Island X Hawaii

We were in Waialua and wanted shave ice, so we went to Island X Hawaii. I love that their shave ice is all natural - no artificial colors or flavorings! 

Waialua Dark Chocolate

Strawberry

Mango Matcha Latte

Island X Hawaii also offers coffees, smoothies, boba drinks, lattes, and more.  

Island X Hawaii
67-106 Kealohanui St

Waialua, HI 96791

Read More

Jerry's Pizza Mill

It's been over a decade since I last went to Jerry's Pizza Mill.  Although the pizza shop is a lot smaller now, they still dish out great food & service. 

In addition to pizzas, they have subs, salads, pastas, and more!

Jalapeno Poppers

Garlic Bread

The Jalapeno Poppers were good, and the Garlic Bread, although it looked plain, was quite garlicky!

Waialua - pepperoni, sausage, ham, mushrooms

Jerry's - pepperoni, pineapple, jalapeno, garlic

Portuguesa - ham, onion, boiled egg, olive

BBQ Chicken - BBQ chicken, onions, cilantro

Although I think a couple of the pizzas could've used a bit more cook time and could have had a bit more char on the crust, they were all tasty.  My favorite was the Waialua.

Service was very friendly and accommodating.  

Jerry's is a great neighborhood pizza spot!

Jerry's Pizza Mill
67-292 Goodale Ave

Waialua, HI 96791

Read More

Mele Mele Bakery

Mele Mele Bakery opened up in the Old Waialua Sugar Mill.  It's a tiny shop in an old silo that I learned about through @cathertinetothfox's IG.

Cinnamon Roll

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin

Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie

Strawberry Matcha

I had the Cookie, which was delish!  It was a fantastic cookie, which was slightly crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside.

The kids loved their baked treats as well, and the Strawberry Matcha provided much needed refreshment. 

There is indoor and outdoor seating, and if someone can further develop the area, I think it can be a very great space for other local businesses and for the community to gather, as it gives Silos Baking Co. at Magnolia vibes. 

Mele Mele Bakery
67-106 Kealohanui St

Waialua, HI 96791

Read More

Waialua Fresh

Waialua Fresh is a convenience store that offers an impressive selection of snacks and drinks.

We stopped in for the first time ever and I was surprised with the variety of treats they offered, including imported international drinks and snacks, local fruits and meats, and even refrigerated foods.  

We picked up some Uncle's Ice Cream Sandwiches since my kids wanted a cool treat, as well as a "Marble Soda."

If you're headed to the beach or a picnic on the North Share, or just want a snack for the drive, be sure to check out Waialua Fresh!

Waialua Fresh
67-071 Nauahi St

Waialua, HI 96791

Read More

Island X Hawaii

It's been a long while since we've been to Island X Hawaii, and on a recent visit, we not only got some sweet treats, but we also got a mini coffee and chocolate factory tour!

Located in the old Waialua sugar mill, Island X Hawaii offers souvenirs and a huge assortment of locally-made products, including Waialua Coffee and Chocolate.  

To get a tour, just ask one of the employees, and they'll take you out back and give you a quick 5-10 minute tour.

We saw cacao and coffee plants, the mill, cacao fermenting boxes, and we even got to taste raw cacao!

We got a brief explanation of the milling process, and after the tour, we got samples of coffee and chocolates.  

You can buy the coffee and chocolates to take home or to send to friends and family (we bought lots of chocolate).  

The kids also indulged in some smoothies and natural shave ice - perfect for a warm day (although every day in Hawai`i is smoothie and shave ice weather!).  

Outside there are a couple of tables under a tent so you can eat your treats.  

Island X Hawaii is a great stop in Waialua.  You may discover something new and neat like we did!

Island X Hawaii
67-106 Kealohanui St

Waialua, HI 96791

Read More

Brew & Foam Coffee - Waialua

We decided to pick up some smoothies and treats at Brew & Foam Coffee in Waialua.

Pitaya Phenom Smoothie

Sticky Jaws Smoothie

The Sticky Jaws Smoothie consisted of blueberry, banana, strawberry, peanut butter, and almond milk.

Acai Blaster Smoothie

The kids loved the smoothies - it was the perfect mid-morning, healthy snack!

In addition to smoothies, they also offer Espresso drinks, sandwiches, and more!

Brew & Foam Coffee
67-292 Goodale Ave #105

Waialua, HI 96791

Read More

Waialua General Store

Despite how many times I've been to Waialua, I've never been to Waialua General Store, and did not think I'd have a reason to go, until I saw @kim_shimonishi_realtor's post several years ago that they served Cascaron - a popular Filipino treat that I grew up eating.

Years passed before I finally made it out there.  

The store specializes in poke and Filipino foods, and they offer a variety of baked goods, but I was there for one thing only...

The Cascaron is a deep fried coconut mochi ball.  It is dense and chewy, and not overly sweet.

At $2 per stick, it is quite a cheap snack!

Waialua General Store
67-272 Goodale Ave

Waialua, HI 96791
(808) 637-3131

Read More

Nine Fine Mynahs Chocolate

If you drive through Waialua, you'll come across a roadside stand selling Nine Fine Mynahs Chocolate.  I finally stopped one day to check it out!

The stand, which is actually run by Hawaiian Queen Bee Honey, offers Nine Fine Mynahs chocolate bars, cacao, tea, and even chocolate perfume!

I bought a bar of their award-winning chocolate (pricey at $15, but I know how much work goes into raising cacao and producing chocolate), and it was smooth and not bitter (I bought a 60% cacao bar). 

It's always fun to stumble upon roadside finds and support local businesses!

Nine Fine Mynahs Chocolate
65-660 Kaukonahua Rd
Waialua, HI 96791

(808) 779-8608

Read More

Paalaa Kai Bakery

A detour and a closed eatery brought us to Paalaa Kai Bakery, where I picked up the must-buy Snow Puffies.

Flaky, buttery pastry stuffed with custard, drizzled with chocolate, and dusted (or drenched) with powdered sugar...the Snow Puffy is served cold (which is they way I like all pastries), and is quite delish!

I also picked up some chocolate sprinkle donuts and chocolate chip mac nut cookies, but the Snow Puffies were the highlight!

Paalaa Kai Bakery
66-1425 Kaukonahua Rd
Waialua, HI 96791
(808) 637-9795

Read More

Gordo's

We recently ordered take-out from Gordo's in Waialua (shares a space with Wicked Hi Cafe).

I had the Wet Chicken Burrito with Red Sauce. The Burrito was huge and stuffed with rice, beans, chicken, and pico de gallo. It was delicious!

Carnitas Plate

3 Asada Tacos with Beans and Rice

The Mexican offerings were quite good. The plates are a little on the pricier side compared to other Mexican restaurants, and most everything is a la carte, but the food is tasty and filling.

Gordo's
66-935 Kaukonahua Rd
Waialua, HI 96791

Read More