Posts Tagged ‘Oahu’

This year the fireworks are lining up to be a big crowd puller as the state of Hawaii is feeling the economic crunch. A free show in the air, preceded by live entertainment, BBQing and a south shore surf swell that appears to be sticking around for the weekend will have everyone enjoying some low cost entertainment. For driving directions check out the map below.

Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. on July 4th with the grand finale going off around 9 p.m. The fireworks are visible all throughout Honolulu and if you live on a rise with a great lanai can be sublime. The entertainment in the park will be all day but scheduled performers start at 5 p.m.

Although usually we would suggest floating out in the water to catch the show from a surfboard or a kayak (or really any other floating device), the south swell that has been pounding the shores of waikiki may make things a little tough. Staying on shore looks to be the smarter idea.

Expect huge crowds as KGMB9 is reporting more the 50,000 people are expected to be loitering (ok having fun) on magic island alone! Although I haven’t been down ala moana I can imagine that people will be staking their claim early, as they usually do. Plus, the cops are all out trying to catch people with the cell phone ban in effect so who knows, you may be able to get a great spot even with the park closed (not suggested.)

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Are you wondering where the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile will be while it’s traveling around Oahu, Hawaii over the next few weeks?  Well we have some info that can tip you off to it’s whereabouts!

June 28 – 2 – 6 p.m. –  Foodland Beretania
July 1     – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Times Super Market in Kahala
July 1     – 1 – 4 p.m. – Times Super Market Beretania
July 2     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Pearl Harbor Commissary
July 2     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Times Super Market Kunia
July 3     – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Foodland Waipio
July 3     – 1 – 5 p.m. – Schofield Commissary
July 4     – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Waimalu 7-11
July 4     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Times Super Market Waimalu
July 5     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Times Super Market Koolau
July 5     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Times Super Market Kailua
July 8     – 9 a.m. –  1 p.m. –  Safeway Kaneohe
July 8     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Safeway Kailua
July 9     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Foodland Hawaii Kai
July 9     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Don Quijote Kaheka
July 10   – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. –  Don Quijote Waipahu
July 10   – 2 – 6 p.m. – Foodland Pearl City
July 11    - 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Hickam Commissary
July 11    - 3 – 6 p.m. – Safeway Kapolei
July 12    - 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Foodland Kaneohe
July 12    - 2 – 6 p.m. – Foodland Kailua
July 15     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Foodland Mililani
July 15     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Safeway Pali
July 16     – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Tamura Superette
July 16     – 2 – 5 p.m. – Sack and Save Nanakuli
July 18     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Tamura Wahiawa
July 19     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Safeway Hawaii Kai
July 19     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Safeway Kapahulu

Hope you can get out and enjoy some time with the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile as it travels around Oahu!

Wake up south shore surfers from your winter slumber! Summer is finally here and so are the summer south swells!  Storms in the southern hemisphere generate swells that create breaking waves here in Hawaii on south facing coastlines from about April to end of September.  The south shore has many surf breaks all the way from Hawaii Kai to Sand Island.

For beginners, Canoes at Waikiki will be your best bet.  Canoes is located in the heart of Waikiki near the Duke Kahanamoku statue.  You can rent a longboard at the local beach rental stands right on the beach.  Take a lesson or take the short paddle directly out and join the learner crowds.

For intermediate surfers, I recommend Diamond Head Cliffs.  After conqueoring Waikiki, many surfers will venture out to Diamond Head.  At this break you will find a mix of long boards and short boarders with a mix of all surfing levels.  This break is more challenging than some Waikiki breaks, but the crowd and heaviness can be more forgiving than some of the tougher southern breaks.

If you are an expert, Ala Moana Bowls is your south shore paradise.  Located in the Ilikai Boat Harbor, Bowls is a heavy left break that is my opinion is where some of the best waves on the south shore can be found.  Infamous for its gnarly local crowds that keeps most surfers away, when Bowls gets big this is where the professional surfers will be seen getting barreled.

Whatever surf break you are heading to this summer be sure to know your limits and check the daily surf reports.  Also, protect your skin from the blazing summer sun with high SPF sunscreens.  Be sure to watch the local news or web-updates on unusual tide changes, high wind gusts, and jelly-fish warnings.  Be safe and polite in the water and hope to see you out there!

Downtown Honolulu is a delightful place full of underappreciated treasures such as the historic Dillingham Transportation Building, 735 Bishop Street.  Built in 1928 and completed & dedicated in 1929, it is an exquisite example of Italian Renaissance Revival slash Mediterranean architecture as imagined by San Diego architect Lincoln Rogers.  Though a mere four stories tall the building dominates the block at the foot of Bishop Street with majestic grace presenting a face of various colored tan & brown marble & brick.  A splendid use of space a gathering place the ground floor lobby is a congenial place inviting folks to sit a spell and catering to those who do so is the Honolulu Café.

The Honolulu Café advertises itself as a place “Where the World Comes Together In A Cup,” and validates that claim with an awesome array of Espresso Drinks, Smoothies, Tea and Coffee.  Among the Espresso offerings one can find Café Latte, Café Breve, Café Thai, and my favorite Caramel Macchiato.  Honolulu Café’s smoothie are a tropical explosion; Pina Colada, Fireball, Strawberry, Banana-Berry, Guava and Mango, all made to order, proving a cool smooth soothing escape from the cares of the day.

Hot Panini style sandwiches are Honolulu Café’s signature item.  Reuben on Rye, pastrami with Russian Dressing & sauerkraut & Swiss Cheese served with fresh herb potato salad, half for $7.85 or whole for $10.50, is a terrific take on a traditional favorite, while many sing the praises of the Chicken Havarti, marinated chicken served on Focaccia with Havarti Cheese & lettuce & tomato, with a fresh green salad on the side, $7.85 for a half or $10.50 for a whole sandwich.  Vegetarians rejoice with two choices, one item simply described as a Vegetarian Sandwich, a simple description for a delicious blend of marinated grilled eggplant, zucchini, fresh mozzarella, lettuce and tomato, $7.70 for a half sandwich or $10.25 for a whole sandwich.  For $10.25 one can choose a Fire Roasted Veggie Burger served on focaccia with lettuce & tomato, ranch dressing, a fresh green salad on the side.

On a hot day a cold sandwich is quite welcome a cool refreshing treat.  Ranging in price from $7.15 to $10.95, Honolulu Café has a selection of Ham & Swiss, Smoked Turkey Breast, Salami & Provolone, a Vegetarian Wrap and what is perhaps their most popular item, Fresh Tuna Salad on Naan.  All of the sandwiches are served with a side salad.

There are several Salads that are a meal unto themselves.  Citrus Chicken Salad is a delight, with marinated grilled chicken served on a bed of mesclun salad, Mandarin orange, fried chow-mein served with the Honolulu Café’s own citrus dressing; $7.95 or $9.95.  One can order a Caesar Salad with either Chicken or Salmon, or opt for several entirely vegetarian treats, Gorgonzola Salad, Caprese (Spinach) Salad, a Garden Salad, or a Veggie Salad with marinated grilled vegetables; ranging from $6.60 to $11.99.

Daily there is a Hot Entrée Special and each day there is a choice of two delicious soups.  Monday and Friday one can savor Clam Chowder, or Garden Vegetable Soup, on Tuesday Cream of Broccoli or Chicken Noodle, Wednesday is the day for Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Vegetable, Thursday one can savor the simple joy of Tomato & Basil or the more adventuresome Vegetable Muligatawni.  Pau Hana Friday plays host to the aforementioned Chowder as well as Provencal Roast Vegetables.    Other soups one can expect; Minestrone, Ham & Cabbage, Sweet Corn Chowder, Creamy Potato Leak, Cream of Asparagus, and Potage Au Pomme (Potato Soup).  All soups are made fresh daily.

Honolulu Café is a delightful place to dine, with high marbled ceilings, solid substantial chairs, a subdued elegant setting, inviting enticing the senses; one can dine inside or outside in the wonderful Pacific Guardian Courtyard.  Honolulu Café is open from 6;45 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday, closed on Weekends.  They also serve breakfast items, delicious desserts & bakery items, soft drinks and fresh juice.  They are also excellent caterers ready to whip up a plate a delicacies for your next office shindig or private party.  One can call them via 808-533-1555 ext 6 or faxx via 533-1556, or email them with a catering request via Chefchae@honolulucafe.net.

Hawaii State Archives

Photo courtesy Honolulu Advertiser

Formaggio Grill in Kailua is one of my favorite restaurants on the island.  I have never had a bad thing on the menu from their “beef bourguignon grande mere” for $16.99, ”opakapaka chinoise”  for $31.99, or their special “truffle’d shoestring fries with black pepper” for $7.99.  Formaggio is also known for their extensive wine selection that keeps me coming back again and again.  I have been a loyal customer since their opening early January of 2008 and I have recently discovered that Formaggio has just given me another reason to go there more often, happy hour!

Everyday of the week…yes that’s everyday of the week: Monday thru Sunday, Formaggio is offering happy hour specials from 3-6 pm.  They are offering $3 beer, $4 wine, $5 cocktail, and $6 tapas specials.  I was shocked at the affordable prices and felt a little guilty as I pigged out on a $6 mussel appetizer and sipped my $4 glass of Chardonnay.  What a great way to pau hana!

Formaggio Grill in Kailua is on my list of top eateries.  It is a great place to have a gourmet lunch, dinner, or drinks and an appetizer and don’t forget the yummy desserts too.  I could go on and on about my favorite dishes there, but better you go and try it for yourself, I promise you won’t be let down.  See ya at happy hour!

One of the many treats residents of O’ahu have come to welcome is the annual Honolulu Festival. Celebrating its fifteenth year, this celebration of ethnic harmony, economic cooperation and cultural understanding returns to Honolulu March 13, 14 and 15th with a wondrous variety of fun activities and things to do.

The Honolulu Festival features dance performances, educational programs, traditional art demonstrations from artist/artisans from Japan, as well as Australia, The Philippines, The Republic of China (Taiwan), Korea and Hawai’i and mainland US of A. It is like taking a tour around the Pacific without leaving Hawai’i, and what is even more amazing is that most of the fun is free and open to all who wish to attend.

Officially the Honolulu Festival kicks off with a trio of by invitation events on Friday March 13th 2009, but those with school age children should be aware of a special Educational Program at the Hawai’i Convention Center running from 9:30AM to 1 PM. The festival organizers say it best, “Hawaii students from elementary to high school are invited to an exclusive behind-the-scene tour of exhibits brought to Honolulu from various countries of the Pacific for the Festival. This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people of Hawaii to get a close-up look at the displays as well as interact with the Festival artisans and performers. It is also a great opportunity for the participating groups to share their culture and traditions with the children of Hawaii.”

As for the rest of us the real fun begins on Saturday March 14 2009. Performance Stages will be set up at Ala Moana Shopping Center, The Hawai’i Convention Center, and the Waikiki Beach Walk. Throughout the day from 10AM to 5PM various performers will showcase their talents. There will be singers, musicians, dancers celebrating & sharing their diverse cultures. Recalling past Festivals there will be representatives from various Japanese Prefectures, Philippine Provinces, and Pacific Islands showcasing regional treasures. The Performance Stages will be open from 10AM to 3PM on Sunday the 14th.

The Hawai’i Convention Center at 1801 Kalakaua Avenue plays host to a Craft Fair on Saturday March 14th from 10AM to 5PM and 10AM To 3PM Sunday March 15 2009. There will be more than a hundred booth featuring crafts from Japan, Hawai’i and a panoply of Pacific nations. Many of the booths will be interactive affording everyone the opportunity to create crafts under the guidance of artisans happy to display their regional specialties & unique traditions.

All of this fun activity ends with a colorful parade through the heart of http://www.honolulufestival.com/eng/gala2009.php . For additional info about the Honolulu Festival one can call 808-926-2424 or check out their colorful website http://www.honolulufestival.com/index.php .

Is it really a recession? If you’ve been to one of the two new Hawaii Target stores you wouldn’t believe it. My wife and I went today to the Salt Lake Target to find gridlock, a full parking lot, and a jam packed target store.

Being originally from the mainland, in a town that had it’s very own target store, we had been missing it for a while. When we first heard Target was coming to Hawaii we were pretty psyched. And now it’s finally here. So what better way to spend a rainy day in paradise? Boosting the economy of course.

Just over the H3 in Salt Lake we knew the store was going to be busy, but when we got there, it was more than busy. On every corner and parking lot opening there was a cop or security guard directing traffic. We had to circle the block once just to get in. But after 20 minutes, we were finally there, and already noticed the size of the parking spots. Not the normal door banging slim spots at most parking lots. They were spacious and ready for a truck.

As we walked towards the door, past the red velvet ropes fit for a Hollywood opening night, we noticed the industrial strength plastic shopping carts that appeared to be straight from Tupperware . We were finally in, and it was just as we had remembered it.

The place was packed. Starbucks to the left, all 30 some odd checkout lanes open, a waiting line for carts, and families lining every aisle. Even the read Target shirts could be seen everywhere, which by the way have nice little aloha flare. That’s right, aloha target shirts. And yes, I checked, they’re not for sale. But you can get an aloha print Target shopping bag for $2.

For anyone that says Target is just the same as Wal-Mart, is the same as K-Mart are just plane wrong. I could go on and on explaining the differences but just head to the Household aisle and you’ll see. It’s just different.

2 hours later, that’s right, 2 hours later, we had a few things in our basket, a box of wooden hangers for $14.95 and a couple aloha print Target shopping bags, we were on our way out. Another 15 minutes trying to get back to H3 and we were done. A successful rainy day on Oahu spent at the new Target store in Salt Lake.

It’s been a long time coming for an Oahu Target store but the wait is finally over. Tuesday night there was a special friends and family event for all Target employees and any other workers who have helped in the construction and making of the new Targets of Oahu.  Employees, friends, and families got to be the first to shop at the new Target stores.  Guest had to wait 40 minutes just to get into the door.

What they found inside was a brand new store, stocked full of Target merchandise, plus all you can eat and drink pupus, snacks, desserts, and beverages were being served at all isles of the store.  A local company helped cater and serve the event.  Helpful escorts were on hand to greet guests and answer any navigation questions throughout the store.  These lucky guests were given the oppurtunity to see and shop at the Targets before official opening day.  Upon leaving guests recieved a free re-usable Target shopping bag with an assortment of give-aways.

The two new Target stores on Oahu are in Kapolei, 4450 Kapolei PKWY and Salt Lake, 4380 Lawehana Street (the old Costco).  The stores are scheduled to open for business at 8 am on Wednesday March 4, 2009.  The public grand-opening will be this weekend Sunday March 8, 2009.  Regular store hours are Monday thru Saturday 8 am 10 pm and Sundays 8 am to 9 pm.  Hawaii has been anticipating this opening for the great Target merchandise and also creating new jobs for island residents.