Gyu-Kaku

On a recent date night my husband and I went to Gyu-Kaku where we enjoyed uninterrupted conversation and had fun checking out a new (to us) restaurant.  We discovered not only is it a good place for a date night but our kids would like it too and we can't wait to take them there.

The unique thing about Gyu-Kaku is that each table comes with a little grill and you get to BBQ some of your own meal right there in the middle of your table.

You can grill veggies, chicken, seafood, pork and/or beef.  They have a variety of marinades to choose from and great dipping sauces too.  In addition to the food that you grill you can order a variety of appetizers, noodles, bibimbap and soups that are prepared in the kitchen.

To end your meal, you can choose from a number of desserts including s'mores.  We chose a desert from the kitchen but I know when our kids are with us we'll do the s'mores and they'll love roasting marshmallows over the grill.

Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  There are currently 3 locations in Hawaii:
   Windward Mall:  46-056 Kamehameha Hwy F1, Kaneohe, Hawaii
   Kapiolani Location:  1221 Kapiolani Blvd., #105, Honolulu, Hawaii
   Waikiki Location:  307 Lewers Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
Hours:
   Windward Mall Location:  Lunch from 11am to 4pm, Dinner from 4pm to 11pm
   Kapiolani Location:  Lunch from 11:30am to 3:30pm, Dinner from 3:30pm to 12am
   Waikiki Location:  Lunch from 11:30am to 3:30pm, Dinner from 3:30pm to 12am
Cost/Menu:  Here's a link to the Gyu-Kaku Menu
Parking:
   Windward Mall Location: Free parking in mall parking lot.
   Kapiolani Location:  Free parking on first and second floor of parking structure for up to 3 hours with  validation.  Street parking also available after 6:30pm.
More info:
   Windward Mall Location:  808-744-2157
   Kapiolani Location:  808-589-2989
   Waikiki Location:  808-926-2989

Elephants at the Honolulu Zoo

To learn more about the Honolulu Zoo, read my blog post titled The Honolulu Zoo.  To just learn about the new elephant exhibit, continue reading below.

We haven't been doing a good job of putting our zoo membership to use this year but we are trying to change that, starting with a visit a couple weeks ago.

It was the first time we had been since they FINALLY finished the new elephant habitat.  They've been working on that project for longer than I can remember.  I've heard some complaints about it but I have to say it is 100% better than where the elephants lived before.  It always made me so sad to see the elephants in their tiny little space surrounded by concrete and I like their new spot.

The elephants get to walk on the ground now, not just stand on concrete, they have a water feature and they have lots of dirt which they were covering themselves in when we were there.  And their new area is much bigger than their old one.

The electric fence to keep them in definitely takes away from the possibility of this looking like a natural habitat.  Talk about a heavy-duty electric fence.  

But I didn't find it to be near as ugly as the chain link fence they've put up to keep people away from the electric fence.  I thought that was kind of an eyesore.  

But like I said at the beginning, this new spot for the elephants is a huge improvement over what they had before and I'll enjoy seeing the elephants much more than I did in the past.

On a different topic, the peacocks are aggressive!  Beware of leaving small children unguarded, especially if they have food.   The peacocks help themselves, and aren't easily chased off.  My daughter started the day excited to see the peacocks wandering around and ended by wanting to be picked up whenever one was anywhere in sight.

Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  On the corner of Kapahulu and Kalakaua Aves. at 151 Kapahulu Avenue, Waikiki, Hawaii
Hours:  9am to 4:30pm daily; Closed on Christmas
Cost:  General Admission: $14 adults and $6 for children ages 3-12; Kama'aina/Military: $8 adults, $4 children ages 3-12.  (Keep reading for my zoo membership recommendation.)
Parking:  The zoo parking lot is adjacent to the zoo along Kapahulu Ave.  This lot is metered parking.  Memorize your license plate number (or park near one of the pay stations) and then pay with credit card or cash at the pay station.  No need to put your receipt on your dashboard, the parking attendants check when your parking is expired electronically using your license plate number.  If I remember right, parking here is $1/hr and you can add time remotely using your phone, how cool is that?!  You can also park for free in the Waikiki Shell parking lot which is along Monsarrat on the other side of the zoo.
Facilities:  The zoo has restroom facilities in several locations.  They have a couple of places to get food and drinks including the Kapahulu Market.  There is a gift shop by the main entrance.
Other:  A zoo membership is worth purchasing and will save you money even if you only visit a handful of times in a year.  You can find membership info and even join online here.
More info:

The Honolulu Zoo 

on Oahu Mom; Honolulu Zoo Webpage, 808-971-7171

2012 Great Aloha Run & Keiki Run

My husband and son just decided to do the Great Aloha Run this year, the annual event that begins at the Aloha Tower and ends at Aloha Stadium.  Some readers may remember they did the Great Aloha Run a couple years ago and our son only walked about .5 miles of the 8 mile course and my husband carried him the other 7.5 miles.  At first my husband was excited to make it a yearly tradition but then changed his mind and decided to wait.  This is the year to try it again.  Our son just ran/walked 8.25 miles for his school's two hour jog-a-thon so we know that if he's motivated he can do it.  Here's hoping for motivation on race day!

Me?  I'll be home when the race begins.  Our girl is not a happy camper early in the morning, not a happy camper when she has to be in a stroller against her will and not a happy camper when she has to walk against her will.  Eight miles with an unhappy camper just doesn't sound fun so I'm going to sacrifice and sleep in, I mean stay home, with her.

This is a very family friendly race and you'll be in good company if you are there with a stroller.  If you want to give it a try this year, January 27 (that's this coming Friday) is the last day for regular entries to the Great Aloha Run to be postmarked.  After that you must register in person and the price increases significantly.

In addition to the race on President's Day there will also be a special 1.5 mile Keiki Run on Saturday, February 18.  Registration for that is online through January 31.

Here are some links for more information and to register:
Kaiser Permanente's Great Aloha Run
Hawaii 5210, Let's Go Keiki Run

Puka Dog

Puka Dog is a fun little place to eat a hot dog in Waikiki.  They have a couple twists on the traditional hot dog that make for a fun and tasty experience.

When it comes to the bread, instead of regular hot dog buns they use a bigger bun that they make a hole (called a 'puka' in Hawaiian) through the middle of the bread and put the hot dog in this hole.  They have two choices of hot dogs - polish sausage or veggie.

The second twist on the traditional hot dog are their relishes.  They have a secret garlic lemon sauce they offer in various levels of spicy and a number of tropical relishes as well.  I wasn't sure about putting Mango Relish or Coconut Relish in my hot dog but at the urging of friends who'd eaten there I gave it a try and definitely enjoyed it!

For the less adventurous, like my kids, they also offer regular old ketchup, mustard and pickle relish.  Last time I was there I noticed they also have a children's size hot dog but it's not on the main menu and so I hadn't noticed it when we ordered.  Too bad because the regular puka dogs are too big for my kids to finish.  Next time we'll try the keiki option!

Last but not least, their fresh squeezed lemonade is delicious!

Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  In the Waikiki Town Center at 2301 Kuhio Avenue #2, Honolulu, Hawaii  96815.  I think of them as being located at the back side of the International Marketplace and you can get there by walking through the International Marketplace to Kuhio Ave.
Hours:  Mon-Thurs, 10am to 10pm; Fri-Sat, 10am to 11:30pm
Parking:  They don't have their own parking so you have to find a parking garage or street parking.  You could also park on one end or the other of Waikiki where parking costs less and get in some exercise walking to and from Puka Dog.
Facilities:  There are restrooms located upstairs that are shared by businesses in the area.  They have a few tables in front of the restaurant.  They can fill up when it gets busy but we've gotten lucky and always gotten a place to sit.
More info:  808-924-7887

Kahili Room at Bishop Museum

The Hawaiian Hall Complex at the Bishop Museum features a number of interesting exhibits.  Earlier this week I blogged about the Hawaiian Hall Gallery and today I want to mention the nearby Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kahili Room.  This room is not especially large, but the exhibits are well laid and it's a great place to learn a little more about the Hawaiian Monarchy.

The kahili are the main features here (you probably guessed that from the name of the room).  For those unfamiliar with the term, kahili are feather standards that were used by Hawaiian royalty to show status and family heritage.  You can see a number of kahili in this picture.

It is always neat to see original artifacts, but my favorite features of this room are the pictures of the Hawaiian monarchs and the family tree showing how they were all related.  You can easily trace the history of the monarchy through the years using the diagrams, stories, paintings and photographs in this room and it's that "big picture" that I like best about this room.

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Directions:  Why reinvent the wheel?  Click here for directions to the museum from wherever you might be.

Parking:  There is plenty of free parking right in front of the museum.

Hours:  9am to 5pm Wednesday to Monday (i.e. closed on Tuesdays).  Also closed on Christmas.

Cost:  Adults $17.95, Seniors (65 and over) $14.95, Children ages 4-12 $14.95, Children 3 and under are free.  They have reduced rates for kama'aina and military visitors with proper identification.  To save money, consider purchasing a membership (they have several levels available) or be on the lookout for free admission days; they have a couple a year and I try to post them on the Weekend Events page when they occur.

Facilities:  There are restrooms and an elevator in Hawaiian Hall.  

Other:  The Bishop Museum has a large gift shop and a café.  We have also taken our own food and had a picnic on their lawn.

Related:  Read my posts about the Bishop Museum's Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center and the Bishop Museum's Hawaiian Hall Gallery.

More info:  Contact the Bishop Museum at 808-847-3511

Yogurtland

Yogurtland was pretty much a daily stop on our spring break trip to Maui last March.  Ever since that trip the background picture on my computer has been of our family at Yogurtland and we all look very happy with our yogurt treats.

The good news is you don't have to go all the way to Maui to enjoy this tasty treat.  I don't know why I had to visit Maui to discover Yogurtland but I'm glad I don't have to wait until I head back there to enjoy one of their desserts.  In fact, according to their webpage there are four Yogurtland locations here on Oahu.  At the end of the summer we stopped into their Waikiki location and the yogurt was as good as I remembered it.

At Yogurtland (like at Yogurt Mama, Orange Grove Frozen Yogurt and others) you serve yourself frozen yogurt and toppings.  There are lots of flavor choices and lots of choices of toppings.  I always like to get a couple flavors of yogurt, usually something tart and something sweet and my favorite toppings come from the fresh fruit section.

Guess what I'm craving now.  Frozen yogurt!  I think I'm going to have to try to fit some into my schedule this week.  :)

Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  Four locations on Oahu: Pearl City, Waikiki, Hawaii Kai and Honolulu.  Addresses can be found here.
Hours:  Hours vary slightly by location but they are all open 11am-10pm daily with a few locations staying open later on the weekends or opening earlier on certain days.
Cost:  Depends how much you get, they charge by weight.
Other:  You can ask for sample cups and taste the different flavors before committing to a whole serving.

Kuhio Beach Free Hula Show in Waikiki

We had family visiting last week and they wanted was to see a hula show so one evening we headed down to Waikiki to watch the show at Kuhio Beach.  We got there 20 minutes before it started and got a nice spot on the lawn in front of the hula mound.  As showtime got closer the area filled in around us and by the time the show started the lawn was filled with people and there was standing room only on all sides of the venue.  

Different hula halaus (hula schools) put on the show different evenings.  The evening we were there the atmosphere on stage was one of ohana (family).  Songs sung in Hawaiian were translated into English and cultural traditions were shared and explained.  The dances were well done and the music was beautiful, but I went away feeling I had caught a glimpse of the real Hawaii rather than feeling like I had watched a super polished made-for-tourists-only show.  I really enjoyed how genuine it all was.

The hula show was well done and the setting was beautiful.  As we were watching the show the sun set behind us over the ocean and the tiki torches surrounding us burned brighter.  This was a fun way to take in a hula performance!

Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  Kuhio Hula Mound in Waikiki is located on the ocean side of Kalakaua Ave. between Uluniu Ave. and Liliuokalani Ave.
Hours:  Currently the shows are from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.   I've read that in the winter months (I believe Nov-Jan) the show begins at 6pm.
Parking:  We parked in the zoo parking lot where rates are currently $1/hr.  Entrance to the zoo lot is off of Kapahulu Ave.  From here it's about a six block walk to the Kuhio Hula Mound.
Facilities:  There are public restrooms located a block or two down the beach.  Some of the retail establishments across the street also have restrooms that are open to the public.
Cost:  Free
Other:  We just sat on the grass, but you can also take mats or blankets to sit on.  We packed a picnic supper for the kids and I'd definitely recommend doing that.  Afterwards we went across the street to Yogurtland for dessert.  Yum!
More info:  Before heading to Waikiki, please call 808-843-8002 to confirm show days and times.

Summer Concert at the Zoo

Every summer the Honolulu Zoo holds a summer concert series.  We finally got the chance to head there to hear some music last week and hopefully we'll make it back a time or two before their final summer concert on August 10, 2011.

The concerts are held on the zoo's large lawn area.  Seating is on the grass, so take a blanket and/or some chairs to sit on.  You can only see flamingos and elephants at this time of the day as the rest of the zoo is closed off, so if you're taking kids you can let them know they won't be seeing many animals on this zoo trip.

After we got there and had seen the flamingos and elephants we checked out the keiki coloring contest tent but they'd already run out of pictures to color.  We looked at the animal skeletons and snake skins they had on display and then found a spot to eat our picnic supper and listen to the music.  The featured artist the evening we were there was Kelly Boy Delima.  You can listen to samples of his music at this link: Jus Kelly Boy.  He was joined by his two daughters and you can hear samples of their family singing together here: Kupu A'e.

You can take your own food for a picnic supper or you can purchase food there.  Here's what they had available last week.  I assume this stays the same from week to week, but can't promise that.

Except for the fact that both of our kids were in a whiney mood (and by whiney I mean unhappy, grumpy and miserable to hang out with) it was a lovely evening.  (Just keeping it real for all the other parents out there who are reading this.)  If you haven't already, check out a concert at the zoo!

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  On the corner of Kapahulu and Kalakaua Aves. at 151 Kapahulu Avenue, Waikiki, Hawaii 

Hours:  Gates open for the concerts at 4:35pm.  Music is from 6-7pm.

Parking:  The zoo parking lot is adjacent to the zoo along Kapahulu Ave.  This lot is metered parking.  If you park here, enter through the zoo's main entrance.  You can also park for free in the Waikiki Shell parking lot which is along Monsarrat on the other side of the zoo.  For the concerts a side gate across from this parking lot is opened, so enter there if you park on that side of the zoo.

Facilities:  There are restrooms that are not too far from the lawn where the concerts are held.  I didn't see a baby changing station in them.

Cost:  $3 per person (members and non-members)

Other:  High back chairs are not allowed, though when we were there this wasn't enforced.  Alcohol is not allowed either.

More info:  To see a list of the musical guests and other information, visit Wildest Show Concert Series

King Kamehameha Day Lei Draping

Last year I blogged about seeing the Kamehameha Statue draped in leis for King Kamehameha Day.  If you want to see this for yourself now is the time.

The lei draping ceremony will begin this Friday, June 10, at 3:30pm with a prelude concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band.

The ceremony occurs in front of Aliiolani Hale at 417 South King Street, across from the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu.    (For Hawaii Five-0 fans, you'll recognize this location as "Five-0 Headquarters.")

If you don't make it to the ceremony, I would recommend at least stopping by sometime to see the leis.

Have a great weekend!

Royal Mausoleum

Ever wonder where the royal families of Hawaii are buried?  The Royal Mausoleum in Nu'uanu Valley is the principal burial site for the Kamehameha and Kalakaua Dynasties.  I stumbled upon this place, called Mauna 'Ala (Fragrant Hills) in Hawaiian, when I was walking along Nu'uanu Road.  The beautiful black gates with gold accents caught my eye and last month I finally got a chance to stop in and visit.

On the grounds of the Royal Mausoleum there are a chapel, an underground burial vault and several free standing tombs.  The grounds are beautiful and peaceful and you forget how close you are to both downtown Honolulu and the Pali Hwy.  

The underground crypt is where the remains of many members of the royal family are kept, with their names and dates of birth and death marking their final resting place.  Many of the remains were transferred here after the mausoleum was finished in 1865.

There are free standing tombs and monuments both beside and behind the chapel.  As we walked around looking at them I had an opportunity to teach my children about graveyard etiquette and respect, as well as a bit of Hawaiian history.

We also saw many beautiful leis which had been left on the graves.  On May 2, leis from Lei Day competitions held on May 1 are ceremoniously placed on graves at the Royal Mausoleum.  Our visit was in the afternoon after the ceremony and the leis were intricate and beautiful.

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  2261 Nu'uanu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii

Directions:  From the Pali Hwy, take the Wyllie Street exit.  If you are coming from Honolulu, you will loop around to the right, crossing over the Pali, and come to an intersection where you will take a left at the stop sign.  If you are driving towards Honolulu, you will exit and arrive at the same intersection where you will go straight at the stop sign.  You will be on Nu'uanu Ave. and pass two churches on your left and the Mausoleum will be just after them and before the large cemetery.

Hours:  Mon-Fri, 8am to 4:30pm; Closed on weekends and holidays, except Memorial Day.

Parking:  Free and located along the loop inside the gates of the Mausoleum.

Facilities:  There are restrooms located behind the chapel.

Other:  Picnicing is not allowed on the grounds of the Royal Mausoleum.

More info:  For a brief history of the Mausoleum, read about it on Wikipedia


This post is part of the Carnival of Aloha at Homespun Honolulu.  Head there to find links to more posts about the Hawaiian islands.

Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon in Waikiki

If you are looking for calm water for your kids to play in, consider checking out the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon in Waikiki.  The lagoon was renovated several years ago and is now a giant saltwater swimming pool.  It is surrounded by beach on all sides but the water is circulated and kept clean and the beaches are also well taken care of.  On several sides of the lagoon there are nice grassy areas behind the beach that even have some shady spots from the trees planted there.

The lagoon is located next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village at the eastern end of Waikiki near the Ala Wai Boat harbor.  It is considered to be a part of the grounds of the Hilton but is open to the public.

The edges of the lagoon are extremely shallow and there are no waves here, so it's a great place for children to run and play and enjoy the water.

In addition to wading and swimming, the lagoon is also a popular place to try out kayaking or stand up paddle boarding.  These and other watercraft can be rented from a concession stand at the corner of the lagoon nearest the Hilton.

The only thing I don't like about the lagoon is the sand.  It feels dusty and a bit artificial to me and if you want to build sand castles you'll probably want to head somewhere else.  My kids have never complained about the sand so don't let that one complaint of mine keep you from visiting this spot.

Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is located adjacent to the Hilton Hawaiian Village on the Eastern edge (away from Diamond Head) of Waikiki.
Directions:  Get on Ala Moana Boulevard.  Between Ala Moana Mall and the Hilton Hawaiian Village you will turn Makai (towards the ocean) on Hobron Lane.  Then take a left on Holomoana Street and drive until you find a parking spot.
Parking:  After you turn onto Holomoana Street there is a paid parking lot on your right.  There is also free parking along the lagoon on the left and out at the end of the road on the oceanside of the lagoon.  I always check the free parking lot first but if you do end up in the paid lot the rates are very reasonable.
Facilities:  Drinking fountains and I think a water spigot for rinsing off your feet are next to the lagoon.  Can't remember if there's an outdoor shower or not.  There are no restrooms adjacent to the lagoon but the Hilton has restrooms you can use that are just a short walk away.  There's also a snack bar on the lower floor of the Rainbow Tower facing the sidewalk.
More info:  Here's a view of the lagoon from a little different angle.

Bath and Body Works in Hawaii

Bath and Body Works is open for business here in Hawaii!  I saw it with my very own eyes this week.  The store opened at the beginning of this month and is located in the Ala Moana Center near Macy's.  Happy shopping!

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  On Level 2 near Macy's in the Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI  96814

Hours:  Mon-Sat 9:30am to 9pm; Sun 10am to 7pm

Online:  Bath & Body Works Hawaii

Phone Number:  808-946-8020

Leonard's Bakery Malasadamobile

One weekend morning recently I discovered these sitting on our table.  Not one, but two boxes of malasadas from Leonard's Bakery.  My husband had taken our early-rising boy for a bike ride and then they picked these up on their way back home.  Mmm, mmm good!

If you are new to Hawai'i and don't know what a malasada is, get yourself to a bakery and find out!  By definition they are Portuguese donuts, brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants who came to work on the plantations back in the day.  But to really KNOW what a malasada is you need to taste one...or two, or three...why keep count, really?

You can purchase Leonard's malasadas from one of their bakeries, or from their Malasadamobiles (their term not mine, but I like it).  Ours came from the Malasadamobile that is often parked in the corner of Windward Mall's parking lot, on the corner of Kamehameha Highway and Haiku Drive.  The red and white stripes make it pretty easy to spot no matter where it is parked.

As luck would have it (and truly it's by luck, not advanced planning, that this happened) I'm posting this at the end of Malasada Day.  According to Wikipedia, on the Portuguese island of Madeira they would make Malasadas on Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday to use up their lard and sugar before Lent so they called that Tuesday 'Malasada Day' and brought that tradition with them to Hawaii.  But don't wait for Malasada Day to roll around again before you get some of these tasty treats.


Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  Leonard's Bakery is at 933 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii  96816; Leonard Jr.'s is in the Waimalu Shopping Center at 98-042 Kamehameha Hwy #3, Aiea, Hawaii 96701; there is a Malasadamobile at the Waikele Shopping Center at 94-894 Lumiaina Street, Waipahu, Hawaii, 96797.  At the time of this post there is also a Malasadamobile at Hilo Hattie's.  It's posted on their webpage but I'm not sure if it will be a permanent spot or not.  Check their webpage.  And although not listed on their webpage, there is usually one at Windward Mall on the corner of Kam Hwy. and Haiku Dr.
Hours:  For the bakeries: 5:30am to 9pm Sunday through Thursday; 6am to 10pm Friday and Saturday
Other:  Malasadas definitely taste best fresh, so eat as many as you can the first day you get them.  :)  Their website says that the Malasadamobiles are available for private parties and events.  So if you're planning a big party, give them a call!
More on the web:  Learn more about the bakery and it's history at Leonard's Bakery Homepage.  Founded in 1952 it is still family owned and operated.

Bogart's Cafe

Our visitors have headed home but I have a few more stories to share of the fun times we had while they were here.  Bogart's Cafe had been recommended to them and one Sunday morning we all headed to the Diamond Head area to check it out.

Turns out it's a small place located in a strip mall.  It has a couple tables outside and a few inside and a steady stream of customers lined up to place their orders.

What Bogart's lacks in curb appeal and ambiance it makes up for in the food.  Pancakes, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches...very good and very filling.  The banana pancakes my son ordered had bananas baked in them and the bagel sandwich I got looked small at first but kept me full for hours.  

A great breakfast and a perfect location to grab a bite on the way to the zoo or one of the beaches in Waikiki.

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  3045 Monsarrat Ave. #3, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

Hours:  6am to 6pm on weekends, 6am to 6:30pm on weekdays

Parking:  There is a parking lot there, though it seems to fill up.  Nearby street parking is probably your next choice, although we were lucky enough to get a spot in the lot so I'm not sure.

Bathrooms:  If you're going with children, this is a big thing to note.  You have to drive to get to a bathroom!  They said the nearest public restroom is at Kapiolani Park, which is a few blocks away.  My husband took our son to a nearby Zippy's instead, but still they had to drive to get there.

My tips:  

• Go earlier than later.  We went around 9am and got tables and didn't have to wait too long.  By the time we left, closer to 10am, the line went out the door and they announced that the wait for food once you ordered was 30 min.  Tables were also getting hard to come by.

• Didn't see any high chairs there.

• Use the a la carte menu to order for kids.

Hula Pie at Duke's in Waikiki

Having visitors from the Mainland (or anywhere for that matter) can really disrupt life.  Nap times and bedtimes are thrown off, normal routines are all messed up; if they're staying in Waikiki coordinating schedules can be challenging and we spend a lot more time on the road than usual, if they're staying with us our house is more crowded, hot water is in shorter supply...you get the idea.  But the flip side is that having visitors is a great reminder that I live in paradise and it motivates me to get out and enjoy this travel destination I call home.  I run fewer errands and I get to the beach more.  I do less laundry and I eat more shave ice.

Heading to Duke's with the family on a school night just for dessert?  Not going to happen...unless we have visitors staying in Waikiki who we want to get together with.  And that is how we found ourselves in this lovely spot last week...

...eating this delicious dessert.

I posted before about brunch at Duke's.  I could have mentioned hula pie in that post but 1) I only blog about things as I do them and I didn't have Hula pie with my brunch and 2) Hula Pie deserves its own blog post.  Yep, it's that impressive. 

First of all, it's big.  For our table of 5 adults and 4 children the waitress recommended just 3 slices of pie and that was plenty.  The ingredients are simple enough: chocolate cookie piecrust, macadamia nut ice cream, chocolate fudge topping, macadamia nuts and whipped cream.  But the taste is delicious and the setting, especialy if you get to sit down by the beach under the tiki torches, adds to the experience.

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  Duke's is located in the Outrigger Waikiki hotel at 2335 Kalakaua Avenue

Parking:  Duke's validates parking at Ohana East.  To get there, go down Kalakaua Avenue.  After you pass the International Marketplace on your left and the Outrigger Waikiki on your right, take a left on Kaiulani Ave., another left on Kuhio Ave. and a left into the first parking garage you come to.

My tips:  If you are just there for dessert let the host or hostess at the front know.  If wait times are long they may offer you the option of eating at the bar or checking for seats on the beach level (my personal favorite anyway).  If you can't find a place to sit in a reasonable amount of time you can get it to go.  We did that once and enjoyed our dessert on the beach in front of Duke's.

For more info: Official webpage for Duke's

Note:  To our past, current and future visitors - getting to hang out with you and live like tourists for awhile is worth any chaos you add to our lives.  Just so you know.

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: Shoreline

Scenic Sunday...because I never cease to be amazed by the beauty of these islands.

shoreline in Waikiki

Visit Delicious Baby to see more beautiful photos from around the world.

Surfing at Queen's Surf Beach in Waikiki

On Sunday we spent the day with a bunch of friends at Queen's Beach in Waikiki.  While we were there my boy got his very first surfing lesson - and in my proud opinion he did really well!  We sure had the right crew there for it.  A friend with a long board who would help launch him into the waves, Daddy to catch him before he ended up on the sandy shore, and even another friend on a surfboard with a video camera in a waterproof case to film the whole thing.  

It was really flat on Sunday but not quite as flat as it looks in the picture.  The waves were indeed big enough to give him forward momentum.  It was a perfect spot for a first lesson.  Shallow enough for adults to easily help, deep enough that he didn't get banged up on rocks when he fell in, and right next to a rock pier where I could stand and be close to the action with my camera and document his progress. 

Do it yourself on Oahu:

• Queen's Surf Beach is on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki across from Kapiolani Park.  

• Hawaiian royalty used to frequent this beach and Queen Liliuokalani had a beach house here, hence the name.

• The beach is known for its body boarding (some areas are exclusively for body boarding), snorkeling (there's a nice reef out in front of the Waikiki aquarium), and of course swimming (although it is a little rocky in some areas) and playing in the sand.  The beach is popular with the LGBT community but on any given day a wide variety of people can be found enjoying this beautiful spot.  There is a nice lawn next to the beach with some shade and a couple great banyan trees with roots that are fun to swing on.  

• There are restrooms and outdoor showers here.

Scenic Sunday: Sunset in Waikiki

I didn't post earlier because we were gone all day, enjoying the great outdoors.  It was a beautiful day to the very end!

Brunch at Duke's in Waikiki

Looking for something to do this weekend?  How about brunch?  My favorite spot for brunch is Duke's in Waikiki.  We went there earlier this summer with my parents when they were visiting.  It's usually on their list of things to do when they are on Oahu.

When it comes to restaurants, I'm all about the ambiance.  I love eating outside, weather permitting, and thankfully here in Hawaii the weather almost always permits outdoor dining.  Duke's is an open-aired restaurant right along Waikiki beach with a great view.  The water is too pretty to put into words and it's fun to watch the surfers, the outriggers and the catamarans come and go.  This picture gives you a tiny glimpse but really doesn't do it justice.

The breakfast buffet includes different types of breads and muffins, fresh fruit, yogurt, dry cereal and hot items like eggs, potatoes and breakfast sausages.  There's also a made-to-order omelet station.

If you're looking for cream filled puff pastries or layered jello then this isn't the brunch for you, but if you want a good meal, stunning view and affordable price I bet you'll really like Duke's.  For $14.95 ($7.95 for children 11 and under) it's a great deal!  

Do it yourself on Oahu:

Here's a link to Duke's website.

Hours:  They're open all day I believe and their brunch is served everyday, not just on weekends, but they change to a lunch menu at 10 or 10:30.  

Location:  Duke's is located in the Outrigger Waikiki hotel at 2335 Kalakaua Ave.

Parking:  Duke's validates parking at Ohana East.  To get there, go down Kalakaua Avenue.  After you pass the International Marketplace on your left and the Outrigger Waikiki on your right, take a left on Kaiulani Ave., another left on Kuhio Ave. and a left into the first parking garage you come to.

Disclaimer:  I know this post sounds like a commercial, but I have no affiliation with Duke's and didn't strike a deal with them to put them on my blog, honest!  I just like brunch there so much that I had to share!