Growing up Thanksgiving meant one thing, smoked turkey. Every year the holiday was spent in Palolo with my grandpa carefully monitoring the fire out on the back porch. The savory smoke blowing for hours in the cold air until finally ready. Continue reading “Kiawe Smoke Turkey”
Category: Hawaii
Pauoa Pau Hana
It’s no secret, space is limited in Hawaii, especially Honolulu. But with a little vision and a lot of love, a little space is all you need when you live in paradise. Continue reading “Pauoa Pau Hana”
Married On Moloka’i
Act I
If you’ve ever been married, you know it’s not easy planning for the big day. One visit to a wedding expo will have you seriously considering that 24hr drive through in Vegas. But if you thought planning your Waikiki wedding was tough, try doing it on Moloka’i.
Pronounced Poh-Kay
Poke has been in the greater culinary consciousness for decades, but in 2016 it’s become a bonafide trend. Restaurants are opening across the country serving raw fish, heavily sauced on kale and zucchini noodles, along with phonetic instruction on how to pronounce the latest fad.
Articles are everywhere with titles like “What Is Poke & Where Should You Get It?” Another video from INSIDER Food, shows eaters “going wild for…sushi in a bowl,” ordering from a Subway-style list of toppings, including cucumbers and jalapeños. While the excitement is understandable, back at home poke is anything but a trend. Continue reading “Pronounced Poh-Kay”
Back To Da Kine
Moloka’i Part II
(Continued from Part I)
Back in the car, we drive north. I take a quick nap and try to shake the feeling of being a tourist at home. I’m awakened by the smell of fresh pine and mountain air. Continue reading “Back To Da Kine”
All Over Mo Betta
Moloka’i Part I
If you’re from Hawaii you know, Moloka’i has a reputation for being the unfriendly Friendly Isle. There are threads on travel sites dedicated to tourists inquiring if Moloka’i is safe or about getting stinkeye. Even local people in Hawaii talk about spoiled fishing and hunting trips.
During Anthony Bourdain’s visit with Parts Unknown, he notes Moloka’i is “supposedly the most unwelcoming place in Hawaii” with a reputation for being “mean…inward looking (even) hostile.” But in the end he concludes it’s the place he felt most welcome with some of the nicest people he’s met on his stay.
So what’s the deal? The truth is, like most things–It’s complicated. With family on almost every island, I’ve had a chance to visit nearly all–except Moloka’i. Maybe because of its reputation or because I don’t hunt or fish, but in 30+ yrs I never had a reason ’til now. Continue reading “All Over Mo Betta”
Aloha By The Block
Aloha Tofu has been making Hawaii’s tofu since 1950 and in its current location since the 70s. Today, you can still get a peak of their operation and purchase fresh local tofu, yudofu, aburage, natto, Continue reading “Aloha By The Block”
Shave Ice Garden
Ordering Ice Garden is one of those small kid rituals we all know. On a weekday after school, or for us a sticky Saturday afternoon, we head to Aiea Shopping Center. The tepid AC is a mild relief from the heat, but not enough. There are several other offices and stores in the Mini Mall, but it’s difficult to remember what they are. Like everyone else we’re here for one thing only–shave ice. Continue reading “Shave Ice Garden”
South Shore Torching
A few steps from traffic and chaos, low tide brings a calm and stillness to Oahu’s south shore. The ocean edge is pushed back for miles. The horizon is just out of reach. It’s a surreal setting just before a night of torching. Continue reading “South Shore Torching”
Aloha Thursday
If you had one sick day to use this year, Thursday would’ve been it. The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau had everyone coming down with something when the contest finally ran for the first time since 2009. Continue reading “Aloha Thursday”