ALOHA!

After a week long trip on the island we've gained about 5 pounds each!  Here are a few of the must "stops" in Oahu where the locals frequent:

 First stop for my favorite dessert treat...coco puffs at Liliha Bakery!

 Ramen and chicken karage is a must in Hawaii...Goma Tei at the Alo Moana Center

And here is what we've been looking forward to...lunch plates!  For those of you that are Hawaii virgins...lunch plates are very popular on the island for the locals.  It includes 2 scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad and a meat/fish of your choice...full of fat aka full of yumminess!

First stop was En Fuego Grill in Kapolei for some garlic chicken and grilled mahi mahi.

After a long hot day on the beach it's time for some shaved ice!  Matsumoto in the North Shore is a favorite spot for many but I personally prefer Wailoa Shaved Ice in Honolulu.

Can't be on the island without trying some authentic Hawaiian food.  This time we tried a place recommended by our hotel concierge called Highway Inn in Kapolei.  A couple other places we've been to before with very good local Hawaiian food are Helena's and Ono Hawaiian Foods in Honolulu.

A few of the favorite items include squid luau (minced squid) , pork lau lau (roasted pork wrapped in banana leaf) , butterfish stew, and dried pipikaula (short ribs)

A famous spot on the pier for great fresh seafood lunch plates is Nico Pier 38 in Honolulu.  We had the grilled mahi mahi and the black sesame crusted ahi tuna.

One of the most popular spot for local lunch plates is Rainbow Drive-Inn in Honolulu. A place we ate at 3 times during our week long trip!  Known for the breaded chicken smothered in home made gravy...yum!

A newer trendier spot and great bar hang out is the Side Street Inn...known for their kimchi fried rice and fried pork chops.  In addition to the two items, we had the poke, the grilled sea bass, and short ribs.

A great place for 50% off happy hour special is Sansei Sushi located inside the Marriott in Waikiki.  You can take advantage of this special deal Sun -Thurs from 5 to 6pm and Fri & Sat from 10pm to 12am.  And it's 50% off 90% of the items on the menu!  As you can see, we fully took advantage of this deal...yes we were pigs!

Miso glazed butterfish, tuna tataki salad, various sushi rolls, steak & prawns...

A place that makes their own noodles...thin udon!  Jimbo's in Honolulu is my new favorite place on the island!  Set lunches include rice and udon.