Photo courtesy of zimbio.com

Who said Hawaii was a couple’s paradise?  I’ve been single for thirty years in Honolulu, and know from experience that single travelers have just as much (if not more) fun as honeymooning couples do.  Oahu in particular, being the most populated and having the liveliest nightlife of the state’s eight islands, is the ideal place to find romance or simply to live up the single life on the road.

There are so many great places for single travelers who are looking for fun, sun, and some good old-fashioned night clubbing. Singles love to beach it by day and party by night, and Oahu has plenty of opportunities for both.  Feast your eyes on Oahu’s sexiest beach (which doubles as Oahu’s most famous surf break during the winter), the Banzai Pipeline.  There are not only babes in bikinis, but hot surfers eager to impress onlookers.  “Pipe,” for short, is only worth the trek north during the winter months, from November through February.  Other months are hit and miss, so if you miss the big surf and good-looking crowd, stick to the south side and explore the singles’ haven of Waikiki.  There are plenty of beaches and bars, namely Duke’s Restaurant and Barefoot Bar, which at sunset is completely full of barefoot travelers striking up casual conversations.

Once night falls, don your best going out attire and paint the town red.  If you’re heading out mid-week, you’ll have the best luck at the Mai Tai Bar, located on the third floor of Ala Moana Shopping Center.  Mai Tai’s is a tamed-down version of Hooters, complete with waitresses scantily clad in tight-fitting aloha “dresses” and sneakers (it sounds strange, but men insist it’s a hot look).  There are plenty of admiring men here, and where the single men are so too are the women.  On Friday nights and weekends, head downtown to Indigo Eurasian Cuisine.  Indigo’s lychee martinis are to die for, and Friday’s happy hour make its martinis a bargain for just $5.  There are plenty of great bars and clubs right around the corner from Indigo’s on Hotel Street, and Aloha Tower is a few blocks away, too.  Last but not least: if live music is more your single speed, Pipeline Café will be the best venue for you.  Most of the mainland’s indy acts pass through this hip bar and concert hall.  Every night offers a little something different.

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Ala Moana Beach Park surf, photo courtesy of http://driftsurf.blogspot.com/

Surf Breaks at the Beach Park:

• Courts.  Short for Tennis Courts, since this surf break is directly out from the tennis courts at the park.  This break is a large left and right break that can hold large south swell.  This break is frequented mostly by long boarders who usually dominate the line up.  Most of the short boarders hang out in the inside where waves can re-form nicely. 
• Concessions.  Its name comes from being directly out from the park’s concession stands.  This left and right break is usually littered with short boarders.  The main take off spot is small, which means when it gets crowded surfers scramble for right of way.  When this break gets good, it peels and surfers can get barrelled on the left or right. 
• Big Rights.  Next to Concessions on the Ewa side you fill find Big Rights.  Why is it called Big Rights? Come here on a 4 foot+ day, get caught in the inside by a set and you’ll know why! Big rights! Predominantly right break, (a few lefts, but mostly close outs) this break is for intermediate and advanced surfers because of its fast take off and right barrel up.  On big days I’ve seen guys get in and out barrels!  

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Photo courtesy of www.surfersvillage.com

Let’s be fair.  There may be some things I miss in Hawaii, but there are also plenty of things I don’t.  Here are a few.

• The traffic: I’m a pretty patient person, but when it takes me over an hour to drive from town to Kapolei, which should take no longer than 40 minutes, I lose it. Sometimes the traffic can get so bad that there’s nothing to do but stay home.
• The tourists: We need them but we hate them.  Enough said.
• Waikiki: Tourists and Waikiki go hand in hand, but I’m not going to miss the hustle and bustle of the state’s tourist mecca.  There are just so many more cool places in Honolulu that don’t involve crowds. 
• Stand-up paddle surfers: I don’t mind the ones who putz around inside Ala Moana Beach Park, but I hate the ones who hog the set waves at Bowls.  Some kinds of surfing just shouldn’t be allowed at certain breaks.

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Photo courtesy of www.wayfaring.info

Since Taryn and I are both in Taiwan right now, I thought it would be worthwhile to put this trip in perspective.  While we both enjoy traveling and being away from home, there are of course things we miss about Honolulu.  Here are a few.

• The ocean: This has to be at the top of my list.  Now, I’ve been to some places where the ocean is just as beautiful, but there’s something to be said about having warm blue water and waves all year round.
• The people: Some people might complain about the local attitude that comes along with living in town, but I miss the sense of community in Hawaii — and the diversity.
• The food: Most of my ESL students complain that the food is unhealthy, but where else in the world can you eat poke every day and not get sick of it?
• The backdrop: I often forget how lucky I am to live in a place that has a little bit of everything — sand, ocean, palm trees and mountains.  Since I spent half my life on the mainland, where there was either not ocean or no mountains, I have a deeper appreciation for the island landscape and beauty.

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• 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.

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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!

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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!

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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. 

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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!!

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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

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