Visit Utah: Zion Canyon Brew Pub

We worked up an appetite hiking for a few hours at Zion National Park, and one of the closest eateries was Zion Canyon Brew Pub. 

Buffalo Meatloaf Burger

My husband loved this burger.  

Elevated Elk Burger

Bangers & Mash

The bratwursts were made with wild game and served with a mango-apple chutney.

IPA-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Club

I had the IPA-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Club.  The chicken wasn't very spicy, but it was juicy and tender.  

Chimichurri Fries

They offer seasoned fries or chimichurri fries with each burger / sandwich, or you could upgrade to onion rings, salad, or a cup of soup or chili for $3.

Service was overall good and we were happy and satisfied.

Notew:  There is a path from the Visitors Center to Springdale, so if you parked at Zion, you can walk to the restaurant, or even catch the free shuttle.  You simply need to make sure you bring your entrance fee pass with you to show proof that you paid for entry for when you return to your car.   We didn't realize there was a path, so we drove out of Zion, only to later drive back in to take the scenic drive (the entrance pass is good for 7 days). 

As for parking, there are some stalls that are paid parking in the restaurant lot (I'm guessing Zion visitors sometimes park there if the lots are full in Zion), but there are others that say "2-hour parking," which is free parking, as we confirmed with the restaurant employee. 

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Hua Mochi Aloha

 Sometimes the best food discoveries happen completely by accident. I was heading to Kahala Mall with my coworkers to grab lunch when a bright pink food truck parked along Kilauea Avenue caught my eye. I had no idea what it was, but I knew I had to walk over and check it out.

Turns out, it was Hua Mochi Aloha, a local vendor that regularly pops up at the KCC Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Mililani Farmers Market on Sundays. I had somehow never heard of them, but clearly plenty of people have — they’re known for their fresh mochi stuffed with whole strawberries.

Once I learned that, choosing what to order became very easy. I went straight for the classic strawberry mochi and also bought two of the strawberry chocolate. At $5 a piece, it’s definitely on the pricier side for mochi, but I don’t mind paying a little extra when something is genuinely good.

And these were good. Soft, chewy mochi on the outside, fresh fruit inside, and just the right amount of sweetness. Not something I’d splurge on every week, but absolutely worth trying at least once — especially if you’re a mochi lover or just appreciate a fun local treat.

I’m glad that pink truck caught my attention. If you ever spot Hua Mochi Aloha around town or at the farmers markets, give it a try!

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Visit Las Vegas: Honey Salt

 One of my favorite restaurants from our recent trip to Las Vegas was Honey Salt in Summerlin. 

Banana Split Mocktail

Lobster Roll

Backyard Favorite Burger

Biloxi Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

I had the Fried Chicken Sandwich, since on the menu it stated it was "Named as one of Las Vegas Weekly's Best."  And it was really good, with a slaw and house Durkee dressing.   

Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Fries

Mary's Roasted Organic Chicken Soup

Sweet Potato Fries

Brookie

I loved the Brookie - a brownie + chocolate chip cookie combo, which was topped with salted caramel chunk ice cream.  The brownie was moist and the cookie was nice and chewy.

Service was excellent.  When our food was brought to our table, one of my kids remarked "They knew who ordered which plate.  We didn't need to raise our hands when they said what the food was."  I thought that was very observant of him and telling of the kind of service we received at Honey Salt.

Honey Salt is a charming restaurant with a chill vibe and great food and service!

Honey Salt
1031 S Rampart Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89145

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Visit Big Island: ‘Ulu

While at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, we had breakfast at ‘Ulu.  They offer both a breakfast buffet as well as a la carte menu items.  I usually prefer to get a la carte menu items since I never get my money's worth at buffets (as of this post it was $59 per adult).

Hualalai Sunrise Smoothie

The Hualalai Sunrise Smoothie had non-dairy yogurt, orange juice, banana, strawberry, flax, and honey.  It was sweet and refreshing.  I didn't taste much of the honey, but the strawberry and banana flavors were more forward. 

Huevos Rancheros

My friend enjoyed the Huevos Rancheros. 

Loco Moco

I had the Loco Moco, which consisted of braised short rib (you could also opt for grilled fish), topped with an adobo gravy and served with Ali‘i mushroom fried rice.   I thought the greens were out of place, and the short rib was unfortunately too tough, but the gravy was tasty and I really liked the fried rice. 

I'll definitely have to try the Huevos Rancheros next time!

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96725
(808) 325-8000

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Sushi Bay

I’ve heard people rave about Sushi Bay for ages — especially about their generous portions of fish and the fact that it’s always packed. I finally made it out there with the family, and honestly, the buzz is well‑deserved.

Even on a Monday afternoon, we waited about 15 minutes for a table. Not bad at all considering how busy the place stays. Once we were seated, the service was warm and friendly, and the sushi came out surprisingly fast. They take orders the old‑school way — through your server rather than tablets or conveyor belts — but somehow they’re still quicker than Genki Sushi.

And yes, the portions live up to the hype. Thick, fresh slices of fish that feel like a real treat, not the skimpy cuts you sometimes get elsewhere. Prices were another pleasant surprise. Our meal for four came out to around $80, which felt more than fair given how much we ate. I’m pretty sure the same spread would have cost noticeably more at other sushi spots.

If you’ve been curious about Sushi Bay or debating whether it’s worth the wait, I’d say go for it. Great value, great portions, and a genuinely enjoyable family meal. Highly recommend.

Tekka Maki

Chicken Karaage

Negi Toro and Spicy Tuna

Kake Udon

Agedashi

Salmon and Ahi Nigiri

Unagi

Spicy Tuna

California Roll

Shrimp Tempura

They are open from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily. Last order for dine-in is at 5:00 PM, but you can still get items to-go until 6:00 PM.

SUSHI BAY

91-590 Farrington Highway

808-693-9922

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Visit Utah: Bumbleberry Gift Shop & Bakery

Bumbleberry is a gift shop / bakery / ice cream shop in Springdale right near Zion National Park.  

They make a popular Bumbleberry Pie (you have to read their website to find out what bumbleberry is), but we went specifically for ice cream. 

Of course we had to get some Bumbleberry Ice Cream!

Bumbleberry Cobbler

The Bumbleberry Cobbler had pieces of pie crust, and I loved that extra buttery texture.

Checkerboard Mesa

The Checkerboard Mesa was a brown sugar flavored ice cream with peanut butter, chocolate pretzels, and pretzel bark. 

Emerald Pools

Emerald Pools was a mint ice cream with mint cookie pieces. 

Bumbleberry Cheesecake

Cream cheese ice cream was combined with bumbleberry flavoring and cheesecake pieces.

Bumbleberry is a great stop post-Zion-hike for ice cream, souvenir shopping, and restrooms!

Bumbleberry Gift Shop & Bakery
897 Zion Park Blvd
Springdale, UT 84767

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Visit Maui: Maui Ocean Center

It's been well over a decade since I've been to the Maui Ocean Center, and since then, the "Aquarium of Hawai‘i" has opened up new exhibits and initiatives that continue to shine the spotlight not only on ocean life, but also on Hawai‘i and how the ocean is critical to all life - including to humans.

We were very fortunate to have been hosted by Maui Ocean Center and go on the Behind the Scenes Tour, where we learned about the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, which helps to rehabilitate turtles and restore coral reefs.  

We got to see the coral nursery, feed coral, feed young sharks, and even food turtles!

Our guide, Izabelle, was awesome and sure taught us a lot!

The Behind the Scenes Tour is one of several tours you can book for an additional fee. 

Of course, even without an added tour there is still so much to see and learn at the Maui Ocean Center.

The Open Ocean is my personal favorite exhibit.  It features an underwater tunnel, so you get a great view of sharks and more swimming above and next to you.  

I also love how they really incorporate Hawaiian tradition and stories into the displays. There is also a Kaho‘olawe: History and Healing Exhibit that is well worth the time to peruse. ​

Aquariums are always fascinating - you get to see sea creatures that most don't encounter on a daily basis.  

What really impressed me with Maui Ocean Center is the abundance of local fish that were on exhibit.  It's a great place for keiki to learn about common fish that are eaten in Hawai‘i, like menpachi, moi, kala, and taape.

The Maui Ocean Center is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages to not only learn about sea life, but to also learn more about Hawai‘i! 

Maui Ocean Center
192 Maalaea Rd

Wailuku, HI 96793

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