Izakaya Danji

It had been years since I last visited Izakaya Danji, so it was nice to be back — especially with friends! One of my friends and his wife come here often, so they took the lead with ordering, and everything was shared family-style. I have to say, sometimes it’s really nice to let someone else take over the ordering! 

The food came out pretty quickly, and everything we tried was amazing. My favorites were definitely the chicken wings, sashimi, and corn. The corn was especially good!

We had the tan tan udon to close out the meal, which had quite a kick. Even though my friend requested a 0.5 spice level, it was still spicy! 

It was a great night of good food, good friends, and lots of sharing. 

Parking: There’s a small parking lot available, or you can park along S. Beretania after 5:30 p.m.

 IZAKAYA DANJI

1095 S. BERETANIA STREET

808-888-8777

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Sunset Soirée October 25 + Code for Additional Drink Ticket

Courtesy Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony

It's that time of year! Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony's annual fundraising event, the Sunset Soirée, which precedes the He Makana O Nā Mele (The Gift of Music) fundraising gala, takes place on October 25 at Halekulani Hotel.

One of my kids has experienced the benefits of Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony's efforts over the past two years through the Pacific Music Institute. The work of Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony helps to ensure all youth have access to resources and tools to help foster their love of music, while bringing joy to the community through musical performances that enchant and enthrall.

About the Sunset Soirée:
Guests will enjoy timeless classics performed by Youth Symphony I (YSI), Hawaiʻi’s premier youth orchestra, led by Maestro Joseph Stepec and featuring over 80 of the state's top high school musicians. Indulge in exquisite hors d’oeuvres from Halekulani’s award-winning culinary team, paired with masterfully crafted cocktails and mocktails (2 per ticket) dreamed up for this special occasion!

Visit hiyouthsymphony.org/namele/sunsetsoiree/ for more information and to buy tickets! Use code 808gem at checkout to get an additional drink ticket!

 Courtesy Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony

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Forgotten Island Now in Theaters!

About the film:

Your best friendship is worth fighting for.

DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you unforgettable bonds between a boy and a dragon in How to Train Your Dragon, an ogre and a donkey in Shrek, and a robot and a gosling in The Wild Robot, now welcomes a dazzling and emotional story about two lifelong best friends who must come together before they drift apart in Forgotten Island.

The new original film is written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and is produced by Academy Award® nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Grammy and Academy Award® winning supernova H.E.R. and Liza Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein, Alone/Together) star as high school graduates Jo and Raissa, who have been best friends since grade school but are now about to embark on separate life paths.

While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families.

Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but- hapless weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony winning icon Lea Salonga), the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.

The film’s all-star voice cast also includes Emmy nominee Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Dying for Sex), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick), BAFTA nominee Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness, Ghostlight), global comedy superstar Jo Koy (Haunted Mansion, Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn) and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, M3GAN).

Forgotten Island is a fun movie rooted in Filipino culture. Being of Filipino ancestry myself, I found many scenes relatable, and I love that the movie put a spotlight on Filipino culture, featuring Filipino language, foods, and traditions.

There were many funny moments throughout the film, and although at times the humor felt forced or went over some people's heads, lots of laughter filled the theater.  My youngest son noted how there were lots of pop culture references, and I especially appreciated the soundtrack.  

The messages of memories, family, and friendships throughout Forgotten Island transcend cultures and apply to everyone of all ages.

Forgotten Island is now in theaters!

Click here for a fun Forgotten Island 15-page activity kit! 

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Via Gelato

After dining at Marujuu, Nat and I walked over to Via Gelato for dessert. 

Mango Sticky Rice + Almond Cookie

Fierce Chocolate + Cookies & Cream

I got my usual - Fierce Chocolate + Cookies & Cream. 

The gelato was rich and dense, and just so good.  Via Gelato never disappoints! 

Via Gelato
1142 12th Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816 
(808) 732-2800 

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Roy's Ko Olina

Roy's Ko Olina is a fave of mine.  We’ve always had outstanding service there, and a recent visit only exemplified the service level there.

When our food arrived, everyone’s dishes were placed in front of them except for mine — I was given a salad, which I didn’t order. Turns out, the chicken sandwich I ordered was taking longer than expected, so they gave me a salad to eat while I waited for it.

Most other places would have just apologized for the wait — and that would've been totally fine with me, because keeping guests informed is key IMO, but the Roy's team took it a step further, and I really appreciated that gesture.

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Big Island Burger

Ko Olina Club Sandwich

Ko Olina Dragon Maki

Chinatown Chicken Spring Rolls

Island Fish & Chips

And we were doubly surprised at dessert! We ordered two desserts, and were given a third complimentary. Then when the bill came, our server said they took care of all the desserts!

The Chocolate Soufflé

Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet

Banana Bread Latte Crème Brûlée

I never found out why, but I do know that I can always count on Roy’s Ko Olina for great food and service!

Roy's Ko Olina 

92-1220 Ali'inui Drive

Kapolei, HI 96707

(808) 676-7697

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Haleiwa Beach House

The last time I went to Haleiwa Beach House was in 2019, and I commented that the service was painfully slow, and it would be a while before I returned again. 

Well, I finally returned, and can happily say that service was so much better this time around. 

Although the menu hasn't changed much over the decade it's been open, I like that my faves are still on the menu - the Kālua Pork Grilled Cheese and Beach House Fries.

Kālua Pork Grilled Cheese + a side of Beach House Fries

It's comfort food, but elevated. 

Beach House Loco Moco

Prices are on the higher side, but you do get a nice view of the ocean.

Haleiwa Beach House
62-540 Kamehameha Highway
Haleiwa, HI 96712

(808) 637-3435

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Visit Alaska: Kincaid Park

We went to Kincaid Park primarily because I was hoping to see moose (it was mentioned frequently in forums and social media groups as a popular moose-sighting park).  We didn't see any moose, but it was such a nice park to visit for easy hiking trails and pretty views.  

We partially did one of the trails, but it was way too cold for us the evening we visited (in the 40s), so we didn't walk very far.  

There are playgrounds, a soccer field, various lookout points, disc toss stations, and more.  

Hopefully we can visit again one day when it's warmer so we can explore more of the park. 

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