Tag Archives: honolulu

Kona Abalone

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While trying to kill time before our flight back, at Ala Moana Center, we came across Kona Abalone. The Ezo abalone

(Japanese Northern) strain are raised in an aquafarm on the Big Island near the shores of Kona. The mollusks are fed a diet of patented algae and water sourced from the deep Pacific Ocean. The abalone is shipped to Japan and the US for chefs at top-end restaurants.

Generally sold at the KCC Farmers Market in Honolulu, they opened shop at the Ala Moana Center Malakai Food Court. Abalone is sold in various forms and varieties here. You can find them raw, grilled, or in rice bowls. If you’re not sure what you would like, ask for samples.

I was eager to try the abalone sashimi ($15) and was not disappointed. It was chewy but you can taste the fresh quality of the abalone.

Of the grilled varieties, I tried the butter, garlic, parsley grilled abalone. The garlic was strong but I LOVE garlic so I was very delighted with this.

(1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814)

Yakiniku Hiroshi

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A hidden gem in Hawaii, this restaurant offers delicious meat varieties from Japan and the US for a wonderful yakiniku experience. We were able to call 30 minutes ahead and book reservations. The restaurant was not packed or loud so you get to enjoy your meal in peace. A personal touch to the restaurant were the walls, which are signed by famous people and past customers.

You have the option to order each cut of meat individually or from a set course. They have two course options: gold ($60/person) or premium ($123/person). We ordered the gold option and had no regrets. 

The meal begins with kimchee (pickled cabbage), nori (seaweed), pickled sides (carrots, radishes, spinach, and bean sprouts), and salad. The house made salad was light and refreshing with the apples

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Next came the juicy USDA prime ribeye.

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The beef tongue was a thicker cut than I have had before but it was delicious.

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The blue shrimp is cooked in a garlic butter sauce in a copper pot. If you cook it wrong, the staff will come over and correct the cooking method.

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I LOVED their deep fried garlic. I even requested to box what I couldn’t finish to take home with me.

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On the left is the toro kalbi (short rib) and on the right is the skirt steak. The skirt steak was juicy, tender and full of umami.  Overall, all the meat just melted in your mouth. 

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The meal ended with frozen cream puffs, but at this point, I was too full to enjoy these. 

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This meal was definitely worth $60/ person. 

(339 Royal Hawaiian Ave #2, Honolulu, HI 96815)

Yama’s Fish Market


When in Hawaii, kalua pork is a must try. Generally, they are served at a luau, where they unearth the pig from the ground. If you want to skip the expensive luau price but try kalua pork, visit Yama’s Fish Market to get a taste of the delicious pork.

Above is order #7 which comes with kalua pork, laulau, lomi lomi salmon, and rice. Kalua in Hawaiian means to cook in an underground oven (imu). The imu is created by digging a deep pit, lining it with hot rocks and a layer of veggies. Then te pig is placed on top of veggies, covered with a wet burlack sack, and another layer of hot rocks. After hours of smoking, the pig comes out super tender and smoky.

Laulau is pork wrapped in taro leaf that has been cooked for many hours. Today’s modern method steams them on a stovetop. The classical method cooks them in an imu. The laulau at Yama’s Fish Market is tender and juicy.

Lomi-lomi is raw salted, diced salmon, tomato, and onion salad that is mixed by massaging. It’s a side dish that is sold all around Hawaii. The name of this dish comes from the method of preparation. Lomi-lomi in Hawaiian means massage. Lomi-lomi salmon reminds me of salsa with salmon.

(2332 Young Street, Honolulu, HI 96826)

Fresh Catch

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Hawaii was the first place I tried poke. I haven’t been able to find a place in the states that makes it just as good. So when I came back to Hawaii, I was excited for more poke. Fresh Catch just blew the poke game out of the water. If you’re on the hunt for the best poke, look no further. The fish is fresh, and the marinades will delight your taste buds. None of them are too salty or sweet. Sold by weight, buy as much as your heart desires.

The tuna was the perfect savory balance to the salmon’s sweet marinade.

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Mmm…mmm…good! I want more!

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(3109 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816)

Pineapple & Coconut Hut aka Zangu


If you’re in search of some pineapple dole whip and Yelp tells you to check out Pineapple & Coconut Hut, be prepared to be a chicken with it’s head cut off. First, it’s located in the Maikai food court of Ala Moana Center. People don’t know the name of this place. I asked a girl for help two stalls down and she said she had never heard of it. Second, it’s also named Zangu.

The pineapple dole whip was tangier than expected but it definitely was soft!

(1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814)

Manoa Falls

Nestled among Oahu’s suburbia is the rainforest Manoa Falls.

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You will experience many ecosystems in this arborous rainforest. It rained on and off throughout the 0.8 mile hike to the waterfall. Note: Bring an umbrella and wear appropriate clothes. 

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Despite the stairs, the incline is gradual and the hike is an easy one.

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The trail does get muddy so wear appropriate shoes.

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It took about 45 minutes to reach the 150 feet waterfall.

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(Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822)