Ka Makana Ali`i - Opens on October 21!

Ka Makana Ali`i - "The Royal Gift"

Yesterday I had the pleasure of participating in a media preview tour of Ka Makana Ali`i - The Center of West Oahu.  The first phase of the new regional mall will open on Friday, October 21.

Anchored by the first Macy’s in West Oahu, phase one of the new shopping center will feature more than 100 shops and restaurants, ‘Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres - a state-of-the-art-luxury cinema, and Hawaii's first Hampton Inn & Suites.

On the tour we made stops at California Pizza Kitchen, Macy's, Hampton Inn & Suites, and ‘Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres.

California Pizza Kitchen opens today at 2pm!    

The new restaurant features the "Next Chapter" design, implementing sustainable materials, fresh and modern decor, and unique artwork reflecting both California and Hawaii.

Macy's has been open for a few weeks, and will be celebrating it's grand opening today!

The 103,000-square-foot single level store implements many Hawaii-inspired visuals, such as hibiscus painted on the floor, displays with ukulele and hula girls, and even tattooed mannequins.

How cute is this display?

Check out the name of the entrance!

Hawaii's first Hampton Inn & Suites is open for business.  The The 175-room, six story hotel offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, and free hot breakfast!

Cute greeting in the breakfast area

‘Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres - a state-of-the-art-luxury cinema, will feature eight auditoriums with plush, luxury recliner seats, as well as a cafe and full-service outdoor patio. Soft opening is on October 17, with the grand opening on October 21.

I am so excited for the opening of Ka Makana Ali`i.  It's so easy to get to from the freeway, with easy access to public transportation and plenty of parking.

In addition to the amazing shopping and dining, there will be several events for the community, allowing everyone - from keiki to kupuna -  to come together at the "Center of West Oahu."

Mark your calendars for October 21!

For the latest news and updates, follow Ka Makana Alii on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kamakanaalii/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/kamakanaalii. Visit our website at www.kamakanaalii.com.

About Ka Makana Ali`i

The 1.4 million-square-foot regional mall is DeBartolo Development’s first such project in Hawai‘i and will feature more than 150 exciting shopping, dining and entertainment offerings, two hotels and LEED-certified office space.

Envisioned as the premier gathering place for the community, Ka Makana Ali`i will meet the shopping and dining demands of West O‘ahu, where more than 80,000 new homes are projected to be constructed by 2025. Its convenient location offers excellent highway access, ample parking and public transportation for shoppers.

 In addition, through an innovative partnership between DeBartolo Development and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Ka Makana Ali`i will financially support programs benefiting Native Hawaiian interests statewide for decades to come,

The name Ka Makana Ali‘i pays tribute to Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole who conceived of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act allotting hundreds of thousands of acres of government land to native Hawaiians. This permanent homeland is a perpetual gift and legacy that lives on today.  

The Ka Makana Ali‘i logo features ti leaves, a symbol of good luck in Hawaii that signifies prosperity. The encircled ti leaves represent the vision of Ka Makana Ali‘i as the “Center for West O‘ahu,” while the subtle use of hands in making the offering reinforces the meaning of the center’s name, “The Royal Gift.”

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Chocolate Cream Pie at Fish House Ko Olina

Fish House at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is one of my new favorite restaurants on the island, offering great food, service, and views.  After eating some very tasty tacos at the Dub Box just outside the restaurant on a recent Taco Tuesday, my friend and I went into Fish House for dessert.

After perusing the dessert menu, I decided upon the Chocolate Cream Pie - OREO Crust, dark chocolate cream, vanilla, chocolate shavings.

It was pure chocolate decadence!

The Passion Fruit Carrot Cake is amazing as well, but if you love chocolate, definitely try the Chocolate Cream Pie.

Fish House 
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 679-0079

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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei Now Open + Limited Time Kama`aina / Military Rate Offer

Hilton Worldwide’s (NYSE: HLT) Hampton by Hilton brand, the global mid-priced hotel that serves value-conscious and quality-driven travelers around the world, announced the opening of its newest property, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei. It is the first Hampton by Hilton in Hawaii. The 175-room, six story hotel joins the Hampton by Hilton family of Hampton Inn by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton hotels. Located at 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, the hotel is owned by DeBartolo Development, LLC, and managed by Aqua-Aston Hospitality.

“Opening our first Hampton by Hilton hotel in Hawaii is a momentous step for our award-winning brand offering Hamptonality to guests all over the world,” said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton by Hilton brand management, Hilton. “With Hampton by Hilton we are continuing to provide comfortable and affordable lodging for business and leisure travelers alike.”

The new Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei is situated within the Ka Makana Ali’i shopping center featuring more than 100 shops, restaurants and entertainment options. Popular attractions nearby include Ko Olina Resort, Pearl Harbor and the University of Hawaii West Oahu campus. Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is just 15 miles away.

“Our friendly team members are eager to welcome guests to our beautiful, new hotel,” said Wade Gesteuyala, general manager. “Our easily-accessible location, proximity to premier area attractions and high-quality amenities will make our hotel a popular choice for travelers to the island of Oahu.”

The hotel provides guests a fresh start to each day with On the House hot breakfast which includes eggs, oatmeal, waffles and will incorporate local foods including specialty juices, fruits and meats. In addition, the hotel provides Hampton’s On the Run™ Breakfast Bags filled with a multi-grain bar, an apple, an artisan breakfast bread loaf and a bottle of water with a flavor packet for those guests on the go, available Monday through Friday.

The tropical décor of Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei includes brightly colored pillows featuring indigenous flowers like Hibiscus and Plumeria giving the Perfect Mix Lobby a tropical and serene feel. The hotel’s amenities include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center with complimentary printing, a 1,100 square foot meeting space that can accommodate up to 80 people, a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool.

Each guestroom includes artwork reminiscent of historic Hawaii and features images pineapples, hulas and historic scenic images from around the island. The rooms also feature the brand’s signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed®, LCD TV, refrigerator and coffeemaker. Inviting suites are also available, offering additional space, a microwave, and a comfortable sleeper sofa.

Designed as an extension of the guestroom with a variety of seating and lighting options for both leisure and business travelers, the new hotel features the Perfect Mix Lobby. Within the lobby guests can find Suite Shop, a food and beverage shop filled with snacks, toiletries, local merchandise and drinks for purchase. Each guest is guaranteed to be satisfied with every stay, or they don’t pay, and that’s the 100% Hampton Guarantee®.

Hampton by Hilton team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as Hamptonality. This term describes each hotel’s approach to friendly customer service and anticipation of guests’ needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Hampton by Hilton hotels are infused with local photography and artwork, highlighting each property’s connection and support to its own community.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei participates in Hilton’s award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app.

For a limited time, Kama`aina and military can enjoy our low introductory rate at just $151 plus tax per night. This special rate can be booked by calling the hotel directly at 808 628 4900.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei or call 1-808-628-4900.

Read more about Hampton by Hilton at www.hampton.com and www.news.hampton.com.

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California Pizza Kitchen at Ka Makana Ali`i in Kapolei

California Pizza Kitchen in Ka Makana Ali`i

Our family loves dining at California Pizza Kitchen.  I've blogged about CPK several times before, and you'll often see posts on my Instagram feeds of my favorite dishes - the Avocado Club Egg Rolls, the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza (with Nueske's Applewood Smoked Bacon), or one of the many decadent desserts.

I am so excited that a new location will be opening up (2pm on Friday, September 30) in Ka Makana Ali`i in Kapolei!

I was fortunate to have been invited to a tasting last night at the new 6,200 square-foot eatery.  I love the new "Next Chapter" design.  The main dining room is spacious and fresh, and the covered patio offers a lovely, relaxing space to dine as well.

Patio

Take-out station wall is decorated with pieces of skateboards!

A closer look at the recycled skateboards

Love the combination of the artwork representing both California and Hawaii!

The open kitchen allows guests to watch their tasty creations being made, and the bar is modern and inviting.

I usually stick to my aforementioned faves whenever I dine at California Pizza Kitchen, but I had a chance to try a variety of popular menu items, as well as some new additions.

Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza

Although the toppings on this pizza may sound basic, it tastes so good!  Cremini mushrooms, 4-inch hand-torn pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, fresh torn basil, Mozzarella, and wild Greek oregano all combine to create one tasty pizza!

Quinoa + Arugula Salad

Quinoa, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, red onions, toasted pine nuts, and Feta is tossed in a housemade Champagne vinaigrette.  This was a light salad that would make a great accompaniment to a pizza!

Crispy Ahi Tuna Roll

The Cripsy Ahi Tuna Roll is a Hawaii-exclusive dish.  Crispy won tons are filled with ahi, avocado, nori, and cabbage, and served with a tamari-ginger dipping sauce.  It was very good (but I still love the Avocado Club Egg Rolls so much more!).

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower

The Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower is a new menu item. I've seen versions of these in magazines as a healthier alternative to buffalo chicken and always wanted to give them a try. Cauliflower florets are coated with a buttermilk batter and fried, then tossed in a housemade Sriracha buffalo sauce, and topped with a celery, Gorgonzola, and cilantro salad. The cauliflower was indeed spicy, and surprisingly very good!

Wild Mushroom Pizza

The Wild Mushroom Pizza - shaved cremini, shiitake, portobello, and white mushrooms, scallions, black pepper, Romano and Mozzarella - is delicious on its own, but drizzle it with some white truffle oil, and it is even more amazing.

Wild Mushroom Strozzapreti

The Wild Mushroom Strozzapreti - rolled pasta noodles mixed together with pan-sautéed cremini, portobello and seasonal mushrooms, Parmesan, and fresh thyme & parsley - was my favorite dish of the evening.  It was packed with flavor, and I ate almost the entire dish myself!

Fire-Grilled Ribeye

The 12oz USDA Choice ribeye is grilled with Pinot Noir sea salt and topped with bleu cheese butter, and is accompanied by roasted fingerling potatoes and a lemon-garlic wild arugula salad.  I'm not a huge meat eater so I didn't try the ribeye, but I enjoyed the potatoes and salad!

Salted Caramel Pudding

I've tried the Salted Caramel Pudding before since I love all things salted caramel, and it is divine! A rich caramel pudding sits atop black cocoa cookie crumbs, and is topped with housemade whipped cream, caramel sauce, and natural flaked Maldon sea salt.

Butter Cake topped with Ice Cream

If you've never had dessert at California Pizza Kitchen before, I'd highly recommend the Butter Cake, and getting it with Vanilla Haagen-Dazs is a must.  This multi-layered dessert is irresistible!

Not only does California Pizza Kitchen offer hand-tossed-artisan pizzas, unique pastas and salads, and decadent desserts, but they also offer a variety of refreshing beverages, including hand-shaken cocktails.  

California Roots - Svedka Vodka, Fresh Avocado & Mint, Fresh Agave Sour, Fennel Salt Rim

Hand-Shaken Agave Mojito - Bacardi Superior Rum, Fresh Agave Sour, Fresh Mint & Lime, Organic Hawaiian Sugar Cane

Coconut Blossom - Hangar 1 "Mandarin Blossom" Vodka, Casamgios Tequilo Blanco, Fresh Agave Sour, Perfect Puree Coconut, Fresh Pinapple

Sangria Flight - 3oz pours of Orchard, Red-Berry and Beehive Sangria

California Pizza Kitchen offers refreshing non-alcoholic beverages as well:

Fresh Strawberry Mango Cooler

Cranberry Cooler

At the event were CPK President Chris Morris, Senior VP of Culinary Innvoation Brian Sullivan, and Hawaii Regional Partner Eddie Spencer.  Their passion for providing customers with the best food and experience whenever dining at CPK was evident.  I've always enjoyed the food and service whenever dining at CPK, and now I have a greater appreciation of what actually goes into the dishes (hand-pulled wild Greek oregano, Pinot Noir Sea Salt!).

The excitement for the new California Pizza Kitchen is undeniable!



California Pizza Kitchen
Ka Makana Ali`i
91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Suite 500

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Top 10: Favorite Shave Ice Spots

The recent string of extremely humid days has left me yearning for shave ice just about every day.

With that in mind, here are my top 10 favorite spots for shave ice (and similar icy treats):

1. Matsumoto Shave Ice - There is usually a line for the inexpensive treats, but I love the larger store, the bigger parking lot, and the added seating near the shop.

2. Shimazu Store - Parking can be a challenge, but it's worth it for the gigantic servings of shave ice!

3. Mountain Magic Shave Ice - The perfect way to end a day of shopping in Waikele.

4. Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha - All natural flavors, and Uncle Clay really epitomizes the spirit of aloha.

5. Aloha Crepes & Snow Flakes - The texture of the snow flakes is different from regular shave ice, but it's still very delicious!

6. Hula Shake - Great service and a variety of yummy toppings to add on!

7. Snow Factory - Friendly, helpful service, plus yummy snow flakes in all kinds of combinations!

8. Ice Garden - The shave ice may not look pretty, but it sure is tasty!

9. Aloha General Store - Keiki sizes and kama`aina discounts available!

10. Baldwin's Sweet Shop - Keiki sizes available at reasonable prices!

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Cry Baby Matinee at ‘Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres - Family Four-Pack Giveaway!

Photo Courtesy Olino by Consolidated Theatres

You and your keiki can be some of the first to watch a movie at the new ‘Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres - Hawaii's new State-of-the-Art Cinema at Ka Makana Ali`i!

We are giving away 36 family-four packs of tickets (plus popcorn and soft drink for parents) to watch a Cry Baby Matinee! Winners will be invited to a showing of X-Men: Apocalypse (Rated PG-13) on Wednesday, October 12, at 11am!

For those not familiar with Consolidated Theatres' Cry Baby Matinee Program, it's the perfect time to enjoy a movie without having to worry about your little one's crying or fussing. The lights are dimmed, the sound volume is down, and if your baby cries or your toddler fusses, it's okay!

The movie shown may not necessarily be a kid-friendly movie. In fact, in most cases the movie is Rated R or PG-13 - a movie that is geared towards parents who want to enjoy a movie while their baby is sleeping or eating.

To win a family four-pack of tickets, including popcorn and soda for parents/guardians, visit HawaiiMomBlog on Instagram to enter!

Details:

• Maximum 4 guests per party; must have a keiki 11 or under in your party to be eligible to win. 
• Please note that the film is Rated PG-13 and is meant for new parents to enjoy the movies with their baby. Please use your judgment on whether your child is at an appropriate age to attend. 
• Limit one winner per household
• Winners will be notified by Instagram Direct Message on or about October 3 or 4 and will have 1 day to respond.

Photo Courtesy Olino by Consolidated Theatres

CRY BABY MATINEE PREVIEW
X-Men: Apocalypse (Rated PG-13)
Wednesday, October 12
Show starts at 11am
‘Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres
91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Suite 600
Kapolei, HI 96707

Features and amenities of ‘Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres:

Photo Courtesy Olino by Consolidated Theatres

• Eight auditoriums with plush, luxury recliner seats
• Reserved seating available online
• 2k or 4k resolution and Dolby Digital 3D from Barco
• Enhanced Dolby Surround 7.1 Sound
• Cafe and Full-Service Outdoor Patio

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WW: Ko Olina Sunset

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Rock-A-Hula's Fall Romance Special for Kama`aina

We can’t help falling in love with Rock-A-Hula’s Fall Romance Special! From October 1 through November 30, 2016, kamaʻaina can purchase one adult Stageside VIP Dinner & Show ticket and get a second for 50 percent off.

Bring a date to the largest show in Waikiki featuring live entertainment, exclusive VIP treatment and a gourmet dinner. Guests will be mesmerized by a multi-sensory musical experience. The show features Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment including hula and fire-knife dancing, along with superstar performances by Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Celine Dion tribute artists.

The Stageside VIP package includes a luxurious 4-course Maine lobster, tenderloin steak and salmon dinner at a private table, and 2 super premium beverages. Guests will also engage in an exciting post-show Meet-and-Greet with the cast.

The kama’aina rate for the Stageside VIP Dinner & Show package is $120.69 for the first ticket and $60.35 for the second ticket. To take advantage of the Fall Romance Special, guests must present a valid Hawaii I.D. and military must provide proof of being stationed in Hawaii at time of check in. Reservations may be made through the MRW, ITT or ITR office or by phone at (808) 629-SHOW (7469).

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Big Chix Rotisserie & Fryer

I've been wanting to try Big Chix Rotisserie & Fryer for a while since I love Fried Chicken, and we recently picked up a Bix Chix Fried Family Time meal.

Fried Chicken

Cajun Krinkle Fries

Garlic Bread

Seasoned Potato Wedges

We ordered the 8-piece chicken + 2 large sides + garlic bread meal for $28.99.

I thought the chicken was very tasty - super crispy and seasoned well on the outside, but the meat wasn't as juicy as I had hoped it would be.  The meal did come with two sauces (I chose Honey BBQ and Korean), and dipping the chicken in the sauces did give the chicken added flavor (I liked the Honey BBQ best).

The kids loved the potato wedges and garlic bread, but they stayed away from the Cajun krinkle fries because of the spiciness.  

The pieces of chicken were pretty big, and Big Chix did not skimp on the sides - the containers were overflowing with potato wedges and fries.

Overall I thought the food was good, and it was a reasonably-priced meal to feed our family of 5 (we ended up with lots of leftovers!).

Big Chix Rotisserie & Fryer
1718 Wilikina Dr,

Wahiawa, HI 96786
(808) 622-2211

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