Visit Hilo: Kokoz

I was pleasantly surprised when I tried out Kokoz a few months ago, so I was eager to try out more menu items. 

Bacon Fries

The Bacon Fries were loaded with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, Kokoz sauce, and Sriracha.  I loved the abundance of toppings.  The fries were yummy, but I liked the Koa Fries that I ordered the last time better.

Kalua Nachos

The Kalua Nachos consisted of kalua pork, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and Kokoz sauce - which is pretty much what they add on the Koa Fries, so I really liked the nachos.  They really packed on the toppings, which I appreciated, as some places only give enough toppings for just a little bit of chips.

Prices are super reasonable!

Visit Kokoz on Instagram to find out where they'll be!

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Dinner at Liliha Bakery at Pearl Highlands

Classic Loco Moco

My friends and I stopped in at Liliha Bakery at Pearl Highlands for a casual dinner. They don't take reservations, but luckily it wasn't too busy at 6pm on a Monday night so we were seated right away. The dinner menu is pretty extensive and includes all day breakfast. I absolutely love their hot cakes so it's always a must order. I also love that this location serves wine and beer. Service was great and the food came quickly. Be sure to stop for those famous coco creams puffs and mochi donuts on your way out!

Signature dinner rolls

Get the hot cakes!

Oxtail Soup for cool nights

Can't go wrong with a cheeseburger

Omelet

Miso Butterfish was a little smaller than pictured on the menu.

Liliha Bakery

1000 Kamehameha Hwy

Pearl City, HI 96782

  

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Visit Los Angeles: Dodger Stadium Tour

My husband thought the Dodger Stadium tour would be a fun outing for the boys—and with a runtime of just 75 minutes, it was an easy addition to our day. Our tour began at 10 a.m. on the top deck, where we took in sweeping views of the stadium and learned about the team’s early days in Brooklyn and their move to Los Angeles.

From there, we made our way down to the fifth floor, which houses an impressive hallway of memorabilia along with the press box. We continued through the trophy room, stepped into the VIP lounge, and eventually descended to field level. While visitors are only allowed onto the warning track, simply standing that close to the field was a thrill in itself.

I won’t give away every detail, but if you’re a Dodgers fan—or just someone who appreciates baseball history—this tour is absolutely worth it.

DODGER STADIUM TOUR

1000 VIN SCULLY AVENUE

LOS ANGELES, CA

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Visit Hilo: Manono Street Marketplace

So many have said that they love the sandwiches from Manono Street Marketplace, noting that they are simple, but satisfying - so we went to try a sandwich.

Pastrami Sandwich

They have a variety of sandwiches to choose from that are made-to-order.  The sandwiches include lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, Swiss, mayo, onions, and a side of pickles, and you can get it on your choice of bread, or in a wrap.  

The sandwich had ample filling and was also filling itself.  

We saw lots of people come in to order sandwiches and also saw trays of sandwiches that people pre-ordered.

Definitely check them out for simple sandwiches that will satisfy!

Manono Street Marketplace
681 Manono St

Hilo, HI 96720

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December 13 Last Day to Shop at Trojan Trading Post

The Trojan Trading Post opened last month in the Town Center of Mililani a couple of stores down from HIC. Mililani High School students design and test products for the special pop-up while work based learning students help select products based on trends and pricing. You can show your support by shopping Fridays from 3pm to 8pm and Saturdays from 10am to 8pm. Last day to shop is December 13! 

Great gift ideas!

Made by Fashion and Artisan Design Students

So delicious! Made by Culinary.

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Kapiolani Coffee Shop

I've only been to Kapiolani Coffee Shop in Aiea once before, over 10 years ago, and I'm glad it's still around.  

Oxtail Soup

They are known for their Oxtail Soup. My friend loves Oxtail Soup, and he said it was really good, although he wishes there were peanuts and shiitake. He did say the meat was perfectly simmered and the broth tasted good.

Saimin, French Fries, Gravy

I got my favorite comfort food trio - Saimin, French Fries, and Gravy. I love French Fries and gravy but this gravy was a little too thin.

The saimin was a very generous size (I got the regular size) and although I thought the broth was a bit under-seasoned, the bowl of saimin was very satisfying (I barely finished it - they gave a lot of noodles and fixings!).

Service was friendly, and it was great to see a steady stream of customers patronizing the restaurant.

Kapiolani Coffee Shop
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 488-7708

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Newtown Korean Restaurant

My in-laws have been raving about Newtown Korean Restaurant for ages, and they finally treated us to dinner so we could experience it for ourselves. And honestly? It did not disappoint.

From the moment we walked in, the service was warm and welcoming. The dining room has that comfortable, homey feel that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. Portions here are known to be generous, so we ordered family-style and shared everything.

Our dinner lineup included kal bi, seafood pancake, fried shrimp, fried mandoo, and a deep-fried whole chicken. 

Before any of the mains even reached the table, seven small plates of banchan arrived to tide us over—each one delicious and fresh.

Every dish had something to love, but the kal bi and seafood pancake were the clear standouts for me. 

The kal bi was tender and flavorful, and the pancake had that perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, savory interior. The fried shrimp did seem like the premade frozen kind, but my boys devoured it, so no complaints there.

All in all, I can absolutely see why my in-laws enjoy coming here so much. Good food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere—it’s an easy place to relax, enjoy a meal, and feel right at home.

NEWTOWN KOREAN RESTAURANT

98-820 MOANALUA RD.

808-200-3786

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