Visit Alaska: Begich, Boggs Visitor Center

Because the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel allows you to travel through only during specific times, we had some time to kill before we waited in line, so we went to the nearby Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. 

We often stop at Visitor Centers while we travel on long road trips just to use the restroom and see if there are any magnets or keychains we can buy for our collection.  We also like to see if there are any cool exhibits, and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center had many cool things to see - it's one of the the biggest and nicest Visitor Centers we've visited yet!  

There were so many exhibits, interactive stations, and even a theater!

It was like a mini museum!

I highly recommend a stop if you're in the area.  We learned a lot in the short time we were there!

Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
Portage Lake Loop

Girdwood, AK 99587

Read More

Tonkatsu Izakaya Atmark

 My first visit to Tonkatsu Izakaya Atmark was a birthday treat from my sister-in-law, who chose the restaurant for a special night out. There were seven of us, and we were excited to see what this popular little spot was all about.

When we arrived, the restaurant was completely full. It’s a very small and lively space, so it can get pretty loud. 

The menu can be a little overwhelming at first because there are so many choices—from izakaya-style dishes and à la carte items to teishoku-style meals. With seven people, we decided to order an assortment so we could try a little bit of everything.

Everything we ordered was excellent, both in presentation and taste. It was fun being able to sample so many different dishes

One thing I highly recommend adding is the curry sauce. It's available as an add-on, and it's delicious.

And don't skip dessert. The honey toast was a yummy way to end our meal.

Good to Know Before You Go

Reservations are a must. The restaurant is very small and popular, so I wouldn't recommend showing up without one.

Parking can be tricky. There is a small parking lot shared with several other restaurants, and it fills up quickly. Be prepared with a backup plan in case there isn't a parking spot available when you arrive.

Don't forget the curry sauce!

And if you have room for dessert, get the honey toast!

TONKATSU IZAKAYA ATMARK

1232 WAIMANU STREET

HONOLULU, HI

808-736-0034

Read More

Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar

 I've been to Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar numerous times with friends, but this was my first visit with the boys. Now that they're getting older, I was excited to finally bring them along—and I had a feeling at least one of them would be a fan of the tsukemen.

I was right!

One of the boys ordered the tsukemen, as did me and my husband. He absolutely loved it and even said it reminded him of the tsukemen we had in Japan. 

My other son was feeling a little noodled-out, so he skipped the ramen and ordered the chicken karaage instead. We also shared the gyoza and agedashi tofu, giving us a nice variety for the table.

For the four of us, the meal came out to about $100. Definitely more than what we'd pay for a similar meal in Japan, but since we're not in Japan...this will do! 

One other thing I noticed during our visit was how much takeout was going out the door. We saw quite a few customers picking up orders, along with delivery drivers coming in and out. So if you don't feel like dining in, takeout seems to be a popular option too.

GOLDEN PORK TONKOTSU RAMEN BAR

1279 SOUTH KING STREET 

808-888-5358

Read More

Review: LuminAID PackLite Survivor 3-in-1 Power Lanterns

Disclosure: Links are Amazon associate links.

After the Kona Lows, I bought two LuminAID PackLite Survivor 3-in-1 Power Lanterns.  I bought the lantern primarily as an emergency power bank, since it can be charged via solar.

The LuminAID is compact and portable, and has a flashlight mode, as well as a red light mode and white light mode. Each light color has different brightness settings and can also flash.

As a power bank, you can charge up to two devices at a time (phone charging cables not included)

Charging any device will deplete the LuminAID battery quickly, and if the LuminAID battery falls below 50% (based on the green battery power indicator), the phones will stop charging (the lantern feature will still work, however).

Charging the unit via solar once the battery runs out can take up to 24 hours, depending on weather conditions.  

The included Micro USB allows you to charge it via other power sources (AC, laptop, etc.). 

As a lantern, the LuminAID works well, but it does have its limitations as a power bank.

I do think it's handy to have on hand for its solar-charging capability, which could be especially useful during extended power outages.  

You can purchase on Amazon.com or on the LuminAID website.

Read More

Visit Anchorage: Concoction Breads and Provisions

We went to the Spenard Farmers Market to see what kinds of vendors there were, hoping to find something to eat.  There weren't too many, but thankfully we found Concoction Breads and Provisions.  

Sourdough Cinnamon Roll

Matchadoodle

Strawberry Sprinkle

The kids loved the treats.  I tried the Cinnamon Roll, and it was yummy!

Read More

Ends Soon - Cirque du Soleil ʻAuana $25 Keiki Tickets Kamaʻāina Offer

School may be back in session, but summer fun isn’t over just yet. Through August 30, Cirque du Soleil ʻAuana is inviting Hawaiʻi families to squeeze in one more unforgettable night out with Keiki Nights, an exclusive kamaʻāina offer featuring $25 keiki tickets with the purchase of one kamaʻāina adult ticket.

Available through the end of August, the Keiki Nights offer gives local families one more opportunity to make memories together before the summer season officially ends. ʻAuana brings Cirque du Soleil’s signature acrobatics to life through the rich cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi, taking audiences on a spectacular journey through island stories, artistry and natural beauty.

“We’ve received an immense amount of support from our local families since we launched in December 2024, and this is our way of giving back and making it easier for families to enjoy an evening together,” said Ray Mark, Director of Marketing at Cirque du Soleil ʻAuana. “We want parents to have one more reason to bring their keiki out for an unforgettable night of entertainment and memories.”

Recently named one of the top three best family attractions in Hawaiʻi by USA TODAY 10Best, ʻAuana offers a one-of-a-kind experience for audiences of all ages, combining jaw-dropping acrobatics with music, hula, comedy and storytelling.

ʻAuana performs exclusively at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, with shows Wednesday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The Keiki Nights offer is available in addition to ʻAuana’s standard kamaʻāina rate of up to 30% off tickets, giving local families even more ways to experience the show. Restrictions apply.

To take advantage of the Keiki Nights offer, guests can book here. Additional offers are available at cirquedusoleil.com/auana. For the latest show updates, follow ʻAuana on Instagram and Facebook.

Read More

808 Craft House

We had dinner at 808 Craft House to watch a friend's daughter perform (they have live music 6-8pm M-Sa). 

Ono Onion Rings

‘Ahi Poke

Korean Fried Chicken Wings

808 Giant Pretzel

*Jordēn’s Fiyah Nachos

BBQ Bacon Smashburger

808 Smashburger

Blackened Chicken Club

Loco Moco

I really liked the Onion Rings, and the Blackened Chicken was juicy and tender, with a nice smokiness.  I wish there were more chips for the Nachos, but all the ingredients were flavorful. 

*Manakoto Mango

Kona Coffee Ice Cream Pie

Flourless Chocolate S’mores Cake

*Partyfoul Menu

The Ice Cream Pie was perfect for a warm day.

Overall we had a nice time - the food and service were both great, and the live music really made the night even more enjoyable.


808 Craft House
92-1047 Olani St Unit 1112
Kapolei, HI 96707

Read More