2. Boots and Kimo Restaurant: This was the first time I've been to this place but have definitely heard lots of people rave around the food. They are famous for their Macadamia Nut sauce which blankets fluffy pancakes. They were so darn good...that mac sauce was to die for. It was somewhat frothy and very creamy. I turned my head for a second and Kirk gobbled up most of it. My recommendation is to get your own!
3. Side Street Inn: Apparently this is where all the great chefs on Oahu go to eat after work. This place also has a full bar which adds to the appeal. But seriously the food is great here. Definitely get the Korean short ribs and the lop chong fried rice. It was some serious grubbing here. Having a larger group would be better. I still regret not ordering the oxtail soup along with the other two dishes. Kirk insisted it would be too much food...but you know I'm only in Hawaii every so often so I should've splurged!
4. Lanikai Beach: I was watching the travel channel once day and they talked about the top 10 beaches of Hawaii. Lanikai beach was number one....and for good reason. The sand was very white and the waters very blue. You could see these two islands (not sure what they were called) in the distance. It was picturesque...it would've been more tolerable had it not been so windy that the sand kept being blown in our faces...ugh!
5. Turtle Beach: On the north shore of Oahu inbetween Giovanni's Shrimp Truck and Turtle Bay Resort is this small little stretch where there are lots of Honu....or green sea turtles. Look out for a area of beach where there are a lot of cars parked on the south side of the street and turtle crossing signs. This time I didn't see too many, but last time I was the here the turtles just swam up onto the shore (the picture is from last time since it was so much better). I love turtles, so I really love watching them swim. I didn't great pictures :( this time, but I still love this place!
6. Waiola Shaved Ice: This shaved ice place is much better than Matsumoto's in my opinion. It doesn't have the history, but to me its got the better texture. I like finely shaved ice....Waiola's is just that. The ice is powdery fine. The other thing I love about this place is that they also have snacks like li hing powder covered sour belts. They are homemade and delicious....I didn't see those anywhere else on the island.
7. Puka Dog: This is a hot dog place in Kauai in Poipu. Just think of a nice polish dog stuffed into a bun pouch along with flavored sauces like Mango relish....lilikoi relish, etc. Kauai is definitely not known for their food...but Puka dog will definitely make your taste buds happy. They have good shaved ice in the back too for after lunch dessert.
8. Na Pali Coast: In Kauai, there is only two ways to reach this beautiful and breathtaking coastline...boat or a 22mile roundtrip hike. Kirk and I opted for the boat ride....although must take dramamine and wear chinese magnet bracelets next time. I was ok until the seas got angry and started throwing the boat around. The coastline is a beautiful side with natural caves, stretches of sand, and beautiful coral. We even saw turtles and whales swimming about. Apparently you can also see dolphins jumping in the water too. We took the Capt'n Andy's boat tour (about 130 per person)...well worth it, if not for the hot hot buffed out sailing crew, then for the comfortable seats, toilet on board, and lunch spread. Although, I didn't even get to eat or drink except for some saltine crackers....ugh. I still enjoyed it though.
9. North Shore: I love driving to the north shore along the coast of Hawaii. You basically are driving next to the ocean the entire time. It's also fun to stop at the pockets of places such as Matsumoto Shave Ice, Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Turtle beach, and Dole Pineapple Plantation. We stopped at all the places for a quick look and quick bite. It was so relaxing taking the car for a long drive.
10. Leonards Malasadas: This was my first time at Leonards known for their malasadas...a Filipino style doughnut. Like Krispy Kreme's famous doughnuts or Cafe Du Monde's beignets, Leonards has made a mark with their version of a doughnut. Crispy on the outside but much more of a doughy chewy consistency inside....the reason I fell in love with this style of doughnut. They serve them filled with flavors like chocolate and haupia (coconut). Kirk didn't care for the coconut (see picture below), but we both loved the plain one....hot and fresh from the fryer.
