Before heading back east, we spent a few nights in Oahu. We stayed at the colonial style Moana Surfrider Westin Resort, which I adored, off of the busy Kalakaua Avenue. Waikiki Beach was kind of crazy, especially after staying in Upcountry, Maui, but we escaped away often and covered a good chunk of the island. Food in Oahu was consistently good in comparison with Maui. As an avid reader of Kathy YL Chan, I was really looking forward to checking off some of her favorite Honolulu eats!
(1) Selfie on the windy balcony of the Moana Surfrider, we stayed in the modern newly renovated wing (2) View of Waikiki Beach from the top of Diamond Head hike (3) Waikiki Beach at sunset from the hotel (4) Louis Vuitton on the busy Kalakaua Avenue
(1) One of the series of stairs on the Diamond Head hike. New York City trained me well. (2) Macadamia nut sauce over banana pancakes at Boots and Kimo’s. Crack! (Takeout to avoid the wait.) (3) I did find it ironic that the North Shore Macky’s Sweet Shrimp Truck was Taiwanese owned. Garlic shrimp! (4) Paradise found at Kailua Beach
(1) North Shore – Haleiwa Alii beach. (2) Mitsu-ken mini bento was SO GOOD. (3) I read Yelp reviews and decided to go to Aoki Shaved Ice instead of neighboring Matsumoto. Paled so much in comparison with Maui’s Ululani! (4) These Liliha Bakery coco puffs (topped with chantilly cream) are insanely addictive. I only picked up 2 on the first visit and had to go back on the way to the airport!
(1) Iyasume Musubi was really close to our hotel and so addicting. This was for the long plane ride. (2) Nice view from the Moana Lani Spa (total splurge) (3) Baggus drying on the line. Always a traveling MVP and great for transporting food and minimizing spills. (4) Honolulu Cookie Company cookies for the road – I prefer the lillikoi or kona coffee dipped in dark chocolate.
Happy Fourth!
