Posts Tagged ‘Kailua’

Target has opened two stores on Oahu already and is set to open their 3rd store on the most populated Hawaiian Island. This store is set to take over the spot in Kailua Town that is currently occupied by the Don Quijote right next to the Safeway.

This Target store has come under much scrutiny by some Kailua residents as petitions were passed around, town hall meetings were held, and disgruntled facebook postings littered the walls of a few. But, it pretty much was a sealed deal once they got it in their minds, so all the voicing was for naught.

From a news story on It looks like the store will be opening in July of 2012 (as reported by several local news sources quoting Kaneohe Ranch and Target officials), just after the Whole Foods gets going in Kailua, which is set for Fall of 2011.  The controversy was mainly geared towards the potential traffic problem and the potential closing of local Kailua businesses. While the traffic issue I can see, especially early on, the business closing I can’t totally follow (and no, Don Quijote doesn’t count because that’s a big box store from Japan, like for like).

Maybe hungry ear music, but who knows how they stay open anyway.  I mean, more traffic should mean more customers for non-competing business.   And once Don Quijote is out I can’t find too many comparable business in Kailua (unless they start selling good surfboards to surf clothing, hint it’s national, so not too much of that will happen).

Whole Foods on the other hand, which I didn’t hear any grumbling about, has the potential to force out one of the three supermarkets in town, Safeway, Foodland, or Times, with Times a more likely candidate, although Foodland is right behind it.

But that’s just one opinion, most likely the craze will die down, people won’t travel over the Pali to go to Target, and traffic will resume to normal. I mean, at least in ain’t a Costco.

If you’d like to voice you’re opinion leave us a comment and let us know what you think, or head over to the neighborhood board meeting which will start at 7:00 PM at Kailua District Park.

Ever since Cisco’s Cantina closed my wife and I have craved a good restaurant in Kailua to get some Mexican food.  While Taco Bell Kailua can be a good late night fix, let’s face it, it’s Taco Bell.  There are a few other choices scattered in Kailua and Kaneohe, let alone Hawaii and Oahu, but we’ve frequented Mexico Lindo in Kailua  a little more often than the others.

Mexico Lindo is located in the Kailua Square Shopping Center with Times Supermarket, Radio Shack, and Morning Brew.  Parking shouldn’t be a problem and the wait is usually only 25 minutes at most on a busy Saturday or Sunday night.  They have indoor seating at large rustic wooden tables, bar seating indoors at a 6 seater bar, and outdoor seating, which if you don’t want to drink, will usually get you in quicker on a busy night.

One thing you’ll notice when you enter is all servers, bar, persons, and everyone except the cooks and dishwashing staff is female.  As the sign over the bar states, Girls Rule.  Once you’re seated, chips are brought with a salsa that’s just spicy enough to enjoy.

Service is always quick so you’ll have waters and drink orders taken in no time.  There’s always enough staff on hand.  If you want a good tequilla or margharitta, they’ve got plenty for you and make their drinks strong enough.  We haven’t had a pitcher, but you can get those if you’d like.  Standard Mexican beers persist and who can go wrong with a Corona or Modello.

The menu is quite expansive with a good selection of veggie, beef, chicken, pork, and being in Hawaii, fish.  Most of their combo’s and entrees come with beans, rice, lettuce, and sour cream.  The sour cream is nice to get without having to pay extra.

One great thing they do, if you want a little variety, is a combo entree with your choice of two or three items.  You can choose from Burrito, Taco, Enchilada, Tamale, Chile Relleno, or Mini Quesadilla for $13.50 (two) or $16.50 (three).  The servings each are a little smaller than the plates, but remember, you’re getting two.

Other than that the standard Mexican Fare is delicious.  That topped with good customer service makes this a return trip restaurant.  Plus they have take-out if you’re craving mexican on the way home from work.

So you’ve made it here to the beautiful island of Oahu and you are looking for something a bit more adventurous to do. Sure Waikiki offers some fun activities, but you want to see the real Hawaii, the Hawaii outside of Waikiki. If you are up for a little day trip to the windward side of the island, then a Kayaking adventure in Kailua Bay is a fun, adventurous, and physical activity.

Your Kayaking day trip to Kailua will include scenic stops, that will allow you to view the windward coast, along with recommended stops at some of Hawaii’s little hidden treasure eateries. If you’re up for it follow these steps to enjoy.

Kayak Rental Reservations – First things first, you will want to reserve your kayak at least a day in advance, especially if you are heading out on a Saturday or Sunday. While there should be kayaks available if you walk up, it is always better to be safe and have one with your name on it ready to go. Try these places to book a kayak rental. Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks – 808-262-2555 or Twogood Kayaks Hawaii – 808-262-5656.

Get to Kailua with scenery – Get yourself, or your family on the road by 7AM. You want to get out of Waikiki and head toward the Pali Highway early.  Follow the signs to get on H1 West from Waikiki and take the exit for the Pali Highway. If you’re going from any other way, just check out google maps for directions.  Leaving early will give you a chance for a couple of recommended stops along the way.

On your way to the Windward side of the island, pull over on the Pali Lookout.  Located towards the top of the highway, be prepared to pull off to your right about a quarter mile before the tunnels after the highway flattens out, there’ll be signs.  The Pali Lookout will provide you with an astonishing view of the entire Windward side of the island.  It will also provide a photo opportunity for you and whoever you’re with, be prepared.

Breakfast in Kailua – Getting hungry?  We thought so.  After leaving the Pali Lookout, you’ll continue on the Pali all the way into Kailua where you’ll take your first left after the first stoplight in town on Hoolai Street.  At the end of that small cross street on the right hand side you’ll find the famous Agnes Portuguese Bake Shop.

Why not stop in and get a delicious malasada – or other delightful pastry or breakfast sandwich, before you continue.  For more information on Agnes’s and to get directions check out our Agnes’s directory page.

Getting your Kayak - Once your stomach is full, head on to pick up your kayak.  Depending on where you rented from your directions here may vary, but for simplicity we’ll just say you’ve rented from Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks.  They seem to be pretty easy to navigate from.  You will have a chance to stop and grab some snacks and treats for the kayaking trip because wherever you chose to rent your kayak from will be close to several convenience stores near by.

Once at the rental you’ll go through the usual.  Place credit card in case you break the kayak, buy extras like a dry bag and what not for whatever you don’t want to leave behind, and of course, sign your life away.  One that note it should be mentioned that most places will have you watch an informational/safety video regarding the kayak; from there you will be ready to go out.

Getting in the Water - From the beach you can kayak straight out to Flat Island which you are able to land on the island and explore a little if you want.  On lower tides there is a patch of sand on the side facing Kailua Beach.  To the left and right (facing the ocean) there is reef and sometimes surf and we caution against going on either side.  Also, steer clear of the back and sides of the island as currents can pull you into the rocks.

From there make your way to the right, right around the bend and onward to Lanikai beach.  Take some snorkeling gear with you so that you can jump out of the kayak and get some clear water snorkeling in.  On your way to the beach you take note in the water around you, there will most likely be coral heads popping up with fish, turtles, and the occasional larger fish hanging around.  Be careful to avoid these underwater obstacles as sudden shifts from waves can topple your kayak and cause injury.

For the very adventurous type you can head further out to the two islands off of Lanikai beach.  These two islands are called the Mokulua Islands and we suggest only to go out to them if 1. you’ve watched the safety video from the rental shop, and 2. if you don’t mind a little extra paddle.  But, be careful.  Don’t go near the breaking surf to the far left (Lanikai reef) or between the islands.  This is extremely dangerous and can turn your kayak over leaving you getting severely injured on the reef.

The rental shops should have directed you straight out from Lanikai beach for this paddle. There are a few openings in the reefs that allow you to get out.  Also, once you reach the islands, you’ll only want to stay on the front side of the island and land at the small sandy beach.  Don’t paddle to the back side as it can be pretty treacherous.  Another bit of caution, only go to the left island (facing the water) as this is the easiest access.

Getting in and out of the Kayak on this beach can be a little difficult and can make for entertainment for those already out on the Island.  Enjoy the view back to where you have to paddle.  If you brought something to eat this can be a great time to take a break and enjoy.

When you have had your fill of water, kayaking, fun and sun, then go ahead and start heading back around the bend to the Kailua Beach area where you started.  Be careful exiting and make sure not to paddle in the swimming area.  Find your kayak cart or turn in spot and return the kayak.

After Kayak Nourishment – After turning in your kayak, you will probably be pretty hungry from your big adventure. There is a great little pizza place called Bob’s Pizzeria, located in the Kailua Shopping center right across from the beach.  This is also the same shopping center that Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks is located in so if you went with this rental outfitter you’ll be right where you need to be.

Finally, if you want to chase your meal with a famous local treat, then head into Island Snow – located in the same shopping center, for a shaved ice treat.  This is the same place the Obama’s visited during their winter vacation here in 2009.  Who knew ice and sugar syrup could taste so refreshing.

When you’re done you should go ahead and make your way back to Waikiki. Try and leave the Kailua beach area by 4PM, you want to avoid traffic. You also want to get back to Waikiki before dark so you can plan your night out on the town!

President Barack Obama spent 11 days on the island of Oahu, trying to get away in the quiet windward town of Kailua.  Although the health bill cut their stay a few days short on the front end, and the vacation was interrupted by terrorist attack on a plane in Detriot, all in all, it seemed to be a relaxing time for the family.

The first family again stayed at the $8.9 million dollar estate on the beach on Kailuana Place near the Kaneohe Marine Base.  Creating community accepted inconveniences such as car searches and home sweeps.  The house is for sale and can be yours for the price tag (and hey, if you buy it, you can own the place where the president stayed, pretty cool if you ask us.)

While they were in Hawaii the Obama’s spent time at Hanauma Bay, enjoyed dinner at Alan Wong’s and enjoyed all of Sea Life Park to themselves.  Reporters and eager onlookers tried to get a glimpse of the family anytime the presidential motorcade passed by, closing down streets, highways, and parks.

Also on the list was a trip to the North Shore to check out the waves and a private screening of “Avatar,” the 3D version, at Windward mall.

If you follow their trip exactly, it won’t be all to yourselves, but it’ll be a great way to see all of Oahu.

President Barack Obama, Hawaii born, has been battling to get his health care bill through the US legislature so he can sign it into law. Obama has vowed to stick it out in Washington until that is done, even if it means postponing or canceling a vacation to Hawaii.

But, as far as we can tell, the first family won’t be canceling their trip at all, and will most likely be headed to Hawaii for arrival at Hickam Airforce Base aboard Air Force One sometime tomorrow (Thursday December 24th.)

The health care bill is expected to make it through the senate tomorrow morning. In the wee hours here in Hawaii, the President and family are expected to take off and head for their ocean side retreat in Kailua on the island of Oahu.

President Obama, who was confirmed earlier this week to be headed for a Hawaiian Holiday vacation has changed his mind. He’s the leader of the free world, he can do that.

Barack Obama will be waiting until the US Senate finishes working on the health care bill that is so near and dear to the President. The work could last until Christmas Eve. The Senate is working to iron out compromises on a bill that is all but passed through the legislature and is now just working on the finer details.

President Obama was expected to travel to the island of Oahu and stay where he stayed last year on the islands windward side in the town of Kailua near the Kaneohe Marine Base. Official word has yet to be given although rumors have it that the decision on when the president will leave DC should be made by today.

President Obama is coming back to Hawaii for his holiday vacation this year.  It’s his first trip back to the islands since he came last year after winning the presidential election at the end of 2008.

Obama, who was born in Hawaii (even under scrutiny and doubt about Obama being born in the islands) has been leading the free world, as they say, for almost a year. He comes back to Hawaii as his health care bill tries to make it through the legislature. He comes back to Hawaii as the war continues in the middle east. And he comes to Hawaii as students and teachers are furloughed.

It will be interesting to see if the President speaks on the people of Hawaii about the poor choice of cutting their children’s education potential, or if he’ll remain silent about it. The president will again be staying in Kailua on the island of Oahu near the Kaneohe Marine Base.

We’ll keep you posted with photos and the like as much as we can.

It’s the holiday season again and the windward side of Oahu is abuzz with a possible presidential return from Hawaii born President Barack Obama.  After Obama’s last Hawaii visit the small town of Kailua is looking forward to a possible repeat, and this time as sitting president.

There is word in the AP that secret service is looking for houses near where the Obama family stayed last year although no word has been given by the White House, or local authority. The location is a small quiet street on Kailua Beach just down the road from the Kaneohe Marine Base where Barack and Michelle Obama worked out daily.

Last time the president was here, he wasn’t the president, so we can expect even more buzz, secret service, and chaos as the Nobel Prize winning Obama will possibly make his return.

We will keep you posted as soon as the announcement is made. You can check our President Obama section for more information as it happens.

Another bowling alley will be closing its doors on the island of Oahu this year. You heard it right. The Pali Lanes at the center of Kailua will be closing come the middle of December 2009.

The Pali Lanes has been a long standing late night entertainment spot for windward side residents offering something to do when the sun goes down, or on those rainy days in Kailua (few and far between of course.) But sadly, with all the changes coming to the windward side, new shops, Blazin Steaks, and now possibly even a Target coming to Kailua, there just isn’t room for a run down old bowling alley. Even Tiare’s, a popular local dining room and bar inside the lanes, will have to close up shop.

The Kanehoe Ranch land management group has no planes of revitalizing the lanes, instead, they will be leveling the building to make room for newer space. While I can greatly appreciate updating some of the old buildings around the town of Kailua, its sad to see one of Oahu’s last remaining bowling alleys head out the door.

Nobody bowls anymore you say? Well, I, along with 12 other friends, were there last evening, and all but 4 lanes were taken. There are plenty of leagues going and people just practicing their skills. Now I can’t say that I’ve been a regular of the alley, but I’ve gone several times and plan to head out several more before they close. Maybe we should have gone out more often, but I don’t think that would have brought the place a new structure.

Hopefully a smaller version will open somewhere on the windward side. I mean, where is all that great wood, gutters, and machinery gonna go? Who’s up for putting one in their backyard?