The Hawaii Traveler

This is a guest post from Mary Jo Manzanares, b5media’s Travel & Culture Channel Editor and travel blogger at Flyaway Cafe.
Every geographical area seems to do its own special version of a hot dog, and for a tasty dog Hawaiian-style, Puka Dog is the place to go.
What is a Puka Dog?
It’s a special bun-sized loaf of bread with a hole at one end, pierced through the length of the bun, forming a hole throughout. Secret-sauces, relishes, or just the usual mustard and catsup, are then poured into this hollowed out bun creating a soft nestling area for a Polish-type …read more

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Today’s guest posts is from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel & Culture Channel Editor and travel blogger at Flyaway Cafe.
“Hawaiian Eye” was a television series that ran from 1959 – 1963, and starred Robert Conrad and Anthony Eisley as crime fighting detectives in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The detectives hung out at the Shell Bar, where at least once an episode that ran into “Cricket,” a singer and photographer at the bar played by Connie Stevens. The bar was located at the Hawaiian Village Hotel, where the guys were house detectives and also had an office. Some viewers would swear that the guys …read more

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‘Opihi, also known as limpets, are little mollusks and a Hawaiian lu’au delicacy that are exceptionally good if you”re into shellfish. However, the little shelled critters have been overharvested over the years, and so not only are the pickings slim, but government is considering bans on selling and picking ‘opihi.  This means that some restaurants and lu’aus are importing limpets from as far as Ireland.
If you are able to get your hands on enough ‘opihi to make a nice dish, try this excellent BBQ ‘opihi recipe from Bobby Flay.  Just remember, whatever you do, don’t eat ‘opihi in front of …read more

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If you happened to catch NPR’s piece on heirloom tomatoes,”Heirloom Tomato Farmer Finds Beauty in the Ugly,” you’ll be glad to know that you’ll be able to find a little piece of that kind of wonderful ugliness right there on Oahu.North Shore Farms is the home of homegrown tomatoes and the big wave of flavors that go with them. Drop by, call, or just check out some of their recipes online.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by jackie-dee

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O’s Bistro – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
It’s been while since I was at O’s, and in fact, I still remember when it was called Oodles of Noodles.  But now Oodles of Noodles is all grown up– in fact, I think the name alone makes this quite apparent.
O’s Bistro is now in the same location at the Crossroads Mall in Kona on the Big Island, near Wal-Mart and Cold Stone, which makes it possible for you to eat too much, but you can buy a bigger pair of shorts for the ride home.
But what endears me to O’s  is that they’ll make you …read more

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 If you think Kona’s just about the coffee, consider also its grapes.  For one, The Volcano Winery at the 30 mile marker in Volcanoes makes award winning wines that can’t be had anywhere but in the great state of Hawaii.  (For a list of states to which you can have wine shipped, check out the rates and availability here.)
Attend a tasting, or just take a tour. And when your friends ask you how it tastes, tell them, “Like chicken.” Gets ‘em every time.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by jesiehart

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Do you love Hawai’i, rainbows, drive in restaurants, and good red chili? Me too.  That’s why whenever I’m in Honolulu, I set up camp at the Rainbow Drive In.  The Rainbow’s been around since 1961, when a former Army cook and restranteur joined forces to provide working folks and the Waikiki crowd with good food at good prices. (And did I mention the chili?) If you’re the no-frills type, you’ll love it, too.  Try the mixed plate!
Rainbow Drive In
Address: 3308 Kanaina Ave
Honolulu
Phone: 808-737-0177
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by bobster1985

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Whole Foods Market’s first store in Hawai’i is scheduled to open at 7 a.m. on Sept. 10 at Kahala Mall, the company announced today. At 28,000 feet, The Kahala store will be the third biggest Whole Foods; it’s the first of four stores Whole Foods plans to open in Hawai’i.My personal reaction is mixed. As someone who’s been looking for some variety in food shopping experiences, the Market makes a welcome addition, but then again, I have been known to avoid Whole Foods, calling it “Whole Paycheck” among my friends and family.
Stay tuned for more from this interesting development.
Photo by …read more

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Here’s a video, courtesy of KGMB channel 9 that shows you how to make Jasmine Smoked Ahi Pastrami. You’re welcome.
In other news: I’m starving.

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If it’s happening on O’ahu, it’s happening, period. The Island of O’ahu, known as the Heart of Hawai’i, is the trendsetter of the islands, leading by example with new improvements, changes and additions on an ongoing basis. Here’s a smattering of what’s new on O’ahu:
Hotels & Resorts
From September 2 to December 18, Halekulani will begin an extensive renovation of its public area.
The 81-room Aqua Coconut Waikiki opened on June 1 after completing a $2.6 million renovation.
The Wyland Waikiki Hotel recently welcomed a new restaurant and spa to its 403-room property. Spada Bar and Restaurant features Northern Italian-inspired …read more

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