Scenic Sunday: Waimea Bay

Scenic Sunday...because I never get over the beauty of these islands.

Waimea Bay on Oahu's North Shore

To see other great photos from around the world head to Photo Friday hosted by Delicious Baby.

Aloha Friday: Weekend Events

Looking for family friendly events on Oahu this weekend?  I have compiled a list of fun Halloween activities happening around town but decided to move the weekend events from the regular blog to their own special page.  You can view them either by selecting the 'Weekend Events' tab under my blog header or by clicking on this Weekend Events Link.

And the photo on the right?  Those are the healthy Halloween snacks I'm sending to school with my son.  I'm pretty excited with how they turned out.  Want my secret recipe?  Ritz crackers, cream cheese and olives.

Have a safe and happy Halloween weekend!

Kailua Public Library (and the Library Nearest You)

Have you visited your local library lately?  We head to the library almost every week and at any given time have about 30 children's books, a couple grown-up books and a DVD or two checked out.  Kailua library is the one we head to most often.

We haven't been to storytime for awhile because our schedule has changed, but we used to go every week.  They have stories and a craft and special activities around holidays like wearing costumes at Halloween and an Easter Egg hunt in the spring.  They also have guest story readers like "Uncle Wally," a.k.a. Wally Amos.  (Heard of Famous Amos cookies?  He invented them.)

Here are things I love about the library:

• saving money by borrowing instead of buying books

• using their online database to look up books ahead of time rather than trying to use the computer catalogs at the library with a toddler in tow

• being able to request books from any Hawaii state public library online and pick them up at my nearest library

• being able to return items to any location, not just the one you checked them out from

• the used book stores alongside the libraries run by "friends of the library" (I know Kailua and Kaneohe libraries have these, do others?)

Do it yourself on Oahu (and neighbor islands too)

Locations:  Here is a link to find the locations of all 51 Hawaii State Public Libraries

Hours:  Here is a link for library hours for all the locations in the state

Storytimes:  This is the link for times and locations for children's storytimes

Other:  Here is information for getting a library card

Happy reading!

Scenic Sunday: Waikiki Beach

Scenic Sunday...because I never get over the beauty of these islands.

Waikiki Beach

To see more beautiful photos from around the world, visit Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.

Aloha Friday: Weekend Events

Another weekend is here and with it more family events and activities.  Have one to add?  Share it with others as a comment to this post.

Saturday, October 23, 2010


What:  Family Fun Day at Dole Plantation
Where:  Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa 96786
When:  10am to 2pm
About:  Live entertainment, book signings, discounts on various Dole Plantation activities as well as food and game booths run by public schools and community groups in the area.
Cost:  Free admission.  Buy-one get-one-free for the maze and garden tour.  Discounts on Pineapple Express train ride.  15% off merchandise purchases for kama'aina.
For more info:  220-4981 or see my recent Dole Plantation post

What:  Waimanalo Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Where:  Waimanalo Country Farms, 41-225 Lupe Street, Waimanalo, 96795

            (Across from Waimanalo Beach Park)

When:  9am to 5pm every Saturday in October

About:  In addition to the pumpkin patch and corn maze there will be hayrides, food, shave ice and games.

For More Info:  808-306-4381

What:  Aloun Farms Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin Picking
My thoughts:  We went last year and had a fun time.  Here's where I posted about our trip to the pumpkin patch.  However, with the human trafficking allegations and pending court hearing for the owners of Aloun Farms we're skipping their event this year.
For more info:  Aloun Farms

Sunday, October 24, 2010


What:  Aloun Farms Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin Picking
Also on Saturday - see above for more information.

India Café in Kailua

Good Indian food is not plentiful on Oahu and until recently it was especially hard to come by on the Windward side.  But now India Café has opened a Kailua location.  Go.  Eat.  Do your part to keep them in business because I think the food is delicious and I love having Indian food available on the Windward side.

I don't know the vocabulary of Indian food well enough to tell you what to order or comment on any particular dishes but we ordered a number of different things and enjoyed it all.  A few were too spicy for our kids but they ate the ones that weren't spicy, some nan and rice and had more than enough to eat.

India Café has four locations on Oahu.  The Kailua location is an express style restaurant but there is outdoor seating and an indoor counter.  I noticed the pictures and decor inside because those are things you often don't see in express restaurants.

Try it out for yourself.


Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  600 Kailua Rd, Kailua, 96734 (next to Times at #129 in the Kailua Square Shopping Center)
Hours:  10:30am to 8pm every day, including weekends
Other:  View their Take Out Menu

Dole Plantation: Dole Whip & Koi Fish

I have been craving Dole Whip for awhile now and so on Sunday we made the Dole Plantation our first stop on the way to the North Shore.  We didn't spend any time exploring the store or looking at pineapple plants but went directly to the back of the main building and got in line for some Dole Whip.


If you've never had Dole Whip you should add it to your list of things to eat in your lifetime.  The best way to describe it is pineapple soft-serve and it's delicious.  I've heard you can get it in Waikiki but we've always purchased ours at the Pineapple Plantation.  It is also available at Disneyland and Disney World.  (When we ate it at Disney World it was in the Magic Kingdom next to Tarzan's Tree House.  It's probably in the same location at Disneyland.)


With the most important thing out of the way we headed to the Koi Pond.  For 50 cents you can get a handful of koi food to feed the fish.  Our kids love doing this, although our girl wanted to be picked up after she got splashed by a flopping fish or two. In their enthusiasm to get the food the fish often are out of the water along the wall or on top of other fish.  It's quite the sight.

There are a number of other fun things to do at Dole Plantation (see do it yourself below) but we were ready to go to Sunset Beach so we headed back through the pineapple garden to our car.  

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  Dole Plantation is located at 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa 96786

Directions:  Take the H-2 north.  From here there are a couple ways you can go.  I think the most straight forward is to take the Wahiawa Exit and drive north through town.  A few miles past Wahiawa you'll see the Dole Plantation on the right.

Hours:  The visitor's center is open from 9:30am to 5pm every day but Christmas.  The Plantation Grille is open from 10:30am to 4:30pm and is also closed on Christmas.

Cost:  Admission is free but there are charges for the various activities.

Things to do:  Besides eating Dole Whip and feeding the Koi fish other kid-friendly activities include a train ride and the world's largest maze.  We've done both and I would recommend both, though on hot days I hear the maze can be a bit miserable since it is all in the sun.  Check out the Dole Plantation's website for more details on these activities, including cost.

Other:  The gift shop is large and carries a nice variety of items.  They also have pineapple cutting demonstrations inside at various time during the day.

My Tips:  Take quarters for the koi food dispenser.  Take advantage of their restrooms.  This year's Entertainment Book had coupons for Dole Whip.  Maybe next year's book will too.  Have fun!

Scenic Sunday: Kailua Beach

Scenic Sunday...because I never get over the beauty of these islands.

Another picture of beautiful Kailua Beach

Aloha Friday: Weekend Events

Another weekend is here!  Here are a few family friendly events happening on island.  Have one to add?  Please share it in the comments section of this post.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

What:  Pricess Ka'iulani Lei Draping Ceremony

Where:  Princess Ka'iulani Statue, corner of Kaiulani and Kuhio Avenues in Waikiki

When:  9:30 am

About:  Part of a weeklong celebration of Princess Ka'iulani's birthday.  

Cost:  Free

For more info:  Ohana Hotels and Resorts

What:  Waimanalo Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

Where:  Waimanalo Country Farms, 41-225 Lupe Street, Waimanalo, 96795

            (Across from Waimanalo Beach Park)

When:  9am to 5pm every Saturday in October

About:  In addition to the pumpkin patch and corn maze there will be hayrides, food, shave ice and games.

For More Info:  808-306-4381

Sunday, October 17, 2010

What:  Honolulu Academy of Arts Family Sunday

Where:  Honolulu Academy of Arts, 600 S Beretania Street, Honolulu, 96814

When:  11am to 5pm with activities ending at 3pm

About:  This month's family Sunday has a medieval theme.  Activities include dress-up and whack-a-knight; demonstrations include medieval armor and fighting, LEGO castles and medieval crafts.  Food available for purchase at the museum cafe.

Cost:  Free

For more info:  Honolulu Academy of Arts

(We went to last year's medieval Sunday and a fun time was had by all.)

Kailua Beach

While many people in the northern hemisphere are pulling out their sweaters and decorating with colorful leaves we're still enjoying great beach weather here in Hawaii.  My son's fall break was last week and we spent part of it at the beach.

Kailua Bay is surrounded by miles of fine white sand.  This is where the Obamas like to spend Christmas vacations and no matter what your political views you can't argue that they have good taste when it comes to beaches.

This past week we headed to the southeast end of Kailua Beach which is adjacent to Kailua Beach Park.  It's more crowded than other parts of the beach but the waves aren't as big as they are in other places like Kalama Beach Park and there are trees that provide a lot of shade which help make it a good spot for kids.

We all had fun swimming, playing in the sand, eating our picnic lunch and relaxing in the great outdoors.

Do it yourself on Oahu:

Directions:  To get to this part of Kailua Beach, go east on Kalaheo Ave. until it intersects with Kailua Rd.  Take a left here.  Kalapawai Market will be on the corner.

Parking:  Parking is free but can get crowded on weekends.

Ammenities:  There are fresh water showers and restrooms located in the middle of the beach park, just inland from the beach.

Other:  This might not be the best beach to visit on a windy day because of blowing sand and portuguese man-of-wars brought in by the wind.  Although on windy days it is a great spot to watch kite boarders, but bring a sweatshirt and don't try to have a picnic unless you love the taste and texture of sand in your food.

Big Kahuna's Pizza 'n Stuffs

When we lived here B.K. (before kids) we liked a small hole in the wall restaurant on Puuloa Road that had great pizza and sandwiches.  When we moved back we were sad to discover it had closed; but then we heard it hadn't closed, just moved.

I finally made it to their new location and the food is as good as I remember.  We ordered a pizza and a couple of hot sandwiches.  They let us do different toppings on each half of the pizza and gave us some of their delicious garlic rolls.

I didn't take any pictures of the food, but here are some of the restaurant.  Now that it's in a strip mall the outside doesn't have any special charm or character but it's cute inside.

We went at lunchtime and they were busy but we managed to get seats.  Although you order at the counter it's not exactly fast food but the wait was doable, even for my hungry kids.  The servings were large and so tasty I couldn't help but snag the leftovers in the fridge the next day, even though I'd intended to leave them for my husband.

Do it yourself on Oahu

• Location:  550 Paiea St #134, Honolulu, 96819
• Hours:  Weekdays 10am to 8pm; Weekends 11am to 8pm.  (The 8pm is approximate - they said they close when they are out of food which is usually around 8.  But tonight, for example, they expect to be open until about 8:30.)
• Directions:  Paiea Street intersects Nimitz Hwy. near the airport.  Driving on Nimitz Highway turn Makai (towards the ocean) on Paiea Street.  After crossing Koapaka Street, turn right into the strip mall.  If you get to Ualena Street you have gone too far.
Other:
• They only take cash, but there is an ATM a couple doors down.
• Restrooms are also a couple doors down - get the door combination from the cashier.
• I did not see a keiki menu, but if your kids like pizza then you'll be just fine.
Their number:  808-833-5588

Thanks to Homespun Honolulu for including this post in their November blog carnival.

Scenic Sunday: Sunset at Kaka'ako

Scenic Sunday...because I never get over the beauty of these islands.

Sunset seen from Kaka'ako Waterfront Park

Oahu, Hawaii

Visit Photo Friday at DeliciousBaby to see more beautiful photos from around the world.

Aloha Friday: Weekend Events

Here are a few family friendly things happening around the island this weekend.  If you know of others, please share them with everyone as a comment on this post.  Have a great weekend!

Saturday, October 9, 2010


What:  Waimanalo Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Where:  Waimanalo Country Farms, 41-225 Lupe Street, Waimanalo, 96795
            (Across from Waimanalo Beach Park)
When:  9am to 5pm every Saturday in October
About:  In addition to the pumpkin patch and corn maze there will be hayrides, food, shave ice and games.
For More Info:  808-306-4381

What:  2010 Children and Youth Month - Second Saturday
Where:  Hawaii State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel St. #2, Honolulu, 96813
When:  11am to 3pm
About:  Enjoy hands-on activities for children and families at the Art Museum's montly "Second Saturday" program.  This month featuring the Hawaii Stithery and Fibre Arts Guild.
Cost:  Free

What:  Oh Baby! Family Expo 2010
Where:  Neal Blaisdell Center, Exhibition Hall, Honolulu
When:  10am - 5pm
About:  Designed especially for prenatal to preschool families there will be more than 150 exhibitor booths, featured speakers, infant and toddler play areas, children's activity area for children age 2 and up,  and several contests.
Cost:  Tickets are $4.50 per person, children five and under are free.  Click here for a dollar off coupon.  Tickets can be purchased at the Blaisdell Box Office just outside the entrance to the exhibit.  Parking in the Blaisdell Center lot is $5.
For More Info:  http://www.ohbabyfamilyexpo.com/gi.html


Sunday, October 10, 2010


What:  Hawaii Fishing & Seafood Festival
Where:  Pier 38 Fishing Village, Honolulu
When:  9am to 4pm
About:  Learn about ancient and modern fishing practices, sample fresh seafood products from Hawaii, enjoy kids activities and local entertainment.
Cost:  Free admission and parking
For More Info:  http://www.ohanahotels.com/travelguide_event_detail.aspx?event=1788&Destination=2

What:  Oh Baby! Family Expo 2010

Where:  Neal Blaisdell Center, Exhibition Hall, Honolulu

When:  10am - 5pm

About:  Designed especially for prenatal to preschool families there will be more than 150 exhibitor booths, featured speakers, infant and toddler play areas, children's activity area for children age 2 and up,  and several contests.  

Cost:  Tickets are $4.50 per person, children five and under are free.  Click here for a dollar off coupon.  Tickets can be purchased at the Blaisdell Box Office just outside the entrance to the exhibit.  Parking in the Blaisdell Center lot is $5.

For More Info:  http://www.ohbabyfamilyexpo.com/gi.html

Bed Bath & Beyond in Hawaii

Bed Bath & Beyond has snuck on island.  I doubt they were trying to be sneaky but I missed any hype or fanfare accompanying their opening.  I was afraid I was out of touch so I checked around and found out I'm not the only who hadn't heard the news of their arrival.

If you're one of the (many) ones who haven't heard, let me be the first to tell you we have our very own Bed Bath & Beyond here on Oahu.

Their marketing department may be lacking, but the store is great.  Welcome to choices, choices, choices and one-stop shopping for things for your home.  Now there's no need to drive from Sears to Ross to Walmart to Target and back again to decorate a bathroom or stock a kitchen or update your picture frames.

Need kitchen gadgets?

How about towels?

And the list goes on.  I don't ever want Hawaii to become the Mainland, but I don't mind when some of the conveniences of the Mainland find us.  Happy shopping!

Do it yourself on Oahu:

Location:  98-145 Kaonohi Street, Aiea, HI  96701

In other words, it's off Kam Hwy. in Pearl City, behind Anna Miller's where Circuit City used to be.

Hours:  Sunday 9am to 8pm, Monday-Saturday 9am to 9pm

Coupons:  Here's a link about Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons.  I hear they often accept original coupons even after they have expired.

And a question for my Hawaii readers.  Did you know we have a Bed Bath & Beyond?  When and how did you hear about it?

Pet Walk at Ala Moana Beach Park

The following post was written by Oahu Mom reader Karla Merry, dog owner, beloved "auntie" to my kids and also my favorite realtor.  Yes, I know her in real life and she's almost as cool as her dog.  

The paws hit the pavement at the Humane Society's 20th Annual Pet Walk at Ala Moana Beach Park this week-end.  We took our pooch and were joined by several of his doggy friends.  The festivities opened at 7:00 a.m. with live music, vendor booths, and a wide array of pets meandering around at Magic Island.  By 8:00 they kicked off the walk complete with a balloon encrusted starting gate, cheerleaders from Hawaii Pacific University and Girl Scout Helpers.  Our dogs decided that the Girl Scouts were the best as they had their hands free to provide an encouraging pat.

One could choose between the short 1/2 mile walk around Magic Island or a longer two to three mile loop around Ala Moana Beach Park.  There were teen volunteers along the routes to provide poop patrol baggies and supervise water stations for the dogs.  Several dogs decided that a dip in the water station was a good idea, thus we were glad that we had taken our own water for our dog.

The festivities continued at the mainstage with costume contests and other prize giveaways, but after socializing, sniffing, and strolling, the dogs were tired and so we headed for home. 

Do it yourself on Oahu

• Check out the Humane Society website for details on upcoming pet events at www.hawaiianhumane.org.  Most events just ask for a donation at your discretion.
• The pet walk is an annual event at Ala Moana Beach Park with registration and the main stage at Magic Island.  It is usually held in October and is fun for anyone who likes pets, mostly dogs.  There were some bunnies, cats, and even birds being pushed around in strollers, but the pooches ruled the day.  

• The Humane Society provides great volunteer opportunities for teens who like pets. 

Scenic Sunday: Waterfalls on the Ko'olaus

Fall is in the air.  It's Hawaii, so we're still wearing shorts and t-shirts, but we've had more rainy mornings and overcast afternoons on the Windward side than we had during the summer.  With the rain and the clouds come waterfalls on the Ko'olaus.  I've been known to drive the H-3 just to see them.