sized and are quite filling. I enjoyed the golden, crisp crust.

Chocolate Chip Cookie

The cookie was good. I've had better at places, but it was still a decent cookie.

Smoked Salmon Toast

My friend enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Toast (minus the sprouts).

Whether you're craving sweet or savory, check out Pau Bakery!

Pau Bakery
3636 Lower Honoapiilani Rd

Lahaina, HI 96761

Our First Disney Cruise (First Cruise Ever!): Disney Wonder 4-Night Baja Cruise - The Basics

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

I never thought I would get on a cruise, but I did. Motion sickness, land sickness, and all the other types of "sickness" deterred me. Even though people raved about cruises, and I know several people who go on multiple cruises a year, and I even met someone that lives on a cruise (he bought a 3-year residence), I never gave it a serious thought, until the past couple of years.

In the back of my mind of "pros" about a cruise (specifically, a Disney cruise), was Nadia's blog post about a Disney Cruise back in 2017, another person mentioning how Disney does a great job in encouraging and emphasizing hand washing and hygiene, and how @tricia_mm posted about unlimited soft serve (everyone knows how much I love ice cream).

What really changed my mind, however, was when our entire family got sick in Australia (the irony, I know). We got so sick, yet we have travelled elsewhere around the world - to some of the busiest amusement parks and the most crowded attractions, and did not get sick, yet we got ill in Australia (not sure what the cause was).

That shifted my mindset and I thought why are we missing out on an experience based on a "what if?" (Thankfully we all got home from the cruise happy and healthy).

Because I didn't know how we would fare on a cruise in terms of motion sickness, I chose an easy port to get to from Hawaii and a short cruise - the Disney Wonder 4-Night Baja Cruise out of San Diego, which stopped at Catalina Island and Ensenada.

The Basics:

I booked just over a year out and got connecting rooms for our family of 5. We were immediately assigned the late dinner reservation so I switched to 545pm and requested private party dining.

I paid off 75% of the cruise with gift cards, savings us a few hundred dollars, as I bought them from Sam's Club at a discount and always took advantage when they had 10% off sales (note - be cautious about paying with gift cards, as your travel insurance may have specific terms involving gift cards should you need to make a claim). I also prepaid gratuities with gift cards.

We did not opt for any Disney port excursions.

I checked in online 30 days out at midnight EST, had our flight info, images of our passpports, and security photos on my phone and ready to upload, and got a 1230 port arrival time (I checked in for one res, my husband checked in for the other res, and we made sure to select the same port arrival time). We designated credit cards for our profile for onboard purchases (I read you can go to Guest Services to add gift cards to your profile as well).

Document review was not finalized until the week of the cruise. One of my kids' photos got rejected twice and I simply had to keep uploading a photo until it accepted (I read that if documents or photos keep getting rejected you can get things done at the port).

I made sure to review what could and couldn't be brought on board (kept snacks sealed in original packaging; store-bought water bottles were unsealed).

SAN

We flew into SAN the day before and stayed at a hotel across the street from the port. Our hotel did not have a shuttle, so we tried Uber - and apparently it was too busy and no was assigned for 20 minutes, so I went to the taxi stand and the employee helped get us a private shuttle for $45 - which, based on my research, was comparable in price to two taxis. There are hotels that provide complimentary shuttle in the area, but our hotel was not one of them.

Embarkation

The morning of embarkation we filled out the health questionnaires that were emailed. We walked across the street to the port and arrived at about 1220. We did carry-ons only, so had no luggage to leave in the designated area (luggage tags are mailed to you to attach; if you forget them or need more, I read Disney will give you more). We went through security, got our documents (passports) checked, activated our Magic Bands+, and we were onboard at 1pm. Some of our Magic Bands+ could not sync to our profiles, so we immediately stood in line at Guest Services to resolve that (the Magic Bands+ can open the cabin doors, be used to pay, and can be used when going off / on at the ports; they do light up in certain areas, like near the theater for shows).

We waited near the elevators of our floor until the cabins were ready at 130pm. We had all of our carry-ons and a case of water, so we did not want to explore until we went into our rooms to offload.

At 130pm we were allowed to go into the cabins!

Facebook Groups

What helped tremendously in all my planning was the Facebook Groups. I joined a general Disney cruise group, a Disney Wonder group, as well as the group for my specific cruise itinerary. I gained so many tips and learned so much of what to expect - the Facebook Groups are invaluable!

Stay tuned for more!

Visit Osaka: Sushi Ginza Onodera

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

After a full day of sightseeing, we ended up having dinner at a spot that was… unexpectedly familiar.

Sushi Ginza Onodera.

We found it randomly while searching Google Maps for nearby sushi places. The name popped up on the list, and it took a while for the name to register in my mind -- it’s actually the same chain we have back home! The funny part? We’ve never gone at home because it’s known for being expensive!

But when in Japan, you just have to go for it, so that we did, and it turned out to be the best decision ever!

The prices were so much more reasonable, and the quality was incredible. Everything is ordered through an iPad, which made it super easy (and kind of fun) to try a variety of dishes at our own pace.

The highlight for the kids? Making matcha tea right at the table. Simple, interactive, and just one of those small experiences that made the meal even more memorable.

The cost of our meal at Sushi Ginza Onodera in Osaka was maybe a third of what it would have been back home—which honestly explains a big part of why people love coming to Japan. Incredible quality, and somehow still more affordable.

Visit Japan: Hakone Free Pass

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:50:00 +0000

Hakone Shrine

On a recent girls trip to Japan, we spent two nights in Hakone. It was my first time visiting that part of Japan and I was so excited to visit somewhere new. I usually look for hotels near train stations so we stayed at the Yumoto-Fujiya Hotel which was located across the street from the Hakone-Yumoto Station. It made for the most convenient stay.

Since we were going to visit the most popular Hakone tourist destinations, my friend suggested purchasing the Hakone Free Pass which gets you unlimited travel on designated transportation routes within the Hakone area. We began the use of our two day pass on the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. We also used the pass for the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, and Hakone Sightseeing Cruise.

View from the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise

One of the cable car stops

View of Mount Fuji from Owakudani

Although we didn't take advantage, the Hakone Free Pass also provides discounts at various attractions, shops, and restaurants. We purchased our passes from Klook.

Visit Osaka: Cafe 512 Cafe & Grill and Osaka Castle

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

One thing we knew we had to try while in Japan? Those famous jiggly, cloud-like pancakes!

So we started our second full day in Osaka at Cafe 512 Cafe and Grill.

These aren’t your typical pancakes. They’re more like a cross between a pancake and a soufflé—tall, airy, and impossibly soft.

We ordered the classic fluffy pancakes and it came with whipped cream and ice cream. It was more like a dessert than breakfast, but it didn't matter to the boys! They devoured it!

We also tried the French toast combo which came with bacon, an egg, and green salad. This was my favorite. The French toast was so buttery and fluffy. And the bacon? It just tastes better in Japan.

After our hearty breakfast, we used our Google Map app to figure out the best route to Osaka Castle by train. Using Google Maps in Japan is a game changer. It tells you exactly which trains to take, what platform to go to, and even which station exit to use (which matters more than you’d think—these stations are massive). Pair that with a Suica Card, and you’re set.

The Suica card is prepaid, so all you have to do is tap in at the gate when you enter, and tap out when you exit. The system automatically calculates your fare and deducts it. No tickets, no confusion—it’s efficient. And if you have an iPhone, you can add a Suica Card to Apple Wallet, check your balance, purchases, and reload.

Once we arrived at the station, it was a short and scenic walk to the castle grounds. The castle itself is stunning—white walls, green roofing, gold accents.

There is an entrance fee for those 15 years and older to enter the main castle (which you want to do if you want to get to the observation deck), but it's well worth it.

On our way back to the train station, we came across a small monkey show happening in the park. A crowd had gathered, so of course we stopped to watch. The monkey was trained to do tricks like walking on its hands up and down the stairs, climbing, and performing playful routines that had everyone laughing.

Visit Japan: Suntory Whisky Hakushu Distillery

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Tasting!

Although I am not a whisky drinker, I was very interested in taking a tour of the Suntory Whisky Hakushu Distillery when my friend suggested it. I had never done something like that in Japan so I was excited to be doing something new.

To visit the distillery, you must make a reservation and for the Monozukuri tour and tasting, you must enter their lottery system. You’ll need to check their website for specific information, but typically the lottery opens about 2 months before. For our March tour, the lottery opened about mid-January. Our group of four each entered the lottery, but only one of us was able to secure a reservation. There is a re-drawing that happens a couple of weeks later and two of us were notified. The tour is 3,000 yen and is about 90 minutes in duration which includes a tasting of four whiskies plus mixing our own highball. From Tokyo, we took a two hour limited express train to Kobuchizawa Station and then caught the free shuttle to Hakushu Distillery.

The tour of the distillery was very informative and it was so interesting to see the process. The guide speaks in Japanese, but we were able to read the translations on our phones. The tasting itself was very fun and was neat to identify the notes of each whisky. Afterwards, guests of the tour are given the opportunity to purchase exclusive items in limited quantities. If you have the time, definitely recommend it!

Where the tour begins.

Tour was in Japanese, but translation available on your phone.

We walked through the distillery.

Amazing to see the process.

Thousands of whisky barrels!

Visit Japan: Kuromon, Dotombori

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

Jet lag had us wide awake before 7 a.m. With the city just starting to wake up, we figured there was only one proper way to kick off our first morning in Osaka.

7-Eleven.

If you know, you know.

We had spotted one just a block from our hotel, and the boys were more than ready. No lingering, no slow start—we threw on clothes and headed out right at 7 a.m., equal parts curious and hungry.

Walking into a Japanese 7-Eleven for the first time is an experience in itself. It’s not just a convenience store—it’s a full-on food destination.

The boys immediately got to work, scanning every shelf like it was a treasure hunt. Each of us picked out a few things.

The Smoothie Machine caught the boys' eyes and it became their daily ritual.

Here’s how it works: you grab a frozen cup of fruit from the freezer section, pay for it at the register, then bring it over to the smoothie machine (usually right next to the coffee station). Pop it in, press a button, and in about a minute or two—you’ve got a fresh smoothie.

The 7-11 pancake with maple syrup is one of my favorite snacks here, and I wonder why they can't offer this in Hawaii!

Here's our haul from our first visit. We didn't go all out because we knew we'd be coming back every morning.

Just after 8:00 AM, we decided to start walking toward the Kuromon Ichiba Market.

Kuromon is a foodie heaven. Stall after stall of wagyu beef sizzling on grills, fresh seafood laid out beautifully, sushi made to order, and fruit displays that look too perfect to be real.

One of the boys had his heart set on grilled king crab, so we found a stall with a seating area and grabbed a table. Crab, sushi, and the sounds of the market all around us—it was one of those moments where we felt like we had finally made it! The food was incredible, but just as memorable was watching it all come together right in front of us.

I also could not resist trying a stick of wagyu beef!

And the strawberries in Japan - sweet, juicy, and so much better than the ones we get at home.

Apparently these fried sweet potato chips are a thing in Osaka, and I got hooked on them!

Osaka is also known for takoyaki. I am not a fan, but we tried some anyways because that's what you're supposed to try in Osaka.

After we were done with the market, we headed outside and wandered the streets towards Dotombori. On the way we stumbled onto a line of people waiting for something—which, in Japan, is always a good sign. Naturally, I had to see what they were all waiting for.

First up: the famous 10 yen cheese coin—crispy on the outside, filled with molten cheese on the inside. Worth the wait.

Next door was Lord Stow's Bakery, and their fresh egg custard tarts were calling my name. Warm, flaky, creamy… I was in heaven.

From there, we made our way toward the Dotonbori River, where we spotted river cruise boats gliding through the canal.

We hopped on the quick 20-minute cruise down the canal, which was a nice way to see Dotonbori from a different perspective. We passed a Mega Don Quijote and other iconic sights, including the famous Glico Running Man Sign.

After a brief and very necessary nap back at the hotel, we headed out again—this time in search of dinner.

A quick Google Maps search led us to Tsukemen Suzume… and wow!!

This ended up being the best tsukemen we’ve ever had. Thick, chewy noodles paired with a rich dipping broth. One of those places you find by chance that ends up being a highlight of the entire trip.

Visit Japan: Travel Day to Osaka

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

We had been looking forward to our family trip to Osaka for months—but as departure day approached, Mother Nature had other plans.

A Kona low storm swept through Hawaiʻi on the day of our flight, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and plenty of delays. But after a 2-hour wait, we were finally on our way to Japan.

We flew in the main cabin on Hawaiian Airlines (Airbus A330), and the experience was pretty solid overall.

Each passenger received a pillow, blanket, and amenity kit which includes earplugs, earbuds, and
In-seat entertainment providing hours of free movies, music, shows
Meal options: pasta or chicken
Pre-landing snack: tuna sandwich

My son actually really liked the pasta, while the chicken was just okay. Nothing amazing, but decent for airplane food.

After 10 hours of flight time, we landed at Kansai International Airport, Terminal 1, and this is where preparation really paid off.

Before leaving Hawaiʻi, we made sure to complete our Japan QR codes for immigration and customs—and I highly recommend doing this (be sure each person traveling with you has their own QR code). It made the process so much faster and smoother after landing.

After grabbing our checked luggage, our next mission was picking up our pocket WiFi rental. I went to seek out the place while the husband went to go look for our driver who was supposed to meet us at the airport to take us to our hotel.

The instructions from Japan Wireless said to go to the NEST counter on the second floor of Terminal 1. Easy, right? Not quite. Turns out, not too many people knew where this counter was—even airport staff.

After wandering around a bit, a very kind employee at McDonald’s pointed us in the right direction (shoutout to him 🙌). Eventually, we found it—but just a heads up: the NEST counter is actually outside of the Terminal 1 building.

My husband arranged a private airport transfer and this was honestly one of the best decisions we made.

Driver was on time
Extremely courteous
Smooth, stress-free ride

If you’re traveling with a group (or a lot of luggage like we were), I’d definitely recommend this over figuring out trains right after a long flight, especially if you're arriving after sundown.

We finally arrived at MIMARU Osaka Namba —and we were so happy to have finally made it!

Spacious rooms (rare in Japan!)
Mini kitchen (including refrigerator/freezer)
Super clean and modern
Bunk beds—which the kids loved

By the time we got in, it was late. We took quick showers and called it a night.

Visit Big Island: Volcano House Restaurant

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

Volcano House offers lodging at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and also has an onsite restaurant perfect for whether you're staying at Volcano House or just visiting the Park. We dined at Volcano House Restaurant after exploring the Park a couple months ago.

Tomato Bisque & Cheese Toast Points

Nothing really appealed to me on the menu, so I got the Tomato Bisque & Cheese Toast Points. Unfortunately the bisque was very under-seasoned and the cheese toast points were squished and tough.

Big Island Burger

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Ahi Poke Stack

Hawaiian Style Fish & Chips

The Fish & Chips were "Hawaiian Style" because the fish was crusted with mac nuts and coconut.

Everyone else loved their food, fortunately.

Service was great, and you get amazing views of the crater (perfect during an eruption).

Volcano House Restaurant
1 Crater Rim Drive

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718

Thai Village - Mililani

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

It's been so long that I've had Thai food in Mililani - so long that I didn't even realize Thai Village was in the Town Center of Mililani and Phuket Thai is no longer there.

I've been to the Waipahu Thai Village location and liked it, so I was looking forward to trying out the Mililani location.

Chicken Fried Rice

Spring Rolls

Fried Chicken

Chicken Panang Curry

Eggplant with Tofu Stir-Fry

Everything was tasty. I especially enjoyed the Pad Kee Mao. I love thick noodles! The Eggplant was tender and delicious as well.

As I mentioned previously - it's been so long that I've had Thai food, that I forgot to order sticky rice!

Thai Village
Town Center of Mililani
95-1249 Meheula Pkwy APT 151

Mililani, HI 96789

Visit Tokyo: Make Custom Dashi at Dashi Okume Azabudai Hills

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:15:00 +0000

Located in Azabudai Hills, near TeamLab Borderless, is Dashi Okume - a shop in Tokyo that dates back to 1871 and is known for quality dashi and a curated selection of additive-free food products. The Azabudai location opened in March 2024 and offers custom made dashi packs with a selection of 36 varieties of dashi ingredients.

You can make reservations for the custom session online at tablecheck.com or walk-in. Our group of three were walk-ins and waited about 20 minutes. When it was our turn, the staff presented a large paper menu of ingredients divided into 4 groups and explained how to make our selections. We were able to smell each ingredient and if needed she would give us recommendations on what would be complementary with our chosen ingredients. Since we were bringing the dashi packs back to the Hawaii, we could not choose dried chicken.

The price is dependent on the ingredients you choose, but typically run about 3500-4000 yen for 210 grams of ingredients to make 30 dashi bags according to Okume's golden ratio. It took about 40 minutes for our orders to be processed so we had lunch nearby. I had more fun than I expected in this activity and I look forward to tasting my custom dashi!

Admiring the ingredients.

Staff member explaining the custom selections.

My ingredients for my custom dashi.

The final product!

Fendu Boulangerie

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

It's hard for me to resist going into a bakery if it's nearby, so of course I went into Fendu Boulangerie in Manoa Marketplace after I went to another restaurant in the center to pick-up lunch.

Lilikoi Cheesecake

The Lilikoi Cheesecake was luscious! They incorporate Mascarpone for a very rich texture - loved it!

White Chocolate Pistachio Bombe

The White Chocolate Pistachio Bombe was very light, and so creamy!

Chocolate Mac Nut Cookie

The cookie was chewy with crispy edges. It was good!

We also ordered the following, but I didn't get to try them:

Dark Chocolate Mousse with Lilikoi Sauce

Valrhona Dark Chocolate Dome

Fendu Boulangerie

2752 Woodlawn Dr

# 5-119, Honolulu, HI 96822

Visit Tokyo: Our Benizuru Fail x Yorozu Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:42:00 +0000

Strawberry Banana Souffle Pancakes

On a recent girls' trip to Japan, I asked my friends if we could try to get a reservation to Benizuru - a popular souffle pancake cafe that only sells 120 orders a day. They were up for it so we got in line a little before 7am, the time the restaurant begins to hand out reservations. Unfortunately for us, the line was already around the corner and sold out 40 minutes later. We had missed the cutoff by about 12 people. I'd recommend getting in line by 6am if you want to increase your chances of getting a reservation.

The line for Benizuru reservations wrapped around the corner by 7am.

Not to be deterred, my friend found Fruits Parlor Asakusa Yorozu Cafe 444 which also features souffle pancakes and was just a 15 minute walk away. The cafe seats about 12 so be prepared for a wait. We waited about half a hour before being seated, but the fluffy pancakes were definitely worth it. My delicious strawberry and banana souffle pancakes quickly made me forget any earlier disappointment. The cafe itself is very cute and cozy. There was only one server, but he was great. If you have time to spare, definitely recommend this cafe for their souffle pancakes.

Souffle pancakes with eggs and bacon.

Fruits Parlor Asakusa Yorozu Cafe 444

4-4-4 Asakusa Mansion, Asakusa,

Taito 111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture

Visit Maui: Hāliʻimaile General Store

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

For a taste of the 1990s Hawaii Regional Cuisine Era, make a visit to Hāliʻimaile General Store.

Chef / Owner Bev Gannon is one of the founding chefs of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement.

Crab Pizza

The Crab Pizza incorporates imitation crab on stone fired flat bread. It was really good!

Kalua Pork Wonton

The wontons were stuffed with kalua pork and goat cheese. The pork was a little too much on the dry side for me.

HGS Cobb Salad

I really enjoyed the HGS Cobb Salad, which had baby romaine, mayak egg, SPAM Katsu, gorgonzola, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a ranch dressing. I thought the SPAM Katsu was an interesting choice for the salad, but I liked it on its own, and would have preferred bacon on the salad instead.

Sashimi Napoleon

The Sashimi Napoleon is a signature dish, with ahi sashimi, ahi tartare, smoked salmon, crispy won ton, and a wasabi vinaigrette.

Fresh Banana Cheesecake

The Fresh Banana Cheesecakes was amazing. I love cheesecake, and I thought this dessert had a nice balance of textures and the flavor was so pleasant.

Service was excellent.

Hāliʻimaile General Store

900 Haliimaile Rd

Haliimaile, HI 96768

Elena's March Special

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:19:00 +0000

Elena's is my go-to for Filipino food, and March's special has all my faves! For $18.75, you'll get Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omelette, Pansit, Lechon Special, and Gisantes. My favorite is the Gisantes, but I love all of it!

And of course the Elena's Pack ($65.99) is always a hit with the family. It includes:

Pork Adobo

Sari Sari

Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omelette

8 Scoops of Rice

Gisantes

Pansit

Lechon Special

Elena's always brings back fond memories of when I used to dine there as a child with my grandparents.

I can always count on Elena's for delicious and nostalgic foods.

Elena's
94-866 Moloalo St
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 676-8005

Visit Hilo: Cafe Pesto Take-Out

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

Although it was through take-out, I tried Cafe Pesto for the first time!

Blue Caesar

A friend has raved to me about the Caesar many times, and it was great. The dressing and the fresh Hirabara greens really make the salad!

Mushroom Artichoke

Classico Marinara

The pizzas were great. My friend enjoyed the Mushroom Artichoke, but I preferred the Classico Marinara, with Kaunamano pork sausage, pepperoni, and salami. It's one of the tastiest pizzas I've had in Hilo!

Banh Mi Pork

Looking forward to dining in one day!

Cafe Pesto
308 Kamehameha Ave #101

Hilo, HI 96720