Hawaii Mom Blog

THE LATEST

July 16, 2026

MNO: Upstairs at Pier 38, Thirty-Eight, and Pitch Sports Bar


Sometimes all you need is a night out with good friends, good food, and lots of laughter. That's exactly what we had during our latest moms' night out!

We kicked off the evening at Upstairs at Pier 38, where we enjoyed beautiful harbor views while easing into the night with a few appetizers. We ordered the Angry Ahi Tartare, which, despite its name, wasn't spicy at all. It was fresh, flavorful, and a great dish to share. We also enjoyed the Spanish Octopus and an order of Pommes Frites—both perfect for grazing while catching up after a busy week.







Our second stop was Thirty-Eight, a restaurant my friends had never been to before. I had visited shortly after they first opened, so I was excited to introduce them to it. We shared the Shrimp Toast, Ahi Carpaccio, Braised Short Ribs, and Choy Sum, and every dish was delicious. I was a little disappointed to discover that the Ahi Poke Crackers were no longer on the menu—they were one of my favorites from my first visit.





By the time we wrapped up dinner, it was already after 10 p.m. We had talked about making a late-night stop at Nico's, but they had already closed for the evening. Thankfully, our designated driver was game for one more adventure, so we made an impromptu stop at Pitch Sports Bar. We ended the night with a final round of drinks and an order of crispy tater tots—the perfect late-night snack to cap off the evening.



From waterfront appetizers to a memorable dinner and a fun late-night stop, it was one of those evenings that reminded me how important it is to make time for friends. I already can't wait until our next moms' night out!





Our Moms' Night Out Stops:

• Upstairs at Pier 38 – 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 
• Thirty-Eight – 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Suite B, Honolulu, HI 
• Pitch Sports Bar – 685 Auahi Street, Honolulu, HI 



 

Read More

Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery

I finally made the trek to Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery!

Chocolate Chip with Sea Salt
The Chocolate Chip Sea Salt cookie was yummy!  It was soft and chewy, with huge chunks of chocolate throughout.
Cinnamon Roll

Coconut & Chocolate Chip Mac Nut

BOM Brownies

PB Chunk

Mom's Banana Bread
The banana bread was great.  I liked the addition of the coconut for added sweetness and texture.
The bakery also offers gelato and shakes!
OREO Storm

Nutella Goddess

We all loved the treats we got.  It was totally worth the drive!

Show your local ID for a kamaʻāina discount!

Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy
Kahuku, HI 96731


Read More

July 15, 2026

Visit Anchorage: Kinley's Restaurant

We had a delightful dining experience at Kinley's Restaurant.

Side Caesar

Calamari Steak

Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch

Lemon Ricotta Ravioli

Ahi Tacos

Coconut Crusted Rockfish

Tenderloin Burger

I had the ravioli, and I enjoyed it.  It was made with fresh Alaska pasta, and topped with a basil and sunflower seed pesto, focaccia crumbles, and shaved pecorino-romano.  The dish was well balanced in flavors and textures, and the sauteed veggies were a nice accompaniment.  

I thought it was great that you could order from the bar menu if preferred (one of my kids ordered a burger; another ordered a chicken sandwich).

Service was exceptional!  

Kinley's Restaurant
3230 Seward Hwy
Anchorage, AK 99503



Read More

July 14, 2026

Tadashi


I met @deniset73 at Tadashi in Pearl Kai Center.  It's been decades since I went to Tadashi - it was often a spot I'd go to when I used to work at the airport.

Things have changed, however, since then.  It seems like they are still operating as they did during the pandemic, with tables spaced out very far apart, and a bunch of tables / chairs pushed up against the wall in the back.  You also have 90 minutes to dine.  

Soba, Tsukemono, Miso Soup

We both ordered teishoku, which comes with soba, tsukemono, miso foup, and rice. 
Butterfish Misoyaki

I had the Teriyaki Chicken & Tempura Special Combination Teishoku.

I was very surprised by the huge portion of teriyaki chicken, which also came with a side salad.  The sauce was good, but the chicken was a bit on the tougher side.  The tempura was good, although I thought the batter could've been crisper.

The service was attentive and the food was fine.  There seemed to be lots of regulars dining, and it was nice to see all locals. 

Denise did her research, and read that if you pay by cash, you get a 7% discount, so she had cash handy!

We were done with dinner in less than an hour!

Tadashi
98-199 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701
Read More

July 13, 2026

Mango Mango Dessert Deals on National Mango Day, July 22

To celebrate National Mango Day on Wednesday, July 22, visit Mango Mango to get a Mango Green Tea with Lychee or a Mango Bubble Milk Tea for just $5!

This promotion is valid at both the Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge Center locations.

Read More

Visit Alaska: Reindeer Farm

While in Alaska, we only had one thing on the itinerary (a glacier cruise), and we just went on random explorations on all the other days.


One day we found ourselves close to Palmer, so we went to the Reindeer Farm, where they not only raise reindeer, but also other rescued and adopted animals.
You go on a self-guided tour where there are educational encounters along the way, during which time you can feed some of the animals (moose, reindeer, bison, yaks, alpacas, and highland cattle).


I sure learned a lot about the animals, and feeding them was quite the experience.


On the farm you'll also find a reptile house, a play area for kids, lots of photo ops, and a fun "Who's Your Reindeer" game that my kids could not stop playing!


It was so fun getting up close to the animals, especially ones we rarely see, and feeding them.





It was a great, impromptu stop!


Reindeer Farm
5561 Bodenburg Loop
Palmer, AK 99645
Read More

July 10, 2026

Visit Alaska: Twin Peaks Treats

Just about in the middle of nowhere, you'll find Twin Peaks Treats - a convenience store selling all sorts snacks, food, drinks, and ice cream!

We first passed it by on the way to Eklutna Lake, and on the way out, we decided to stop in, and we are so glad we did.

Mint Chocolate Chip

Colony Caramel Crunch

Coffee Toffee

Huckleberry Cheesecake

They feature Alaskan-made Big Dipper Ice Cream.  I had the Huckleberry Cheesecake, and it was delish, with rich pieces of cheesecake throughout.

Twin Peaks Treats was such a great stop!



Twin Peaks Treats
37501 Eklutna Lake Rd
Chugiak, AK 99567

Read More
The posts published on Hawaii Mom Blog are personal experiences and opinions only. Press releases and other information from business are shared if believed they may be of interest to Hawaii Mom Blog readers. Press releases/information from businesses do not reflect personal opinions. Unless otherwise specified, products are provided by the sponsor free of charge, and no monetary compensation is received. Hawaii Mom Blog assumes no liability for any malfunction, injury, or other loss or damage, whether direct, consequential, or incidental, arising out of services, companies, or products that have been featured, reviewed, given away, advertised, or written about on Hawaii Mom Blog. Click here for the Terms of Use.