Kehau's Kitchen

This year, we celebrated Grandparents Day with a special meal at Kehau’s Kitchen, a local favorite that my sister-in-law has been raving about ever since her first visit. After hearing her glowing reviews for months, I was really looking forward to finally trying it out — and it did not disappoint!

One of the first things I noticed about the menu was that it’s split into two parts: local and Mexican. Such an interesting mix! Everyone in my family gravitated toward the local side of the menu... except me. I went for the burrito bowl.

 I’ve always loved Mexican food, but rarely get to enjoy it since my boys aren't big fans. It hit the spot! 

Here’s what the rest of the family ordered:

• One of my sons chose the smoked meat, which had a nice kick to it — just enough spice to be exciting without overpowering the dish.

  

• Grandpa went with the classic shoyu chicken — tender, savory, and comforting.

  

• My other son ordered the teri beef, and let me tell you, it looked so good. He cleaned his plate, which tells you everything you need to know!

  
  

  

• My sister-in-law stayed loyal to her favorite — the Kamakaze Nachos — which she claims are to-die-for. I finally got to try a bite, and she’s absolutely right.

  
  

  

• My husband went with the two-choice poke plate, and both varieties of poke were incredibly fresh. You could really taste the quality of the fish.

  
  

  

Even though we dined in, all the food came in takeout containers. Honestly, I didn’t mind at all. The portions are generous, so we likely would’ve asked for boxes anyway. This just made it more convenient.

The vibe was casual and friendly. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're eating at someone's house!

Will I be back? Definitely. There are still so many things I want to try — and maybe I’ll even get one of the boys to try a taco next time. 😉

Open 7 days a week!

KEHAU'S KITHCEN

98-150 KAONOHI STREET (WESTRIDGE SHOPPING CENTER)

808-487-2220

 

Read More

Kalo Hawaiian Food by Chai's

I recently attended a media event which began at Kalo Hawaiian Food by Chai's for a reception. 

Chai Style Poke

The Chai Style Poke, which is a signature dish, had Spicy Korean Chili mixed in.  

Beef Stew

The Beef Stew was full of huge chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes. 

Chicken Luau

The chicken in the Chicken Luau was very tender!

Garlic Noodles

The Garlic Noodles were my favorite!  The garlic was not too overpowering.

Pineapple Lobster Curry

The Pineapple Lobster Curry was very filling and full of cauliflower and huge pieces of lobster.

Haupia

There was so much food, that we all ended up having the rest of the dishes packed up to go!  We received a plate of Kalua Pork, Pipikaula, Chicken Long Rice, Lomi Salmon, and Poi.

Check out Kalo for Hawaiian comfort food!

Kalo Hawaiian Food
400 Royal Hawaiian Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 931-6222

Read More

Luau Bombs by Chef Whyweezy

A friend gave me the heads up about a new vendor at the farmers markets that sells Luau Bombs.  I went to their page on Instagram (@chefwhyweezy) and once I saw "Luau Bombs $5 each, corned beef w/onions", I knew I needed to try this!

I found them at Windward Mall's Farmer's Market on a Sunday morning and by the time I got there, they were sold out of everything except the corned beef and onions luau bombs. 

The luau bombs were small in size, but not in taste. They put a very generous amount of corned beef in each bomb, and you can really taste the coconut milk flavor. 

Next time I will need go earlier as their menu changes, and everything on the menu sounds amazing (e.g. butterfish lup chong, taro & sweet potato!!).

Check them out at the Pearlridge Farmer's Market on Saturdays and Windward Mall Farmer's Market on Sundays!
 

Read More

Young's Fish Market x Lanai Collab - Chinese-Style Oxtail Lau Lau

Beginning March 6, you can order Chinese-Style Oxtail Lau Lau at Young's Fish Market (both Kapolei Commons and City Square locations). This special dish is a collaboration between Young's Fish market and Cooking Hawaiian Style's Lanai Tabura.

The 1 pound lau lau is full of tender, flavorful oxtail.  It's enormous!  It's perfect with a side of rice or poi, lomi salmon or mac, and your choice of poke.

I can't wait to see what other Lau Lau creations they will come up with next!

Young's Fish Market

Kapolei Commons

4480 Kapolei Pkwy #600

Kapolei, HI 96707

Read More

Oahu Grill

Oahu Grill in Kaimuki offers up no frills, Hawaiian food based on family recipes handed down through generations.

Lechon Kawali

Garlic Shrimp

Haupia

Lomi Salmon

Tripe Stew

Laulau

Chicken Long Rice

Ho`i`o Salad

You can order items a la carte, or by plates, which include rice or poi, lomi salmon, and haupia.  

Daily local specials (the Garlic Shrimp was a daily special) come with rice and a scoop of potato and crab pasta salad.

I loved the Ho`i`o Salad (which the kind staff gave to me while I waited for the rest of my party to arrive), the Chicken Long Rice, and the Potato and Crab Pasta Salad.

I also enjoyed the Laulau and the Lechon Kawali.

The Garlic Shrimp earned raves - if you're at Oahu Grill on Friday, be sure to order it!

They were out of Smoked Meat, but I was definitely satisfied with our choices.

Service was prompt and friendly.


Oahu Grill
1137 11th Ave. #104
Honolulu, HI 96816

Read More

Kauai Kulolo by Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.

I've lived in Hawaii for 25 years now and I only tried kulolo last month.  I didn't like it.  Then last week, a friend gifted me a brick from her family's company, Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.  I was thankful for her generosity and decided to give kulolo a second chance.  I'm glad I did because it was delicious!  

I've read up a little more about kulolo, a Hawaiian dessert mainly consisting of taro and coconut milk, and like anything else the quality is dependent on the ingredients.  Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. uses taro grown on their 6 generation family farm, W.T. Haraguchi Farm on Kauai.  Find these tasty bricks on Oahu at the various Farmer's Markets.  For a list, click here.   

The next time you are in Kauai, you can check out the family’s nonprofit Ho`opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill & Taro Farm tours!  It is their way to increase awareness of the agricultural history of Hanalei and the current taro farming challenges today.  For over 32 years, they have contributed back to the community by providing free school tours & educational programs to children across the state of Hawai`i and kupuna (elders). These visitor tours help to sustain these educational programs and restoration efforts.

http://www.hanaleitaro.com/

Read More

New Eats: Hale Pops

Kaneohe is slowly transforming into a foodie's paradise thanks to new places that have been opening recently, including a place called Hale Pops. It's located in an old pink building on Kamehameha Highway just down the road from Servco Toyota (on the opposite side of Kam Highway).  

It's one of those places that you wouldn't really think twice about trying if you spotted it from the road. But don't judge a book by its cover, because it turns out that Hale Pops serves some of the best Hawaiian food and gourmet hot dogs on the island!

We ordered take out from them last weekend, and we were impressed with everything: the cleanliness of the restaurant, the friendliness of the staff/owners, the portions, and quality of the food.  

The hubby ordered the Ohana Special, and to his surprise, they threw in both kalua pig and lau lau, even though it's only supposed to come with either-or.  It was a lot of food, and he saved half of it for lunch the next day.

Hale Pops Hawaiian Food

I got the steak and shrimp combo plate, which was an excellent serving of steak with grilled onions and mushrooms.

Steak and Shrimp Combo

One of our friends ordered the pesto dog and ended up sharing half of it with the rest of us because it was GIGANTIC! The hot dog itself is longer and thicker than any hot dog I've ever seen.  It was really tasty and juicy.  I love how they serve it on a french bread roll instead of a regular hot dog roll.

Pesto Dog

The only thing we didn't like about our experience at Hale Pops was that they did not answer their phone when we tried to call in our order ahead of time.  We asked the owner about this and they said that their credit card machine uses the phone line, so between the two, they'd rather run the credit card machine than field phone calls.  I'm not sure what to think about that explanation, but it won't stop me from coming here, because the food and service make up for it.

There is a lot more to Hale Pops - including shave ice, Samurai Soft Serve, poke bowls and sandwiches. We'll definitely be back to try them all!




Hale Pops
45-726 Kamehameha Highway
(808) 235-0643
Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm, Sat - Sun 8am - 6pm

Read More

Lunch At Highway Inn | Kaka'ako

The hubby's best friend was visiting from California, so we were brainstorming for a place that was family-friendly and that served local food.  Highway Inn - Kaka'ako was the answer.

Highway Inn's newest location (one year old) in Kaka'ako is quite different from their original location in Waipahu. It's bigger, more modern in interior design, and thus has a different feel to it. But, the food is just as good.

They are known for traditional Hawaiian fare, but they also have a lot of classic local island favorites.  The hubby ordered the Plantation Mixed Plate which looked really good (I wish he had offered me a taste!).  I opted for something on the healthier side - a grilled Mahi sandwich (I know, the fries are not so healthy).  We ordered a side of fried rice for the boys, which they loved.

We were seated at the picnic tables in the back of the restaurant, which turned out to be a great thing for us, because the boys had space to walk around without getting in the way of everyone, and there was also a flat screen TV which was tuned into the March Madness Semi-final game.  As you can see in the pic below, Daniel was enthralled by the game.

Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich 

Plantation Mixed Plate: Pipi Pulehu, Grilled Chicken Adobo, Panko Crusted Mahi, Kim Chee, Furikake Rice

Side order of Fried Rice

Highway Inn - Kakaako
680 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 954-4955
Website: http://www.myhighwayinn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhighwayinn
Instagram: https://instagram.com/myhighwayinn/?ref=badge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/highwayinn

Read More

Highway Inn Kakaako - the Hawaiian Menu

After reading Gem's review of her breakfast from Highway Inn, I just had to check this place out.  The food looked really good.  But since we came at 5 pm on a Saturday evening, we were not able to order off the breakfast menu, so we ordered Hawaiian food instead.

I wouldn't consider it to be the best Hawaiian food in town, but it's in a good location with a lot of customer parking, and the dining area is spacious and clean.

Sizzling Platter of Pua`a Uahi (smoked local pork) and pipikaula

Hawaiian Style Nachos 

Beef Stew - Ohana size

Lau Lau combo plate

Poi cupcake

Pineapple Upside Down cake

Click HERE for their full menu.

Highway Inn
680 Ala Moana Blvd #105
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-954-4955

Read More