Only in Hawaii: Aloha
DIY/HI Aloha Friday: Hear Ye!
Last week we followed our noses to Hawaii. This week, we’re letting our ears do the trick. Yes, these are videos, but close your eyes and listen. Just listen. And breathe. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
Only in Hawaii: Normal Days
DIY/HI Aloha Friday: Whiff Pleasure
In an ancient Hawaii radio spot, the announcer noted that “one of the reasons people like Hawaii is because it smells so good.” The fact is, if you’ve got the nose for it, you can get a whiff of the islands no matter where you live. Here are some suggestions on how to do it, if not this weekend, certainly by the next.
(1) Order a pikake lei and wear it in close proximity to your proboscis. Oooh!
Pikake, a photo by kitchen mamaon Flickr
(2) Burn a Butt Naked Wickless Candle that emits the heavenly scent of suntan lotion. Ahhh!
(3) Liberally apply Plumeria Kukui Nut Cream here, there, and everywhere. Oh Mama!
(4) Freshen your entire household with the sweet smell of fried Spam. Yum!
If all else fails, bake some Pineapple Coconut cookies, eat two, and call us in the morning. Til then, happy Aloha weekend.
Toe-to-Toe with Koko
This view from the top of Koko Head comes from Interactive Project Manager Nancy Farinas, a returning local girl (Moanalua, baby!!) who is back home after 15 years in LA and three in NYC. What she doesn’t tell you: It took her an hour to hike up (very impressive time), half and hour to come down, and she walked kinda funny around the office for the next few days.
Moderation is key and with all the fun food finds in Hawaii, I often find myself in desperate need of a good workout. So without much thought I agreed to meet up with some friends for a Sunday hike up the Koko Crater Railway Trail. Having conquered the infamous Santa Monica Stairs (I once completed seven circuits in one morning, thankyouverymuch!), I figured this would be a breeze.
Yeah.
The Santa Monica Stairs ain’t got nothin’ on Koko Crater.
An abandoned railway originally used to transport military personnel and equipment during World War II, the Koko Head Railway Trail now serves as a natural StairMaster for many locals and a handful of “in-the-know” visitors. It’s not for the faint of heart. Come prepared with sturdy sneakers, a bottle of water and a camera. While you’ll meet a lot of friendly faces along the way, it’s always good to have a friend or two make the trek with you…peer pressure disguised as friendly and supportive encouragement does wonders!
Looking down on Kamehame Ridge (where hang gliders take off) and Kalama Valley.
After all 1,000-plus vertical steps are ascended, take in the cool, much needed breeze and breathtaking view of the southeastern part of O’ahu. A payoff so unique, I would definitely give this hike another go…as soon as I filler up on some all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ. (NatHI note: For great places for Korean BBQ see our yummy posts by Skimso.)
If you want to see this view of Hanauma Bay, you have to earn it.
Nancy brings up a good point about hiking in Hawaii. Just like scuba, it’s good to have a friend along. Here’s a link to the Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club.
- Here’s a view of Hanauma Bay that few people get to see.
Turning up the Chipotle at Serg’s Mexican Kitchen
Being from Colorado, I love Mexican food, so when I get my cravings (which is often) I usually go to two places, one being Serg’s Mexican Kitchen. They have great food in a very casual outdoor setting. I enjoy the carne asada and chicken (white meat yippee!!) and Mexico City style tacos—but you definitely need to put salsa on it. Good thing they have a homemade salsa bar with chipotle, avocado, and tomatillo varieties.
And of course, you should try their signature gigantic flauta. It’s darn delicious. Oh, and they also serve menudo (tripe soup) on weekends if you are into that. They have 2 locations – Manoa and Waimanalo. :: Serg’s Mexican Kitchen
Only in Hawaii: Gif Stoa
Hawaii International Film Festival
While most people think of Halloween in October, in Hawaii, we’re all about HIFF. The Hawaii International Film Festival, now in its 31st year, is the “festival of record for emerging films from Asia and the Pacific, and a showcase for top festival films from around the world, annually screening films from over 45 countries.” In other words, the good films start here.
Scenes from Paradise Broken, directed by James Sereno and written by Chris McKinney.
Starring Dante Basco, Nadine Nicole, Khalil Kain, Katherine Emily Mills. Courtesy Taryn Reid Photography.
HIFF is also the premier venue for Hawaii-based talent. This year, HIFF boasts 8 locally-made films plus a number of shorts that give voice to local storytellers, offering a point of view that outsiders usually don’t see. While there’s lots of anticipation surrounding The Descendents which stars George Clooney and was shot on Kauai and Oahu, the noisiest chatter has been generated by three local productions: Paradise Broken by Kinetic Films and two anthologies, 6B by Kinetic Films, and The Short List by Talk Story Productions. Hawaii might be a small town, but judging from the body of the work, we’re a big on film.
Our NatHI recommendation: If you’re a film buff and Hawaii-bound next October, get your HIFF tickets before you get here to avoid the scramble. It’s good stuff.
Ala Moana Farmer’s Market
Today’s post is by Katie Haughey who followed her boyfriend here from Maryland. We’re sure it took a lot of cajoling, begging and arm twisting, but now that she’s here, she’s playing long-term tourist while working on the HVCB account.
The Haleiwa Farmer’s Market is one of my favorites. Not too big, not too small, and lots of delicious eats. But trekking up to the North Shore on a Sunday morning isn’t always convenient. When I heard the same owners opened another spot at (of all places) Ala Moana Center, I couldn’t wait to check it out.
The Ala Moana Farmers’ Market is located on the upper deck by Sears, right at the corner of Ala Moana and Piikoi (you can spot the white tents from Ala Moana Blvd). Parking is plentiful and the vendor selection is impressive. While it’s not nearly as large at the KCC Farmers’ Market (which also occurs every Saturday morning), it does have many of the same vendors but without lines and parking hassle.
Hint: bring sunglasses and a hat! The parking lot gets hot and shockingly sunny. There’s a nice shaded area to sit and eat (with live music the day I went!), but otherwise you’ll be shopping in the direct sun.
If you’re looking for a good, low-key farmers’ market, this is it. My only grievance is the ambiance – the parking lot atmosphere isn’t the greatest. But lines are short (for now, at least!) and you can run errands at the mall & stop by a farmers’ market all in one swoop. I’ll definitely be returning.
Ala Moana Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 9:00-1:00
Location:
Ala Moana Center, upper deck by Sears, corner of Piikoi & Ala Moana Blvd.
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. HNL, HI 96814
DIY/HI Aloha Friday: Remembrance of Things Pasta
two scoops rice, a photo by jjspw0on Flickr
Nothing says Hawaii like plate lunch and nothing says plate lunch like macaroni salad. The typical plate lunch is comprised of the aforementioned mac salad plus meat or fish (usually breaded or fried) and two scoops white rice. Today we’re serving up an authentic mac salad recipe and encouraging you to (1) add rice and entrée of your choice (2) serve on an environmentally-friendly, washable plate (3) eat and (4) thank your lucky stars you’re a regular NaturallyHi reader. Happy Aloha Weekend!
Mac Salad Hawaii Style
1 lb cooked elbow macaroni (the softer the better)
Add the following:
2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups whole milk
2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
2 chopped, hard-boiled eggs
1 cup green peas
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
4 chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Refrigerate ‘til ravenous
Only in Hawaii: Falling in Love Rocks
DIY/HI Aloha Friday: Homemade Hawaii Halloween
Last week we gave you some suggestions for Hawaii halloween costumes you can buy. This week we have three ideas that shouldn’t cost you much at all — except for a little time.
photo/nosmallfeet/Flickr
photo/aaronalities/Flickr
photo/Jeff_Werner/Flickr3. Dreaded Waikiki Jellyfish. You’ll need: An umbrella and some shiny streamers (bubble wrap adds a nice touch).
Until next time, have a happy Aloha Weekend!
This Fluke Ain’t No Fluke.
A few weeks ago, mvnp-er Kimo Carvalho and his twin brother (Yes, there are two of them!) bopped a short distance over the pond to their home on the Big Island of Hawaii. They hooked up with friend Captain Shane McCormick, aka “Captain Zodiac,” and had a chance to see views of the island that only a few are lucky enough to explore.
Off they went, playing tourist for the day. Captain Zodiak took them snorkeling along the Hamakua Coast fronting Waipio Valley where there are few roads and even less people. The dolphins must have heard the zodiac coming because there’s nothing they like better than a good race.
As Kimo put it, while many tourists stick to Oahu for budgetary reasons, the neighbor islands are filled with affordable activities and places to explore that you just can’t find on Oahu. And even if you live in here in the islands, there are so many new things to see and do.
“Still, 26 years into my life,” says Kimo, “even I find new adventures, new scenery, new historical sites, beaches, hikes, caves, cliffs, etc. I’ve never seen before. I’ve met amazing people who turn out to be the most humble and loving families I’ve ever met throughout my world travels… and it’s all part of what the neighbor islands are.”
While snorkeling, “We saw some amazing things, but the whale photo was the most exciting moment…. They’re back!”
Breakfast at Liliha Bakery
Liliha Bakery is famous for its coco puffs but what I truly love is sitting at the counter and enjoying a good ol’ diner breakfast. It just feels like an experience from the past.
You sit at a long counter next to a stranger, watching the cooks do their thing. It really is the basic breakfast done right with a lot of the good “bad” stuff… butter. The best are their neon pink jelly on white toast, fluffy pancakes with crispy edges and eggs with extra crispy bacon. It’s seriously great any time of day. Good thing they’re open 24 hours Tuesday – Sunday :: Lilihabakeryhawaii.com
Naturally HI 
