Hello Hawai'i...
My honest preconception of Hawaii prior to this trip: Disneyland for adults, and don't forget the lose pants. I was really interested in the food more than anything, like most places I travel. With the help of local bloggers and native friends who reside in Hawai'i, I found inspiration. What was the fascination about this place? Yes, Hawai'i is as American as it can get, but not really. It provides the American 'large size' food offerings + you can spot a starbucks here and there. However, once you look around and absorb yourself with the people, the culture, the air, you begin to understand what it's really about. You literally have to just drop your bags, put on your sunny's, look up, and breathe. Breathe until you can feel and taste the air.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay-claimed as one of the best in Oahu.
Our itinerary: Oahu 5 days, Maui 4 days.
We hit Hanauma Bay in Oahu on our first day to get in on the snorkeling action. This was almost a necessary step to get started on the Hawaiian lifestyle. I doubt any locals go there, and we were just a few of the thousands of tourists that were there. But guess what? I was a tourist, and I milked that status throughout the whole trip~
Honolulu farmers market
We couldn't leave Honolulu without checking the local farmers markets. Luckily we hit some pretty cool ones, and discovered some tasty eats!
The killer dish at the Otsuji Farms stand-'Crispy Nori with Poke Tuna + Avocado+Scallions+Spicy Mayo.
I could watch them boil this Pho broth all day! The one and only 'Pig and the Lady'.
Whoever invented this combo is brilliant.
My favorite at the Pig and the Lady-'Braised Beef French Dip with Pho Broth'.
Best shrimp truck in Oahu-Romy's where they never use frozen, and the pepper paste has an Asian flare.
When we would stop alongside a road to navigate via google maps, random locals will stop and ask if we were ok. Do people do this in New York? Genuine, friendly folks here. Us tight urban folks need to learn to chill out, the Hawaiian way.
Musubi!!! The favorite Hawaiian snack. The best ones were 'Iyasume' in Honolulu. I could eat this everyday.
The key is the rice. Then you add your layers of spam, and other goodies. The combinations are endless!
Street art in the Kakaako neighborhood, Honolulu.
Our last meal at this amazing Japanese spot 'Tokkuri-tei' in Honolulu. Just look at the size of this hamachi!
Chef Yuji's special that evening: Alaskan crab with snow crab innards on the side. Wow.
Custom hand roll: Raw scallop with homemade Korean gogchujang sauce. Never knew this would work, now I'm a believer...
First course at the 'Feast of Lele' luau-Maui.
This luau served courses from different historical regions of Hawaii. Ate a little too much that evening, not to mention the unlimited pina coladas.
Our view. Andaz Maui.
Best Saimin noodles (Hawaiian ramen) at 'Sam Sotos'-Maui!
Coconuts along the road...
Waterfalls of Oahu-Waimea Valley. Gorgeous.
Overall, the food was great (but be prepared for the portions and salt levels), and the locals were just sincere and endearing. My curiosity was met. Look forward to going back and checking out the other islands!
Below is a short of some places we checked out, and some of the places we will next time...
Oahu:
Tokkuri-Tei (best Izakaya, try to sit at the sushi bar and ask for Chef Yuji)
Kokohead Cafe
Iyasume Cafe (best spam musubi's)
Romy's Shrimp Truck
Malasadas (amazing Portuguese donuts)
Pig & the Lady (Vietnamese, the farmers market was better than the restaurant)
Monkey Pod (local bistro)
Rainbow’s (classic, classic, classic)
Kaka’ako Kitchen
Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice (North Shore)
Zippy’s (locally run by an Okinawan family; open 24 hours and lots of variety)
Diamond Head Grill (the BEST SCONES EVER!)
Maui:
Sam Sotos (best saimin noodles)
Ululani's Shaved Ice (preferred over Matsumoto's)