Big Island Candies' New Autumn-Inspired Shortbread

Photo courtesy Big Island Candies

Hawai`i-based confectioner Big Island Candies is launching two new, autumn-inspired creations: the Apple Shortbread and the White Dipped Caramel Apple Shortbread. Both will be introduced on Friday, September 4. The cookies will be packaged together as a limited-edition 19-piece combo until the end of December, or while supplies last. These apple-inspired confections will debut ahead of Big Island Candies’ other holiday favorites, offering an early taste of the season.

The new Apple Shortbread delivers a distinctly fall flavor, balancing sweet and tart apple notes, complemented by a whisper of cinnamon. The caramel white dipped version augments the fruit flavor of the cookie with gooey, creamy textures. The 9-ounce Apple Shortbread Assorted Combo will feature ten Apple Shortbreads and nine White Dipped Caramel Apple Shortbreads. The combo box retails for $24.25 at the Ala Moana Center store and $23.00 online, via mail order, and at the Hilo Flagship Store and Factory.

“There’s something about this time of the year when apple, caramel, even something deliciously creamy, just go well together,” says Sherrie Holi, President and Chief Operating Officer at Big Island Candies. “As our customers look ahead to spending time together with family and friends, we hope these flavors will add even more comfort and joy to the season.”

Big Island Candies operates two retail locations in Hawai`i: its Hilo Flagship Store and Factory at 585 Hinano Street, and its Honolulu store on the street level of Ala Moana Center at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., near the Center Court. For store hours, please call the Hilo flagship store and factory at (808) 935-8890 or the Ala Moana store at (808) 946-9213. To get the latest updates on Big Island Candies, follow @bigislandcandies on Instagram and Facebook or visit the website at www.bigislandcandies.com.

Read More

UH Travel Industry Management Alumni Association Celebrates 60 Years with TIM Night Revival at Oahu Country Club August 28

The University of Hawaiʻi Travel Industry Management (TIM) Alumni Association will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the TIM School with a special edition revival of TIM Night on August 28, celebrating the program’s legacy of leadership and excellence in hospitality education.

The date was intentionally selected to honor the birthday of the late Dean Chuck Gee, whose visionary leadership helped shape the TIM program. This milestone celebration will take place at Oʻahu Country Club — the original site of the inaugural TIM Night in 1971 — bringing the event full circle for alumni and industry supporters.

 

First established in 1971, TIM Night became the school’s signature student-produced event, offering hands-on experience in planning and executing a large-scale hospitality production attended by industry leaders. For nearly four decades, it served as a “living classroom,” blending academic learning with real-world application and helping launch countless careers in Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry.

 

The 60th anniversary celebration will reunite alumni, hospitality professionals, and community partners for an evening of nostalgia, connection, and celebration. Entertainment will feature a distinguished lineup of TIM alumni and invited guests, including:

 

• Candes Meijide Gentry (UH ’98) - 1999 Miss Hawaiʻi, serving as emcee
• Pastor Joe Pluta (UH ‘74) - invocation

 

Honoring the tradition of TIM Night, guests will be seated at themed tables (eight per table) inspired by past productions, with the option to dress according to theme or in formal attire. This immersive format celebrates the creativity and cultural storytelling that defined TIM Night for generations of students.

 

“TIM Night represents one of the most impactful learning experiences in the program’s history,” said Lee-Ann Choy (UH ’88), UH TIM Alumni Association President. “As we celebrate 60 years, we are proud to honor the traditions, people, and partnerships that continue to shape Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry.”

 

Tickets are priced at $100 per person, with a portion of proceeds supporting the refurbishment of the Gee Technology Center.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:  https://www.eventleaf.com/e/60TIMNIGHT2026.

 

The event is organized by the TIM Alumni Association (TIM International Inc.), a 501(c)(7) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening alumni connections and advancing the legacy of the TIM program. 

Read More

NEWLY OPENED HONOLULU COLLECTION CAPTURES THE VIBRANCE OF WAIKĪKĪ VIA ART-INSPIRED MERCHANDISE

Photo courtesy Honolulu Collection

Collections of Waikīkī is proud to welcome Honolulu Collection, a new boutique concept that opened in Sheraton Waikīkī on July 26. Located in the space formerly occupied by Just Fun Socks, the store offers exclusive and thoughtfully designed men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel and accessories that encapsulate the nostalgic spirit of Waikīkī.

The curated merchandise includes T-shirts, shorts, caps, dresses, tote bags, and other gift items, customized to express Hawaiʻi’s unique sense of place. The global brands that make for stylish mementos or gifts for loved ones back home include high-quality, comfortable clothing for babies and toddlers by Earth Nymph, and artistically-driven, vintage-inspired T-shirts, caps, and gift items from Pacific Creation. Just Fun Socks also leaves its legacy in the store via a section offering novelty and whimsical theme-based socks to embellish any wardrobe.

“We wanted to create a store that feels like a true extension of Waikīkī — a place where families can find something special to remember their stay,” shares Bryce McKernan, Co-Founder of Honolulu Collection. “From infants to adults, every piece is designed exclusively for this location, so guests can take home keepsakes that truly capture their time in Waikīkī.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Honolulu Collection to our Collections of Waikīkī portfolio,” said Nina Ganal, Real Estate Properties Manager at Kyo-ya Management Company. “Having curated merchandise, customized to express Hawaiʻi’s unique sense of place in our shops will enhance the overall experience for our guests.”

Honolulu Collection is located in Collections of Waikīkī, on the first floor of Sheraton Waikīkī, at 2255 Kalākaua Avenue. The store is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy Honolulu Collection

Read More

Kaimuki Favorite Introduces New, Rotating Four-Course Tasting Menu Highlighting Italian-Mediterranean Flavors with Japanese Influence

Photo Courtesy: Leila

Leila, the acclaimed Kaimuki restaurant by Chef Chris Kajioka and Chef Mourad Lahlou, recently introduced a new four-course tasting menu. Curated by Chef Chris Kajioka, the seasonal menu showcases Italian-Mediterranean flavors with thoughtful Japanese influence. Priced at $75 per person, Leila now offers a selection of dishes, featuring the restaurant’s signature, handmade pastas, such as Agnolotti featuring duck, black truffle, and shiitake. Guests may also enhance their experience with optional seasonal additions like the Casoncelli filled with potato and buttermilk and topped with trout roe.

“With this new evolution of Leila we wanted to create dishes that were meaningful to us,” said Leila Chef Owner, Chris Kajioka. “This menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and ideas we’ve been shaping for some time, with dishes that are grounded in featuring fresh products, and prepared with care and intention. It’s a mix of what we know and love, and what we hope our guests will love.”

Leila’s rotating menu showcases a rich tapestry of global flavors and world-class technique. The restaurant offers a refined and ever-evolving dining experience that celebrates culinary diversity, seasonal ingredients, and the warm, welcoming spirit of Kaimuki. Rooted in the Italian-Mediterranean landscape, each dish is presented with masterful craftsmanship and thoughtful restraint, layered with subtle Japanese influence that adds depth, clarity, and elegance to the overall experience.

The current offerings on Leila’s new, four-course tasting menu includes:
● First Course: Caponata featuring tuna, sweet herbs, and capers.
● Second Course: Chilled Corn Soup, Summer Panzanella
● Third Course: Agnolotti featuring duck, black truffle, and shiitake.
● Fourth Course: Beef Cheek served with soubise, kale, and balsamic, with the option to
add an A5 Wagyu supplement for $40.
● Snacks (Optional Add-On): Oyster of the Day with blood orange mignonette; Prawn
Toast with prawns, pesto, and prosciutto; and Focaccia served with your choice of Badia
a' Coltibuono honey butter or EVOO and Villa Manodori balsamic.
● Rotating Special (Optional Add-On): Casoncelli filled with potato and buttermilk,
finished with trout roe.
● Dessert (Optional Add-On): Strauss Vanilla Soft Serve with your choice of toppings:
caramel, white balsamic strawberries, or EVOO and Maldon salt ($12).

Each course is presented in Leila’s warm, intimate setting, an atmosphere that reflects the restaurant’s commitment to masterful craftsmanship, award-winning service, and refined hospitality. Guests are invited to savor the tasting menu in a space designed to feel both elegant and welcoming.

Behind Leila’s evolving culinary vision is Chef Chris Kajioka, whose deep-rooted approach to food has made him one of Hawaii’s most respected culinary voices. Born and raised in Honolulu, Kajioka began his classical training at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park before honing his craft in some of the country’s most celebrated kitchens, including Ron Siegel’s Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Mourad Lahlou’s Aziza in San Francisco, and Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York.

After returning to Honolulu in 2012, Kajioka earned acclaim as Executive Chef at Vintage Cave, receiving his first James Beard Foundation nomination for Rising Star Chef of the Year. In 2016, he partnered with Chef Anthony Rush to open Senia, which quickly garnered national attention and multiple James Beard nominations, including Best New Restaurant (2017), Best Chef: West (2018), and Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (2020). He now leads Leila, Miro Kaimuki, and 430 PKWY.

Working alongside Kajioka in guiding Leila’s culinary evolution is Chef Mourad Lahlou, widely recognized as a pioneer of modern Moroccan cuisine. Born in Marrakesh, Morocco, Lahlou moved to the United States at age 20 to pursue a master’s degree in economics. Missing the flavors of home, he began teaching himself to cook the traditional Moroccan dishes he grew up with, drawing inspiration from his mother’s cooking and his grandfather’s visits to the market, while reimagining them through a modern, inventive lens using local ingredients.

In 1996, Lahlou opened his first restaurant, Kasbah. Seeking to move beyond the expected formulas of Moroccan restaurants in the U.S., he closed Kasbah in 2001 and opened Aziza in San Francisco’s Richmond District. Aziza became the first Moroccan restaurant in the United States to receive a Michelin star in 2010. In 2015, Lahlou opened Mourad, an evolution of his modern Moroccan-inspired Californian cuisine. That same year, the restaurant was also awarded a Michelin star. Today, Lahlou is regarded as one of the most influential chefs in North America, known for his deep respect for Moroccan culinary heritage and his innovative approach to global flavors.

Leila is now open for dinner service. Beginning July 2, Leila’s new hours will be Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. To make a reservation, visit OpenTable, or call (808) 888-0884. For more information, visit www.leilahnl.com. To stay up-to-date on the latest news, follow Leila on Instagram at www.instagram.com/leila_kaimuki and Facebook at www.facebook.com/leilahnl.

Read More

Summer Specials Heat Up at Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, MangoMango Dessert, and Dumpling Factory

Photo Courtesy MangoMango Dessert

This summer, several Hawaii restaurants are giving diners even more reasons to slurp, sip, and savor. A wave of new seasonal specials have landed at Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, Dumpling Factory, and MangoMango Dessert, bringing bold flavors, refreshing bites, and can't-miss deals to kick off the season. From chilled Goma Hiyashi and $5 draft beers to handcrafted dumplings and fruit drinks, these sister restaurants are serving up comfort food with a cool, craveable twist.

“Each season gives us a chance to try something new and introduce our customers to fresh, exciting flavors,” said Tina Wang, owner of Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, Dumpling Factory, and Hawaii-exclusive franchise owner of MangoMango Dessert. “Whether it’s a refreshing twist on a classic noodle dish, a bright fruit-forward drink, or something bold and savory, we want each location to offer something special for the season.”

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya’s New Seasonal Menu
Noodle into Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya for their new Goma Hiyashi, Vegetarian Goma Hiyashi, and Ultimate Volcano Ramen! For a limited time, the popular Japanese ramen and izakaya eatery will offer these three dishes at all Tanaka Ramen Hawaii locations. The Goma Hiyashi is a cold noodle dish served with a goma soy milk base and thin Japanese noodles, topped with ground pork, green onions, cucumbers, and a half-seasoned egg. It’s also available in a vegetarian version, prepared with tofu instead of ground pork and egg. In contrast, the Ultimate Volcano Ramen features a tonkotsu mala-based broth, served with thick noodles and topped with a generous cut of pork chashu, onions, green onions, and mozzarella cheese. The restaurant will also offer all draft beers for only $5 at all Oahu locations.

Dumpling Factory’s New Menu Items & Summer Specials
Unwrap something special with Dumpling Factory’s new menu! The restaurant recently expanded its menu to include seven new items including Zha Jiang Men, Beef Broth with Thick Noodle, Crystal Noodles with Homemade Sauce, and three different types of Handmade Bao filled with your choice of pork, chicken, or beef. Don’t forget to take advantage of the restaurant’s takeout and frozen dumpling specials, available now through the end of August: get a fifth order of takeout dumplings free with the purchase of four, or receive $2 off an order of Dumpling Factory’s frozen dumplings.

MangoMango Dessert’s New Spring Drinks & Desserts
MangoMango Dessert is celebrating the season with refreshing new offerings available exclusively at its Ala Moana location. Through the end of this month, guests can enjoy two spring drinks: the Passion Glory, made with passionfruit pulp, coconut water, grape, and lime; and the Sunny Bayberry, featuring bayberry purée and zesty lime. For a limited time, MangoMango Dessert is also offering two new bingsu desserts, perfect for summer: the Layered Mango Snowcloud and the Toasted Coconut Snowcloud — light, fluffy, and perfect for cooling down in the island heat.

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya is open daily at Ala Moana Center from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Kapolei Marketplace from Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Pearlridge Center on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, visit www.tanakaramen.com. Also follow Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tanakaramenhawaii, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/tanakaramenhawaii, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tanakaramenhi.

Dumpling Factory is open daily in Kapahulu’s Wong Leong Building from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on Dumpling Factory, visit www.dumplingfactoryhawaii.com. Also follow Dumpling Factory on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dumplingfactoryhawaii, Instagram at www.instagram.com/dumplingfactoryhawaii, and TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@dumplingfactoryhawaii.

MangoMango Dessert is open daily at Ala Moana Center on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Pearlridge Center on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please visit our website: www.mangomangodessert.com. Also, follow MangoMango Dessert on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mangomangohawaii, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mangomangohawaii, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mangomango808.

Read More

The 40th Annual First Hawaiian Bank Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run Ignites Hope of Thousands of Local Athletes Statewide

The Flame of Hope is burning brighter than ever as Special Olympics Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank celebrate the 40th Annual Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run on Saturday, June 6 at Fort DeRussy’s Kuroda Field.

More than just a run, this year-round movement brings together over 2,500 law enforcement personnel statewide to raise awareness and funds for more than 3,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. It all leads to the emotional Final Leg at the State Summer Games, where the torch is carried into Opening Ceremonies at UH Mānoa.

Named in honor of Honolulu Police Officer Troy Barboza, who coached Special Olympics athletes and was tragically killed in the line of duty, the event remains the only Torch Run in the world named after a fallen officer. His legacy lives on through this run — and through the thousands who proudly wear the commemorative Torch Run shirt each year to show their support.

Supporters can make a donation at bit.ly/2025torchrun to receive the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Torch Run shirt, with proceeds helping provide year-round sports and support programs at no cost to local athletes and their families.

Read More

BIG ISLAND CANDIES’ NEW RASPBERRY WHITE DIPPED BUTTER SHORTBREADS WILL GET COOKIE FANS JUICED UP

Photo Courtesy Big Island Candies

Big Island Candies hits the sweet spot with a new seasonal product, the Raspberry White Dipped Butter Shortbread.  The signature golden butter shortbread is diagonally dipped in a remarkably creamy white coating that includes a refreshing raspberry flavor.  Launching in time for the summer on May 30, this special limited-edition confection will be available in Big Island Candies’ retail locations in Hilo and at Ala Moana Center, online and via mail order, while supplies last.

The Raspberry White Dipped Butter Shortbread resonates with vibrant fruit accenting buttery and creamy flavors.  With no nuts added, this seasonal treat comes in a handsome 9.25-ounce brown gift box, containing approximately 16 individually wrapped cookies.  The gift box retails for $20.50 at the Ala Moana Center location, and for $19.50 at the Hilo Flagship Store and Factory, online, and via mail order.

 

“When we were deciding upon a new seasonal item, we were thinking ‘refreshing and inviting,’” says Sherrie Holi, President and Chief Operating Officer at Big Island Candies.  “We thought that a buttery shortbread with a creamy, fruity raspberry flavor would be something extra-special for our customers to enjoy.”

 

Big Island Candies has two retail outlets in Hawaii.  The Hilo flagship store and factory is located at 585 Hinano Street, while the Ala Moana store is on the street level of Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., near the Center Court. 

Read More

Roll Into Summer with Dumpling Factory’s Hot New Offers!

Dumpling Factory is now offering hot new specials through the end of August:

Photo credit: Dumpling Factory

Takeout: Customers who purchase four orders of dumplings to go will receive the fifth order free. This offer is only good on takeout orders.

Cook at home: Enjoy dumplings in the comfort of home. Customers who purchase Dumpling Factory’s frozen dumplings will enjoy $2 off their order

Located at 755 Kapahulu Ave #1 in the Wong Leong Building next to Pai Café, Dumpling Factory offers a modern twist on traditional Chinese dumplings, paired with a menu of bold flavors and shareable signature dishes such as Braised Housemade Pork Belly, Beef & Green Pepper Dumplings, Chicken & Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings, Shrimp Dumplings, and Spicy Sour Soup Dumplings with Thin Noodles. The eatery, which opened earlier this year, offers a carefully curated menu of freshly made dumplings, served boiled or pan-fried with prices ranging from $4.99 to $13.99. Dumpling Factory is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. To place an order, call (808) 367-1640 or order online at www.dumplingfactoryhawaii.com.

Read More

MONI HONOLULU BRINGS AN ALOHA KEWPIE COLLABORATION TO THE SHORES OF WAIKIKI

Local retailer Moni Honolulu is proud to announce its newest brand collaboration, Aloha Kewpie, which features the enchanting art of Rose O’Neill.  Renowned for her whimsical illustrations featuring the beloved Kewpie dolls, O'Neill's work capturing essence of joy and innocence has captivated fans since 1909.  Through her vibrant storytelling and playful characters, Moni Honolulu strives to evoke emotions and nostalgia in their audience, inviting them to enter a magical and carefree world.

Inspired by Hawaii's rich history and diverse cultural influences, the owners of Moni Honolulu have worked with Kewpie to forge a Hawaii-inspired "Aloha Kewpie" collection.  This is to be the largest collection of Kewpie in Hawaii, and possibly the United States.  Beyond sharing a beloved brand with a new generation of people, this collection that infuses the spirit of aloha seeks to establish an experience that entices people to bring a fond memory of Hawaii back home with them.

 "Our store was designed to reflect the welcoming nature of Hawaii, where every guest feels like 'ohana,” shares CC Konikson, Operations Manager of Moni Honolulu.  “We want you to feel at home here, as if you've stepped into a little slice of paradise.  So, whether you're a local or a visitor from far away, we want every customer to leave our store with something special—a lasting memory, a taste of Hawaii, and a piece of the aloha spirit that we cherish so much."

Moni Honolulu has two retail outlets in Collections of Waikīkī, one inside the Sheraton Waikiki at 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, and another streetside at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach, located at 2365 Kalakaua Avenue.  The Sheraton Waikiki location is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the Moana Surfrider location is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  For more information, please call (808) 926-2525 for the Sheraton Waikiki location or (808) 926-8844 for the Moana Surfrider location.  

Read More

Dumpling Factory Unwraps its First Location in Kapahulu’s Wong Leong Building

Get ready to wrap your taste buds around something new! Dumpling Factory makes its exciting debut with its first location in Kapahulu, celebrating its grand opening on March 5, 2025. Located at 755 Kapahulu Ave #1 in the Wong Leong Building next to Pai Café, Dumpling Factory offers a modern twist on traditional Chinese dumplings, paired with a menu of bold flavors and shareable signature dishes such as Braised Housemade Pork Belly, Beef & Green Pepper Dumplings, Chicken & Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings, Shrimp Dumplings, and Spicy Sour Soup Dumplings with Thin Noodles. 

Dumpling Factory is the latest concept from Tina Wang, a trailblazing restaurateur in Hawaii’s dining scene. Tina is the brainchild behind beloved local eateries including Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, which currently operates five locations across Oahu and Maui, and MangoMango Dessert Hawaii. Known for her ability to fuse creativity with authenticity, Tina has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, memorable dining experiences.

“Dumplings have a way of bringing people together, and with Dumpling Factory, we’re honoring that tradition while adding our own special touches,” said Tina Wang, owner of Dumpling Factory. “We’re excited to share our dishes, which are crafted with care and made to be enjoyed with friends and family.”

To celebrate its grand opening on March 5, Dumpling Factory is offering a special buy-one-get-one deal on dumplings. On March 5 only, customers who purchase an order of 12 dumplings, will receive a second order of 12 dumplings to take home to boil or pan fry themselves—ensuring peak freshness. Guests can choose from five dumpling varieties for their take-home order. Limit to two free take-home orders per customer.

Additionally, from March 7 to March 9, customers can enjoy a free appetizer when they bring a friend to dine. Parties of two or more will receive a complimentary appetizer to share, excluding the Braised Housemade Pork Belly and Brown Sauce Braised Beef.

Dumpling Factory delivers a carefully curated menu of freshly made dumplings, served boiled or pan-fried with prices ranging from $4.99 to $13.99. For those seeking lighter options, vegetarian-friendly choices are available including Zucchini, Green Pepper, and Egg Dumplings. Beyond dumplings, diners can enjoy hearty dishes such as Spicy Sour Soup Dumplings with Thin Noodles, Housemade Braised Pork Belly Over Rice, and the savory Braised Beef Wrap. To complement the meal, appetizers like Shredded Potato with Chili Oil, Housemade Cucumber Salad, and Wood Ear Mushroom Salad offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, bold flavors of the main dishes.

Dumpling Factory will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. To place an order, call (808) 367-1640.

For more information on Dumpling Factory, visit www.dumplingfactoryhawaii.com. Also follow Dumpling Factory on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dumplingfactoryhawaii, Instagram at www.instagram.com/dumplingfactoryhawaii, and TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@dumplingfactoryhawaii to stay up-to-date on the latest information on special giveaways, promotions and more. 

Read More

HOLEY GRAIL DONUTS RECONNECTS WITH CHEF RICK MARTINEZ TO CREATE A SECOND COLLABORATION FOR ITS BREAKING BREAD

Pursuant to a popular “Breaking Bread” collaboration with Chef Rick Martinez last May, Holey Grail Donuts is excited to share news about the second collaboration with the cook, host, and author of Mi Cocina.  Launching on Cinco de Mayo, and running through June 8, is the “Horchata,” a donut inspired by Rick Martinez’s strawberry rhubarb horchata.

 

Holey Grail Donut’s taro-based donut fried in coconut oil will be given a glaze made with poached rhubarb and local strawberries—for Hawaii locations, from Kula, Maui—and a horchata drizzle crafted with a housemade horchata of rice steeped with cinnamon sticks.  The donut will be sold for $5 and 20% of the proceeds will go to the Ali Forney Center to benefit homeless gender non-conforming youth.

 

“Our last collaboration, the ‘Rick Martinez’ with raspberry, dragonfruit, and coconut tres leches, was a raving success,” reveals Nile Dreiling, co-founder of Holey Grail Donuts. “He is a culinary personality with such an innovative mind, and I am confident that this ‘Horchata” donut will be another success.”

 

The Tasting Box for the week of May 4 to 10 will include some donuts that honor Cinco de Mayo:

·       Prosperity – kumquat, poppyseed

·       Dragonslayer – dragonfruit lemonade

·       Saffron Snickerdoodle – saffron, cinnamon vanilla sugar, rolled

·       Mission Chocolate – Dandelion chocolate, spices, toasted marshmallow

 

Also launching in May is the Tasting Box honoring Mother’s Day, available from May 11 to 17:

·       Queen’s Bath – fresh squeezed blood orange, cardamom

·       Chocolate Crunch – single origin Lydgate Farms chocolate, cacao nibs, sea salt

·       Saffron Snickerdoodle – saffron, cinnamon vanilla sugar, rolled

·       Miso Honey – miso honey glazed, black lava sea salt

 

Individual donuts are priced at $4, or are available, one of each, in the Tasting Box for a discounted price of $12. 

 

Holey Grail Donuts has two locations on Oahu—one at Ward Centre and another in Waikiki—along with its original location in Hanalei.  For more information, visit the website at https://www.holeygraildonuts.com/.  For press inquiries, please contact Sean M. Morris at 8888.sean@gmail.com.

Read More

Honolulu Cookie Company's Holiday Collection

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s time for a sweet Hawai‘i holiday with Honolulu Cookie Company’s newest Holiday Collection!

To get into the holiday spirit, Honolulu Cookie Company is excited to reintroduce three of their seasonal flavors – Peppermint Macadamia, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Macadamia, and White Chocolate Ginger Spice. The Peppermint Macadamia cookies have cooling bits of peppermint baked into their premium macadamia shortbread cookies, making them a traditional holiday treat. The Dark Chocolate Peppermint Macadamia cookies are the perfect combination of crisp peppermint with the richness of their hand-dipped dark chocolate. The White Chocolate Ginger Spice cookie highlights the warm spice of baked ginger and creamy sweetness of white chocolate, a hallmark of the season.

 

To pair with the delicious trio, Honolulu Cookie Company is also including their White Chocolate Pumpkin cookie in their holiday gift products. The White Chocolate Pumpkin premium shortbread cookies are wonderfully sweet and perfectly spiced with a combination of our favorite holiday spices - ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.

 

Complete your holiday shopping early with Honolulu Cookie Company’s assortment of Hawai‘i-inspired gift products. Their smaller products make for the perfect stocking stuffers and holiday party favors. Honolulu Cookie Company also has many cookie assortments in various sizes and price points, helping you find gifts for everyone on your list. Teachers, neighbors, coworkers, clients, family and friends, there’s something for everyone!

 

All Holiday Collection products are now available in-stores and online, while supplies last. Visit their cookie à la carte station in stores to fill your own box with personal favorites, including the holiday flavors! Getting your holiday shopping done online? In addition to the full holiday collection, various Holiday Gift Sets and Single Flavor Boxes will be available exclusively online.

 

For the most up-to-date information on Honolulu Cookie Company store hours and locations, visit www.honolulucookie.com/content/store-locations.asp.

 

The first Honolulu Cookie Company bakery opened in 1998, eventually expanding and opening retail locations across O‘ahu, Maui, Las Vegas and Guam. Wrapped in unique signature packaging, each box of cookies can be presented as a treasured gift and shared with those who mean the most to you. The company’s iconic pineapple-shaped premium shortbread cookies continue to be inspired by the tropical flavors and spirit of Hawai‘i.

 

For more information on Honolulu Cookie Company’s Holiday Collection, visit www.honolulucookie.com, or call (866) 333-5800.

Read More

Minions: The Rise of Gru Toys and Games - Free the Fun This Summer

FREE THE FUN this Summer with Illumination’s Minions! Sweet, subversive and always unpredictable, the Minions are back to save the day and make sure your family has the best summer yet. From toys to games and even some yummy treats, the fun never stops with the mischievous antics of Kevin, Bob, Stuart and all the beloved Minions.

Check out some of the products below! 

Minions: The Rise of Gru will hit theaters on July 1, 2022.

Exploding Minions marks the first licensed game from Exploding Kittens, a leading game and entertainment company that is, to date, the #1 most-backed project in Kickstarter history and has sold over 15 million games. Exploding Minions will be available at Target and ExplodingKittens.com on June 21 for $19.99.

Babble Otto

$29.99

Duet Buddy

$29.99

Minions Movie Moments Assortment

$19.99

LEGO Kung Fu

Battle

$29.99

Read More

McDonald's of Hawaii Chicken Egg Hunt of 2021

Disclosure: The below is a sponsored post.

To celebrate the launch of the new Crispy Chicken Sandwiches (Crispy, Spicy, Deluxe), McDonald's of Hawaii is hosting a Chicken Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday!

The details:

● On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 McDonald’s of Hawaii will host the “Chicken Egg Hunt of 2021” to celebrate the recent launch of its Crispy Chicken Sandwiches! 

● All 73 Hawaii restaurants will have one Easter egg for customers to find or receive. o Most eggs will be hidden somewhere outside of the restaurant however, some restaurants will distribute their Easter eggs randomly either at the drive-thru or front counter sometime during the day 

● There is no purchase necessary to participate. However, participants need to be at least 18 years of age or be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Easter Eggs/Prizes 

● All of the eggs come in a variety of colors and are sealed with a sticker depicting a McDonald’s food item. (Big Mac. Happy Meal, McFlurry, Fries or McCafe cup) ● There are two types of eggs: 

o Large gold eggs (5.5 inches high). Good for two Crispy Chicken Sandwich coupons and one $100 Arch Card 

o Small eggs (3 inches high) in assorted colors. Good for two Crispy Chicken Sandwich coupons and one $10 Arch Card 

Redeeming the Egg 

● To redeem, bring the egg into the restaurant and ask to speak with a manager. o Please bring a photo I.D. and fill out a sweepstakes form with your contact information 

o The manager will then provide the Crispy Chicken Sandwich coupons and Arch Card

If you find an egg, be sure to share it and use the hashtags:

#McDonaldsofHawaii #MCDHawaiiCrispyChicken #CrispyJuicyTender

Happy hunting!

Read More

New Pastries at McDonald's, and how to get one for free!

 

If you haven't already heard the news, McDonald's recently added three new pastries to their menu (cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, blueberry muffins), and now through November 9, 2020, you can get one free pastry per day with a purchase of any size McCafé Premium Roast or Iced Coffee.  You must have the McDonalds App on your smartphone in order to get this deal.  

I normally don't buy coffee at McDonald's, but I could not pass up the opportunity to try their cinnamon roll for free, so I headed to Mcdonald's on the first day of this promotion and bought a cup of coffee for $1 (plus tax), and got a cinnamon roll for free (I ordered both items at the drive-thru, then flashed the QR code on the McDonald's app to the cashier so get the cinnamon roll for free). 

I took a bite of the cinnamon roll when I first got it, and it was actually pretty good!  It did harden up after it cooled down, but a quick 15 seconds in the microwave softened it up again!  

Don't forget, this deal ends on Monday, November 9!

Read More

Turtle Bay Resort Partners with Pono Pacific to Transform Mauka Property into World-Class Farmland

Turtle Bay Resort and Pono Pacific today announced a new partnership to revitalize the mauka agricultural lands, over 460 acres of Kahuku farmland known as Turtle Bay mauka lands. Their vision is to create a healthy, vibrant farm that boasts world-class sustainability practices alongside ancient Hawaiian knowledge and culture.

 

"At its heart, Turtle Bay's mauka land is an agricultural property and we intend to celebrate and protect that," said John Leong, CEO and founder of Pono Pacific.

 

Turtle Bay Resort, in partnership with the City & County of Honolulu and North Shore Community Land Trust, finalized its landmark agricultural easement protecting the farmlands in 2016. Having been acquired by Blackstone Real Estate in 2017, the resort has retained Pono Pacific to oversee land management and farming operations for the portion of the resort property mauka of Kamehameha Highway. Pono Pacific is a respected local leader in environmental conservation and will execute a measured, thoughtful transformation of the farmland that will, over time, fulfill a visionary future plan for the area. Ultimately, a thriving farm operation will lead to farm-to-table dining and a variety of community benefits including community gardens, education and recreation experiences and best-in-class renewable energy practices.

 

"Our thoughtful and environmentally-sensitive approach goes far beyond what the agricultural easement compliance requires and adopts a forward-looking plan that benefits the community and state," said Jerry Gibson, vice president and managing director of Turtle Bay Resort. "The preservation and enhancement of this land and the North Shore agricultural way of life is vital to promoting stable and sustainable food production in a state where more than 85 percent of our food is imported."

 

Pono Pacific will work closely with farmers currently on the land, many of whom have been there for years. Through collaboration with each farmer and their families, and providing training and resources, Pono Pacific plans to help them improve their operations so they may better mālama the land and feed the community.

 

A part of the North Shore community since 1972, Turtle Bay Resort hopes to enhance the North Shore's beauty, traditions and unique experiences by bringing its rich agricultural history to life in new ways. Turtle Bay and Pono Pacific foresees the renewed farmland serving as an example of economically viable and environmentally sustainable farming operations for the rest of Hawai'i. The partnership also plans to pursue using crops as energy generating biofuels to reduce Turtle Bay's carbon footprint and further Hawai'i's clean energy goals.

 

'We want to serve as a model of how resorts can contribute to agriculture, energy and sustainability in a way that positively impact their community and state," said Gibson. "It is about doing what's right for Hawai'i and for the North Shore, benefitting generations to come."

Read More

The ISO Named 2019 Best Boutique Hotel in Hawaii Annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Awards

The ISO, a Castle Resorts & Hotels property, was recently named the 2019 Best Boutique Hotel in Hawaii at the 2nd Annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Awards. The ISO is a 79-room oceanfront retreat on Kauai’s famous Royal Coconut Coast. 

“We’re extremely proud to receive this incredible recognition for The ISO,” said Castle Resorts & Hotels President and CEO Alan Mattson. “This property is special, from its prime oceanfront location to its rustic chic personality to its array of offerings for today’s outdoor and recreational travelers. It embodies the true essence of an award-winning boutique hotel.”

An acronym for Island. Sky. Ocean., The ISO is the only property on Kauai’s east shore that literally sits on the ocean’s edge without any form of separation. As a result, all of the rooms offer ocean views. It reopened to the public in April 2018 following a $5 million renovation of the lobby, guest rooms, exterior and grounds. 

The ISO is the only lifestyle boutique hotel on the coast to offer a free healthy continental breakfast, a reusable keepsake water bottle, and yoga mats and canteen coffee mugs in all rooms for guests’ use. The ISO also offers yoga and other fitness options on the oceanfront lawn as well as beach cruiser bikes to explore the area and the four-mile coastal trail adjacent to the property.

The guest rooms feature a rustic, contemporary décor and include a refrigerator, coffee maker, flat screen TV, WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB capable clock radio. Among the property’s amenities are an oceanfront swimming pool, large grass courtyard with lounge chairs and tiki torches, fire pit, and filtered water station. The ISO is also home to the island’s number one-rated Bull Shed Restaurant, which specializes in gourmet steaks, prime rib and fresh island seafood.  

The 2nd Annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards honors key industry professionals, events, attractions and businesses that contribute to Hawaii’s booming tourism industry. It is presented in partnership by aio Media Group and the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association.

Rates at The ISO begin at $179 for an ocean view guest room and include a complimentary continental breakfast from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. daily. A $19 daily resort fee includes water bottle, bicycle use, yoga and other fitness options on the lawn, parking and WiFi. For more information, call (808) 545-3510 or visit TheISO.com.

Read More