Via Gelato

After dining at Marujuu, Nat and I walked over to Via Gelato for dessert. 

Mango Sticky Rice + Almond Cookie

Fierce Chocolate + Cookies & Cream

I got my usual - Fierce Chocolate + Cookies & Cream. 

The gelato was rich and dense, and just so good.  Via Gelato never disappoints! 

Via Gelato
1142 12th Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816 
(808) 732-2800 

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Haleiwa Beach House

The last time I went to Haleiwa Beach House was in 2019, and I commented that the service was painfully slow, and it would be a while before I returned again. 

Well, I finally returned, and can happily say that service was so much better this time around. 

Although the menu hasn't changed much over the decade it's been open, I like that my faves are still on the menu - the Kālua Pork Grilled Cheese and Beach House Fries.

Kālua Pork Grilled Cheese + a side of Beach House Fries

It's comfort food, but elevated. 

Beach House Loco Moco

Prices are on the higher side, but you do get a nice view of the ocean.

Haleiwa Beach House
62-540 Kamehameha Highway
Haleiwa, HI 96712

(808) 637-3435

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Coco's Cravings

I was excited that @cocoscravings808 recently popped up nearby so I could once again enjoy Cocobonz!

I was never really a fan of cinnamon rolls until Nat gave me a box of Cocobonz a few years ago.

They are made with milk bread dough, so they are very light and fluffy. A cinnamon + brown sugar + butter mixture is incorporated throughout, with a butter cream cheese whip for that indulgent finish.

Follow @cocoscravings808 on Instagram for her daily auctions and to find out where she'll be popping up!

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Mad Pie

Madly Craving Pizza: Our First Visit to Mad Pie

It was Labor Day Monday, and my husband had a mad craving for pizza. The pizza place he really wanted to go to was closed on Mondays. So I did what I usually do when we need a Plan B—I started searching Yelp.

That’s how I came across Mad Pie in Kakaʻako. I had never been before, but the pictures looked good, so we decided to give it a try.

As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by a display of pizzas and cannolis. And let me tell you, everything looked GOOD. 

It definitely got us excited to see what we were going to order.

The boys immediately knew what they wanted—cheese pizza, of course. My husband went with the Spinach Garlic Tomato slice, and I ordered the Fungo, which came highly recommended.  We also decided to get a Caesar salad to share.

The salad came out first, which was nice to snack on while we waited for our pizza slices to come out of the oven. The only thing I would change next time is asking for the dressing on the side. It was a little heavy on the dressing for my taste.

Then the pizza arrived and we dove right in. The crust is made with sourdough, and it was exactly how I like my pizza crust: thin and crispy. The Fungo was delicious, and my husband was very happy with his choice too.

Even the boys, who are pretty predictable when it comes to pizza, loved their cheese slices. And apparently, they loved my crust too because they kept asking for pieces of it! 

For dessert, I had my eye on the cannoli. I wanted to try the plain vanilla, so we ordered one to share. Well, the boys took one look in the box and decided they both wanted it, so they split it right down the middle and loved it.

They were nice enough to let me have a small bite so I could taste it—and yep, delish! I may have to get my own next time. 

I'm really glad we ended up trying Mad Pie.  Would definitely recommend and would absolutely go back!

MAD PIE

516 KEAWE STREET

 

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Asahi Grill - Ward

The last time I went to Asahi Grill at Ward was 14 years ago for pre-concert eats.

Chicken Cutlet

I ordered the same thing I did on that visit - Chicken Cutlet, but I failed to upgrade to Fried Rice like I did last time.

Adobo Fried Rice

Mahi + Chicken Katsu Combo

Mochiko Chicken

The food was as good as I remember it to be, and the prices are still pretty reasonable.

Asahi Grill
515 Ward Ave # A

Honolulu, HI 96814

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Donut King - Market City Shopping Center

We made an impromptu stop at Donut King in the Market City Shopping Center.   

It was my first time at any Donut King (locations also at @kailuatownhi, @kaneohebaycenter, and Waikiki), so not sure if this is typical, but when opened the box, I saw there were a couple of donut holes thrown in.

If you know me, you know I'm not a huge donut fan, but I tried the Croissant Donut, and really liked it! I would definitely order that again.

Chocolate Sprinkle Cake Donut

Toasted Coconut Ube Donut

Croissant Donut

Maple Bacon Donut

Donut King
2919 Kapiolani Blvd

Ste 201A, Honolulu, HI 96826

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Koko Head Cafe

Brunch Koko Head Cafe is always a great idea.

 
I have so many faves there, and one of them is the Chicky & Eggs. The tempura-fried chicken is complemented by silky French-style scrambled eggs, and the maple Tabasco gives a nice sweet, spicy, and acidic kick that pulls everything together.

Of course we had to get dumplings, and the Garlic Butter Shrimp Dumplings did not disappoint.

The Local Breakfast Plate allows you to choose from a number of options, like Egg Whites, Bacon, a Side Salad, and The Best Hash Brown Ever, which I got to try (I've had my share of hash browns, and it really was the best I've ever tried).

We had a nice brunch, and service was great!

Koko Head Cafe

1120 12th Ave #100

Honolulu, HI 96816

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Moonga Asian Bistro

With the boys away at camp, we finally had a chance for a little date night! Moonga Asian Bistro in Kaneohe has been on our radar for a while, so we figured it was the perfect opportunity to finally give it a try.

Moonga is a relatively new addition to the Windward side, having opened in 2024. It's an Asian bistro with a menu that covers a LOT of ground—Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes, along with sushi, sashimi and vegetarian options.

We decided to keep things simple and ordered the Pad Thai, Tempura Appetizer and Chirashi. For dessert, we couldn't resist trying the Tempura Ice Cream.

The food was not bad, and I think the biggest appeal of Moonga is the variety. If you're dining with someone who wants Thai while you're craving sushi—or you're with a group where everyone has a different preference—there are plenty of options to choose from.

I also really liked the atmosphere. It's comfortable and relaxed, making it a nice spot for a casual dinner or date night.

I wouldn't consider this a destination restaurant. But if you're in Kaneohe and looking for a comfortable restaurant with a huge variety of Asian dishes, check out Moonga.

 MOONGA ASIAN BISTRO

46-018 KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY

KANEOHE

808-367-0697

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Seven Brothers - Kahuku Sugar Mill

We've gone to Seven Brothers in Haleiwa and Laie multiple times, but for the first time, we went to the Kahuku Sugar Mill location.

Since I don't eat burgers, I got my usual Keiki Grilled Cheese (which comes with fries).

Keiki Grilled Cheese

I always have to get the Crazy Fries, which are topped with caramelized onions, cheese, and their house sauce.  

Crazy Fries

Seth's Seven Brothers Cheeseburger

Seek's Deep Blue

The Seek's was topped with bacon, Swiss, bleu cheese, ranch, BBQ sauce, and house sauce.  

Shem

The Shem consisted of guac, bacon, American cheese, and the house sauce.  

The fam loves the burgers.  

Service was amazing!

Seven Brothers Kahuku Sugar Mill
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy

Kahuku, HI 96731

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Fun Station

We were near Market City Shopping Center, so we decided to get take-out at Fun Station (known for their Flying Noodles).

We get didn't Flying Noodles, but everything we did get was delish — my fave was the Mapo Tofu Chow Fun!

Mapo Tofu Chow Fun

It was just loaded with tofu. 

Fried Gyoza*

The Gyoza was perfectly crispy!

Broccoli Beef*

The beef was really tender, and everything was seasoned well. 

Beef Brisket Tendon Mixed Noodle

In fact, all the dishes were seasoned well.  We all kept going for seconds. 

Signature Fried Rice

Fun Station turned out to be a great impromptu spot for take-out!

Pork Belly & Minced Pork Rice

Fun Station
2919 Kapiolani Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96826

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