City Lights-Waipahu (Waikele)

We saw an article in the Star Advertiser about several decorated homes in the Waipahu/Waikele area, so we decided to head down there so the boys could see the lights.

First we stopped at a home on Anapau Place which had lots of decorations and lights synchronized to Christmas music.

DS2 loved it--he kept dancing and he especially loved the train decoration.

Then we walked over to the next street, Hopoe Place, and I was so impressed because it looked like every single house on this street was decorated.

Everyone was so nice--several of the homeowners came out to talk to us. One of the homeowners has this really neat train set display in his windows and he encouraged us to take the boys closer to get a good look.

Another homeowner came out and showed us how to press Santa's belly on one of his displays to hear him speak.

The boys loved seeing all the lights and I know they were in awe of all of the decorations. I'm sure we'll visit again next year!

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City Lights - Mililani

I have yet to take the boys to the Honolulu City Lights, but we've been taking them around different neighborhoods to see all of the lights and decorations.

One area that we visit almost yearly is Maiaohe Place in Mililani and a couple of the other cul-de-sacs near Maiaohe Place.

One of my former co-workers just happens to be one of the homeowners who started the decorating tradition, and it's grown ever since.

I apologize, but I took VERY FEW photos this year, primarily because a cat was following us as we walked down three cul-de-sacs, and I'm allergic to cats, so I was a bit paranoid while we viewed the lights.

So, this was the only decent photo I got (right before the cat rubbed up against my leg!). I don't even remember if this photo was taken on Maiaohe Place or one of the other cul-de-sacs.

We love being able to view the decorations and lights when there is no huge crowd, and we love getting out to exercise and get some fresh air.

I found a list of some other neighborhoods with homes that decorate a lot for the holidays so we hope to visit them soon too.

Are there homes in your neighborhood that go "all out" for the holidays or do you know of any other neighborhood/homes that are worth a visit?

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Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe

After taking DS2 on The Candy Cane Train, we went to eat at the Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe.

You order your meals in a cafeteria-like setting, find a table, then a server brings your food (and also refills your drinks and brings you anything else you may need).

DS2 had the Kids Chicken Fingers.

I thought it was a great deal--for just $5.95, he got two big pieces of chicken, dipping sauce, fruit, chips, raisins, and a drink!

I ordered the Pesto Chicken Panini.

It was served with a side of chips, and was really, really good.

DH got the Roasted Duck Pizza.

He liked it so much he ate the entire thing!

And after seeing this in the display case, I just couldn't resist--Oreo Cheesecake!

It was sooooo good. I shared with DH and DS2, although I'm sure I could've devoured the whole thing myself.

The food was excellent and the service was great.

I already can't wait to go back...

and have more Oreo Cheesecake...

Marketplace Cafe: Nordstrom Ala Moana: #706; 1519 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814; 808-953-6100.

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The Candy Cane Train at Ala Moana Center

Since DS2 loves trains, we decided to take him to Ala Moana Center to ride The Candy Cane Train (DS1 was in school).

Now through December 26 (excluding Christmas Day), kids 12 & under that can sit up on their own can ride The Candy Cane Train for $7.00.

Although I think $7 is a bit pricey for just a short ride (the train went around only half of the 2nd level of the mall--about a 10-15 minute ride), I know DS2 enjoyed himself.

He was in the Rainbow Freeze train car.


The staff was great--interacting with the kids and singing holiday songs while the train moved along.

I'm not sure we'll take him on the train again this year because of the price, but at least he was able to ride it once and we know he had a fun time!

Ala Moana Center: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814, (808) 955-9517

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Pearlridge Express

Lately, whenever we go to Pearlridge to shop, DS2 has been really excited since he knows he can take a ride (or two, or three) on the Pearlridge Express!

From now through January 2, kids 48" and under can ride the Pearlridge Express for $3 (a discount booklet of 10 tickets can be bought for $25, and yes, we did buy a booklet since DS2 loves the train!).

The train runs approximately every 10 minutes, and it's just a magical ride for the kids!

I know we'll be going back many more times!

Pearlridge Express at Pearlridge Uptown: 98-1005 Moanalua Rd. #231•Aiea, HI 96701•(808) 488-0981

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