Visit Maui: Hula Grill Kaanapali

 While on Maui, we dined at Hula Grill Kaanapali for dinner. We made reservations online in advance since it was Thanksgiving and knew the restaurants would be busy. 

We were all happy with the food and service. The hubby really liked his turkey entree - he said it was one of the best turkey dinners he's ever had. The crab topped mahi mahi was excellent! Mahi mahi can sometimes be dry and bland, but this one was moist and tasty, thanks to the macadamia nut crust. The boys were happy with their steak and burger, and the view of the television that was located at the Barefoot Bar. 

For dessert, while Hula's is known for the "Hula Pie", it was too big for us (the boys were full and not interested in dessert), so we tried the Pineapple Upside Down cake which was the perfect size for the hubby and I to share.

Our server was very professional and offered the kamaaina discount without us having to ask for it.

Highly recommend if you're staying in or near Kaanapali!

Housemade Focaccia

Crab topped macadamia nut crusted mahi-mahi

Kiawe Grilled Filet Mignon

Thanksgiving Special - turkey

Cheeseburger (Keiki Menu)

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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HULA GRILL - KAANAPALI
2435 KAANAPALI PKWY
808-667-6636

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Visit Big Island: I Luv Dumplings

I finally got to check out I Luv Dumplings in Honokaa, which specializez in gyoza, karaage, hirata buns, and more Japanese dishes.

Wet Gyoza

Ginger Pork Gyoza (taken out for the photo)

Of course we had to try the Gyoza. You can get it with a sauce on the side, or served "wet," in a broth (we got pork).

It was so delicious! Both the broth and the gyoza were so full of flavor.

Karaage Chicken Ooki Bowl

Each Ooki Bowl is humungous (ooki means large in Japanese). A bowl of furikake-topped rice, cucumber, daikon, slaw, jalapenos, umami mayo, bonito, and nori, along with huge pieces of juicy fried chicken, was more than enough to satisfy. I could only finish a 1/3 and I ended up packing up the rest.

Karaage Chicken Hirata Buns

The Karaage Chicken Hirata Buns were huge as well, stuffed with the same tasty chicken and accompaniments from the Ooki Bowl. Just one was so filling! I had known these types of buns to be called bao, so after my lunch there I dug into the history of Hirata buns. I always love learning something new whenever I dine!

Having just opened about a year ago, the owners did a nice job intertwining Japanese cuisine with Honokaa history.

Highly recommend!

I Luv Dumplings
45-3625 Mamane St unit F

Honokaa, HI 96727
 

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Yumi Kim Grand Opening at Royal Hawaiian Center

Yumi Kim boutique has opened its doors at the Royal Hawaiian Center! The brand's designer, Kim Phan, created Yumi Kim when she moved to New York in 2004 and opened the original flagship store crediting the sunny color palettes and vibrant florals that echo the extraordinary experiences of her journey as a tribute to her collection. 

The Yumi Kim store at the Royal Hawaiian Center is bright and inviting with beachy vacation vibes. The quality dress styles range from pretty, feminine, and romantic to classic and elegant. You'll also find cute romper styles as well as sets. The store also offers shoes and accessories. I had a very fun time shopping for myself and will definitely return!

Perfect to shop for gifts or yourself

Love this cute beach bag of the island

My friend Racyne with designer Kim Phan

We had a super fun night celebrating the Yumi Kim opening!

Store hours are Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Yumi Kim official website is yumikim.com

Yumi Kim
Royal Hawaiian Center
Building B, ground floor 

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Review: GiiKER Tic-Tac-Toe Bolt

Disclosure: Complimentary product was received for review purposes. All opinions are entirely my own.  

My five year old has recently become a big fan of Tic-Tac-Toe and it’s a frequent activity that we partake in at restaurants while waiting for our meal (especially if that restaurant provides free paper and crayons) and we don't want him on a screen.

So when offered to review the GiiKER Tic-Tac-Toe Bolt I accepted thinking he would like it — and when I’m right, I’m right. He loves it and though it may be a tad heavy to do so, I leave it in my purse for him to play with at restaurants, the doctor's office or
in the car. I have even caught him playing it by himself at home since it has a feature where you can play against the AI — which is great if we need to distract him while we’re cooking dinner or if we simply want to enjoy a peaceful drink before dinner without having to play Tic-Tac-Toe for rounds on end.

Because its a machine your X’s and Os disappear so that you can only hold three spots on the screen at one time. Which means that games can go on forever (which can be both good and bad if you have a five year old). But that also means that its not like regular Tic-Tac-Toe and you have to think about which of your spots will disappear and be more strategic not to let your opponent sneak into that now-open space. I haven’t quite mastered that aspect of the game like my husband and son, so I am the frequent loser.

If you want to snag yours right now they’re discounted on the GiiKER website here.

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Visit Hilo: Fairway Grill

The Fairway Grill is one of my go-to spots for great food in Hilo.  It's a golf club restaurant, and I think most golf club restaurants are an overlooked dining option.

Club House Melt

A fave of the mine is the Club House Melt.  Yes, it's basic, but always good and satisfying.  The sandwich was stuffed with turkey, ham, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Prime Rib Dip

My friend appreciated that the prime rib had mushrooms, but he thought the prime rib itself tasted a bit freezer burnt.

Despite that, I'm positive we'll be back.  The service is always super friendly and it isn't hard to find something delicious on the menu!

Fairway Grill Hilo
340 Haihai St.

Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 731-4560

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Skybox Taphouse

We recently got takeout from Skybox Taphouse at the International Marketplace.

Skybox Taphouse offers a nice menu of sports bar type eats - pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and a nice selection of appetizers.
 

Fried Pickles

The Fried Pickles were addicting.  I loved the crunchy, coated sour pickles!  

Tenders & Fries

Chicken Tenders & Fries always satisfies.  I thought the chicken was tastier than the original waffle-battered strips I tried the last time.  

Fried Chicken Sandwich with Bacon

Wagyu Smash Burger

Aloha Pizza

We all enjoyed the food!

Skybox Taphouse
2330 Kalakaua Ave Suite 302

Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 378-8542

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Visit Maui: Jaws Country Store

We made a stop at Jaws Country Store to see what they offered.

They had baked goods and banana bread, so of course I had to try some (when I asked who made the baked goods, the employee said she doesn't remember the person's name, but it was baked at someone's home).

The banana bread was good.  I liked the flavor, although it was not as moist as I had hoped.  The chocolate chip cookie was okay, but a bit on the dry side.

You'll also find omiyage in the store, and a cafe right around the corner.  Next time I hope to try the cafe!

Kamaʻaina get 15% off!

Jaws Country Store

4320 Hana Hwy

Haiku, HI 96708
 

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