Product reviews, food, travel,... etc: Hawaii

Showing posts with label Hawaii. Show all posts

Aina Haina, Honolulu

Aina Haina is a residential community located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Aina Haina was named after local dairyman and owner of Hind-Clarke Dairy - Robert Hind. Aina Haina in the Hawaiian language means Hind's Land. Aina Haina has an elementary school and a shopping center with stores ranging from Foodland to McDonald's.

The carpark at Aina Haina Shopping Center

Kahala Mall, Honolulu

Kahala Mall is an enclosed shopping mall in Kāhala, Honolulu on the East Side of the island of Oahu.

Website: http://www.kahalamallcenter.com/

A Godiva choc store:-)

Plenty of free parking spaces

A gas station opposite the mall

Kale's

Blue Water Grill

The Blue Water Grill (located in Koko Marina Center) is a great place for al-fresco dining:-). Fresh air, good food and a nice view by the river side ;-)

Macadamia Nut Crusted Prawns with Thai Chilli-Coconut Salad

I really liked the purple color stuff. I was told that it's Okinawan sweet potato.

A view of the Diamond Head

Hawaii Loa Ridge, Honolulu

Planning for a month-long vacation in Hawaii?;-) Instead of staying in Waikiki (which is very much like Phuket- crowded), try renting a place in Hawaii Loa Ridge, nearby Aina Haina. It's definitely the most beautiful residential aea in the whole island of Oahu.

Hawaii Loa Ridge is located on the southern coast of Oahu, east of Diamond Head and considered one of Oahu's premier residential gated communities. Hawaii Loa Ridge hosts approx. 500 custom single family homes.

Hawaii Loa Ridge is set in the foothills of the Ko'olau Mountains rising from sea level to an elevation of just over 1000 feet. Homes in Hawaii Loa Ridge offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean; Diamond Head and Koko Head craters.

Top left: the Diamond Head

A view of the Diamond Head from Pu'uikena Drive

The Hawaii Loa Ridge neighborhood is one of the most exclusive areas on the island of Oahu and has always been a showcase for Hawaii's finest custom home builders. Hawaii Loa Ridge amenities include private roads with controlled access, a park with picnic stations, tennis courts, a community building, 24 hour mobile security, maintained common landscape areas, and a professionally managed homeowners association.

Pu'uikeena Drive, over looking the Kawaikui Beach Park

University of Hawaii, Manoa (Honolulu)

UH (Manoa) is at the top of my must-visit places in Honolulu :-) It's definitely one of the most beautiful uni campuses I've ever seen. To all backpackers - good news! There's free internet access in the Hamilton Library of UH.

Here are some pics of the campus:-)

Hina O Na Lani Sculpture

On the Campus Road side (map) of Campus Center you find a very interesting sculpture. This sculpture is named "Hina O Na Lani", which means Mother of the Universe in Hawaiian. It was created by UH Art Department graduate Gregory Clurman.

Wal-Mart, Honolulu

The first Wal-Mart that I have been to is the one located on Keamoku Street, Honolulu - just a short walk from Ala Moana Shopping Center.

What really caught my attention was the lingerie section - multiple sizes & colours;-)

Gourmet Express in Kahala Mall, Honolulu

Being a great fan of Mexican food, I was delighted to have discovered Gourmet Express while shopping at Kahala Mall. While Mexican restaurants are aplenty in Oahu (Chilli's, TGIF, & other taco places), none have tamale pie on the menu.

Ah... Gourmet Express is not a typical Mexican fast food place. GE serves turkey dishes (turkey meatballs, turkey enchiladas) & the best Tamale Pie in Oahu! :-)

(Well, who am I to judge? That's the one & only tamale pie I have ever had;-) lol. But then again, throughout my one-month stay in Hawaii, I have been to almost all Mexican joints, and I did not come across any tamale pies)