When I have friends come to Honolulu for a visit, one thing I try to make time for is a trip to one of Honolulu’s lounges or bars for a tasty maitai at sunset. Here’s a short list of places to go for one of Waikiki’s most famous drinks.
- La Mariana Sailing Club: This is a divey little spot located at the Ke Ehi Marina. The food is a little sub-par, but the cocktails here are quite good and the atmosphere right on the water yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown or Waikiki can’t be beat.
- Mai Tai’s: If you’re looking for a more local scene, Mai Tai’s on the third floor of Ala Moana Shopping Center is a good choice. On most nights there is live music.
- Lewers Lounge: This upscale lounge in the Halekulani hotel is certainly the fanciest locale of the bunch. It’s the best choice if you’re looking for something with a jazzy atmosphere, as there is usually live music here that features a piano or cello.
- Duke’s Barefoot Bar and Restaurant: This is one of my favorite spots not only for the sweet atmosphere right on the beach but also for the very tasty food. Another spin on maitai’s here would be to go for a night surf on a full moon and then paddle up to Duke’s for a late night cocktail.
- The Moana Surfrider: Right next to Duke’s is one of the oldest establishments in Waikiki. Affectionately known as the Moana Surfrider, this great Waikiki staple has a very peaceful bar on the beach surrounding its famous banyan tree. My brother-in-law attests this bar serves up the best maitai around.
Checking out the wineries around Orient Point
I just returned home (albeit only for 10 hours) from a week in Long Island visiting Chris. I had an amazing time. Here are some of the travel highlights:
- Bayville, where C’s mom lives, is a quaint little town on the North Shore of Long Island. It has more of a suburbia feel to it, but it’s also situated right on the water, which makes for good fishing.
- West Hampton, where C’s dad lives, is a lively summer beach town. Several private beach clubs line Dune Road, aptly named for sand dunes that protect the island on the southern coast. All along Dune Road are little jetties that make for good surfing – all year if you’re willing to brave the winter water in a 6-5-4 wetsuit. I surfed with 5 people at the most in West Hampton – and the water in the summer is actually pretty warm (I just had to wear my 2 mil spring suit).
- On the way to Orient Point there are a slew of wineries that are worth a visit. Lil and I were fortunate enough to check them out on a hot Saturday afternoon and caught some great live music and even a yummy oyster bar.
- As you make your way farther east, you reach Southampton and East Hampton. Southampton is trendy while East Hampton is just plain rich. It’s acceptable for guys to wear polo shirts with a popped collar, khakis, and loafers (yuck!). Lillian and I spent the end of our Saturday evening at the Drift Inn, which is a popular outdoor dance club and bar. The scene out there was plain nuts – but fun! I felt like I was reliving Colby all over again!
- Montauk is the easternmost tip of Long Island. It also seems to have the best surfing in all of Long Island as it picks up swell from nearly all directions. There’s also really amazing fishing out here. It’s pretty far east, though, and there’s only one road in and out. While the summer buzzes with activity (and traffic is pretty intolerable), I imagine this place becomes quite the ghost town during the winter.
For a more personal take on my trip to Long Island, visit my SurfEatSleep blog.
Long Island is a blast! The surfing here is much better than I expected. It got to a little over head high while I was there, and I’m sure when hurricanes pass through (like when Earl hits later this week) it can be epic. While there is a bit of snobbery throughout the Hamptons, a nice, laid-back vibe can be found in West Hampton and Montauk. I hope to make it back out there again!
photo courtesy of http://www.taiwansurfshack.com/blog/
Brenda, Steven, Chelsea, and I are leaving for Taipei, Taiwan today! We have been planning this trip for the past couple months and we aren’t going to Taiwan solely for a Taiwanese cultural experience, but actually going there to SURF! Chelsea’s surf friend Keith, the manager from the surf shop Hawaiian South Shore prompted this Taiwan surf trip idea.
Keith had talked about his great surfing experiences in Taiwan in one of his Hawaiian South Shore customer newsletters. This prompted us to research Taiwan. We found out that surf was quality, country was safe, people friendly, and that there was amazing Taiwanese culture and food. Since planning, Keith has been super helpful in giving us travel tips and he’s even going to be in Taiwan the same time as us! We are planning to meet up with him and his friends.
Our tentative Taiwan plan is to rent a car from the Taoyuan International Airport just outside of Taipei and look for swell. If there is no swell we will probably drive the island clockwise and try and hit cities Hualien, Taitung, and Kenting. Other than that, our plan is to relax, EAT-EAT, shop at the night markets, visit hot springs and national parks, see some big buddhas and temples, and maybe even learn some Mandarin. Cross your fingers for us that we’ll get some swell!
One of Macie's beagle puppy litters!
After the recent horrifying news about a Waimanalo puppy mill, dog owners everywhere are talking about it and their personal experiences. I have had dogs all my life and personally began buying dogs about 8 years ago on Oahu. After having three beagle puppy litters over the last five years I have learned through trial and error on what makes a good dog breeder and where people should by puppies from.
Personally, I feel that the majority of all puppies coming from pet stores actually do come from puppy mill type places. Whether coming from Australia or New Zealand (where we have no idea what the conditions look like) or locally, most pet store dogs are from breeders who produce mass amounts of dogs. Pet stores will only pay breeders a fraction of what the dog is actually sold for. For example, a pet store may buy a single puppy for $200 and turn around and sell it to a family for $1200. If a person’s sole income is reliant on dog breeding for the breeder to turn a profit they must have numerous puppies to sell. This is how puppy mills are born.
I don’t want to give all breeders the wrong reputation. There are great and responsible breeders on the island, but finding them isn’t as easy as walking into a pet store. This is where you the consumer must be able to tell the difference between the two. If you are looking to get a puppy on island here are some great tips in finding that healthy puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder.
- Do your research. Research the type of puppy you are looking for before hand to see if the dog meets your lifestyle expectations. Call advertisements for puppies litters that you are interested in and make multiple visits. Just like buying a home or a car, don’t buy the first puppy you see. If you are planning to purchase a dog from a pet store, find out where they get their puppies from. Compare prices, don’t spend more than the going rate.
- If buying from a local breeder, make a home visit. Most local breeders will allow prospects to come and visit the litter at their house. This is a great way to see the puppies’ temperament, litter’s sire and dam (mother and father) if also on site, and the dogs’ living conditions.
- Ask lots of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask pet stores or local breeders tons of questions. For example, the temperament of the parents, any genetic defects, veteranian records, what type of food the puppies are eating, etc.
- Keep adoption in mind as an alternative. Female dogs come in frequently with litters of puppies to the Hawaiian Humane Society or Oahu SPCA. For a small adoption fee a puppy can be yours.
- Re-homing. Many people rush into buying a puppy and after having their new puppy for a couple days/weeks they have second thoughts. The Internet and Craigslist are great places to find puppies and younger dogs that need to be re-homed.
clip courtesy of www.artafterdark.org
Today, Friday August 27, 2010 is the monthly Art After Dark at the Honolulu Academy of Arts from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. This month’s theme is “The Wonder Years” a elementary school motif. Amongst all the crowds and fun there will be a back to school dance in the central courtyard and a spelling bee contest. As always Town and Downtown will be providing the food. Come early to avoid the line and to come to help us celebrate Blaine and Lee’s birthday!!
Photo courtesy of Greek Festival Hawaii
Since the Honolulu Greek Festival is going on this weekend, I thought it would be a good idea to plug my favorite Greek restaurant in Honolulu, the Olive Tree Cafe in Kahala.
I try to make it to the Olive Tree at least once a month. I think I like it so much because of its cool vibe and of course its yummy yet affordable Greek food. The souvlaki here is to die for and they have this salty caviar appetizer that is so delicious spread on a warm pita bread that my mouth waters.
The cool thing about this place is that you order at the counter and then find a seat (outside is best). When your food is ready, they call you up and you grab it and don’t have to worry about waiters bothering you with refills and plates during your meal. There’s also a little wine shop that you can buy wine from and drink on your own. The atmosphere is perfect and the food amazing.
Don’t miss the Olive Tree — and if you’re here this weekend (I’m not!), head to the Greek Festival at Ala Moana Beach Park! Good times!
The Olive Tree Café
4614 Kilauea Avenue
Telephone: 808.737.0303
clip courtesy of http://manifesthawaii.com/
Tomorrow, Thursday August 26, 2010 is Manifest’s one year anniversary celebration. In my previous post about Manifest I raved about this coffee house by day and cocktail lounge by night. Manifest is a regular stop for my friends and I when we are Downtown Chinatown. We are excited to be able to celebrate Manifest’s year of sucess. Owner, Brandon Reid keeps Manifest hopping with art show parties, trivia nights, friendly staff, and nightly drink specials.
“A Night To Remember” is the prom themed party planned for tomorrow. Guests are encouraged to wear formal prom attire. From 7:00-9:00 pm invites only and 9:00 -2:00 am doors open to the public. Performances by Delve, JonC, SSSolutions, and Yoza. This is a night dedicated to all those who have supported The Manifest. For more information about the party visit http://manifesthawaii.com/ .
Photo courtesy of Craig T. Kojima of the Honolulu Star Advertiser
Although it’s still several months away, I’m eager to vote from abroad this year for the November polls. I feel quite strongly about the candidates that are up for Governor and Lt. Governor this year and feel it’s everyone’s civic duty to get out and vote!
Unfortunately, election officials have closed 97 out of 339 polling places around the state for this year’s elections, citing staffing shortages and budget cuts. That leaves only 242 poll sites around the islands: 137 on Oahu, 40 in Maui County, 19 on the Big Island and 17 in Kauai County. Oahu lost the most sites, at 75.
Hawaii’s voter turnout is usually quite low, so this news will likely reduce the number of voters, but there are several ways to do it. The Primary Election Voter Registration just passed, but you still have time to register for the General Election. That deadline is October 4.
For more information about Hawaii’s voting practices, visit Hawaii’s Office of Elections.
Photo courtesy of Mao's Last Dancer
A Punahou classmate of mine, Amanda Schull, who’s been seen all over the silver screen as of late and starred in the dance movie “Centerstage” plays the woman who marries a young Chinese ballet dancer out of love to save him from returning to China. I got to see the film last night and it’s worth a look not only for brushing up on Chinese history (which I need to do since I’ll be traveling there shortly) but for the lovely ballet dance scenes.
Based on Li Cunxin’s best selling autobiography, MAO’S LAST DANCER is the epic story of a young poverty stricken boy from China and his inspirational journey to international stardom as a world-class ballet dancer.
I really enjoyed watching this film. It was great to see Amanda in such a dramatic role, where she did very little dancing and a lot of good acting. “Mao’s Last Dancer” opened nationwide last Friday and is playing at the Kahala Theaters. Go check it out!
Town’s Topher Jacob shows off composting bins in the alley between the Town & another building. Photo courtesy of kaohana.windward.hawaii.edu
One of my favorite restaurants on the island is Town located in 3435 Waialae Avenue in Kaimuki. This Contemporary American cuisine restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurants motto is “local first, organic whenever possible, and with Aloha always.” I return to this restaurant again and again to enjoy the fresh and delicious food, drink their unique wine selection, and get kind and attentive service. Town is a great place to have a casual meal or celebrate a special occasion.
Town has above average food, service, and ambiance, but there are a few another reasons why I continue to return to this eatery. Town strives to make their restaurant eco-friendly by using responsible biodegradable items, using local and organic whenever possible, and the best part ever they recycle their food wastes using WORMS!
According to the Waikiki Worm Company’s website, Town was the first commercial property to operate an on-site worm composting facility. It is estimated that Town produces about 10 pounds of food wastes a day, six days a week. Just outside Town around the side of the building in a narrow alley, they have partially filled 16 inch wide by 16 inch deep by 16 feet long wooden worm boxes. Food scraps and other biodegradable materials used by Town go into the worm boxes daily. It takes about three months for the worms to make solids into vermicast (worm poop or “gardeners gold”, which is a rich dirt like fertilizer). Town then uses their vermicast for their fresh herb garden in the front of the restaurant.
Other restaurants and commercial businesses should learn through this example and see how easy and rewarding vermicomposting can be. I will continue to dine at Town and you should too, the wormies will thank you. To make a online reservation or get information visit: http://www.townkaimuki.com/.
