Makai Food Court at Ala Moana Center, Honolulu

Previously:

Kona Coffee Purveyors at International Marketplace

When people think of Hawaii, they often picture postcard-perfect beaches and maybe a poke bowl or two.  But one of our favourites - and slightly underrated - experiences from our trip?  Food court hopping.  Yep.  You heard that right.

We found ourselves loving the humble food court, especially the one inside Ala Moana Shopping Center.  It became a kind of ritual, whenever we were out exploring or just cooling off from the tropical heat, we'd gravitate toward a food court to refuel.  Here's why.

- Options Galore

Everyone's mood and appetite change by the hour when you're on vacation.  One minute you're craving fried chicken, the next minute it's ramen or something sweet and icy.  Food courts give you options without arguments.  Everyone gets what they want and no one has to settle.  In Makai food court at Ala Moana, the variety is next level.  Whether you're into fast food, BBQ, plate lunch, bubble tea, or crepes, there's something for every taste and craving.

- No tip? No Guilt

One of the lesser talked about perks of food courts is no tipping required.  After days of sit-down dining with minimum 15% tips added to every bill, it felt refreshingly simple to just pay, eat and go.  (And yes, the locals do it too - this isn't just a tourist hack)

- Affordable and delicious

Let's face it, Hawaii can get pricey, especially when eating out three times a day.  But food courts? Total lifesavers.  Most meals were under $20 and the quality?  Surprisingly solid.  Some even... outstanding.

Food courts are also fun because they turn into a mini adventure.  Each of us has their go-to.  My husband obsessed with Jolibee.  There's something about that crispy chicken joy.  For me, the hands-down winner was the brisket from L.A. Brisket.  Smoky, juicy and tender meat.  Our son, every single time we're here, it was the Oreo shake from Jack In The Box.  No matter what he ate, that drink was non-negotiable.

So, if you're heading to Hawaii anytime soon, don't overlook the food courts - especially at places like Ala Moana.  They're convenient, budget-friendly and full of local flavour.  

Brisket bowl USD 19 (around AUD 28.80)

Oreo cookie shake (L) USD 6.99 (around AUD 10.60)

Cheeseburger meal with french fries and oreo shake USD 17.89 (around AUD 27.10)

12 pieces chickenjoy fried chicken USD 35 (around AUD 53)

Aloha chicken sandwich USD 9.49 (around AUD 14.40)

Regular Philly cheese steak USD 13.25 (around AUD 20.10)

Tonkotsu egg ramen USD 17.98 (around AUD 27.25)

Above shops are located inside the Makai Food Court at Ala Mona Shopping Mall

1450 Ala Moana, Honolulu

L.A. Brisket Ala Moana

Jack In The Box

Ph: 01 808 809 8782

Jolibee Ala Moana

Ph: +1 808 944 0440

Charleys Philly Steaks 

Ph: +1 808 945 2687

Ramen Bario Ala Moana

+1 808 942 2025

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Hawaii:

Palama Supermarket in Honolulu

Kona Coffee Purveyors at International Marketplace

Previously:

Don Quijote (Donki) & Walmart in Honolulu

If you've ever been to Hawaii or even just wandered through a specialty coffee shop, chances are you've heard of Kona coffee.  It's the most famous coffee in Hawaii - and for good reason.

Kona coffee is grown on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii.  What makes it so special?  It's all about the location.  The rich volcanic soil, sunny mornings, mild weather and afternoon rain create the perfect environment for growing high-quality Arabic beans.  Plus, everything is hand-picked and carefully processed by local farmers.  This means smaller batches and a lot more attention to detail.

But let's be real - fame is one thing.  Taste is another.  We had to find out for ourselves, so we stopped by Kona Cafe to try it fresh from the source.

The verdict? Smooth, rich and surprisingly low in acidity.  It had a naturally sweet flavour with subtle hints of chocolate and nuts.  You know how some coffees hit you with a bitter punch?  Not this one.  Kona coffee is mellow in the best way.

Drinking it here, in the laid-back atmosphere of the cafe with a nice tropical breeze, just made the whole experience even better.

So, is Kona coffee worth the hype?  Honestly, yes.  It's not just about the coffee - it's about the care, the culture and the story behind every cup.  And if you ever find yourself in Hawaii, trying it at a local spot like Kona Cafe is a must.  Btw, they also do great pastries and cake as well.  So, it is a bonus.

Kona Coffee Purveyors

Kuhio Mall Entrance, 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu

(International Marketplace)

Ph: +1 808 450 2364

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Hawaii:

Makai Food Court at Ala Moana Center, Honolulu

Don Quijote (Donki) & Walmart in Honolulu

Previously:

Waiola Shave Ice, Honolulu

I found that shopping in US supermarkets is so much fun, but make sure money in your pocket is also ready because their goods are very alluring.  We fell in love with both Don Quijote or usually called Donki and also Walmart.  Two different supermarkets, one is Japanese store chain and another is American retail chain.  But the two are similar in terms of they both sell a vast range of groceries, apparels, electronics and home goods in a very competitive price with some items are even cheaper than any markets out there.  

With Donki, we love their fresh made Japanese food, you can find varieties of sashimi, donburi, fried food to baked goods as well.  In Walmart, their toys selections amused me the most.  If you are looking for some authentic Hawaiian souvenirs for family and friends back home, trust me you can find so many things in these supermarkets, from chocolates, mugs, cloths to merchandises and magnets that embody the Aloha spirit.  So, it is like a one stop service. 

Another best thing is with Don Quijote, the branch that located near Ala Moana is never closed.  They open 24 hours.  How good it is!  When you crave some sushi or couldn't sleep at night, you can just wander around in this shop.  We went there twice like nearly midnight, and every time we're there, there was quite a few groups of teenagers sitting and nibbling on the dining area right outside the shop.  And the area looks pretty safe too.

Fresh made food in Donki

Ranges of nigiri in Donki

Baked goodies in Donki

Walmart trolley with a cup holder - 10 point for this

Hawaiian cloths in Walmart

Souvenirs section in Walmart

Toys section in Walmart

Cereals shelf in Target

Sweet pineapple from Target

Don Quijote

801 Kaheka St, Honolulu

Ph: +1 808 973 4800

Open: 24 hours

There are branches in Pearl City and Kapolei as well

Walmart

700 Keeaumoku St, Honolulu

Ph: +1 808 955 8441

They open until 11pm and please check out other branches as well

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Hawaii:

Kona Coffee Purveyors at International Marketplace

Waiola Shave Ice, Honolulu

Previously:

Vavin Dessert Bar, Honolulu

Remember that earlier of our trip here in Hawaii, on our first night to be exact, we bought a shave ice from an unknown place near our hotel and we totally disappointed of it.  I was about to give up with the idea of well-known Hawaiian shave ice.  While in these a few days that we were staying in Hilton, we didn't have many plans to do beside swimming and eating, so we decided to go to this famous Waiola shave ice shop which is around 10 minutes' drive from Hilton Hotel.

There wasn't many people waiting at the store when we arrived, but customers were just kept coming and coming.  We got the rainbow one and the Hersey chocolate one as well.  After taking a few pictures, we dig into it before they're melting.  OMG!!!  It completely blew my mind.  The texture is so smooth, I could not believe it is a shave ice.  I can't find any graininess at all, very very fine ice.  Syrup is not overly sweet too, even with extra condensed milk on top.  They are just perfect.  Now, I understand why shave ice is very popular in Hawaii.  Just make sure, you try them from the right place.  Shave ice is a must, especially in hot balmy summer days. 

Waiola shave ice

Waiola Shave Ice

2135 Waiola St, Honolulu

Ph: +1 808 949 2269

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Hawaii:

Don Quijote (Donki) & Walmart in Honolulu

Vavin Dessert Bar, Honolulu

Previously:

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

A relatively new open patisserie and cafe in the heart of Waikiki is famous with their croissant.  The shop opened sometime mid last year scored 4.9 in the google review.  We were there like 9 am in the morning and some popular items were already gone.  Not only you can find exquisite croissants but there are some other desserts like eclair and Basque cheesecake available that made a great companion with tea or coffee.

 

Orange zest latte USD 6.50

Their coffee was really good, smooth and with the touch of orange zest, it augmented the aroma and the taste of this hot coffee drink.  And their signature Hawaiian coffee was also refreshing and slightly sweet but has been balanced with saltiness from their milk foam and macadamia nuts.  

Hawaiian latte USD 6.75

Honey sea salt croissant USD 6.95

This simple plain croissant capped with honey and sea salt was out of this world.  I would say this is the best top three croissant that I have ever eaten.  Super flaky on the outside but inside those hundred layers was still soft and airy.  Rich in butter and the hint of honey and salt balanced the overall taste.  It was definitely a well-made croissant. 

I don't want to sound to highly praise them, but if you are a croissant lover, please do try this place.  You would be amazed by this delicate pastry.  

Double pistachio twice baked USD 8.95

Then we also tried their pistachio croissant, but it wasn't really up to my liking.  The pistachio and sticky glaze on top were overkilled the taste of buttery croissant.  

Apart from that, their eclair was amazing.  Thin choux dough and fully filled with creamy raspberry custard in the inside.  It was sweet and luscious.  While for the ham and cheese croissant, I got it takeaway for my son, so I didn't personally try this.  It got an approval from him and he said it was really delicious.  

Raspberry eclair USD 6.25

Ham & triple cheese croissant USD 9

Vavin Dessert Bar

2113 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu

Ph: +1 808 436 9945

Open: Thursday - Tuesday from 7am - 3pm (Wednesday closed)

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Hawaii:

Waiola Shave Ice, Honolulu