Haleiwa Joe's - Haiku Gardens

The girls and I recently met up at Haleiwa Joe's in Haiku to celebrate the upcoming arrival of two baby girls.

We had a party of 8, but was told parties smaller than 15 could not make reservations, but as long as we arrive when it opens for dinner (5pm) we should be able to be seated immediately.

So arrive at 5pm we did, but not all of us - there were only 5 of us right at 5pm.  I proceeded to the counter to put my name down and noticed there already were many people sitting around waiting for a table.  I gave the lady my name and number in party, and she asked what time I expected everyone, and I said 5pm, and she said they couldn't seat us until everyone arrived.

I wasn't too happy about that.  We had two VERY pregnant women in our group that were already there, and it was super humid.

For some reason, even if a party did have all guests present - whether it was a party of 2 or 5, they still had to wait "10 to 15 minutes" for their table to be set up.

I don't understand why guests could not be seated right away regardless of whether or not all members in their party were present.  The restaurant just opened.  Empty tables were in sight everywhere.

Eventually we did get seated - even though 2 people still didn't show up - but it wasn't until 5:30ish.

Fortunately, despite having to wait, we had a great server and the food was pretty good too:

Dinner Roll

Haiku Chicken (This is what I ordered - the photo is a bit deceiving, as the chicken was quite small.  It did taste a bit dry, but the pineapple salsa was really good).

Chipotle-Grilled Pork Chop

Crispy-Grilled Pork Shank (a special that evening)

Sticky Ribs

Fresh Salmon (3 of the girls ordered this)

Another person ordered Alaskan King Crab, but I didn't get a photo of it.

Although one person's drink took forever to to come, our service was prompt and friendly.

As for the ambiance - it was nice, but it's all open air seating, and the night we went it was VERY, VERY humid.  There were a couple of fans blowing around, but they didn't really help at all.

Also, several of my friends got bit by mosquitoes (Haiku Gardens is right below the restaurant - so not surprisingly there were mosquitoes), and a large gecko was hanging out nearby on one of the walls.

A nice thing about Haleiwa Joe's is that they allow outside cakes to be brought in and they even refrigerated the cake that we brought.

Overall, we had a nice time, but I would discourage large parties (smaller than 15) from going unless you know for sure no one in your party will be late, otherwise you'll have to wait a very long time like we did.

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In-Flight Dining on Hawaiian Air

The headrest video monitor will let you know when the
Pau Hana snack shop is open for business.

In early August, Hawaiian Airlines announced that they had revamped their onboard dining program.  They now feature more products made in Hawaii, and a new Pau Hana Snack Bar that allows passengers to buy drinks, snacks, and even flower leis during the flight.  One would assume that they also made improvements to the meals that they offer in-flight.

Hawaiian continues to be the only U.S. airline that provides free meals to its passengers, even the ones in coach.  That being said, we really can't complain about the quality.  Something is better than nothing.
I recently flew on Hawaiian to Los Angeles and back for the UH vs. USC football game.  Here's what they served to us in the coach cabin:

HNL to LAX

Teriyaki Chicken

Close-up of the main entree

LAX to HNL

White chicken

Close-up of the white chicken

Personally, I prefer the pasta, cold turkey sandwiches and brownies that they used to serve on their domestic flights.  But, I give them props for trying to improve upon their service and for continuing to provide free meals to the folks in coach.

If you are ever curious as to what you might be eating on a future flight (either on Hawaiian Air or another carrier, check out http://www.airlinemeals.net.  They have over 26,000 pictures of airline food posted by travelers like you and me. (Mahalo to @michaeldching for telling me about this website).

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Aikahi Playground

Most of the playgrounds on Oahu look pretty much the same.  Park after park, it's not uncommon to see the same brightly-hued slides and monkey bars, but a friend told me that I should take my kids to Aikahi Playground, as it's a playground like no other on Oahu.

And I'm glad she told me about it, because it really is, I think, the best playground on Oahu!

We went on a holiday (since the park is located on Aikahi Elementary grounds, it's accessible only during non-school hours) and we easily found street parking.

The playground is large and has all kinds of apparatus allowing kids to jump, slide, swing, crawl, hang, climb, and more (there are no actual swings, but different types of equipment to swing on). 

Kids can play in a pretend boat, crawl through a turtle's mouth, and even slide through a shark's jaws!

Just a few feet away there is one of those "typical" playgrounds you see at other parks on Oahu, but unsurprisingly it was empty most of the time.

There are plenty of benches and lots of grassy areas to put down blankets so you can sit and watch your kids play.

Aikahi Playground is definitely one of the best playgrounds in the state!

Aikahi Playground: 281 Ilihau Street Kailua, HI 96734

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Zpizza - Honolulu

Not too long ago I met Nat at Zpizza prior to a movie screening at Ward.

We wanted to go somewhere quick and that wouldn't leave us overstuffed since we wanted to indulge in some popcorn at the movie.

There were only a few options available to purchase by the slice, so I ended up getting the Casablanca.

Topped with mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and a roasted garlic sauce, I thought it was pretty good!  The crust was good too - a thin, yet crispy crust.

Nat got the Italian.

Each slice is $3.50 and they'll even toast it up for you so it's nice and crispy.

Zpizza turned out to be a great place to stop by for an inexpensive, light dinner!

ZPizza: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd.  Auahi street shops, Honolulu, HI 96814; 808-596-0066

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Nobu Waikiki

For the average folk like myself, restaurants like Nobu Waikiki are reserved for special occasions, such as a birthday or anniversary. After hearing and reading mixed reviews on the restaurant, we never had the desire to try it, even on a special occasion. But then we received a gift certificate, and we weren't about to let it go to waste, and so we decided to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary at Nobu.

The restaurant has regular dining tables and a sushi bar. By the time we left, ever seat on the bar was occupied.

New Style Sashimi

Steamed Sea Bass with Black Bean Sauce

King Crab Leg Amazu Ponzu

Black Cod Saikyo Miso

All of this plus a glass of wine came out to almost $200. I'd say that's quite pricey considering the portions were small (we were still hungry after our meal) and we didn't order dessert. At least I can cross this restaurant off my list of restaurants to try.

Nobu Waikiki
2233 Helumoa Road
(808) 237-6999

http://www.noburestaurants.com/

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Kunio Restaurant

I recently met up with one my dear friends at Kunio Restaurant in Waikele (Waipahu).

I arrived right at about 6pm on a Saturday, and fortunately there were still several parking stalls open nearby (it can get really crowded in the area) and there was only one other party ahead of me on the waiting list.  However, it did take at least 15 minutes before we were finally seated.

These are the appetizers and miso soup that came with our combination meals (I only had the miso soup and took everything else home for DH, who ate it along with my leftovers).

I ordered the Chicken Teriyaki and Chicken Katsu Combination Plate.  Everything was really good.  I love Kunio's teriyaki sauce, and the katsu always comes out nice and crispy out the outside, but juicy on the inside.

My friend ordered a combination also, unfortunately I don't remember the two items she ordered.

The service was great, the food was great, and it's no wonder that Kunio is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants on the island.

Kunio Restaurant: Waikele Center, 94-799 Lumi’aina St.Suite 2F, Waipahu, HI 96797; 808.680.9188

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Honolulu Elks Lodge 616

Most Saturday and Sunday mornings, you will find me here at the Elks Lodge. A good friend of mine joined about six years ago and was nice enough to be my sponsor. The Elks do a lot of charity work and as soon as I get my feet wet in the organization, I plan to get involved in some of their projects. Until then, I will enjoy the benefits of being a member, such as swimming in the pool and getting to park and shower near some of my favorite surf breaks.

Entrance

This cat is a regular at the Lodge.

All members are required to show their membership cards with pride at the entrance.

On this particular day, there was a band playing and hula dancers entertaining the audience.

They have a bar, and the prices are very reasonable. If you've seen the movie "The Descendants", you may recognize the bar - one of the scenes was filmed here.

Members and their guests can enjoy ocean-front dining, day and night.

The lunch menu consists of burgers...

and sandwiches, amongst other things.

The Lodge is oceanfront and has a great view of Waikiki.

On the weekends, the pool deck is filled with kids and families. These covered tables are a hot commodity.

Doesn't the crystal blue pool look very inviting?

The second floor of the Lodge has a big deck. It's a great place to be during the sunset hour.

From the second floor deck you get a bird's eye view of the pool area.

The Lodge has a large banquet room for special events - weddings, funerals, meetings, etc.

And this is why I come here every weekend - swimming and surfing in paradise.

Honolulu Elks Lodge 616

2933 Kalakaua Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815

Phone: Lodge: (808) 923-5722

http://elkslodge616.com/

Members Only

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M. Matsumoto's General Store (aka Matsumoto's) - Stop #4 on on Oahu Half-Day Trip: Windward to North Shoreon Oahu Half-Day Trip

Our last stop on our half-day trip from the Windward side of the island to the North Shore was M. Matsumoto Store, more commonly known as Matsumoto's.

As expected, there was a long line.  Not including the people inside the store, the line was 5 people deep outside, and we went at just the right time, because in only a couple of minutes the line was was at least 20 people deep outside.

Since the last time I went to Matsumoto's, they've added new flavors and did away with some too, and they also now offer shave ice in bowls.  They also have an employee stand near the entrance to take your order, mark it on a bowl or cone, and then you take your bowl or cone to the register to pay and you then wait for your shave ice.

They no longer offer the flavor I wanted - Creamsicle, so I got the Banana instead (with Ice Cream).

DS2 got Strawberry, also with Ice Cream.

DS1 got Vanilla, also with Ice Cream.

It was a great way to end our Half-Day Trip!

(Half-Day Trip Windward to North Shore - approximately 4 1/2 hours including stops to eat and play)

M.Matsumoto Store: 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI, 96712, (808)637-4827

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