Best Chicken Katsu at rainbow
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Wheeler
I'm just here to bitch about others negativity.😁
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Shintoooo brings his harem along which makes it difficult to compete with.He's the OG. I'm merely an "Up and Comer."
Hypnautic
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Oh for sure—mass produced and tolerable.. Again—good experience and fun for the night.This is my first trip to Hawaii, and I'm happy I went to see a luau. But to be honest, I probably won't go to another one when we return. I've had much better food from taco stands and food trucks in East L.A. Granted, the view doesn't compare, but the food itself is FAR better in comparison.
You guys staying through the 4th?
There’s usually a flower drop—not sure if any of the resorts are doing it this year.. but worth a look if your still on the island..
I think he's on his own program, but I'll continue on......Shintoooo brings his harem along which makes it difficult to compete with.
Care to see some mochi balls?
No Sir I wish we were. We'll have to put that on our "To-do" list for a future trip.
HNL2LHC
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i am sure since you suggested you know the break. Just want to be sure that those that do not know it have at least a little heads up.
TCHB
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Yes the break can be a handful! If you are not ocean savvy it is also a nice beach to sit and watch.i am sure since you suggested you know the break. Just want to be sure that those that do not know it have at least a little heads up.
We continued east and ended up in Waimanola. It's a pretty interesting contrast to the high rise beachfront buildings in Waikiki and the rest of Honolulu. We stopped at a roadside fruit stand and picked up some fresh pineapple coated with Li Hing. If you know, you know!
Jay is the owner of the stand and he was cool as hell to chat with. Don't let the tattoos scare you. If you have a chance to stop by, please do and support a local.
His stand is located on the corner of Kalaniana'ole Highway and Hughes Road. Just look for his lifted black Ford truck and EZ-Up.
Jay is the owner of the stand and he was cool as hell to chat with. Don't let the tattoos scare you.
If you have a chance to stop by, please do and support a local.His stand is located on the corner of Kalaniana'ole Highway and Hughes Road. Just look for his lifted black Ford truck and EZ-Up.
We motored on full of pineapple and stopped off at Kualoa Regional Park to view Chinaman's Hat. It's a distinct island just off the coast, where the shape of the island resembles a hat worn by a Chinese Man. Hence the name.
We also spotted our first sea turtle on the beach. Sadly, this little guy probably wasn't going to make it. His shell was cracked and his right front flipper was torn off. It looked like he lost a battle with a shark and washed up on the beach. It was neat to see him, but sad at the same time.
Rumors are this is also one of the filming locations for Jurassic Park. I haven't seen that movie since it came out, so I couldn't tell you for certain. But it was beautiful!
We also spotted our first sea turtle on the beach. Sadly, this little guy probably wasn't going to make it. His shell was cracked and his right front flipper was torn off. It looked like he lost a battle with a shark and washed up on the beach. It was neat to see him, but sad at the same time.
Rumors are this is also one of the filming locations for Jurassic Park. I haven't seen that movie since it came out, so I couldn't tell you for certain. But it was beautiful!
We left Kualoa and headed north to Kapalaoa Beach where we spotted a Hawaiian Monk Seal. He was lying on the beach enjoying the warm sun. The area had been coned off and they wouldn't allow people to get any closer.....so the pictures aren't that great.
Our next stop was at Kaipapa'U Beach. What a FANTASTIC place to stop, take a break and go for a swim. The beach was empty and there was enough privacy to not worry about your belongings walking away. My wife and I snorkeled for about an hour and had a wonderful time. The water was cool but refreshing. We saw a lot of fish but nothing that was really out of the ordinary. It was just nice to get out and relax for a bit.
After we finished up, we headed up to the showers between the beach and the parking lot. It was so nice, it almost felt like we were trespassing on someone's private property. There were numerous homes nearby, and many didn't have a fence between their property and the park. We cleaned up, washed all our gear off, changed into dry clothes and continued on our way.
After we finished up, we headed up to the showers between the beach and the parking lot. It was so nice, it almost felt like we were trespassing on someone's private property. There were numerous homes nearby, and many didn't have a fence between their property and the park. We cleaned up, washed all our gear off, changed into dry clothes and continued on our way.
We motored along on Kamehameha Highway and stumbled into another roadside fruit stand. This was the Kuilima Farm Stand, aka Chue's Farm.
Let me just say this much.......if you're on the North Shore.....
Please. Stop. Here!
They sell fresh picked fruit of all sorts, but they have deep fried bananas that are to die for!!!
My wife bought one while I was looking around, and said "Hey, try this." I didn't have much interest but I also didn't want to hurt her feelings. So I begrudgingly took a bite. That's all it took! I went and bought six more!! That was the BEST $6.00 I've ever spent!
Let me just say this much.......if you're on the North Shore.....
Please. Stop. Here!
They sell fresh picked fruit of all sorts, but they have deep fried bananas that are to die for!!!
My wife bought one while I was looking around, and said "Hey, try this." I didn't have much interest but I also didn't want to hurt her feelings. So I begrudgingly took a bite. That's all it took! I went and bought six more!! That was the BEST $6.00 I've ever spent!
After eating an unhealthy amount of deep fried bananas and pineapple, we continued on our way. We drove past all the famous surf spots and stopped to take pictures of most. Velzyland, Sunset, Rocky Point and Waimea Bay. Being summertime, it was pretty flat and there weren't a ton of waves when we drove through. As I've said before, it was breathtaking!!
The next stop was for a late lunch in Haleiwa. We stopped off at The Nut House and had some Kahlua Pig for lunch. We joked about having leftovers from the luau earlier in the week, but to be honest, this food was a lot better!
The next stop was for a late lunch in Haleiwa. We stopped off at The Nut House and had some Kahlua Pig for lunch. We joked about having leftovers from the luau earlier in the week, but to be honest, this food was a lot better!
My wife was shocked that chickens were roaming around everywhere on the island. This picture of the chickens and wood picnic tables shows you the contrast from modern and bustling Waikiki to the relaxed feel of the North Shore.
As we were enjoying our Kahlua Pig, a group of locals showed up and provided an impromptu hula show for the customers. It was really neat as this did not appear to be a "Formal" or "Scheduled" event. Even though it was short, I found it to be more enjoyable than the performance we saw at Paradise Cove. This was from the heart and these people were proud of their culture.
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After lunch and the short hula show, we walked across the street to the Haleiwa Beach and Pua'ena Point. We saw a number of smaller sea turtles swimming along the beach!
As we followed them along the water's edge, we heard someone yell further down the beach. So of course we went to see what was happening! A giant turtle had slid up on the beach and was basking in the sun! It didn't care that people were swimming in the nearby water!
As we followed them along the water's edge, we heard someone yell further down the beach. So of course we went to see what was happening! A giant turtle had slid up on the beach and was basking in the sun! It didn't care that people were swimming in the nearby water!
Apparently, there is an underground aquifer that empties into this area of the beach. The water underground is cool and seeps up into the sand along the water's edge. According to some locals we talked with, this is why the turtles come here when the water temperatures climb. I don't know if this is true or not, but it sounded good.
This was a beautiful turtle and many people in the area said he/she was probably around 75 years old based on the size. I'm no expert but it was really cool to see it out in the wild! My wife, who hates turtles, was really excited to see this one. So that alone made it more enjoyable for me.
And just like that, we're off!!
This was a beautiful turtle and many people in the area said he/she was probably around 75 years old based on the size. I'm no expert but it was really cool to see it out in the wild! My wife, who hates turtles, was really excited to see this one. So that alone made it more enjoyable for me.
And just like that, we're off!!
We continued down the highway and stopped off at the Dole Plantation. Our son was dying to have his "Dole Whip," so we couldn't pass it up. Thankfully, that was the only thing we bought. I was shocked at the amount of crap they had for sale inside the main building. I've never seen so many items or things created to imitate a pineapple! Stuffed animals, keychains, glass figurines, etc. You name it, they had it. 
Apparently, they rake in a ton of money each month, and very little of that money finds it's way back to the locals. We got our Dole Whips and GTFO! We headed down the street and stopped off at the Green World Coffee Company. It smelled SOOO good inside!
They did not seem to be hurting for business!!
Apparently, they rake in a ton of money each month, and very little of that money finds it's way back to the locals. We got our Dole Whips and GTFO! We headed down the street and stopped off at the Green World Coffee Company. It smelled SOOO good inside!
They did not seem to be hurting for business!!
We left Green World Coffee and headed back into Honolulu. After cleaning up, we headed out to find something to eat. You can't go to Hawaii without indulging in some fresh poke! We had our fill!!
We left the restaurant and headed out to see the more of Waikiki.
At times, I felt like I was in Las Vegas with all of the street performers, artists, dancers and hustlers. The homeless population gave me a taste of L.A. just to keep one in touch with reality. This particular magician caught my wife completely off guard and left her with a twisted metal spoon that she still cannot wrap her head around.
He was good, I'll give him that!
We left the restaurant and headed out to see the more of Waikiki.
At times, I felt like I was in Las Vegas with all of the street performers, artists, dancers and hustlers. The homeless population gave me a taste of L.A. just to keep one in touch with reality. This particular magician caught my wife completely off guard and left her with a twisted metal spoon that she still cannot wrap her head around.
He was good, I'll give him that!
That leads me to this particular group of performers. This is a family of musicians consisting of a father, a 12 year old daughter and a 10 year old son. The name of their group is "The Free Little Birds." The father plays acoustic and electric guitars and sings with his daughter. His daughter plays a ukulele and sings majority of the songs we heard. His 10 year old son plays bass guitar.
They have a website with their information and downloads of their music. I think you'll be amazed if you check them out!
Every night we walked through Waikiki, and heard them playing, we couldn't help but stop and listen. They definitely knew how to draw a crowd!
The next morning, we woke up early and headed over to one of the most beautiful places I've seen! Let me just say, pictures don't do it justice!!
Hanauma Bay.
This was the early morning crowd of people waiting to enter. Reservations are a MUST but whatever you do, please put this stop on your list of things you must see! When we arrived, it was raining, but it was a warm summer rain. Nothing to get upset about. We sat through the mandatory short video, then hopped on the tram that takes you down to the bay.
Hanauma Bay.
This was the early morning crowd of people waiting to enter. Reservations are a MUST but whatever you do, please put this stop on your list of things you must see! When we arrived, it was raining, but it was a warm summer rain. Nothing to get upset about. We sat through the mandatory short video, then hopped on the tram that takes you down to the bay.
The scenery wasn't breathtaking on our way down to the water, simply due to the rain and the clouds. But here are some pictures once the clouds blew over.....
As I stated above, you should make every attempt to stop and enjoy this beautiful place! Plan on spending a few hours here too. The snorkeling is pretty good and the marine life is plentiful. You'll be able to see all kids of fish and other marine animals. The bay is safe for all ages as the current is non-existent and the waves are minimal. The water at the deepest pool I found was about 15'.
As I stated above, you should make every attempt to stop and enjoy this beautiful place! Plan on spending a few hours here too. The snorkeling is pretty good and the marine life is plentiful. You'll be able to see all kids of fish and other marine animals. The bay is safe for all ages as the current is non-existent and the waves are minimal. The water at the deepest pool I found was about 15'.
When you go, head to the bottom of the hill and stay to your left. Don't waste your time walking to the far right side of the bay to get away from the crowds. There wasn't much to see and the water was barely deep enough to skim along the surface. Ask me how I know!
It was pretty busy, but even with all of the people in and around the water, it was still enjoyable. Make sure you bring reef-friendly sunblock. They push that pretty hard once you arrive.
We didn't see any turtles, but we were blessed with another Hawaiian Monk seal sighting!
It was pretty busy, but even with all of the people in and around the water, it was still enjoyable. Make sure you bring reef-friendly sunblock. They push that pretty hard once you arrive.
We didn't see any turtles, but we were blessed with another Hawaiian Monk seal sighting!
We created a habit of walking through Waikiki on a daily basis and my wife and I enjoyed the sunset views from "The Wall." People we're still enjoying the warm water even after the sun had gone down.
From there we walked through town and ended up near the Marina. We grabbed a quick bite at a little brewery which wasn't bad. We finally wore our big little boy out, and he complained about walking any further.
From there we walked through town and ended up near the Marina. We grabbed a quick bite at a little brewery which wasn't bad. We finally wore our big little boy out, and he complained about walking any further.
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As we enjoyed the scenery, I watched this gentleman wading around in the shallows of the marina. He was definitely focused and intent on catching small fish. I later asked him what he was catching and he simply said "Bait." Nothing more, just "Bait."
My wife finally caved in to the whining and ordered up a Lyft driver. It was worth the $10 fare to not hear any more whining and complaining from the youngest member in our party. We headed back to the slums and hit the sack.
My wife finally caved in to the whining and ordered up a Lyft driver. It was worth the $10 fare to not hear any more whining and complaining from the youngest member in our party. We headed back to the slums and hit the sack.
t&y
t&y
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Last time we visited, my brother and I swam out into the bay just past that little rock/reef cropping in the middle of your picture. Once past the inner reef we saw a few Sea Turtles, tons of fish, and I swam right over an eel that was tucked down in a hole in the reef looking straight up. Scared the shit out of me. Luckily it knew the difference between me and its breakfast.
The next morning we headed over to a local farmers market and had our fair share of goodies. It was nice to see everyone out and about enjoying the vast array of offerings from local growers. As posted elsewhere, my wife and her mochi balls. One had a strawberry buried in the middle. I don't like mochi, but she said they were outstanding!
I passed on the mochi but had a breakfast of fresh pineapple and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. I later followed that up with some lobster empanadas which were INCREDIBLE!!
I passed on the mochi but had a breakfast of fresh pineapple and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. I later followed that up with some lobster empanadas which were INCREDIBLE!!
I wondered what life looked like on the outside of the reef. One of the lifeguards said the sealife had vastly improved due to the closures surrounding CV-19. The lack of crowds has allowed the reef time to grow and it has brought more fish and life back to the bay.
The sugar cane juice wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't as sweet as the sugar cane juice my Grandpa used to bring home when I was a kid. I don't know if there is a difference between sugar cane grown in South Florida and sugar cane grown in Hawaii. They were selling it as fast as they could feed the stalks into the machine!
One small section of sugar cane stalk produced about a cup of juice with some ice in it. The line to pick up some sugar cane juice was one of the longest lines in the entire farmers market!
As if fruit-stuffed mochi balls weren't good enough, she had to grab some deep fried mochi balls too!
As if fruit-stuffed mochi balls weren't good enough, she had to grab some deep fried mochi balls too!
They even had items that people like @LargeOrangeFont would enjoy.
My wife asked me "Why did you take a picture of hot dogs?"
Babe, you wouldn't understand.
My wife asked me "Why did you take a picture of hot dogs?"
Babe, you wouldn't understand.
We finally left the farmer's market and headed back to the beach. Our day was free and we didn't have any plans, so we spent the rest of the afternoon down at the beach. My wife has never surfed before and mentioned some time ago, that she would like to try it. What better place to take a surf lesson than the place where modern day surfing originated?! Sunshine, warm water, a mostly sandy bottom with no other dangers (Sting rays!)......why not?
Our 12 year old boy showed a little interest, but he isn't a daring child. He's more reserved and likes to think things through. Hell, it took an entire week and a half of forcing him to cross the street when the
was displayed on the traffic lights! He thought he was going to get stopped by HPD for jaywalking!
So we made arrangements for a semi-group lesson, rented a few boards for the three of us and headed out with our coach, simply named "Ace."
Ace gave us a short dry land instructional session on how to paddle a board, how to push up to a kneeling position, and finally how to stand. He demonstrated things such as hand and foot placement on the board and covered falls and resurfacing after a fall. A lot of the information was very basic, but necessary for someone like my wife, who has never even picked up a surfboard. She's Chinese! She has spent her entire life studying and working herself silly! There's no time to waste on silly things like recreational activities!
Our 12 year old boy showed a little interest, but he isn't a daring child. He's more reserved and likes to think things through. Hell, it took an entire week and a half of forcing him to cross the street when the
was displayed on the traffic lights! He thought he was going to get stopped by HPD for jaywalking! So we made arrangements for a semi-group lesson, rented a few boards for the three of us and headed out with our coach, simply named "Ace."
Ace gave us a short dry land instructional session on how to paddle a board, how to push up to a kneeling position, and finally how to stand. He demonstrated things such as hand and foot placement on the board and covered falls and resurfacing after a fall. A lot of the information was very basic, but necessary for someone like my wife, who has never even picked up a surfboard. She's Chinese! She has spent her entire life studying and working herself silly! There's no time to waste on silly things like recreational activities!
That Guy
Rack em'
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Been to Hawaii a bunch of times, but it is really enjoyable to see you and the family having so much fun!
Yes Sir, we had a blast!!
We all walked our boards down to the water and paddled out through the warm water. The conditions were perfect!! Our coach "Ace" even grabbed some quick shots of the three of us using our GoPro camera.
My wife was laying on her board, waiting for Ace's instructions. He helped to get her pointed towards the famous Surfrider Hotel, and began to shout "Paddle! Paddle!"
My wife was laying on her board, waiting for Ace's instructions. He helped to get her pointed towards the famous Surfrider Hotel, and began to shout "Paddle! Paddle!"
A few moments later, I heard Ace yell "Up!!" She got to her feet and kept her balance! Off she went!!
I was ECSTATIC!! Never did I imagine either one of us surfing, and much less, surfing in Hawaii! Here we were, doing just that!! She rode that wave until her forward progression vanished, and she hopped off into the water. She came to the surface and screamed out a "Woohooooo!"
I was ECSTATIC!! Never did I imagine either one of us surfing, and much less, surfing in Hawaii! Here we were, doing just that!! She rode that wave until her forward progression vanished, and she hopped off into the water. She came to the surface and screamed out a "Woohooooo!"
All of us were ecstatic at her and her progress! Ace was thrilled, her son was happy and I was the most proud husband in the entire world! My wife was tired from swimming and paddling around, and she was tired from falling off the board and lifting herself back up. She fell a few times and probably drank some of that warm saltwater....but she never quit. She never gave up and her persistence paid off! She ended her time on a high note and was absolutely thrilled!
It has been years since I was on a surfboard, but I still managed to catch a few waves. Her son tried his best, and was close to standing up a few times, but he didn't quite make it. He still seemed to have a good time!
Our time with Ace was up, and he had us all start to paddle back towards shore. He called out to me and said "Dad, you go first." So, being a good listener, I started to paddle away from him, my wife and her son. As I started to head towards the beach, I heard Ace yell out "Hurry, grab his leash!".
He made ME paddle everyone back to the beach! Hahahaha! My wife was catching a ride holding on to my leash, and her son was holding to her leash! By the time I got back to the beach, my shoulders were on fire!
What an experience!
Thank you to Moku Surf Shop and thank you Ace! These memories will last a lifetime!!
It has been years since I was on a surfboard, but I still managed to catch a few waves. Her son tried his best, and was close to standing up a few times, but he didn't quite make it. He still seemed to have a good time!
Our time with Ace was up, and he had us all start to paddle back towards shore. He called out to me and said "Dad, you go first." So, being a good listener, I started to paddle away from him, my wife and her son. As I started to head towards the beach, I heard Ace yell out "Hurry, grab his leash!".
He made ME paddle everyone back to the beach! Hahahaha! My wife was catching a ride holding on to my leash, and her son was holding to her leash! By the time I got back to the beach, my shoulders were on fire!
What an experience!
Thank you to Moku Surf Shop and thank you Ace! These memories will last a lifetime!!
HNL2LHC
What is right and what is wrong these days!
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It is spelt Waimanalo.We continued east and ended up in Waimanola. It's a pretty interesting contrast to the high rise beachfront buildings in Waikiki and the rest of Honolulu. We stopped at a roadside fruit stand and picked up some fresh pineapple coated with Li Hing. If you know, you know!
Jay is the owner of the stand and he was cool as hell to chat with. Don't let the tattoos scare you.
His stand is located on the corner of Kalaniana'ole Highway and Hughes Road. Just look for his lifted black Ford truck and EZ-Up.
View attachment 1132674
Did you wave when you went by the Obama compound?
HNL2LHC
What is right and what is wrong these days!
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Looks like the farmers market at Kapiolani Community College.
Yes Sir, I used one specific finger.It is spelt Waimanalo.
ChrisV
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looks fun dude! Hope you're having a blast.
Once again, I thought of @LargeOrangeFont when my dinner arrived. I didn't care, it was freaking AMAZING!!
It doesn't get much better than this!
It doesn't get much better than this!
HNL2LHC
What is right and what is wrong these days!
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What a great vacation for the family!!!! As a lot know I was born in Hawaii and lived all but 3 years of my live there. As the wife and I sit in our Havasu home we are talking about all the images you have posted. This is the Hawaii that we did not get to enjoy in our adult years while raising our son. I split my time in Hawaii and Havasu and next month we go back specifically to have a vacation on Maui and do the things tha twe never did all those years. Thanks for getting me pumped up for it.
