The Hawaii Traveler

What to do on New Year’s Eve in Honolulu

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000

If you’re wondering what on earth there is to do in Honolulu on New Year’s Eve, then here’s a full breakdown on this evening’s events.

DINNER:

Grab some grub before the parties and fireworks. Senor Frogs has a special NYE Buffet with live music and dancing for $75. If you’re looking for an enormous meal, Hoku’s at the Kahala Resort will have a 6-course menu with dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. Hoku’s is expensive though; the meal will cost you $185, and make sure you call ahead for reservations #739-8760.

CONCERTS:

The legendary 80’s band, Foreigner, will be playing all its catchy tunes from 10:30 ’til midnight at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Dinner and concert packages range from $275-400, or if you’re just catching the concert, tickets are $125-250. Call #921-4600 for package deals or #1-877-750-4400 for show-only tickets.

If girly 80’s music is your thing (it’s mine!), head to the Hilton Hawaiian Village to watch The Bangles ring in the new year. They take the stage from 10:45 to midnight. Tickets are more reasonable, ranging from $90-200. Call #550-8457 or visit www.honoluluboxoffice.com to purchase tickets.

There’s some kind of MTV hip-hop party at Pipeline Café, which features Shwayze, Cisco Adler, and DJ Skeet Skeet — none of whom I’ve heard of, and probably none of whom I will know in five years. If you’re interested in going, though, doors open at 9 p.m., and tickets cost $45 or $90. Order tickets online at Ticket Master or call #1-877-750-4400.

CRUISES:

The Navatek I departs from Pier 6 at Aloha Tower at 10:30 p.m. and returns just before 1 a.m. Tickets are $145 or $170. Call #973-1311 for reservations.

Sail aboard the 170 foot Ali’i Kai Catamaran for $40 or $50. The boad leaves at 10:30 p.m. from Pier 5 of Aloha Tower and returns at 1:30 a.m. Visit FireWaterEvents.com for more info.

The Star of Honolulu leaves from Pier 8 at Aloha Tower at 10:45 and comes back at 12:45 a.m. Tickets are $113 and up. Call #983-STAR or visit them online to purchase tickets.

FIREWORKS:

There will be plenty of activity around Waikiki and Aloha Tower and fireworks will be a big part of the festivities at midnight.

PARTIES:

If parties are more your thing, there’s stuff going on Downtown at Next Door (which will finally be re-opening after a long hiatus!), thirtyninehotel and an 80’s music bash at The Loft. In Waikiki, there’s a masquerade ball at The W Honolulu and a “sparkle” themed party at Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand.

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

Electricity and Sashimi Prices Bottom Out

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:45:00 +0000

I thought the Hawaiian Electric Company was completely incapable when they shut off my apartment’s power last week. Then, just four days later, the island of Oahu went black for a solid 12 hours. Supposedly, ABC Stores in Waikiki and other stores with candles, flashlights, and batteries made tons of money — so much so that people lined the streets just to get through their doors.

We certainly learned a thing or two about how thoroughly screwed we are in times of emergency. But the after-effects of such a crisis are quite intriguing:

Generators were ordered to light up Obama’s compound in Kailua during the blackout. It appears the President-elect was not in the dark for as long as the rest of us.

Reports are showing gas prices dropping at an exponential rate. It’s close to reaching under $2 per gallon!

Finally, just as I was afraid to open my fridge, I guess sashimi is selling at rock-bottom prices to ensure they don’t go bad!

So, if you’re visiting the islands any time soon, make sure you bring a flashlight, drive around as much as you want to take advantage of the gas prices, and head to the closest sushi joint for a good, cheap sashimi dinner!

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

Christmas in Hawaii

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:15:00 +0000

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful" never really applied to Hawaii around Christmas time, but this winter’s been a different case altogether. It’s important, then, to keep things in perspective. We’re in Hawaii, for goodness sake! At least we are not dealing with blackouts or ice storms like the folks in New Hampshire.

Here are a few things to keep you in the holiday spirit:

Morning light: If you’re the walking/running type, then enjoy the A.M. hubbub around Diamond Head. Be sure to stop at Cliff’s, the famed DH surf spot, for a breather and to watch the morning surfers at play.
By day: Take a lazy stroll along Kalakaua and Kuhio Streets in Waikiki to soak up the Hawaiian style holiday vibe. Don’t forget to walk around the International Market Place in the afternoon for some souvenir/gift-shopping.
After sunset: Enjoy a cocktail and a pupu at La Mariana Sailing Club, Honolulu’s oldest tiki bar, by Ke’ehi Lagoon
At night: Take a nice drive/stroll around Iolani Palace in the evening to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations. The Santa in surf trunks is always a big hit.

Sure, it’s been a bit rainy round these parts, but the weather shouldn’t damper our spirits — not in the slightest!

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

Redbox in the Hiz-ouse!

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:15:00 +0000

How had I not come across this gem earlier! Supposedly, the DVD rental phenomenon from the mainland called "Redbox" made it all the way across the Pacific Ocean to Honolulu and nobody bothered to tell me about it! A friend from the mainland finally filled me in last week and we made to to my local Safeway supermarket to see if there was a Redbox. Lo and behold, like a beacon in the otherwise dreary supermarket stood the red box that we were looking for!

Supposedly, Redboxes have been installed in at least ten locations throughout Honolulu. They tend to be found in Safeways and McDonalds, but I’ve also heard that Foodland and Longs might soon house these red wonders. There is no membership fee (amazing!), and the one-night DVD rental costs a mere $1 + tax (yippee!). While the selection is limited, there should be something available to strike your fancy.

Sidle up to the Redbox and use the touchscreen to place your order. The DVD pops out of the box once you’ve swiped your credit card. Make sure, though, to check the quality of the DVD, as some of them are scratched and will not be worth taking home. In those cases, just pop the DVD back into the Redbox, and pay another $1 for a different DVD.

So, if the beach is too hot, rainy, or otherwise unappealing and you’re looking for a mellow evening in, Redbox is a great, cheap alternative!

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

Formaggio Wine Bar

admin — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:15:00 +0000

Hooray for cave-like restaurants that remind me of divey joints in Rome! Formaggio Wine Bar is one of the few places that only locals know about, and in many ways we’d like to keep it that way. Located on the bottom level of Market City Shopping Center, there’s a very dark, shady door next to the wine store that is the only entrance to Formaggio Wine Bar. There are no windows in the place. You walk down a narrow corridor, and you might feel like you’ve stepped into another world — one that is far removed from tropical Hawaii. Wine taps line the bar to your right, a guitar player entertains diners on the weekends, and there’s a uniquely European feel to the place as a whole.

There’s a lot to rave about when it comes to the wine selection and food at Formaggio. With over fifty different wines to choose from — most by the glass — something is sure to hit your spot. I’ve been continually surprised by the improving quality of the food here, too. I didn’t spot it during my first few visits (maybe because I was distracted by the extensive wine menu), but they actually serve escargot (my favorite!) for dinner! I pounced on that and it was so yummy and reasonably priced (only $12.95). There are lots of cool, creative pizzas on the menu, and a bunch of other delectable dishes that will please nearly any appetite and tastebud.

Having served Honolulu for over five years, Formaggio is here to stay. There is also a Formaggio Grill located in Kailua, and private parties are held at both sites on Sundays.

www.formaggio808.com

Formaggio Wine Bar
in the Market City Shopping Plaza
2919 Kapiolani Blvd (next to Grace’s Inn)

#808-739-7719

M-Th 5:30-11 pm
F-Sat 6 pm – 1 am

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

Hawaiian South Shore, LLC

admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:15:00 +0000

Hawaiian South Shore (HSS) has become my favorite surf store on the island. A relatively new store, it always carries some great boards and surf gear. I stopped in for the first time this summer and was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of boards and apparel offered. I purchased a cute women’s spring suit for surfing in the winter, and browsed the board racks while my friend contemplated purchasing a shortboard. Instead, he ended up renting a Xanadu fish for just $25 for the day.

There are very few stores on the island that rent really decent boards, and I really think HSS is the best option for surfboard rentals. You’re not renting a cheap foam board. You actually get to ride something relatively new, with high performance capabilities.

One bonus in shopping at HSS is that it has the friendliest staff around. Dave Kelly (the owner) and Sarisa (a staffer) are the nicest, smiliest people I’ve met. I can’t imagine you being disappointed by going, so do make an effort to get there if you’re in town and need to stock up on a new bathing suit, board shorts, apparel, or gear. Tell them Brenda sent you!

Hawaiian South Shore
320 Ward Ave
#808.597.9055
www.hawaiiansouthshore.com
hawaiiansouthshore@gmail.com

More information on PlanetEye: Hawaiian South Shore

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

India CafÃ©

admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:15:00 +0000

While most of Hawaii has no shortage of Asian cuisine, Indian food is a completely different story. There are plenty of Indian residents, but very few Indian restaurants in Honolulu. That’s why, following the Mumbai attacks on Thursday, my friend and I were on a hunt to find something in the way of decent and affordable Indian food this weekend.

My pug’s dogsitters had told me there was a decent place near Kapahulu and Waialae, but not remembering the name, and therefore needing to perform a Google search I came up with two restaurants in the area: India Café and Café Taj Mahal. Trying to recall the name, I (wrongly) chose the India Café.

Tucked in the center of quaint Kilohana Square on Kapahulu Avenue, India Café, while offering a nice atmosphere does not offer exceptional food — just something edible and somewhat tasty south Indian and Malaysian cuisine. My friend and I ordered the garlic onion dosai, lamb masala, spinach tofu korma, and mango lassi drinks, and were reasonably pleased with each, but didn’t jump out of our chairs in delight. The lamb was by far the best of the bunch.

The prices at the Café are pretty reasonable, though. Appetizers and breads start at just $2, and main dishes start at $9. I would recommend it simply because there are so few Indian restaurant even worth going to.
Hours: Lunch on Friday-Sundays only from 11-2 p.m.; Dinner all nights from 5-9 p.m.

India Café
1016 Kapahulu Ave.
Suite 180 (enter through Kihei Place)
Honolulu, HI 96818
#808-737-4600
www.indiacafehawaii.com

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

Dew Drop Inn

admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:00:00 +0000

A great little hole-in-the-wall that has been a fixture in Makiki (at the corner of Beretania and Pensacola) is the Dew Drop Inn, which features northern Chinese cuisine among other things. This tiny little restaurant is frequently packed with diners desiring mouth-watering and satisfying Chinese dishes. While some dishes (like the spicy string beans) are not the most authentic, others (like the pork-filled steamed buns) are delightful. Eating here never leaves a significant dent in your wallet either. Dishes range from a miniscule $4 to $10 for seafood delights.

Some favorites on chef Charlie Tsai’s menu include orange chicken, fried rice, and pepper-salted spareribs. Customers who want to see what they’re eating before they order can simply pick up a photo album instead of a menu. Every dish is pictured as if prepared.

Go ahead. Do drop in. Then, leave full and happy.

Closed on Mondays. Open for lunch (11-2:15 p.m.) and dinner (5-10 p.m.).

Dew Drop Inn
1088 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
#808-526-9522

More information on PlanetEye: Dew Drop Inn

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

Best of the Worst: Honolulu Airport Restaurants

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:45:00 +0000

There is a major shortage of decent food at the Honolulu Airport, but here’s the short list of restaurants that are worth checking out upon checking in through security. None of these places have the best atmosphere, but there is a very pleasant, green courtyard with benches on the ground floor of the airport near the central concourse that would be worth taking your meal in.

1. Stinger Ray’s

The only place with a restaurant-like feel to it, Stinger Ray’s served affordable and edible food from sun up to sun down. An E-pinion.com review suggests the chili ‘n cheese fries and clam chowder were actually quite good, while Claire Walter over at CulinaryColorado says the caeser salad is salty, but the nachos are tolerable. Prices are reasonable and food is served on plates with little umbrella tents, not platters, for a little island touch.

2. City Deli

Another sit-down place that is a healthy option is City Deli. Sandwiches and salads made to order, so you know you’re getting something fresh, if not a bit standard.

3. Chow Mein Express

It may be the only Chinese food served at the restaurant and, while it’s not the most authentic, the food at Chow Mein is tolerable. The fried rice, orange chicken, or beef and broccoli are good bets.

More information on PlanetEye: Honolulu International Airport

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

Duke’s Restaurant and Barefoot Bar

admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku is one of Hawaii’s most famous icons. His love of swimming, surfing, canoeing, and bodysurfing won him several accolades, including Olympic gold medals. His legacy as the Ambassador of Aloha is visible in several forms — from his bronze statue on Kalakaua Avenue to one of the most popular restaurants on the Waikiki shore.

Locals and tourists alike crowd the famous restaurant and bar known simply as “Duke’s,” which is conveniently tucked on the bottom floor of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. The best time to enjoy the amazing atmosphere in this place is just before sunset. You can watch the surfers at Canoe’s or the sun as it sets just beyond your vision to the west.

All food comes with a salad bar free-for-all, and lighter fare is served on the pool deck below. My buddies and I like to go nightsurfing and then paddle up to the beach and grab a drink in our wet bathing suits before paddling back out for more surf.

The atmosphere at Duke’s really is hard to beat. It’s the perfect combination of island relaxation, friendliness, and fun.

More information on PlanetEye: Duke’s Restaurant

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler