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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Roy's Ko Olina

Roy's Ko Olina is a fave of mine.  We’ve always had outstanding service there, and a recent visit only exemplified the service level there.

When our food arrived, everyone’s dishes were placed in front of them except for mine — I was given a salad, which I didn’t order. Turns out, the chicken sandwich I ordered was taking longer than expected, so they gave me a salad to eat while I waited for it.

Most other places would have just apologized for the wait — and that would've been totally fine with me, because keeping guests informed is key IMO, but the Roy's team took it a step further, and I really appreciated that gesture.

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Big Island Burger

Ko Olina Club Sandwich

Ko Olina Dragon Maki

Chinatown Chicken Spring Rolls

Island Fish & Chips

And we were doubly surprised at dessert! We ordered two desserts, and were given a third complimentary. Then when the bill came, our server said they took care of all the desserts!

The Chocolate Soufflé

Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet

Banana Bread Latte Crème Brûlée

I never found out why, but I do know that I can always count on Roy’s Ko Olina for great food and service!

Roy's Ko Olina 

92-1220 Ali'inui Drive

Kapolei, HI 96707

(808) 676-7697

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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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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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Sushi Izakaya Gaku

It was my first time at Sushi Izakaya Gaku, and we had a feast! I didn't realize we ordered so much — the food kept coming! I had so many faves — the croquettes, karaage, kakuni, shumai, tofu . . . and the cheesecake was amazing!

Two of the three of us don't eat a lot of raw fish, but we all enjoyed the Torotaku.

Yudetate Irodori Onyasai

Tofu & Mochi Agedashi

Homemade Shumai

Chawanmushi

Yuzu Daikon Hakusai

New Zealand Spinach & Shimeji Mushroom Ohitashi

Dashimaki Tamago

Torotaku

Tori Karaage

Jaga Butter Mentaiko

Gaku's T.N.T.

Seared Braised Pork Belly Kakuni

Creamy Crab & Pumpkin Croquettes

Yuzu Cheesecake & Vanilla Ice Cream

Warabi Mochi & Matcha Ice Cream

Sushi Izakaya Gaku
1329 S King St

Honolulu, HI 96814

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