Traveling To Hawaii - Tip #2

Sharing Costs of a Rental Car

Sharing the costs of a rental car in Hawaii is a cost-effective way of having a car when you need one. But make certain that you know the other person/people well enough before sharing the costs of a car rental. Is the person doing the driving a good/courteous driver? Or does he/she have road rage issues? Do they drink and drive?

Speaking from experience, there's nothing that can spoil a trip (and a friendship) faster than drivers who drive recklessly and who have no regard for other drivers, let alone passengers in the car with them. I have traveled with a couple ....she tells him how to drive and he goes into a rage, swearing, repeatedly slamming on the brakes and accelerating quickly. He's so overcome with anger that it's as if there is no one else in the car with him! It was scary and at those moments of his rants behind the wheel of our car, I was afraid for my life. This is the type of person that has to be in control, yet lacks self-control; he drinks and drives and has road rage issues. And every day we got into the rental car with this particular couple, I would pray that she wouldn't tell him how to drive in order to avoid him going into a rage.

Travel mates such as these will make you regret ever having traveled with them. If you consider them to be good friends, then explain to them how you feel. If that gets you nowhere, then rent your own car, or don't go on vacation or travel with them! You should never put your own life in danger for the sake of traveling with people who drink and drive and/or who have road rages issues.


Mahalo!

Traveling to Hawaii - Tip #1

I always tell first-timers-to-Hawaii to slow down and enjoy the laid-back pace. Every time I go back to Hawaii, I slow down. From driving, to speaking, to attitude.

The way you are treated in Hawaii has nothing to do with your race or color but rather your attitude. If you act like a local you'll be treated like one. As long as you show respect for the people, culture etc. then you'll receive the same, that's the Aloha Spirit.

I used to frequent a sushi place in Beverly, MA. The place is somewhat small and that particular day at lunch hardly very many customers were seated. I regularly sat at a table close to the sushi bar where the owner is always making the sushi/sashimi entrees. One day the owner (also a golfer) asked me about my trip to Hawaii and I told him I had just returned and was able to golf several times a week with my uncles and cousins. At another table in the restaurant sat 6 people and after hearing my reply to the restaurant owner, one man loudly (and bitterly) proclaimed that he had traveled to Hawaii and hated it. He went on to say that folks in Hawaii didn't like whites. He also went onto say that he hated being a minority in Hawaii. I didn't respond to the angry man but imagined how confrontational he must have seemed to the local folks.

Hawaii culture is based and influenced from Polynesian and Asian culture: humble and non confrontational. This is the opposite of how some mainlanders present themselves when they go to Hawaii. Not all, but the bad ones usually stick out and ruin it for the other mainland transplants who are simply just good people. The problem is that they refuse to adjust to be open to the culture no matter how irrational or foreign it may seem to them compared to their experience living elsewhere. If you truly have an open perspective and want to experience a new culture and environment, you can adapt quickly and make friends. It's all based on your attitude.

Mahalo!

Hawaii Photos finally up!

Its about time huh? I've updated my Hawaii-eCards.com website with new images.

Grindz
http://hawaii-ecards.com/grindz.html

Kaukau Places
http://hawaii-ecards.com/places2.html

Flowers
http://hawaii-ecards.com/flowers3.html

North Shore
http://hawaii-ecards.com/northshore.html

Downtown
http://hawaii-ecards.com/downtown.html

Waikiki
http://hawaii-ecards.com/waikiki.html

Golf
http://hawaii-ecards.com/golf.html

Misc
http://hawaii-ecards.com/misc.html

Also, I will be including some tips on "Traveling With Others" at a later date.

Enjoy!!

Getting over jet lag

Finally home and trying to get over jet lag.

We left Hawaii on Wednesday night....that morning we spent golfing at Ko'olau GC. After golfing we stopped for lunch at L&L Drive Inn in Laie...then headed back to the rental to start packing. Since I hadn't been to the beach at all this trip my hubby and I went for a small dip at Sunset beach. Afterwards, we quickly washed up and started packing. We had bought a small suitcase at the flea market so that we could pack more stuffs and souvenirs in it...still had to find room in the other two suitcases to cram stuffs in.

Vacation rental owners Nestor and Regina handed us back our deposit and we said our good-byes....I cried as I knew I would miss their island hospitality....a familiarity I had grown up with.

We drove out to Honolulu International Airport bit early as P&N's flight went out almost 2.5 hours before us. No problem checking in our bags early. After seeing P&N off at the security entrance, hubby and I waited for my parents. They showed up with orchid, kukui nut and double cowrie lei to see hubby and I off. After saying our good-byes and going through security, hubby and I had a quick bite to eat at the airport food court. Our overnight flight aboard AA went smoothly. Quickly we arrived in LA and then onto Boston to arrive on Thursday. The Monday before I had sent myself two boxes of supplies and souvenirs.....these were waiting for me when we got in on Thursday.

Whaaat haaappaahn? It was freaking cold as we stepped off the plane in Boston. Aloha Oe to the Hawaiian warmth! *S*

All in all it was a great trip.....3 weeks is long indeed but, well-worth it as it entailed our daughter's wedding, showing friends around Hawaii, and getting to see my family again and to spend some time with them. Each time I go to back to Hawaii I yearn to stay......it gets harder to leave and I often wonder what it would be like if hubby and I had stayed to raise children and grand-children in the islands' year-round warmth.

Mahalo!

Golf Hawaiian Style

On this trip we played Coral Creek GC 3 times (I had to meet with Turtle Bay Resort so only played CCGC twice), Kahuku Muni GC, Waikele GC, Hawaii Prince (I didn't play because I attended the Trade Show instead), Royal Kunia CC, Ko'olau GC, Leilehua GC, Mililani GC, Waiehu Muni GC and Kahili GC in Wailuku, Maui. 2 islands, 10 different courses, 12 rounds in all.

Other Hawaii courses I've played in the past: Luana Hills GC, Barber's Point GC and Hawaii CC.

If you're going to travel from Oahu to the outer island to play golf, I highly recommend taking the local air carrier over. Unless you are going to spend several days/weeks, then take your time and take the Hawaii SuperFerry over. If you go 1-2 nights, save your energy for your game and take the local air carrier over. When you travel via Hawaii SuperFerry, you have to get up early enough in the morning to account for traffic and be there before the pier gate closes. The ride is 3 hours long and does make for a long day.

Almost all golf courses in Hawaii have Spam and/or Chicken Musubi. This snack food is great while golfing and can be purchased at the snack shop. But buy 1 or 2 in the morning before you tee off as most courses run out by late morning. In addition to spam musubi, Waiehu Muni GC in Wailuku, Maui offers delicious Bibingka.

More to come!

Ko'olau Golf Course

After my round, I entered the pro shop and told the guy behind the counter, "That is one tough course!" He replied, "Thanks, we try to keep it that way!"

They do warn ya to bring lots of balls to this course because if ya don't know the carry/distance of your clubs, you're gonna lose a lot of balls! But hey, look carefully in the woods and you can find more balls that others lost!

A gorgeous course set in Kaneohe against the Ko'olau mountains. We had a late morning tee time and took our time going to the course via Kamehameha Highway along the northern coast. We found a "2 for 1" coupon in the Hawaii Golf Newspaper and paid $144 for two players including carts. My uncle Leroy was the 5th player. They normally don't allow 5-somes but it was slow and we were told that we would have to split up if another group behind catches up to us. There was one player in the group behind us...we asked him several times if he wanted to play through and each time he declined.

Eleven holes feature forced carries that can be challenging even from the front tees.

Searching for lost balls on the right side of holes 15, 16, 17 & 18 are prohibited due to sensitive native vegetation.

The 15th hole has a scenic lookout you should check out. I've included photos of the "resort tee" at the 15th as well as the Kaneohe Bay from this scenic tee box.

I lost 4 balls in this round....1 on the front 9 and 3 on the back 9.

I had 3 Pars....1 on the front 9 (a sandy!) and 2 on the back 9.

My favorite hole is the 18th hole. I love the layout.....there are two forced carries over two ravines.....only one from the womens tees. The second ravine and the green are parallel to the fairway.

Cart Rules for that day we played: 90 degree on the front 9 and cart path only on the back 9.

They had aerated the back halves of the greens and so playing your ball on the front of the greens were highly recommended.

Their "local" rule: To ensure fast play......because if you are a high handicapper and or have never golfed Ko'olau you will slow down play.....they have a "drop zone" on the holes with ravines. The thing is that the drop zones are located on the 'other' side of the ravines. So if you put a ball in the ravine, instead of dropping a ball where the ball entered the ravine (from the point of entry), you get to bring your ball to the other side of the ravine, drop there and you take a one stroke penalty.

Friendly pro shop staff. Their rangers are referred to as "Ambassadors". Was told there was a snack cart on the course but never saw one. Snack bar stocked full of the usual fast foods/drinks. We had cart that had no brakes and was slow even with our foot to the ground.....at the turn saw an Ambassador and he had a working one to us before we left the 10th tee box. Resident mongoose steal open foods left in carts. Rains a lot on the windward side so I found the course to be "soft".

Website boasts a slope rating of 152 from the back tees. Named "Toughest In The Nation" Golf Digest March 2007.

Now I can say I have played the toughest course in the nation and hope to play the course whenever I go back! I highly recommend playing this course at least once.










More to come!

Kaukau Places

Ruby Tuesdays - Mililani
My family met us in Mililani and we exchanged gifts and had a fantastic meal! There were 13 of us to sit down to dinner. The place is located in the shopping plaza next to the Mililani Transit. This is the second time I've eaten at a Ruby Tuesdays. Looking at the menu I did not find any 'local' dishes. I ordered the Parmensean Shrimp on Penne Pasta and a Kahlua Coffee....too full for dessert.

Cholo's Homestyle Mexican - Haleiwa
The four of us had lunch here the other day. What a great place to get some homecooked mexican! The place is located in the back of the Haleiwa Mall. We sat outside as the tradewinds were back and we wanted to enjoy the moderate temps. I had the Grilled Veggie Plate.....black beans, rice and grilled onions/green peps/red peps, and pita bread. Afterwards Nancy and I walked around the small shops to pick up some last minute gifts and window shop.

More to come!

Polynesian Culture Center

Although I haven't been to PCC in many years, I enjoyed the experience very much, as did P&N! The place opens at 12 noon but we didn't show until 2:30pm. We were greeted at the front with a shell lei and our tour guide "Amber" walked us through. We just caught the last of the Long Canoe Pageant. There are 7 Villages but we only visited the Samoan Village, got onto the canoe tour, then onto the Tahitian Village.

At 5pm they had everyone get in line for their dinner. We had purchased the "Ambassador" package and that entitled us to the Ali'i Luau Buffet. At the entrance we were greeted with purple orchid lei. The four of us were seated with two other couples. It really felt cramped.....and as the place was not filled, I wished they had put 6 to a table instead of cramming 8 together. The luau was held in the Hale Aloha and it felt claustrophobic! It was warm out so that didn't help. Also, our table was one of the last ones to get up in line to the buffet, so I felt rushed through my meal. As compared to the Paradise Cove Luau, the show was much better. But it isn't out in the open like Paradise Cove Luau venue, so I felt claustrophobic.

The food was NOT a disappointment. There was Lomi Salmon, Salad, Mac Salad, Shoyu Poke, Poi, Taro Bun, Pipikaula, Kalua Pig, Teri Chicken, Long Rice, Sticky Rice. For dessert there was Haupia, Coconut Cake, Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cake and Guava Cake. It was all you can eat and I went up for second servings of the Shoyu Poke. There are no alcholic beverages and carafes of water, soda and juices were brought to our table on request. You could also order smoothies in the real pineapple with straws, but it was a rediculous price of $7!

There was music and entertainment throughout the meal, but most times I could barely make out the lyrics being sung. The hula dancing, however, was delightful as there were a couple of keiki dancing!

Afterwards, we strolled over to the Pacific Theater to watch the Horizons Show. We were not disappointed at all.....water a great show! During intermission we had fruit sorbet. The show ended shortly before 9pm.













More to come!!

Sunday Driver

Started out late and headed out to Kaneohe on H3. I was hoping that it would be clear and the view coming out of the tunnel would be impressive. It was cloudy and overcast with some light showers. From the H3 went up to the Pali Lookout. At the lookout I was able to get some shots of the Ko'olau GC -- which we're golfing at on Wednesday morning. We walked down the old Pali Road a bit and got some good shots to share here. Then onto Waimanalo past Rabbit Island, Makapu'u Point, on around to Sandys Beach and stopping at Hanauma Bay.










More to come!

Wedding all Pau!

The wedding is finally over! All the planning/worrying from the east coast has come to an end and the wedding ceremony and reception was perfect. Well except for one flaw...the groom's mother was almost 45 minutes late so the wedding got off to a late start. The groom's mother was going to show up in all white but my daughter told her to wear something else so groom's mother wore her black tube dress. But we didn't let that bother the rest of the day, everything ended up turning out perfect and the bride was happy!

Sheri Chang, the coordinator at Turtle Bay Resort, was fantastic! This beautiful woman has the perfect personality and disposition for this job. She is cheerful, patient and helpful in every way. When I met with her, I told her I spent many sleepless nights at home worrying about the wedding and if it was going to go as planned. She was kind and said that she has coordinated many weddings at Turtle Bay Resort and she assured me that our wedding would be perfect! And I handed her my credit card......

The bride and groom (as with our guests) were very happy with all of the accomodations/facilities of the Turtle Bay Resort. Hubby and I paid for the entire wedding and as a wedding gift to them, we paid for their airfare to Hawaii and their Waikiki hotel accomodations as well as the hotel room at Turtle Bay Resort on their wedding night. Everything here has been top-notch and I worried for nothing!


Venue: Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku, Oahu
Pastor: Ron Valenciano
Solo Guitar Player (ceremony): Art Kalahiki
Music DJ (reception): Arsenio
Table centerpieces, bride/MOH/bridemaids bouquet and floral arrangements: Alluvion
Corsages, bride Haku lei and groom lei: Pearl City Florist
Chair Covers: Chair Covers Express, Kapolei


On a side note: the day after we got into Hawaii we met with Sheri to finalize details. We put the grandson in his stroller and put him in the doorway of the room we were meeting in. The doorway overlooked both the grassy area and the ocean right next to the Pavillion. He was so quiet and I thought he fell asleep. But when I checked on him, he was wide awake. The tradewinds were blowing through his hair and he sat in his stroller watching the ocean as well as the palm trees swaying in the breeze.....I never saw him so content and quiet....

More to come!

Hawaii Market Merchandise Expo 2008

My sistah and I attended the merchandise expo at the Neal Blaisdell Center. There were rows of vendors/suppliers with most being jewelry and jewelry supplies. This is a "cash and carry" format so you can purchase product on the spot and take with you. Several of my Hawaii suppliers were there, so I was able to stock up on supplies/packaging. I also got alot of new ideas for my product presentation.

Douglas Trade Shows
http://www.douglastradeshows.com/

More to come!

Dai’ichi Ramen and Curry

My sistah treated me to lunch at this tasty Ramen house. Located in the Aiea Shopping Plaza with easy access from freeway, Pearlridge Mall and Kam Hwy.

This is my first trip here and I had the Ramen Miso with side of Gyozo, for under $10! And I never thought I'd say this but I found the Ramen more tasty than Shiro's in Waimalu. Fast service, I highly recommend this place!

More to come!

Shark's Cove Grill

Located in Haleiwa just across from Shark's Cove and next to Foodland. Its a 5 minute walk from our rental here and the food is great! Hubby had the steak plate and I had the Shrimp Pesto plate. Both with two scoops rice and salad. Great view of the sunset. Open 8:30am to 8:30pm. Two cats, Tiki and Meowzers.

More to come!

Aloha Maui

The flight back from Maui to Honolulu was smooth. Tried to switch to an earlier flight but it would cost $50 more and only be 30 minutes difference. Hubby and friends went back on the Hawaii SuperFerry. Spoke to my mom while waiting to board....she said that it had been raining on Oahu for the past two days. My itinerary listed the flight as 45 minutes but it was actually only 25 minutes. Glad for the short ride as my parents picked me up from the airport and we had to hele on down to the Mililani Transit. I just got there and within 5 minutes my bus pulled up.

#52 Westbound would take me through Wahiawa but the bus stop I needed to get off of was right in front of our vacation rental. It's been YEARS since I have last taken public transportation in Hawaii. It was already dark and the bus was nearly packed when I got on. But as it made its way through Wahiawa, the bus began to empty. It'll always be the same lot, folks headed home after work, friends hanging out and headed home. There were just a few folks on the bus. At the last stop in Haleiwa, just in front of Jamesons' By The Sea, a thin man put his bike on the front rack and staggered up the steps with a plastic bag full of empty beer cans. He reaked of beer and body odor. The bus driver asked if he knew where he was going. He belched and said he needed to get off of at Foodland at the corner of Pupukea. Then he staggered up the aisle and fell into a seat. By the time we came to his stop, others (regulars) told him to get off and not to forget his bike. He took his bag of empty beer cans. He must be a local fixture as two mornings later I saw him on his bike headed towards Haleiwa with his plastic bag of empty beer cans.

More to come!

Kahili Golf Course

Run, run, run!

Right after getting off of Waiehu Muni GC, we headed to the Kahili GC. Previously known as Sandalwood Golf Course, Kahili is located on the the slopes of the West Maui Mountains. It shares it's entrance with the private course, King Kamehameha Club an is an easy find off of Highway 30.

We got there for the twilight rates which were $85 and play-all-you-want. Played the back 9 and headed out to the airport in order for me to make my flight.

From some of the holes on the back there were views of Haleakala and the ocean.

Greens and fairways were in immaculate condition....what would you expect at a place that charges $125 for a round of 18?! Funny starter and bag boy. Bag boys to clean your clubs and offer you a moist cleansing towel after your round. Never saw a ranger. Friendly staff at the pro shop. There are mongoose here and they collect golf balls. We found a stash of them behind some boulders.











More to come!

Waiehu Muni Golf Course

Located Wailuku, Maui is a great muni course! This course was highly recommended and I sure am glad I gots to golf at it! *S* It sits on the shoreline and the views from some of the holes, especially the back 9 up top are stunning! I found only two sandtraps at this course and almost broke 90!

Left Maui Banyan at 6:30am, picked up McD's for on the way....I had the local Rice/Spam/Egg plate, then headed to Wailuku. We teed off just a little before 8am. As we were getting on the 6th green, we saw the Hawaii SuperFerry pulling into Kahului Harbor and while we were on the back 9, the ferry was headed out, back to Oahu. The course is sandy, but not as sandy as Kahuku Muni GC. The greens had been aerated several weeks ago so some of the putts weren't too smooth. We made our tee times two days in advance without any problems.

The front 9 (built in 1930) plays along the coastline and the back 9 (built in 1966) plays along the hills. From some of the holes you have the coastline and Haleakala views.

Separate green fees and carts at this course. Cash only for greens fees at the starter booth. Then if you wanna rent a cart, you can use a credit card in the pro shop. Friendly pro shop staff; no bag boys; I never saw a ranger; 5-somes allowed; restrooms on both the front and back 9; only one water feature; lots of sandtraps; ball washers on nearly every hole including the women's tees! Practice putting green and matted driving range. Lots of "locals" play here but no local mentality here.....everyone is laid back and out to enjoy a round of golf.

This is a bargain (at $50 for 18 non-resident) and I highly recommend this course if you're ever in Maui. I hope to go play it again! If you come, bring a camera!












More to come!

I wish I could've seen more....

One of the things that I didn't want this Hawaii trip to turn out to was just golfing. Maui sure felt like it.

On the positive side the island is beautiful and I found I loved the pace. The sights to be seen were just stunning....Lanai off of the Lahaina coast and Kohoolawe from the Ma'alaea Bay were impressive. The layout of the island was surely different from Oahu. The courses that were visited were impressive as well.

The negative......not enough sightseeing of Maui. For instance, I thought for sure that it would be relaxing to get out at Lahaina, have a nice brunch and take in the harbor. Not the case....it was a "driveby"!

And while I have your attention, one of my pet peeves is folks who drink and drive and folks who drive too fast. When I say that folks in Hawaii drive slow, I really do mean it. So if you're traveling 70 mph, then hellooooo! You're going too freaking fast. I also hate it when as a passenger, you are at the mercy of a driver who tailgates, who gets angry when you tell him to slow down and who is anything but a "passenger friendly driver".

More to come!

Cafe O'lei Kihei

If you're in Kihei, Maui, the Cafe O'lei Kihei Steak & Seafood is the place to eat! The restaurant is located upstairs of the Rainbow Mall and has a large variety to choose from. You can choose from steak, pasta, raw or sushi meals. At our table we had Blackened Mahimahi, Pacific Seafood Zarzuella, New York Steak and and I had the Tekka Don with Kahlua Coffee made with Maui Oma (Maui Roasted) Coffee. The Fried Calamari appetizer is very generous. For dessert I had the Lilikoi-Coconut Sorbet....so light with a strong coconut taste, just the way I love it! We also had chocolate cream pie as well as fudge brownie sundae with kona coffee at our table. No need to get all dressed up to gain entrance.....hubby was wearing t-shirt and rubber slippahs and they let us in. Our waiter Ken was very helpful and paid a lot of attention to us throughout our meals. I asked him if anyone told him that he looks like Andy Bumatai! He said he gets that alot! *L*

Cafe O'lei Kihei
http://cafeoleirestaurants.com/kihei/


More to come!

Maui is beautiful!

Here in Kihei, Maui as I type this....everyone is asleep in front of the television as they had to wake at 3am this morning in order to be at Pier 19 by 5am, Hubby and P&N friends came over via the Hawaii Superferry on the 6am run. I took Hawaiian Airlines over. The flight was fast.....takeoff, have some pre-packaged POG juice (Pineapple/Orange/Guava) and within minutes of getting to the western Molokai shoreline, we made our initial descent to Maui. I had to wait an hour for them to pick me up at Kahului Airport as the ferry pulled in the harbor about 30 minutes late.

We traveled to Lahaina...sorry folks, no photos of Lahaina town/harbor as we just drove through and didn't stop...beacause somebody didn't wanna pay the $5 parking. Somebody also didn't wanna pay any greens fees that began with the number "1" and contained 3 digits. That meant there were two course we could golf at....Waiehu, which we already had a tee time for. And Pukalani...but somebody didn't want to play there because they had just aerated the greens. So not much choice of courses left!

But eating was a big part of the schedule so we stopped at the Lahaina Cannery Mall for lunch at the food court where I had a mini "Loco Moco". Then we headed up the shoreline towards Kapalua. We passed by Ka'anapali GC and oohed at the course situated on both sides of Hwy 30. Then onto Kapalua where we found the Plantation course where our friends Bill & Judy had previously golfed. It is a "STUNNING" course and overlooks the torquoise blue bay. We headed back towards Kihei, stopping at the scenic lookout point at Papawai Point, which overlooks the Ma'alea Bay. We found our place of stay, the ResortQuest Maui Banyan in Kihei. It's located across the Haleakala Shore beach. Our unit consist of 2-bed/2-baths, marble floors, full kitchen with granite counter-tops, washer/dryer, balcony, free internet/WIFI, complimentary parking, pool, spa, tennis courts.

I was hoping to be able get up to the Haleakala, but probably will not be able to make it on this trip. Tomorrow morning we have an early tee time at the Waiehu Golf Course.

Word of adivce....when you don't mind being tired from having to get up so damn early in the morning, then take the Hawaii Superferry. But if you want to be awake and ready to do some sightseeing as soon as you arrive in Maui (until sundown), then take the plane over.

Have golf clubs, will travel!
More to come!













More to come!

Leilehua Golf Course

When I met my hubby oh, some 27 years ago, Leilehua GC was his home course and he golfed there every weekend. This is one of several "military" course on Oahu and located just outside Wheeler AFB and Schofield Barracks. We played a 5-some with P&N and my grandmother's neighbor.

I didn't find any of the sandtraps on this course and there are no water features...darn! My fave hole is the 8th hole, Par 4....it's uphill with a slight dog-leg left. My hubby was on the green in one, but 3-putted for par...woooooo....

There are clean restroom facilities on both the front and back 9. There are also a couple of clocks throughout the course. Two practice putting greens, matted driving range. Friendly pro shop staff, no bag boys, security on the course to speed up slow play. And security in the parking lot so that you can't sneak in any outside coolers etc.









Have clubs will travel!
More to come!

Assaggio Ristorante Italiano

We dined at the Assaggio Ristorante Italiano in the Ala Moana Shopping Center locale for dinner with golfing friends Paul & Nancy and Paul's friends, Alan and Jenny. Once inside, you can't tell that you're in a shopping mall. The place is very clean and the service is superb! Stark white tablecloths and linen with heavy silverware.

I had the Scallop Alla Scampi Style on linguine noodles. The white wine sauce was very buttery and the large scallops were cooked to perfection....not rubbery and overcooked.

More to come!

Waikiki Beach stroll

More to come!

Royal Kunia Country Club

First off, there are stunning views from every hole on this course! The course is set in Waipahu and overlooks Pearl Harbor and the south shore of Oahu. Several water features and palm trees are set on this course and their website boasts 101 sandtraps......which I managed to find 3! The women's tees....gold....are set almost 100 yards in front of the white tees on every hole. The pro shop and restaurant are in a portable-type building. Friendly staff and bag boys. Never saw a ranger. I give this a 4.5 out of 5 shakas!

Just a word of warning. Don't leave any spam musubi, sandwiches, chips etc in the cart when you get onto the greens. There are mongoose at this course and if you leave food in the cart, they will carry it off....ask me how I know!

Have clubs will travel - more to come!

More wedding photos

Jameson's By The Sea

We had dinner at Jameson's By The Sea - Sunset Dinners and it was truly wonderful! This place is located just across the street from the Haleiwa Beach Park. We sat out on the patio and watched the sunset while we dined. I had a (grilled crab and shrimp melt on sourdough bread) sandwich and a cup of Hawaiian coffee with Kahlua. I highly recommend this restaurant!

Jameson's By The Sea
http://www.jamesonshawaii.com/jamesonshaleiwa.htm






More to come!

Kahuku Golf Course

Located on the "beach" (read very sandy) in Kahuku is a 9-hole muni course. No carts here.....but you can rent a pull cart which is what I did. Practically all the fairways are brown but the tee boxes as well as the greens are green. Due to its "fluffyness" the greens are slow and your ball markers pop out. On the tee boxes you won't have any problems getting your tee in the ground due to the sandy foundation. But the price is great and all holes are challenging.





The 3rd hole is a Par 3 and you have to aim left almost to the ocean....depending on how hard the seawind was coming off the ocean. It wasn't too bad today.....I used an extra club and got on in one and one-putted for a Birdie!




More to come!

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

Bargain galores! Vendor after vendor, after vendor of inexpensive clothing, art work, jewelry, luggage, toys, hula implements and food! I always make it a point to get to it every year I go to Hawaii.....just in case something catches my eye! This year I purchased a pink pearl pendant necklace, some square Monkey pod dishes to go with my palm leaf dinnerware, keychains, batik outfit, snacks, another suitcase to fit more souvenirs and handmade soap. I know, I know....I have my own biz making/selling handmade soaps but I always make it a point to try other soapmakers soaps as well. The Bubble Shack sells at the swap meet on a regular basis. Holly the owner was very friendly and helpful. I picked out some lovely soaps at 3/$10.....Hawaiian Earth & Rosemary, Hawaiian Super Lavender, Awapuhi, Tuba Rose and Pikake Lei.






More to come!

Home sweet home

The kids are back on the east coast. No problems on the flight out of Hawaii to the east coast. Grooms mom is actually feeling much better and the grandkids slept most of the trip back. The only downer was when they got home they found that their house had been broken into. There was nothing stolen.....but a lot of their stuff was strewn around the place.

Mililani Bar-B-Q

What a great place for Korean kaukau! Located in Mililani this place was busy and we had to get on the wait list. Just a 10 minute wait and we were called in and seated. I ordered the Kalbi and it was tender! The best is their banchan side dishes....kim chee, and an assortment of pickled cucumbers, seaweed, tofu and cabbages....refills available.

More to come!

Some photos

Aloha Oe!

We saw the kids and grooms mother off at the airport yesterday. They should be landing in Boston shortly as I write this.

Groom's mother was not feeling well and threw up at the car rental return. She must have caught a stomach flu bug...she started getting sick after consuming lots of milk product and then going to sit out on the beach in the sun for several hours. Hopefully she took my advice and not eat any solids on the flight back. And hopefully the grandkids slept through the night since this was an overnight flight.

More to come!

Paradise Cove Luau

If you're ever on Oahu and wanna go to a luau, check out Paradise Cove Luau at Ko Olina. They have several packages to choose from and young keikis are welcomed. At the door they greet you with a lei and you get two tickets for drinks and a ticket for complimentary Mai Tai. You also get your photo taken and you can choose to purchase the photo after the luau. Walking through the village you can learn to make a simple haku lei using coconut frond and plumeria flower. You can get a (temp) tattoo, play hawaiian games or shop in the souvenir shop. There's even an Imu ceremony and the sunsets here are always picture perfect! There were 12 of us, including the grandkids, and we choose the buffet luau. The kaukau was great....especially the kalua pig and lomi salmon. I choose the poi and mac salad and for dessert, Haupia. ...you can even go back for seconds. The show is only an hour long, but colorful and entertaining.




More to come!

Coral Creek Golf Course

I love this course! Uncles and cousins always play here and I play here whenever I'm in town. The place is immaculate and lush.....so green! Lots of coconut trees line the fairways. Lots of sand traps to make it challenging. Super fast greens.....I like the signs they have at each green to let you know how fast each green is. The staff in the pro shop as well as the bag persons are all super polite! Never saw a ranger. Get there early or else you'll miss out on the spam musubi at the snack wagon! Matted driving range. On a scale of 5 shakas I give this course a 4.5 shaka!

It's a beautiful day for a wedding!

My daughter's wedding went off without a hitch....well...sort of....

The grooms mom and cousins, who were staying in Waikiki, were almost 45 minutes late. Anyhoos, wedding went on....the ceremony was held in the Pavilion. The weather was perfect and the turquoise blue ocean made for a perfect backdrop. The reception was held in the Oahu Room and plated lunches of Filet Mignon and Pork Loin were served with desserts of strawberry mousse-like cheesecake. The wedding cake was absolutely delicious....chocolate layered with Haupia filling and air-fluffed frosting. The day was perfect and hubby and I got a room with an ocean view for the newlyweds!




More to come!

Waikele Golf Course

This is always a nice course to golf at. Easy access and close to shopping mall, outlets and kaukau places. We made our tee times online but it was moved up 20 minutes so we hurried as fast as we could from Haliewa. Nonetheless, we were late but we were able to get out right away and didn't have to worry about not being able to bring the carts in by 6:45pm.

Fairways were kept trimmed and this was a nice course to be golfing at with very polite rangers and bag persons. Matted and grass driving range and practice greens. Nice water features too that made for interesting play on two holes. On a scale of 5 shakas, I give this course 4 shakas!

More to come!