Hilton Hawaiian Village Celebrates the Return of Friday Night Fireworks with Kama'aina Package!

This past Friday, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort relaunched their weekly Friday Night Fireworks and Hawaii Mom Blog was invited to celebrate!  Did you know the Friday Night Fireworks show has been a tradition since 1988?  That's 34 years it’s been a Waikiki tradition that locals and visitors alike have loved. 

To celebrate the return of the Friday Night Fireworks and the start of summer, Hawaii residents are invited to take advantage of Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Kama'aina Package:

• Rates starting at $219 per night, plus tax (two-night stay minimum required on Fridays)

• Complimentary self-parking for one car ($57 per night value) 

• Complimentary resort charge ($50 per night value) 

• 20 percent off the Adventure Sail on the Spirit of Aloha Catamaran 

• Discounts at Mandara Spa 

• Kamaaina discounts at select restaurants  

• To book, visit: www.HiltonHawaiianVillage.com/Kamaaina

Our ohana stayed in one of the oceanfront corner rooms and connecting room in the Rainbow Tower and had an exceptional view of the fireworks!  We noticed other families like us enjoying their dinner on the lanai and watching the beautiful sunset in anticipation of the 8 o’clock firework show.  And what an amazing show it was!  It was a fantastic way to start off the weekend.

Oceanfront corner room

Connecting room with 2 double beds

Enjoying the sunset

An unforgettable view!

Over the weekend we enjoyed dining at Tropics Bar and Grill and Bali Oceanfront.  Both restaurants have newly updated menus.  Guests can enjoy live performances at Tapa Bar and Tropics Bar & Grill throughout the week.  There’s so much to do on property with five pools, ranging from the 10,000-square-foot Super Pool to the Paradise Pool with one of the only waterslides in Waikiki; the five-acre salt water Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon; and the beach that is just steps away! It's never a dull moment as the resort features more than 80 shops and services, and 18 restaurants, lounges and bars.

Poke Bowl from Tropics Bar and Grill

Street Avo Toast served all day at the Tropics Bar and Grill 

Pork Belly Benedict from Bali Oceanfront

Pretty outside seating at Bali Oceanfront

SUP, kayak, and pedal boats available for rental at the lagoon.  Ask for the 10% kama'aina discount!

Bird's eye view from the room!

Thank you to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort for hosting our stay. We had the perfect weekend and enjoyed our super fun staycation. We look forward to enjoying the weekly Friday Night Fireworks all summer!

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Aloha Bowls and Tea at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

The last time we staycationed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, we walked across Ala Moana Blvd to pick up some acai bowls. This time, we didn't have to leave the resort! Located near the Diamond tower and Tapa pool is Aloha Bowls and Tea!

With roots in Maui, this local small business serves up acai bowls, smoothies, and poke bowls.  They source local ingredients when available and use fresh sashimi grade ahi for their poke bowls. The fruit smoothies are made with real fruit and all drinks and bowls are made to order for optimum quality.

For breakfast, my son and I ordered acai bowls. I had the Original Aloha and he had the Hawaiian Sun Rise.  The bowls come in two sizes: regular and large.  The original Aloha comes with organic acai, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, organic honey, and organic granola.  The Hawaiian Sun Rise comes with organic acai, strawberries, big island papaya, mango sorbet and puree, organic honey, and organic granola.  The bowls were delicious!  We also picked up a strawberry blueberry smoothie for my daughter and she enjoyed it as well.  

Aloha Bowls and Tea is a great addition to the food options at the Hilton Hawaiian Village!      

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Family-Friendly Dining at Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant

Late last year I attended a media preview of Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant at Hilton Hawaiian Village, and I couldn't wait to return with my family.

Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant is known for the entertaining open-grill cooking by skilled chefs, resulting in a very memorable meal.

Lunchtime specials are served with soup or salad, and a choice of a shrimp appetizer or 3 pieces of California roll.  Grilled vegetables and steamed rice are also included (or upgrade to fried rice for an additional charge).

Salad

Soup

California Roll

You can opt for a variety of proteins for lunch (prices vary for each) - chicken, teriyaki chicken, New York steak, shrimp, yakiniku steak, filet mignon, or a combo of three items (choose from beef julienne, shrimp, scallop, chicken, yakisoba).

Teriyaki Chicken Breast

New York Cut Steak

I opted for the Teriyaki Chicken Breast, which is made with Rocky's own teriyaki sauce.

It was so delicious!  That teriyaki sauce was just so tasty, and the chicken was nice and tender.

I could not finish it all, and I ended up taking quite a bit of leftovers home.

The Panda for Kids Keiki's Choice Lunch meals are just $9.50 and include quite a bit of food - vegetable fried rice, sausage, and two mini hamburger patties, as well as ice cream!

For an additional cost, your child can also opt to add chicken, julienne steak, or shrimp.

The chef even makes a cute face with all of the food!

Sherbet

Cookies and Cream

Mint Chocolate Chip

We also tried the Loco Moco Ramen.  This twist on traditional Loco Moco uses noodles instead of rice.  We all enjoyed this fun dish.  The hamburger patty was juicy, and combined with the noodles and broth, it was a very comforting dish.  I did, however, miss the gravy!

Loco Moco Ramen

Of course, the lunchtime entertainment was a highlight. We were all quite impressed as the chef juggled utensils, made an onion volcano, cracked eggs in mid-air, and worked his magic with his knife.

The kids had a lot of fun watching the chef cook right in front of them.

Service was prompt and friendly at Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant, and we left full and happy.

Speaking of happy, Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant has a great daily Happy Hour 5pm-6:30pm, with sushi and pupu specials, including 50% off all drinks!

Kama`aina receive 10% off with ID, and guests receive 4 hours free validated parking!

Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant is a great place to take the family for lunch or dinner - great food, great service, and great entertainment!

Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 955-5955

Mahalo to the sponsor for hosting our meal. Gratuity was paid on our own.

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Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant

I recently attended an event at Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant, a new concept by the late Rocky Aoki, founder of Benihana.

At this new eatery, you will still find "eatertainment," as chefs put on a show while cooking traditional teppanyaki cuisine.

Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant also offers hamburgers, burritos, sushi, steak, fish and chicken, as well as vegan options, a keiki menu, and craft cocktails.

Teppan Sushi - Salmon, Tuna, Seafood, Beef

Okonomiyaki

Veggie Burrito

Ninjatini

S'mores Cocktail

Keiko Aoki, CEO of Benihana

From now through December 9, the first 50 guests each day get 50% off dinner! Simply show this flyer.

Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant
2005 Kalia Rd
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 955-5955

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Honolulu BBQ Festival at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

On Saturday the Honolulu BBQ Festival took place at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

I was invited to this fun event full of great food and drink, as well as live entertainment from John Akapo, Kalsey Kulyk, Lightnin' Larry Dupio, and Anuhea.

John Akapo

Kalsey Kulyk

The entertainment was awesome.  I loved that several local artists were featured, but I also really enjoyed Canadian-born Kalsey Kulyk (I'm now a new fan!).

POG Tai

Of course, the food was fantastic as well.  So many delicious BBQ dishes and Southern specialties were offered!

Seared Smoked Pork Belly

Southern Style Potato Salad

Smoky Chicken Breast

Brisket

St. Louis Cut Pork Spare Ribs

BBQ Pulled Pork Mac N' Cheese

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Smoky Pork Belly Collards

Kiawe Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder

Kohana Rum Sweet Potato Casserole

Everything was tasty, but my faves were the brisket and pork belly.  I was so full from all of the BBQ, but of course I just had to have dessert...

Blueberry Pie

Sweet Peach Pie

Banana Cream Pie

It was a fun evening of great food and music!  I'm already looking forward to next year's event!

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