Restaurant Kuni

I dined at Restaurant Kuni for the first time since the pandemic began, and it was nice to see not much has changed.

Most of us ordered 2- or 3-item Teishoku, which comes with Miso Soup, Tsukemono, Tossed Green Salad, Rice, and Moyashi.

Miso Soup, Tsukemono, Tossed Green Salad, Rice, Moyashi

Chicken Teri

Sashimi

Beef Teri

Miso Butterfish

Chicken Katsu

Shrimp Tempura

My go-tos are the Chicken Katsu and Chicken Teri.  They have some of the best on the island!  The Chicken Katsu is so juicy, and the Teriyaki glaze is really tasty!

One of my kids got the Nabeyaki Saimin.  It was enormous, and topped with fish, chicken, mushroom, bamboo shoots, watercress, green onion, kamaboko, egg, and shrimp tempura.

Nabeyaki Saimin

Service was prompt and friendly as usual, and if you're lucky, you'll get to see the water "magic trick."

Restaurant Kuni is a family fave!

Restaurant Kuni
94-210 Leokane St

Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 671-7270

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Visit Austin: Earl Campbell's Tacos

Our mid-morning flight out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport meant having to skip our hotel breakfast to arrive early enough (the regular TSA line was the longest line I have ever seen!), so I searched the terminal to grab some breakfast.  Our gate was #1, and after passing numerous coffee shops and stores selling very expensive sandwiches, I found Earl Campbell's Tacos at Gate 19, which serves up reasonably (airport)-priced breakfast tacos.

Egg & Cheese with Brisket

Egg & Cheese with Bacon

They were simple, yet satisfying, and perfect for on-the-go.  They definitely beat pastries or exorbitantly-priced sandwiches.  

Earl Campbell's Tacos
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Gate 19, Austin, TX 78719

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Visit Austin: P. Terry's Burger Stand

Another burger chain we saw all over Texas was P. Terry's Burger Stand.  Several locations around Texas are drive-thru only, as was the one we visited at Round Rock.

The menu is straightforward - with a variety of burger options, as well as chicken and veggie burgers.  They use 100% all natural black angus beef and chicken, and the prices are very reasonable!

I had a Crispy Chicken Burger, which comes with Swiss, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.  I added bacon as well.  

It was really good, and you could tell it was not a pre-frozen chicken patty.   The rest of the family enjoyed their burgers.

We rounded out the meal with shakes and fries for a satisfying dinner!

P.Terry's Burger Stand

2001 N Interstate Hwy 35

Round Rock, TX 78664

(512) 351-8553

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Hokulea at Four Seasons Resort O`ahu at Ko Olina

For quick and easy eats and drinks to-go while at the Four Seasons Resort O`ahu at Ko Olina, make a stop at Hokulea.

They offer coffees, fruit, cookies, pastries, yoguts, salads, sandwiches, and even charcuterie!

Since we had a $50 resort credit for a Kama`aina stay, we decided to pickup a bunch of snacks and drinks. 

We got some milks, chocolate muffins, and malasadas!  The baked goods are really delish, and perfect for when you want a sweet bite.

Visit Hokulea for all your grab-and-go, quick bite needs!

Hokulea
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St
Kapolei, HI 96707

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The Beach Bus

While walking around the Kahuku Sugar Mill for something to eat, my youngest son and I stumbled upon a sign for waffles on a stick from The Beach Bus, so we decided to order food from there. 

They offer several different types of waffles on a stick.  Each of my kids decided on getting OREO Waffle Sticks.

OREO Waffle Sticks

They loved them!

Deep Fried Cheesecake

The Deep Fried Cheesecake on the menu (which, curiously, had no prices at all) caught my eye.  It was quite a sinful treat, drizzled with chocolate.

In addition to the sweets, we ordered: 

Nacho Cheese Fries

Keiki Pizza

Bus Burger Combo

I highly recommend ONLY sticking to the waffles.  The fries, burger, and pizza were all the kinds of foods you can buy at a store and make (heat in the microwave) yourself.  And the fact that there were no prices on the menu was very questionable (all of the above cost me $59 total).

I wanted to support local, but I left feeling disappointed.  

If you decide to visit The Beach Bus, stick with the sweets and skip the savories. 

The Beach Bus
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy

Kahuku, HI 96731

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Li`ili`i Donuts

I first heard about Li`ili`i Donuts when Nat posted about it almost two years ago, and when I spotted them at the Mililani Farmers Market for the first time, I immediately went in line.

These mini donuts are gluten-free and vegan, and are made fresh to order, so you may have to wait a while, but they are worth the wait!

My box contained Chocolate Sprinkle, Sugar N Spice, Nutella, Berry Li Hing, and Ube.  My kids ate up all the donuts except one before I could try any (of course they went for the Chocolate Sprinkle first), and the only one left was the Sugar N Spice (the sugary coating sure was yummy!).   

I love that they are not deep-fried, and they are sweet enough to satisfy any sweet tooth!  Next time I hope to try more flavors!

Follow them on Instagram @liiliidonuts or check out their website at https://www.liiliidonuts.com/ to find out where they'll be!

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Dinner at Halekulani's Redesigned House Without A Key

My in-laws are big fans of House Without A Key so I am always kept up to date on the latest happenings of their favorite restaurant at the Halekulani.  I learned from them that the restaurant had reopened for lunch last month after being completely transformed with a new shaded outdoor bar and viewing kitchen.  The seating in front of the Halekulani's historic Kiawe tree has been updated with comfortable and contemporary furnishings so you can enjoy the nightly live entertainment while taking in the sweeping ocean views and Diamond Head.  

Nightly from 5pm to 8:30pm, you can enjoy dinner and sunset cocktails with live Hawaiian music and the dancing of former Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii-USA winners from 5:30pm.  It's an especially great place to share with out-of-town guests as House Without A Key is one of Waikiki's most iconic restaurants.  When you do visit, make sure to order House Without A Key's signature mai tai.

Mai Tai

I had dinner with Halekulani and Halepuna Waikiki's wonderful PR Manager, Bonnie, and she shared with me some of the highlights of the dinner menu by House Without A Key's Chef de Cuisine, Jarrin Otake.  Ingredients used at the restaurant are sourced from across the Hawaiian islands.  We started with two of Halekulani's classic cocktails - the signature Mai Tai and the Hale Passion, a nice concoction of rum, passion fruit, almond, coconut, and light cream. Drinking this feels like vacation.  For appetizers, we had the Kapakahi Fries, Shoyu Ahi Poke, and the Edamame Hummus Dip.  The fries are especially addicting!

Kapakahi Fries

Shoyu Ahi Poke

Edamame Hummus Dip

For our meal, we had to try the House Without A Key Laulau.  The laulau dish is 5 oz. braised pork and 3 oz. misoyaki butterfish served on a bed of coconut stewed luau leaves, topped with a crispy pork rind and pickled onions, and served with lomi tomato and a side of fresh poi from Kako'o Oiwi farm.  We also shared the furikake and bubu arare crusted monchong that was on special.  I really enjoyed the monchong, but the laulau was so interesting and full of complementing flavors.  It's a very colorful dish and a treat for one's palate.  We ended the night with the very yummy Lilikoi Key Lime Cheesecake and I took home a slice of Halekulani's famous Coconut cake for my kids because I'd be in serious trouble if I didn't.

House Without A Key Laulau

Evening Special: Monchong

Lilikoi Key Lime Cheesecake

It was such a nice evening to be outside enjoying good food, drink and company while other guests were also enjoying their meals and the live entertainment.  It's no wonder this restaurant is such a favorite of many locals and visitors alike.  

House Without A Key

Halekulani Hotel

2199 Kalia Road

Honolulu, HI 96815

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`Alohi HydraFacial at Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre at the Four Seasons Resort O`ahu at Ko Olina

The last time I went to a spa was right before the pandemic started. I loved getting facials and having my skin pampered.  In fact, one of the last experiences I had was at Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre at the Four Seasons Resort O`ahu at Ko Olina.

But with the concerns over the pandemic, I refrained from spa visits, until my recent stay at the Four Seasons Resort O`ahu at Ko Olina.

I was offered a hosted `Aloha HydraFacial, and without hesitation I said yes.  

Although my concerns about the pandemic haven't subsided, I knew from my previous stay at the resort last year that they take customer health and safety very seriously.  And I definitely needed some pampering, as the constant commuting and late nights were taking a visible toll on my skin.

After completing a digital intake form and being offered some kombucha or water, I was escorted into the spa, where I could take advantage of the whirlpool, steam room, or sauna, or simply relax in the waiting areas after changing into a robe and slippers. 

The `Aloha HydraFacial (to shine brightly) is a procedure that helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.  

Throughout the 50-minute session, my face was cleaned, massaged, and pampered.  The HydraFacial tool helped to suction out impurities to help my skin absorb serums (the humming of the machine along with the soothing music makes it easy to doze off!).  

Through cleansing, exfoliating, and the application of serums, as well as LED light therapy (red light therapy was used on my face to help with anti-aging), I was left with noticeably glowing and smooth skin.

On top of that, I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated.  Having 50 minutes to myself was already amazing, but to have someone pamper me was pure bliss!

My therapist, Christine, was excellent.  She had such a soothing touch and voice, and I could feel myself dozing off several times.  Whenever she was about to apply something cool or tingly to my face, she would be sure to let me know so I wouldn't be shocked by the sensation.  Whether it was glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid, a warm towel or the suction tool, Christine made the entire experience so pleasant.   

There were times when my body jerked because the use of the HydraFacial tool made me ticklish on one side, and she even asked if there was anything she could do to help.

The session also included a foot compress, lymphatic drainage, and arm massage.

At the end of the session, Christine made some recommendations for my skin concerns, and I left the spa feeling so relaxed!

I went home and made sure to drink lots of water to help my body release any toxins.  I seriously think the lymphatic massage resulted in the release of a lot of toxins, as I became extremely tired and went to sleep early that night, and the next morning I felt like a brand new person.  

Any concerns I had about going to a spa during a pandemic disappeared as soon as I started my session.  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm somewhat of a germaphobe (I was one of the few guests masked during my visit), so the fact that Christine was double-masked and the spa practiced numerous procedures to help keep guests as safe as possible really made me at ease.  I couldn't believe I waited so long to return to a spa, but I'm so glad I did, and I look forward to returning to Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre soon!

Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St
Kapolei, HI 96707

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Noe at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Disclosure: Our meal was hosted; gratuity was paid on my own.  

One of my favorite restaurants on the island is Noe at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

Michelin-starred Chef Ryo crafts amazing handmade pastas, giving guests a taste of "Capri-by-way-of-Oahu" in a very pretty outdoor setting.

Burrata

Drizzled with olive oil, topped with Ho Farms tomatoes and torn basil, and sitting in a pool of chilled tomato consomme - the Burrata is one of my faves.  The consomme offered a nice, bright acidic flavor to the dish.

Whipped Ricotta

The Whipped Ricotta was so light, and when combined with the truffle honey atop the housemade foccacia, it was heavenly.  The sweet and salty flavors were so delightful!

Seared Squid

The Seared Squid was accompanied by zucchini squash, bread crumbs, lemon confit, pesto, and a drizzle of olive oil.  

Filet Mignon

A balsamic-pepper sauce dressed the Filet Mignon, which my oldest son devoured.   

Veal Milanese

The Veal Milanese was one of several dishes recommended by our server.  My husband loved it!

Chef's Special Daily Pasta

A warm and savory chicken broth was poured into the bowl of the Chef's Special Daily Pasta, which my middle son ordered.   He slurped every last drop!

My go-to is the Noe Signature Tagliatelle.  You just can't go wrong with the ribbons of pasta, truffles, mushroom, and Parmigiano Reggiano.  All the components combined really up the umami!

A keiki menu is available, and my youngest son ordered a Hawaiian Pizza.

Keiki menus come with a dessert - Chocolate Budino or a Cannoli.

Cannoli

For dessert, I was presented this beautiful tray of sweets!

On this dessert board was Matcha Stracciatella, Liliko`i Semifreddo, S'mores Cake, and Lemon Crostata.

There was truly something for everyone, whether you prefer sweet or tart, chocolaty or fruity (my fave was the S'mores Cake, because I just love chocolate!).

Even though I'm not a huge matcha fan, I actually enjoyed the Matcha Stracciatella.  The raspberries and yuzu sable offered very pleasant contrasting flavors.  

Service was good, although I thought at times sparse, but our server was very friendly, and our family had a really nice dinner.

Noe, in my opinion, truly is one of the best Italian restaurants on the island, and the ambience is simply stunning.  

It's worth the trek even if you're not staying at the resort!

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

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