Mother's Day Specials at Choco le'a

Mother's Day Special Set

Mother's Day is just around the corner and if you are still searching for the perfect gift, Choco le'a has got you covered. Hawaii Mom Blog was delighted to be gifted this Mother's Day Special Set (retail of $76.99) which includes: their NEW Strawberry Matcha Crunch a le'a (exclusive to this set and not sold separately); one Dark Chocolate Covered Animal Crackers; one Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Dark Chocolate Truffle; and one 9 piece of Mom's Favorite Flavors Truffle Box (Hokkaido Yubari Melon, Hojicha, Lychee, Salted Caramel & Almond, Triple Chocolate, Fudge, Orange Creamsicle, Vietnamese Coffee, Lavender).

This gift set is luxurious, decadent, and enough to share with the entire family - although I am setting aside the box of truffles to enjoy slowly. My favorite so far has been the dark chocolate covered animal crackers! As a big fan of dark chocolate, I love this sweet and crunchy treat. 

9pc Mom's Favorite Flavors Truffle Box

NEW Strawberry Matcha Crunch a le'a

Choco le'a is located in Manoa and is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed Sunday & Monday). You can also easily shop online here: https://www.chocolea.com/shop

Thank you Choco le'a! 

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Mother's Day Specials and Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is officially a weekend away and if you haven't gotten the mothers in your life a gift, we've got you covered. Now, I'm a mom of two teenagers and right on top of my list next to breakfast in bed with a handwritten card is the gift of a massage! Luckily, some of my favorite spas are running specials for Mother's Day.

Spa U'ilani is offering a $10 gift voucher with every $100 Gift Card purchase. The gift voucher can be used toward any spa service at the Kaka‘ako location between June 1 through December 31, 2024 to redeem. Some restrictions may apply.  

The Kahala Spa is offering four specially priced packages: Love Your Mother: Massage Package, Sweet Mama: Facial Package, Mommy On The Go, and Mom Take it Slow available for booking until May 31, 2024 (treatment reservation date needs to be in May) and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Reservations are subject to availability.

Heaven on Earth Salon and Day Spa is offering Mother's Day special of 80 minute Massage and 50 minute facial for $195 with option to add on manicure and pedicure. 

If all else fails, there's chocolate and one of our favorite local chocolate shops is offering a Mother's Day bundle. Choco Le'a recommends gifting their 9pc Gemstone Truffle Box ($34.99) or the May Specials Bundle ($64.99) with an assortment of all of their specials!

Finally, something for the whole family that I am sure all moms will love - a family photo! Visit Kapolei Commons this Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th from 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm in front of Regal Theaters at the Photo Bus. The dedicated staff of The Photo Bus will be on hand to assist each party, furry friends included. To participate, bring your own camera or device (phone) for the Photo Bus staff to utilize during the session. 

Have a Happy Mother's Day!

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Local Japanese Favorites from Ige's Lunchwagon and Catering

For Mother's Day, we gave the moms a break from the kitchen by ordering the Japanese Menu Package from Ige's Lunchwagon and Catering in Aiea. The package included: sushi, potato mac salad, namasu, chow mein, shoyu pork, fried chicken, and andagi, all for $185 plus tax. It was intended to feed 10-16. We had 15 people at our party (3 of which were keiki), and we had a lot of leftovers! It was such a great deal and the process is so easy: I called a couple of weeks in advance and paid with credit card over the phone. I arrived at Ige's at my designated pick up time, gave my name to the staff member who came out to greet us, and they loaded the pans into my truck. The food was nicely prepared in foil pans, and covered with both saran wrap and foil to prevent spillage. 

Here's what the spread looked like:

 

No substitutions are allowed, and you have the option of adding additional items such as beef teriyaki ($52), pork nishime ($42), and sweet sour spareribs ($47). We didn't add additional items since we knew the package would be more than enough food for our family.

This Japanese Menu Package is available on a regular basis (must have a minimum of 25 people), along with other packages.  Check out their catering menu for more information. 

Ordering this package and enjoying it at home was much easier and more comfortable for everyone than going to a crowded restaurant. The moms certainly appreciated not having to cook on this Mother's Day!

IGE'S LUNCHWAGON AND CATERING
98-025 HEKAHA STREET (behind Cutter Ford Aiea)
808-486-8728

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Pakahi Baskets

Still thinking about what to get that special "Mom" or teacher in your life? Look no further! Pakahi Baskets will put together an amazing basket of gifts that all moms and teachers out there will love and appreciate! 

Did you realize Teacher Appreciation Week is this week - May 8-12, 2023? This gift basket ($25) is a great way to show your child's teacher just how much you appreciate all that they do! 

The Mother's Day Basket is available in two sizes - medium ($85) and large ($90). You can add flowers for only $30 more!

medium Mother's Day gift basket

The medium basket may include :small pikake candle, mini table diffuse, Manoa Chocolate, Pour-over coffee, and nail polish.

large Mother's Day gift basket

The large Mother's Day gift basket may include: Pikake air freshener, perfume roller, and candle, mini table diffuse, Manoa Chocolate, Pour-Over coffee, mini honey with spoon, single-serve tea bag, nail polish, Manoa Meadery Honey Wine. 

Contents may vary.  Custom baskets can also be designed for your special someone.

If you are interested in ordering a basket, click here and indicate type of basket (Teacher or Mother's Day), size, and if you want a flower add-on, or a custom made basket.

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PAKAHI BASKETS

Personalized gift baskets curated with ALOHA

Instagram: @pakahibaskets

Based in Honolulu, Hawaii

 

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Sneak Peek - Mother's Day Combo and Desserts at Tokoname Sushi Bar & Restaurant

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and I was fortunate to receive an invite to preview Tokoname Sushi Bar & Restaurant's Mother's Day Combo meal, that will only be available on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8, 2022. If you haven't made plans for Mother's Day yet, or even if you already did, you may want to reconsider your plans, as Tokoname in Kailua has an enticing special combo meal that will be offered only on Mother's Day.

Here's what is included in the Mother's Day Combo:

Miso soup & Tsukemono

Sake Steamed Clam Appetizer

Green Salad with Tokoname's famous house miso dressing

Miso Butterfish, Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura,
and you choice of Maguro, Hamachi or Salmon Sashimi

Miso Butterfish

Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura

Shrimp Tempura

Salmon Sashimi

Bubbie's Mochi Ice Cream

At $59.95, this is a fantastic deal. Tokoname uses high quality, fresh sashimi - the salmon melted in my mouth. The tempura was crispy and the batter was not too oily or thick. The Sake Steamed Clams were amazing - the sake-based broth really brought out the brineness of the clams. I could tell the clams were thoroughly cleaned prior to cooking, and the clams were perfectly cooked (overcooked clams is a big no-no!).  This is not on their regular menu, so the clams are a reason in and of itself to visit Tokoname on Mother's Day.  The clams are included in the Mother's Day Combo meal, or it can be ordered ala carte as an appetizer for $15.95. And of course, no meal is complete without dessert, and the Mother's Day combo comes with Bubbie's Mochi Ice Cream! 

In addition to the Mother's Day combo, Tokoname will also be offering the following desserts that you should definitely save room for:

Azuki Dream

Tempura Ice Cream (with green tea or vanilla ice cream)

Strawberry Parfait

Despite being full from the Mother's Day combo, I had a hefty serving of the tempura ice cream and and Strawberry Parfait and I enjoyed them both! There's just something about the combination of ice cream and crunchy textures that makes it hard for me to put my spoon down. 

Although we were here to preview the Mother's Day Combo, we also got to sample some of Tokoname's other offerings, such as the Japanese Hand-Mixed Sodas (non-alcoholic), and the Miso-Glazed Tofu (which is not on the regular menu). 

(L): White Peach       (R): Lychee

Miso-Glazed Tofu

Miso-Glazed Tofu

Tokoname will be open on Mother's Day from 12 noon to 9 pm. Reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant has both inside and outside seating.

For more information on the restaurant and to view their menus, visit their website at: tokonamehawaii.com.
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TOKONAME SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT
442 Uluniu Street
808-262-8656

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Celebrate Mother's Day with Big Island Candies

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. 

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and Big Island Candies has a couple of sweet gift ideas perfect for the occasion!

At the center of the From the Heart Gift Box is a huge Heart-Shaped Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nut Brownie!  I would be excited just to get that brownie (I LOVE Big Island Candies' brownies!), but the box contains so many goodies!

Full contents: 

• 4 Heart-Shaped Macadamia Nut Shortbread
• 2 Pink Sugar Heart-Shaped Macadamia Nut Shortbread
• 1 Heart-Shaped Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nut Brownie
• 2 Macadamia Nut Toffees
• 4 Mika Mints

The entire box is full of confections that would brighten up anyone's day.

The Mother's Day Gift Box is loaded with Big Island Candies favorites, such as brownies, mints, and their very addicting snack mix.  The box also includes their exclusive Heart-Shaped Macadamia Nut Shortbread cookies!  

Full contents:

• 1 box of Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nut Brownies
• 1 bag of Sweet and Salty Snack Mix
• 2 Pink Sugar Heart-Shaped Macadamia Nut Shortbread
• 4 Heart-Shaped Macadamia Nut Shortbread
• 3 Macadamia Nut Toffees
• 1 Macadamia Nut Biscotti with Milk Chocolate Waves
• 1 Chocolate Macadamia Nut Biscotti with Milk Chocolate Waves
• 2 Mika Mints

The Heart-Shaped cookies are just the cutest, and I love that the basket is reusable!

The deadline to order for Mother's Day is May 4, so don't delay!  These gifts are available for a limited time only!

Visit the Big Island Candies website to shop their entire collection!

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Laying Low on Mother's Day Weekend at the Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection

Need an escape?  The hidden Laylow is the perfect choice.

This Mother’s Day weekend my main goal was to relax with my kids.  I didn’t want to make any plans and just play the weekend by ear.  In hindsight, I now realize I just wanted to lay low.  How perfect I chose to do this at the Laylow Waikiki, Oahu’s first Autograph Collection Hotels - part of Marriott International. 

We arrived right about 3pm and check-in was a breeze.  I noticed right away how great the service is at this boutique hotel.  The hotel offers special rates for kama’aina (residents of Hawaii) and the daily destination fee includes a number of amenities including an E Komo Mai Basket, wi-fi access, ukulele lessons on specific days, nightly live entertainment, poolside drinks, shave ice, cruiser bicycles, and more.  

While I was admiring the room décor and checking out the view from our lanai, the kids excitedly spotted the welcome basket filled to the brim with water, chocolates, candies, taro chips, and those iconic Laylow slippers.  My daughter, Lauren, noticed an ukulele and to our delight, played us a tune.  We were officially in vacay mode.  

While Waikiki Beach is only a hop, skip, and a jump away, my two kids prefer the swimming pool and were elated with the Laylow’s pool.  They didn’t even notice that there was no slide because they were totally distracted by the sleek white lounge chairs inside the pool.  While they played, I relaxed on the super comfy oversized cushioned lounges complete with sunshade.  Just thinking about it makes me happy.  

When our tummies began to rumble, we took the cue and headed to our room to shower and get ready for dinner.  The most convenient thing about the Laylow is its location.  It is right smack dab in the middle of Waikiki and fronts the revitalized Kuhio Ave.  For foodies, this means you have Marukame and Matcha Stand Maiko across from you; the amazing donuts from Duke’s Lane to your left; the numerous can’t-go-wrong eateries on your right at the International Market Place; and last but not least, you have access to the Hideout inside the hotel.  

The next morning was Mother’s Day and I thought it would be most relaxing to have breakfast at the Hideout.  It was a busy morning at the restaurant, but the hostess took the time to take a family picture for us and didn’t rush at all.  We took advantage of a late check-out to squeeze in some more swimming pool fun.  When we did check out, we were just in time for the daily complimentary shave ice which was very delicious!  

The kids and I had a super chill time at the Laylow Waikiki and I look forward to relaxing at this boutique hotel again soon.  It was just the worry-free play I needed to recharge and reconnect with my kids.  Best of all, the stay made for a very memorable Mother’s Day!

Up the escalator to fun!

Greeted by a lush seating area.

My kids loved these whimsical swinging seats.

As you exit the elevator, you'll be greeted by this cool directional map.

We loved our room!  Two king sized beds kept us all comfy through the night. 

The welcome basket with our favorites:  Hawaiian Chip Company, Manoa chocolate, and Hi-Chew candies!

The large mirror and bright lighting made getting ready a piece of cake.

The Laylow's toiletries are made exclusively for the hotel by Maak Lab, a Portland based company that limits its ingredients to natural origins from local farms and sustainable sources. 

All the rooms and suites are decorated with the stunning monstera leaf wallpaper that has become instantly recognizable in photos.

Pool time!  Who wouldn't want to lounge on these chairs?

These two cabanas are available on a first come, first serve basis.

The gorgeous pool is open from 7am to 10pm.

The 24 hour fitness center has treadmills, weight machine, free weights, and exercise balls.  I was also impressed that they provided guests with newspaper, fruit, ear buds, and antibacterial wipes. 

The Hideout is the Laylow's signature restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Gorgeous sand pit area overlooking busy Kuhio Avenue.

The Hideout has both indoor and outdoor seating.  The outdoor seating is perfect for those warm and breezy
Hawaiian nights.

One thing I did miss was an in-room coffee maker, but the Hideout Coffee serves Stumptown coffee which made the trip downstairs for caffeine totally worth it.

Set your alarm for 1pm when staying at the Laylow! 
They serve guests the most excellent shave ice - complete with snow cap!

All smiles!

Thank you to the Laylow Waikiki for the media room rate for our stay.  All other charges were paid on my own and all opinions are entirely my own. 

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