Moonga Asian Bistro

With the boys away at camp, we finally had a chance for a little date night! Moonga Asian Bistro in Kaneohe has been on our radar for a while, so we figured it was the perfect opportunity to finally give it a try.

Moonga is a relatively new addition to the Windward side, having opened in 2024. It's an Asian bistro with a menu that covers a LOT of ground—Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes, along with sushi, sashimi and vegetarian options.

We decided to keep things simple and ordered the Pad Thai, Tempura Appetizer and Chirashi. For dessert, we couldn't resist trying the Tempura Ice Cream.

The food was not bad, and I think the biggest appeal of Moonga is the variety. If you're dining with someone who wants Thai while you're craving sushi—or you're with a group where everyone has a different preference—there are plenty of options to choose from.

I also really liked the atmosphere. It's comfortable and relaxed, making it a nice spot for a casual dinner or date night.

I wouldn't consider this a destination restaurant. But if you're in Kaneohe and looking for a comfortable restaurant with a huge variety of Asian dishes, check out Moonga.

 MOONGA ASIAN BISTRO

46-018 KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY

KANEOHE

808-367-0697

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Visit Alaska: Eklutna Lake

If you're visiting Anchorage, I highly recommend a stop at Eklutna Lake, which is just about an hour away by car. 

It was absolutely breathtaking (my youngest said it's one of the most amazing places he's ever been to).

There is a self-pay parking station where you pay a fee to park.  It's just $5 - don't be like that guy who said "I don't need to pay, I'll only be here for 5 minutes."  He ended up staying for at least 20, but even if it was just for 5 minutes, pay the fee.  There is a reason behind the fee - maintenance of facilities, trails, etc.  Entitled people, especially entitled tourists, is why opportunities get taken away.

But I digress . . . 

It was overcast the day we went, so we didn't get to see much of the turquoise waters, but it was still stunning.  The glacier flour / mud can get pretty unstable - one of my shoes sunk in pretty deep, and we all had a lot of mud to scrape off our shoes before getting back into our rental car. 

You can take the scenic drive along the lake, go on hikes, camp, and even canoe and fish on the lake.

You have to see it in person.  It is absolutely breathtaking. 

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Sushi Izakaya Gaku

It was my first time at Sushi Izakaya Gaku, and we had a feast! I didn't realize we ordered so much — the food kept coming! I had so many faves — the croquettes, karaage, kakuni, shumai, tofu . . . and the cheesecake was amazing!

Two of the three of us don't eat a lot of raw fish, but we all enjoyed the Torotaku.

Yudetate Irodori Onyasai

Tofu & Mochi Agedashi

Homemade Shumai

Chawanmushi

Yuzu Daikon Hakusai

New Zealand Spinach & Shimeji Mushroom Ohitashi

Dashimaki Tamago

Torotaku

Tori Karaage

Jaga Butter Mentaiko

Gaku's T.N.T.

Seared Braised Pork Belly Kakuni

Creamy Crab & Pumpkin Croquettes

Yuzu Cheesecake & Vanilla Ice Cream

Warabi Mochi & Matcha Ice Cream

Sushi Izakaya Gaku
1329 S King St

Honolulu, HI 96814

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Dough Boi

Thank you to Nadia for delivering Dough Boi!

Each container includes 10 balls of dough that you can pop into the oven straight from the fridge or freezer.

It's perfect to have on hand for last minute guests or when the cookie cravings strike (and it strikes often in my house).

Check out @doughboi_hi on IG for how to order and to see what flavors are available!

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Grandma G's Ono Grindz

I was so happy to see Grandma G's Ono Grindz back at Miliani Farmers Market (I hope they keep returning!).

I'm a fan of their Fried Rice Breakfast Plates!  You can get it with SPAM, smokies, or Portuguese sausage. 

Fried Rice with Eggs + Smokies

Their ahi plates are also very popular. 

Furikake Ahi

Panko Crusted Ahi

Follow @grandmagsonogrindz to find out where they'll be!

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Seven Brothers - Kahuku Sugar Mill

We've gone to Seven Brothers in Haleiwa and Laie multiple times, but for the first time, we went to the Kahuku Sugar Mill location.

Since I don't eat burgers, I got my usual Keiki Grilled Cheese (which comes with fries).

Keiki Grilled Cheese

I always have to get the Crazy Fries, which are topped with caramelized onions, cheese, and their house sauce.  

Crazy Fries

Seth's Seven Brothers Cheeseburger

Seek's Deep Blue

The Seek's was topped with bacon, Swiss, bleu cheese, ranch, BBQ sauce, and house sauce.  

Shem

The Shem consisted of guac, bacon, American cheese, and the house sauce.  

The fam loves the burgers.  

Service was amazing!

Seven Brothers Kahuku Sugar Mill
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy

Kahuku, HI 96731

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Fun Station

We were near Market City Shopping Center, so we decided to get take-out at Fun Station (known for their Flying Noodles).

We get didn't Flying Noodles, but everything we did get was delish — my fave was the Mapo Tofu Chow Fun!

Mapo Tofu Chow Fun

It was just loaded with tofu. 

Fried Gyoza*

The Gyoza was perfectly crispy!

Broccoli Beef*

The beef was really tender, and everything was seasoned well. 

Beef Brisket Tendon Mixed Noodle

In fact, all the dishes were seasoned well.  We all kept going for seconds. 

Signature Fried Rice

Fun Station turned out to be a great impromptu spot for take-out!

Pork Belly & Minced Pork Rice

Fun Station
2919 Kapiolani Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96826

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