“Punch” is tradionally a drink served at parties and probably has a different taste at every party (based on a set of “secret” ingredients). In Hawaii “Fruit Punch” basically tastes the same no matter what restaurant you go to, a staple like cola or iced tea. Most fast food restaurants use one of two brands of syrup so that the standard taste can be served.

Additionally many picnics and parties that serve beverages from a drink dispenser (instead of canned or bottled drinks) will have that same brand of Fruit Punch, which is sold at any store that sells beverages (like Longs-CVS, Target, Walmart or any grocery store).

So add Hawaiian Fruit Punch to your must do list. Stop at your nearest fast food restaurant and try this popular drink.

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Leonard’s Bakery

Leonard’s Bakery is a local favorite in Honolulu (and my personal favorite). Founded in 1952, the bakery quickly became a hit with locals and only prospered more when they introduced malasadas to their menu in 1953, earning them the title of “Hawaii’s original malasada bakery.” Now, guests to the bakery can choose from a variety of different flavored malasadas. For the traditional malasada, coatings include: sugar, cinnamon sugar, and Li Hing (dried plum powder). For the filled malasadas, called “puffs,” fillings include: custard, chocolate, and coconut.

Liliha Bakery

Liliha Bakery prides itself on always serving fresh baked goods, malasadas not being an exception. With two locations in Honolulu, guests can take their pick on which to visit to soothe their appetite, but for those who enjoy a midnight snack every once in a while, the original location on North Kuakini Street is open 24 hours Tuesday through Sunday. Malasadas at Liliha Bakery include the Apple Malasada, Azuki Malasada, Haupia (coconut) Malasada, Lilikoi (yellow passion fruit) Malasada. Liliha’s also includes a coffee shop where guests can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.

Kamehameha Bakery

More known for its selection of donuts, Kamehameha Bakery still makes this list due to its delicious and popular haupia malasada. Customers rave about the small, coconut-filled balls of dough and continue to come back for more. Costing only 95 cents each or $11.40 by the dozen, Kamehameha Bakery’s haupia malasadas are tasty treats to buy for yourself or to share the next time you visit Honolulu. The bakery also offers a traditional malasada for 75 cents or $9 for a dozen.

For your next visit to Oahu, make sure to try these bakeries out for a chance to taste some of Honolulu’s best malasalas and rate them for yourself!

For information on beautiful places to stay while vacationing in West Oahu, visit our vacation rental page or call us at (888) 737-4188 or (808) 726-2878.

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We’ve enjoyed luscious lattes at the cafe and tasty pizzas and salads for lunch, and we are now happy to say, we’ve enjoyed Kalapawai Cafe’s delicious dinner menu. Larry and I dined at Kapolei’s newest local restaurant and gem of our second city, the Kalapawai Cafe, last night and it was absolutely delish! It was an easy walk across the street from our Ola Properties office to arrive at 7:15 PM. It’s a casual, relaxed atmosphere and they do not take reservations, however, we were warmly greeted and asked if we wanted to dine inside or out on the terrace. We decided to dine alfresco because it was a beautiful evening with a pink-painted sunset sky here on the west side of Oahu. The only downside to the outside dining is a little noise from the buses going down the street but otherwise, it is lovely.

Fresh Seafood, Vegetables, and Savings

Our server brought us water and let us know about Chef Jason Iwane’s specials which are in addition to the full menu. We shared a wonderful salad of golden beets, vine ripe tomato & fresh mozzarella w/ basil pesto, honey-balsamic reduction & garlic-grilled crouton ($14). It was a large portion so we were glad we shared it. It was a fresh twist on the well known Caprese Salad, adding the golden beets.

For my entree, I decided to try the “Auction fresh fish.” Tonight’s auction fish was a local ono sautéed with a lemongrass risotto, braised kale,local mushroom, micro cilantro, red curry aïoli ($30). The fish was cooked to perfection, the presentation was beautiful and the taste was so ‘ono (delicious). Larry had the “Mai Ke Kai” – chef’s daily seafood selection ($26) which was a seared ahi over a fresh selection of roasted vegetables. Again, it was a lovely presentation and delicious entree.

We saved a little room for dessert and I’m glad we did since they had a wonderful flourless chocolate cake topped with a layer of chocolate mousse and again it was large enough to share although I got the lion’s share!! Being gluten-free with a sweet tooth, my dessert choices are often limited to ice cream or sorbet. But fortunately the Kalapawai Cafe had a decadent gluten-free chocolate dessert for this chocoholic!

Although the restaurant started serving dinner on March 28, 2017, this was our first visit for dinner. After having lunch there a couple weeks ago and signing up for their rewards program, they sent me a 15% off dinner coupon which we used for our entire meal. The prices are reasonable for the quality and freshness of the food. Kalapawai Cafe always looks to buy from local farmers and ranchers first whenever possible.

We had a male server who was friendly and provided excellent service. One of my favorite things is that they make gluten-free pizza so ‘ono with a crust that’s nice and crispy. They also have a full-service bar, cafe, and deli. So give them a try for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and then come across the street to see Ola Properties and say “hola” or “aloha!”

http://www.kalapawaimarket.com/

711 Kamokila Blvd, Kapolei, HI 96707; Phone number (808) 674-1700

Dinner Hours:

Sunday-Thursday 5PM-9:30PM  (bar open to 10:30PM)

Friday & Saturday 5PM-10PM (bar open to 11PM)

Breakfast & Lunch Hours:

Monday-Friday 5AM-5PM  (kitchen opens at 5:30AM, bar open from 11AM)

Sat & Sunday 7AM-5PM (kitchen opens @ 7AM / bar open after 10AM)

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The Traditional and the Contemporary luau

Now, what is a traditional luau and how does it differ from the contemporary luau? The luau is a Hawaiian feast that includes high-spirited music, dance and performance. This feast was originally referred to as “ahaaina,” combining the words for gathering and meal. There was a transition to the use of the word “luau,” which is a taro leaf served throughout the Pacific Islands.

• The traditional luau focused primarily on the dancing of men rather than women. And, rather than simply being parties, they were celebrations of accomplishments or milestones. An example of such a milestone would be coming of age. In addition, the food being served was consumed by hand.
• The contemporary luau is often for the festive entertainment of tourists. Guests receive a colorful garland or “lei” to be worn around the neck. Often, there is a greater emphasis on female dancers and the “hula dance,” involving the movement of the hips, which tourists can often readily associate with the luau.
• However, in the case of both the traditional and contemporary luau, there is a feast and, generally, a roast pig is served.

Which Foods Should You Expect to be Served?

As we mentioned previously, a roast pig (or “Kalua pig,” which utilizes an underground oven) is both a traditional and contemporary staple that you should expect at any luau. Another staple is mashed taro root. If you aren’t already aware, taro is nutty, mild-tasting and is a root vegetable. Here are some of the other foods that are popular at the contemporary luau:

• Lau Lau, which is an assortment of meats folded in a taro leaf and then steamed
• Chicken Luau, which is chicken served in taro leaves with coconut milk
• Fried rice with meat and vegetables
• Banana, coconut, and/or guava cake
• Lomi Lomi salmon, which is a salmon and tomato salad
• Haupia, which is a coconut-flavored dessert
• Poke, which is diced raw fish
• Huli-Huli Chicken, which is grilled chicken with soy sauce, pineapple juice and a variety of seasonings
• Shrimp ono nui, which is deep-fried shrimp with shredded coconut and a pineapple sauce

Is your mouth watering yet? Prepare to be dazzled the next time you stay with Ola Properties and attend a contemporary luau. At Ola Properties, we will help you make the most out of your tropical getaway.

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All that aside, it was worth the trouble to find it! Turns out this is the place that makes Gelato for a lot of the high-end island restaurants. The “store” is located at the back of the facility and it seems you’re walking into a factory, which I guess you are.  When you go in, you will be in a cramped space with a small desk, a friendly employee to help you and a large cooler with their various gelatos.   I guess that due to it being part of their factory, the store hours are the same as the factory: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.  Take some cash with you as they do not accept credit cards.

My wife went for the Peanut Butter Fudge and I got the Condensed Cream (which turns out is one of their most popular flavors) and we enjoyed our gelato sitting at one of their two tables outside the store in the parking lot.  The gelato was excellent, and it was a good experience. One of those “hidden gems” we’re always looking for.  Oh, and by the way, instead of paying $7 plus for one scoop at the mall we bought two scoops for $4 including tax.

If you’re in downtown Honolulu and get the urge for a cold, frosty dessert enter 819 Cedar Street into your GPS and enjoy a serving of really good gelato.

Larry-O

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There’s a bit of uncertainty around the history of this fast and delicious dish, the Japanese people would consider it a Chinese dish because of the noodles, and the Chinese people would consider it a Japanese dish because of the broth, but it is actually Hawaii’s own mixture of a number of different cultural foods. The most notable influences seem to come from Chinese mein, Japanese ramen, and Filipino pancit. The Hawaiian people have definitely adapted and made this dish their own.

Saimin was developed by the various immigrant groups to adapt to the ingredients available on the islands. Basic saimin is often eaten as a snack, while more substantial versions can be made to make it a full meal. The noodles are thin and white and usually a softer texture than that found in ramen. The broth is typically clear and made with a light dashi (or Japanese) stock. Often included are green onions, fish cakes,  ham, or char siu (a sweet spiced roast pork). Just like ramen, other ingredients can also be added depending on the person and on how much they want to get out of the meal. People often add eggs, chicken, shrimp, greens, or bean sprouts.

The biggest comparison of Hawaiian saimin is to Japanese ramen, which also has its own history of mixing cultural dishes when immigrants arrived in Japan from China. Ramen quickly became a popular sensation, spreading through the years and over borders until it is now popular to college students everywhere. Before it became instant, ramen was directed at middle class parents with children as whole nutritious meals. Even traditional ramen has a wide number of variations on how it can be made, but the basics will almost always be the same: noodles, broth, seasonings, and toppings. The noodles are thin and light, while the broth is rich and usually chicken based. The toppings can range from fish, to pork, to dried seaweed, and hard boiled eggs.

Though similar, both saimin and ramen come from distinct cultures, people, and ingredients, but you won’t want to miss the various styles of traditional saimin while spending time on the Hawaiian islands.

For information on beautiful places to stay while vacationing and the Saimin in Hawaii, visit our vacation rental page or call us at (888) 737-4188 or (808) 726-2878.

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Matsumoto Shave Ice

Established before Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, Matsumoto Shave Ice has been serving Oahu’s north shore since 1951. Today, Matsumoto has over 35 shave ice flavors to choose from, including classics like strawberry and lemon. For those looking for a break from the ordinary, try their more adventurous flavors like white cake, pickled mango, and cotton candy. Customers can choose up to 3 flavors for their shave ice, but if you’re looking to let the experts decide for you, consider trying one of their combination shave ice cups for the perfect mix.

Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha

Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha is the place to go if you’re looking for quality fresh, homemade shave ice. Local and hand-crafted is their motto as they mix their syrups in-house and only use real fruits and other natural ingredients for shave ice free of artificial flavors and colors. Top off your shave ice, which you can order in sizes tiny, small, and regular, with one of their delicious toppings, including their Tropical Dreams Ice Cream flavors.

Waialae Shave Ice and Bubble Tea

This colorful little shop will have you smiling as soon as you walk in. Offering a multitude of flavors of shave ice, as well as tea, bubble smoothies, and coffee, Waialae Shave Ice and Bubble Tea is a one-stop shop for all your flavor needs. This is a great place to go for shave ice if you’re bringing children along, as they make shapes like snowmen out of the shave ice for kid size portions.

Come try a Hawaiian staple dessert the next time you come to Oahu at one of these establishments and see what flavors you can create!

For information on beautiful places to stay while vacationing and the best shave ice in Oahu, visit our vacation rental page or call us at (888) 737-4188 or (808) 726-2878.

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Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

Possibly the crown jewel of all food trucks in Hawaii, Giovanni’s is the original white shrimp truck. Mentioned in multiple guidebooks, Giovanni’s vintage truck with unique graffiti (you can even sign your name on it) serves up all things shrimp. Whether you are craving scampi, hot and spicy, or lemon butter, this sensational seafood is fresh and delicious. You can also grab a jumbo garlic dog and rice if shrimp isn’t your thing. Giovanni’s has been around since 1993 and has two trucks: one in North Shore and in Kahuku.

Elena’s Super Friends

Seen on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, Elena’s bright orange lunch truck is easy to find. Serving up Filipino cuisine like pork adobo fried rice omelets and tightly wrapped lumpias, Elena’s has various locations in addition to the food truck offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. To find dates and locations of Elena’s “Super Friends” truck, visit her Facebook page.

North Shore Tacos

From fish and shrimp to pork, chicken or beef, this tasty taco truck is sure satisfy any craving. North Shore Tacos offers different taco plates that locals and tourists alike stand in line for. Every day the menu features a different locally caught fish. Be sure to call in your order, or go during non-peak hours to avoid long wait times.

Impossible’s Pizza

Did someone say pizza? Yes, this is the only pizza truck in Haleiwa serving up both traditional and non-traditional pizzas.  This famous food truck moves along Kamehameha Highway and stands by its name. Because of its popularity, Impossible’s Pizza often runs out or takes long vacations, so if you see it be sure to stop and experience the Impossible. Generally this popular pizza truck is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 3 pm to 8 pm.

Leonard’s Malasada Truck

With a vibrant red and white horizontal striped truck, Leonard’s knows malasada. This famous desert of Hawaii is found anywhere form the North to the South Shore. Traditionally, a little bakery in Kaimuki, Leonard’s took malasada mobile delivering different island-inspired fillings like Haupia, which is the most popular choice. For locations and times check here.

Contact us for information on beautiful places to stay while vacationing and the best food trucks found in North Shore Oahu.

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You owe it to yourself to check out Kapolei food trucks. Here are some of the best food trucks on Oahu’s Leeward side:

Lunch Plates

Local Stop food trucks feature a Korean/Puerto Rican fusion style with Malasada burgers, kalua pig, and the local favorite pastele.

Check out Grinds 2 Da Max for large lunch plates full of katsu (a breaded cutlet of meat or chicken), ahi, salmon, ribeye, crab salad, kimchi, noodles, and more.

Popular with locals, TeppanLegend also serves katsu with fried noodles or rice, plus seafood specialties. Visit their Instagram account for their rotating location schedule.

Legacy Grindz prepares shrimp, chicken, ahi, pork chops, burgers, and fries with island flair.

At Laverne’s food truck, get a taste of squid luau, kalua pig, chicken, beef stew, mahi mahi, and more Hawaiian specialties.

Then there’s our favorite, Jed’s Lunchwagon.

This is a no frills food truck located in Kapolei that specializes in early breakfast including local hawaiian favorites like the loco moco and omelette with portuguese sausage.

Since 2009, Jed’s Lunchwagon has been supplying the hardworking people of Hawaii with delicious breakfasts and local-style plate lunches.

Jed’s is located in Campbell Industrial Area from Monday through Friday, 5 am to 1 pm.

Barbecue

For authentic Texas-style barbecue, the Sunset Smokehouse is the place to go. Try smoked brisket or spareribs with some cole slaw and sweet tea. Open weekends only.

Smoked ribs and barbecued chicken with fries are on the menu at Bozie’s. It’s Chicago-style Tennessee barbecue “with Aloha spirit.”

Coffee

Get your morning joe at Aloha Brew Coffee Bar, which crafts lattes, chai drinks, hot chocolate, and tea. Check their Instagram for locations.

You don’t always see a Volkswagen bus turned into a food truck, but that’s what Rocket Coffee uses to deliver organic cold brew coffee, açaí bowls, tea, and more.

Mexican Food

El Jalisciense brings out enchiladas, tacos, rice and beans, and other Mexican dishes to Waikele Premium Outlets in Waipahu.

Treats

Shaka Bowls is the place to go for made-to-order açaí bowls, poke bowls, and gelato.

For more food trucks on the leeward coast, you can usually find them gathered at Campbell Industrial Park (1001 Kamokila Boulevard in Kapolei) and Mililani Technology Park (100 Kahelu Avenue in Mililani).

Many food trucks close when they sell out of food, so check their schedule first and arrive on the early side to make sure you have the chance to sample their ono specialties.

Contact us for information on beautiful places to stay while vacationing and the best Kapolei food trucks.

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