MY FAVORITE LIST FOR HAWAII | Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com We have 20 years plus experience and over 6000 Hawaii Destination Weddings under our belt. We offer very affordable Hawaii Wedding Packages, and outstanding quality and service to match. We are based on Oahu and specialize in secluded romantic beach weddings here. Thu, 03 Oct 2019 11:08:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cropped-hawaii-love-32x32.jpg MY FAVORITE LIST FOR HAWAII | Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com 32 32 Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way! https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/hawaiian-luau-the-costco-way/ Fri, 03 Mar 2017 12:27:19 +0000 https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/?p=3123 One of the most common questions I get from couples is, “Steve, which luau do locals go too?”   There are three primary luaus on Oahu: The Polynesian Cultural Centers, Paradise Cove, and Germain’s Luau; and most locals don’t go to any of them.   They either make their own […]

The post Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way! first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
One of the most common questions I get from couples is, “Steve, which luau do locals go too?”   There are three primary luaus on Oahu: The Polynesian Cultural Centers, Paradise Cove, and Germain’s Luau; and most locals don’t go to any of them.   They either make their own Hawaiian food if it’s a special event.   But most of the time, they just go to Costco!

Yes, you read that right.  Costco is our one-stop shop for Hawaiian food.  Of course, there’s the little hole in the walls which serve Hawaiian food that is great.   But when we want to save money, and want some pretty good quality, we go to Costco.  And to tell you the truth, it’s pretty good!  Better than good.   I would say it on either on par or beats most hole in the wall places, restaurants, and luaus.   You just need to know what to buy.

So here’s my list of what to buy at for your Hawaiian Luau – The Costco Way!

2016-11-23-16.54.11-300x169 Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way!

May’s Kaula Pig

MAYS KAULA PIG

Kaula means to shred; pig is – well, you know what a pig is.  So, “Kaula Pig” is shredded pork.  It’s made by steaming pork butt/shoulder till it’s fall off the bone tender, then shredding it with a fork.   Seasoning is simple.  It’s Hawaiian Salt and liquid smoke.   The “Hawaiian Way” is to cook in an underground pit with lava rocks and banana leaves.   That can be good, but it’s all about seasoning.  If they screw up on the Hawaiian Salt and liquid smoke mixture, it can be plain.

The May’s Version of Kaula Pig is already pre-made, pre-cooked, but taste fresh.  Put this into a pot, add just a touch of water to it, and heat it up making sure you don’t burn it.  Then, add it a bit of liquid smoke to kick it up a notch.  It’s pretty awesome.

 

2016-11-23-16.55.05-300x169 Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way!

Pipakaula – smoked meat

PIPIKAULA 

I have no idea what this means in Hawaiian, but I know what this is.  It’s basically smoked salted beef brisket.   This is one of my favorite food to chew on while I watch football.  Many supermarkets make a prepared version of pipikaula that mixes jalapenos and spices with slices of pipikaula.   Costco sells this piece of meat in one gigantic slab.   All you have to do is cut it into thin, bite-sized pieces, put it on a plate, and serve it cold, not hot.  This goes really good with football.

 

2016-11-23-16.54.16-300x169 Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way!

Keoki’s Lau Lau

KEOKI’S LAU LAU

Lau Lau is the perfect low carb food.  If you are carb counting, this is heaven.   It’s made of taro leaves, pork, butterfish.   All those ingredients are steamed together until it’s tender and it’s served hot.    It sounds easy to make, but strangely, many places can’t make a good Lau Lau.

I’ll be the first to say that Keoki’s Lau Lau is not the best Lau Lau in town.   In fact, it’s not even close to second.   The best Lau Lau belongs to a guy who sells it out of a truck by the Hygenic Store in Kaneohe, Kahaluu.   (https://www.yelp.com/biz/holo-holo-stop-kahaluu).  His Lau Lau is really good.   Okay, I’m going off subject here, but I thought I put that in.

But this Lau Lau will do the trick.   This is best served if you steam them.  But if you just cover them up in the microwave with wet paper napkins, set the micro to two minutes, that tends to do the trick too.    Don’t unwrap the tea leaves until after you micro them.

2016-11-23-16.54.20-300x169 Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way!

Taro Brand Lomi Salmon

LOMI SALMON

A lot of supermarkets have their own version of Lomi Salmon.  It’s really not an ancient Hawaiian food.  If it is, I really don’t know where they got the salmon from – haha.  Lomi Salmons is quite simple to make.   It’s basically diced up tomatoes, round onions, some green onions, and salted salmon.   It’s very easy to make.  The Lomi Salmon here is good, but nothing beats home cooking.

Lomi Salmon is a bit salty and is best eaten with Poi!   I bet you heard about Poi!  I’ll get to that later.   Make sure when you serve Lomi Salmon, you serve it cold!

 

2016-11-23-16.54.51-300x169 Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way!

Sesame Seaweed Salad

SESAME SEAWEED SALAD

This is not an ancient dish either, but very popular.  This salad is made with artificial something, flavored with sesame seed oil and spices.  It’s low in calorie, pretty much zero in carbs, and taste great.   The only bad thing about it is that it gets stuck in your teeth.   It’s very tasty and it also goes well with poi!

Make sure you have dental floss nearby.  I wasn’t joking about this stuff getting stuck in your teeth.

 

2017-03-02-23.24.51-e1488543403934-169x300 Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way!

Poi – Taro Brand. It’s thick. The Costco Version is big. You may want to try a smaller version at a local grocery store.

POI 

All poi is a the root of a plant, that’s pounded into a paste.   When you get it in a bag like this, it’s rather thick, so you may have to add water to it, mix it up with your hand, to thin it out.   The thickness of it is up to you.    Yes, use your hand to mix it, it’s the easiest.

Poi is also known to tourist as wallpaper paste, oh this taste awful, and what the hell did I just eat – but I’m about to change that narrative.

I love poi, and I have no idea what you tourist are complaining about.  And when I tell you how to eat poi, you’re going to love it too.   Poi is a starch.  And like most starches, if you just eat it plain, it tastes like crap.   Who the hell eats regular potatoes?   Who the hell eats rice with nothing on it?  Rice is great when it soaks up all that oil and blood from a perfectly seasoned steak on the grill.  And potatoes are awesome when they are baked, served with lots of butter, sour cream, bacon, and my secret – parmesan cheese.

So like all starches, you’re not supposed to eat poi just by itself.   You eat it with other salty foods.   I love poi with almost any meat.   Steak, ribs, hamburgers, even canned corn beef.   And when it comes to Hawaiian food, it’s best with Kaula Pig.  Poi has a habit of absorbing whatever flavor that meat has, and making it into flavored toothpaste.    Steak flavored toothpaste doesn’t sound too bad – if you really think about it.

Moral of the poi story, eat it with meat or something salty.  You can thank me later – or even better send me a nice little tip to my PayPal account!

 

POKE

Poke, pronounced “poh-key,” is chopped raw fished, seasoned to perfection.  If you like sushi, this dish is for you.  It goes great with rice and even poi.  I don’t have any picture here, but they do have poke at Costco!  And it’s pretty good.  I love the Kajiki Poke there.

Alright peeps, let me know how it goes!

The post Hawaiian Luau: The Costco Way! first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
My Favorite Dessert Places! https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/my-favorite-dessert-places/ Sat, 02 Jan 2016 23:54:26 +0000 https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/?p=2930 You’ll find some pretty unique dessert places on Oahu, so leave that carb counting diet at home and go nuts.  As always, there’s a handful of places here that are off the beaten path.  Many of these small dessert shops don’t have the marketing budget to be featured in travel […]

The post My Favorite Dessert Places! first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
You’ll find some pretty unique dessert places on Oahu, so leave that carb counting diet at home and go nuts.  As always, there’s a handful of places here that are off the beaten path.  Many of these small dessert shops don’t have the marketing budget to be featured in travel magazines.  Luckily….they got me to plug them (for free of course!  No paid plugs here)

frost-city-shave-ice-225x300 My Favorite Dessert Places!

Oh, this is just wonderful. Heaven in a pyramid of goodness.

FROSTCITY – MY FAVORITE PLACE! ~ IN TOWN

Chances are, you never had Taiwanese Shave Ice.  I never had this slice of heaven until a few years ago.  Taiwanese Shave Ice is what the name says it is, it’s Taiwan’s version of shaved ice.  The method of creating their shave ice is opposite of what you’ll find in America.  Instead of shaving unflavored ice and adding syrup to it after the snow cone is made, the Taiwanese shaved ice that is already flavored, shaved into a fancy pyramid, then served on a plate.   The result is quite awesome.   I get the Lilikoi here.  It’s refreshing, light, and it taste really awesome.   The price can get expensive if you get the large and add goodies to it, but hey, it’s still worth every penny.   There are a handful places around Oahu that serve Taiwanese Shaved Ice, but they’re not good. This place is the best.  I mean…thee best.

By the way, this place is a bit hard to find, so make sure to use your GPS.  Parking is a bit limited too, so you may have to park on the street and walk there.  It’s worth it though!

Click here to go their Yelp link.  

Mastsumotos-225x300 My Favorite Dessert Places!

This is how I eat my shave ice. I wouldn’t recommend it for tourist. I’m a veteran.

MASTUMOTO’S SHAVE ICE ~ NORTH SHORE

Matsumoto’s is the original famous Shave Ice store on Oahu.  There’s only one flavor that I get there, Lilikoi.  All other flavors can hit the road, if you ask me.  Lilikoi with ice cream, and no condensed milk.  Repeat, no condensed milk.   You can get your shave ice in a traditional cone, or in a bowl.  The more common way is to get it in a bowl, because it’s just safer to eat that way.   Matsumotos have changed a bit since it first opened its doors.  No longer is it hard to find parking and no longer is it in run down termite eaten shack.  Now, it’s part of a little outdoor strip mall  on the North Shore.  Same location, just different look.  Don’t worry if the line looks long.  It moves fast.

Click here to go to their Yelp link.

teds-pies-225x300 My Favorite Dessert Places!

Yes, that taste as good as it looks.

TED’S BAKERY ~ NORTH SHORE

I’m loosely related to the owner of Ted’s Bakery through marriage, but that won’t stop me from being honest.   Ted’s Bakery gained notoriety a couple decades ago through it’s Chocolate Haupia pies.  Haupia is a gelatin coconut, and if it’s done well, it’s awesome.   Combine that with their version of chocolate pudding, throw it in a pie, and you have one of Ted’s famous pies.   It’s awesome and you need to get a slice if you’re on the North Shore.  All of his other pastries are awesome as well, along with his cakes.  His Chantilly cake is light, and just the right amount of sweet.  Chantilly cake is a chocolate cake with a light whipped sweet frosting.   They serve regular food there, but save your appetite for the desserts.

Click here to go to their Yelp link 

lilhia-bakery-300x225 My Favorite Dessert Places!

Cream puffs, all I can say are awesome.

LILIHA BAKERY ~ IN TOWN

Liliha Bakery put their stamp on the town by selling cream puffs.  Creampuffs are small donuts filled with chocolate pudding, topped with Chantilly frosting.   They have all different versions here from which you can try.  I love their old fashioned yellow ones.  Within the last five years, there’s been a rise in their popularity due to the the T.V. show, Hawaii 5.0., so there can be a line at times. At the original location, Liliha Bakery is opened 24 hours Tuesday through Sunday 8pm.  They are closed on Monday, at their original location.   So if you are craving that pastry at 2am, there’s a place that’s open.   They did open a second location on Nimitz Hwy, but that place isn’t opened for 24 hours.    They close at 12am everyday.

The best thing about Liliha Bakery, in my opinion, is that they have a little cafe at the original location where the waitresses serve you and cook your food.   A little bit of old Hawaii still exist, and I think that’s cool.

Click here to go to their Yelp link

leonards-300x225 My Favorite Dessert Places!

Best malasadas on the planet….I mean really!

LEONARD’S BAKERY  ~ IN TOWN

Leonard’s Bakery is known for one thing.  Their malasadas.   A malasada is deep-fried dough that’s rolled around in sugar once it’s removed.  It sounds rather simple to make, and I’m sure it is.   But they are the only game in town that does a great job.  And I can say, after traveling across the country to taste other malasadas, Leonard’s is the best.  You can get their malasadas by going to their main store that’s right outside of Waikiki, maybe a five minute drive away from your hotel.  Or if you spot a red and white striped lunch wagon on Oahu in a parking lot of a mall, you can just walk right up to them and order one!   They make all types of malasadas.  They even stuff some with custards, coconuts, puddings.  The best is with no stuffing.   The others are just messy to eat…. That’s just my two cents

Click here to go to their Yelp link

 

 

The post My Favorite Dessert Places! first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
PART ONE: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu! https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/part-one-my-favorite-places-to-eat-on-oahu/ Thu, 17 Dec 2015 02:10:18 +0000 https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/?p=2876 Are you foodie?  Well, I’m not sure if I’m a foodie, but I love food.  Great tasting food.  I love “unhealthy food” as well.   I put that in quotes because in this day in age, it seems that every diet out there alienates some type of food or macro-nutrient […]

The post PART ONE: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu! first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
Are you foodie?  Well, I’m not sure if I’m a foodie, but I love food.  Great tasting food.  I love “unhealthy food” as well.   I put that in quotes because in this day in age, it seems that every diet out there alienates some type of food or macro-nutrient or considers is “unhealthy.”  I do discriminate against certain foods though.   I hate crappy tasting food.   I also have a prejudice against restaurants that charge you an arm, a leg, and your next of kin, and then serve you a pea-sized meal.  Screw them.

I have a long list of places I love to eat.   Here’s Part One.  I’m not sure how many parts there will be, but this is a start.

home-300x225 PART ONE: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

Dish – Negi Toro, a must order

HOME BAR – SPORTS BAR AND GREAT FOOD!

This is probably one of my favorite places to eat on Oahu.  I hang out here with my friends, with my family.   I’m a regular.  The food here is awesome, it’s fairly priced, and the portions are large.  I love to order the Kalbi, Negi Toro Poke, Kim Chee Steak, and Kim Chee Fried Rice.  Honestly, everything is great on the menu.   This is a sports bar that is far from fancy.  The seats have holes in them that are duck taped.  The crowd is loud.  The beer on tap is not anything fancy.   But the food is great, the atmosphere is laid back.   Service is fast.  It’ll get busy on sports nights, but for the most part, it’s pretty easy to get a table.

Parking is a bit challenging. You’ll most likely have to valet or find parking in a cheap parking pay lot right next door. Do not park at at the shopping malls nearby.  You’ll most likely get towed.

Click here to go to their Yelp link.

Yakiniku-Don-food-300x225 PART ONE: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

Lettuce wrap of Heaven.

 

YAKNIKU DON-DAY – BEST KOREAN FOOD

I love Korean Food.  It taste great, it’s healthy for you, it’s fun to make. This is my one of my favorite places in the world to eat (not joking) and to take my wedding couples out to dinner (when they want to hang out with me!)   I usually order the Pork Belly, Kalbi, and Seafood Pancake.   Then I take a slice of seafood pancake, a small scoop of rice and two pieces of pork belly that’s dipped in pepper/salt sesame seed oil (pictured right), and wrap it with a piece of lettuce.  And then I stuff it in my face and ponder how anyone can create something so awesome.

Yakiniku is a Japanese word that refers to the style of eating small pieces of meat over a flame.   In other words, it’s bbq for people with tiny hands.  Haha.   The Koreans adopted this style of eating and took it a bit farther than the Japanese.

I usually park in the Wal-Mart at Ala Moana and walk across the street.

I wrote a review about this place that you can find by clicking on this link.

Tamuras-300x225 PART ONE: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

Best Poke In Town!

TAMURAS FINE WINE AND LIQUORS – BEST WINE AND POKE!

Lets talk about about Poke.   Poke consist of a raw slices of seafood, mixed with spices, and served chilled.  I believe the only poke that is cooked is Taco Poke, which is Octopus.  Not many people eat octopus raw (at least I don’t).  At least I don’t think they do.   The Poke here is number one.  They also have a great selection of wine from what I’ve heard.  I don’t drink wine, but I’ve heard their selection is also number one.

I love the Limo Kohu Poke here.  That though, isn’t for everyone.  Like any market that sells poke, they’ll let you sample a piece before you buy it.  Sample what you love, buy a 1/2 to 1 pound, and sit with your wife on the beach during sunset while chowing down on this.  Great poke makes sunsets better. It also makes football a lot more enjoyable.

By the way, you can’t have open alcohol on the beach.  But you only get caught if you’re drinking on the beaches of Waikiki.  Other beaches, they cops really don’t enforce this law.   After all, what do surfers do after coming back on land?   They’re cracking open a beer!

Click here to for their Yelp Link.

o-300x225 PART ONE: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

This Lau Lau can possibly feed two!

YOUNG’S FISH MARKET – BEST HAWAIIAN FOOD

Even though my name is Steven Young, I absolutely no affiliation with this place.   I wish I did though because this place can get rather packed, and I know they make a lot of money.  Haha!   This is a favorite among locals and I don’t see many tourist venturing this far from Waikiki for their food.   The Hawaiian Food here is great.   The Lau Lau is huge!  Lau Lau is your carb friendly meal that consist of streamed taro leaves, with butter fish, and pork shoulder.   It’s great.   They have some other great things here to eat as well.  Their Char Sui ribs are filling.  Everything here taste great.   Don’t expect anything fancy here.  It’s a big hole in the wall restaurant.  I would try to come here, maybe a bit before or after lunch.

 Their Yelp link, click here!

The post PART ONE: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu! first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
PART TWO: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu! https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/part-two-my-favorite-places-to-eat-on-oahu/ Thu, 17 Dec 2015 01:00:34 +0000 https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/?p=2896 In Part Two of my food blog, I’ll be continuing my list with a handful of restaurants that come to my mind that I feel are off the mainstream path. L & L DRIVE-IN, KANEOHE – BEST STEW I’VE TASTED, PRETTY GOOD ON EVERYTHING ELSE This drive-in restaurant is an […]

The post PART TWO: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu! first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
In Part Two of my food blog, I’ll be continuing my list with a handful of restaurants that come to my mind that I feel are off the mainstream path.

Curry-300x225 PART TWO: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

L&L Sweet and Sour Spareribs are not bad as well

L & L DRIVE-IN, KANEOHE – BEST STEW I’VE TASTED, PRETTY GOOD ON EVERYTHING ELSE

This drive-in restaurant is an extremely popular local franchise that specializes in plate lunches.  You’ll find them all over Oahu, in every nook and cranny of Oahu.  But don’t think every franchise is the same.  Each L & L is different in quality and different in price.   The L & L in Kaneohe is very good.  The stews here are great: Beef Curry or Beef Stew.  The BBQ chicken, Chicken Katsu, and Spareribs are pretty awesome too.  If you ever find yourself in Kaneohe, and it’s raining, or you just got out of the ocean are freezing cold,  this really hits the spot.

Click here for their Yelp link.

impossibles-300x225 PART TWO: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

Supreme Pizza. It’s hot…literally.

IMPOSSIBLE’S PIZZA, NORTH SHORE – BEST PIZZA I’VE TASTED

So stew is something you can eat anywhere, and I guess pizza is something you can eat anywhere too.  But when’s the last time you ate one of the best pizza’s in your life, made out of a simple oven, in a van.  IN A FREAKING VAN!  Sounds close to impossible?  Well, check out Impossibles Pizza.  The owner is a pizza chef and surfer.   He opens his pizza truck from Thursday To Saturday after 3pm.  His Pizzas are huge, cheap, and cheesy.  Did I forget to mention full of flavor?  My favorite is the Supreme Pizza.   His Pepperoni by the slice is awesome as well.  You can find his truck across the Foodland Grocery Store on the North Shore.  One slice of pizza can feed two skinny people, or one of of me.

I’m not sure how he does it, but with the cheapest quality kitchen tools, he makes one of the best pizza’s I’ve tasted…in the world!

Click here for their Yelp link.

kenekes-225x300 PART TWO: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

Keneke’s – You’ll find a line there right around lunch.

KENEKE’S, WAIMANALO – BEST PORK ADOBE

You have to get the Pork Adobo here and only that.  Pork Adobo is a Filipino dish that’s made out of soft shredded pork, simmered in vinegar, shoyu, garlic, and oil.  When the Filipino’s make it, it’s kinda vinegary and I don’t really care for it.  When Keneke’s does it, it’s the perfect balance between salty and sweet.  The oil, mixed with the rice is very fattening and will probably stop your heart, but who cares.  You’re on vacation!  The original Keneke’s is located right outside of Waimanalo Beach.  It’s not the cleanest place, so I wouldn’t dine in there.  Just order your food and eat somewhere cleaner, such as the beach or a park.

Click here for their Yelp Link.

kanak-attac-300x225 PART TWO: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

The fish at Kanak Attack is a favorite.

KANAK ATTACK – GOOD LOCAL FOOD, BIG QUANTITY

If you’re a big eater, you’ll love this place.  Some of the food is a bit salty, but it’s not a problem for me.   Some of their food needs a little salt too.   I first ran into Kanack Attack at a party they had catered. Their Hawaiian food was great.  A little salty, but still, very awesome.   Saltiness isn’t a problem for me because I’ll just eat it with a little more rice.    My favorite dish here is either the Lau Lau or Kaula Pig plate.   Their fish is also awesome.   This place is a bit difficult to find as it’s buried behind the Best Buy in Honolulu.  Use the Yelp link to find out specific directions.

Click here for their Yelp Link

cheeseburger-300x225 PART TWO: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu!

Didn’t have a picture of the Banana Burger, but they all look the same…

CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE, WAIKIKI – I LOVE THEIR BLUE BANANA CHEESEBURGER

Alright, this place is a tourist place.  But their Blue Banana Cheeseburger is awesome.  It’s messy, but it’s awesome.   It’s better than Kauaina Burger or Teddy’s Burger, two local burger joints that are over hyped and nothing special.   Other burgers on the menu are good and quite gigantic, but not as awesome as their Blue Banana Cheeseburger.

Parking is rather tough if you’re not a tourist.  But hey, guess what!  You are! Just walk here.  They also show live sports here.   So if you need to watch your team before voyaging out, go here.

Click here for their website

 

 

The post PART TWO: My Favorite Places to Eat on Oahu! first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptions https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/the-monkypod-kitchen-great-for-small-receptions/ Thu, 15 Aug 2013 12:42:02 +0000 https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/?p=988 THE MONKEYPOD KITCHEN If you’re getting married at the “Secret Cove at Ko olina,” or anywhere on the west coast of Oahu, The Monkeypod Kitchen should be on your short list of restaurants to dine at.  The restaurant is perfect for small sized parties, say 30 people and below.  While […]

The post THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptions first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
monkeypod-kitchen-wedding-reception-7 THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptions

THE MONKEYPOD KITCHEN

If you’re getting married at the “Secret Cove at Ko olina,” or anywhere on the west coast of Oahu, The Monkeypod Kitchen should be on your short list of restaurants to dine at.  The restaurant is perfect for small sized parties, say 30 people and below.  While their menu selection is rather small, the majority of their featured dishes and appetizers are great.  If you get in your order before 5:30pm, most appetizers and personal pizzas are half off.    Along with delivering great tasting food, the Monkeypod also boast a collection of thirty-six different craft beers on tap.

monkeypod-kitchen-wedding-reception-3 THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptionsTheir pizzas are half off during happy hour and can be ordered as an entree! 

monkeypod-kitchen-wedding-reception-1 THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptionsThese chicken wings were really good.

monkeypod-kitchen-wedding-reception-5 THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptionsThe fries were awesome.

monkeypod-kitchen-wedding-reception-2 THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptionsPoke (raw tuna) tacos with an avocado cream sauce.  This was really great.

monkeypod-kitchen-wedding-reception-4 THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptionsThis is some type of ravioli appetizer and it was not good at all.

The price tag that goes along with dining at The Monkeypod can get quite large. It’s nothing out the ordinary of an upscale restaurant; just don’t expect Outback Steakhouse prices here.   On average; appetizers, wine, salads, entrees, and desserts, will run around $80 per person without tip.   I always tell couples to expect to pay around $100 per attending guest at your reception, so the Monkeypod comes in right on the money, literally.

monkeypod-kitchen-wedding-reception-6 THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptionsMy steak was a grass fed piece of beef topped with some type of tomato cheese sauce.  It worked really well and was a good steak.

The cons?  Unfortunately, it’s the live music.  It’s not that they don’t sound good, the music can be loud for some.  Let’s face it, live music is loud by nature.  There’s no other way to have it.  If you love live music, you’ll love this place.  If you don’t love live loud music, you may hate it. If loud music bothers you, request that you sit on the top floor, and farthest away from the music and it won’t be a problem.  In my opinion though, the live music rocks; It really sets the mood.

monkeypod-map THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptions

The Monkeypod is located on the Ko olina Resort, across from the JW Marriott and Disney hotel, and is just a ten minute walk away from the “Secret Cove at Ko olina.”

92-1048 Olani St
Kapolei, Hi 96707
(808) 380-4086 It’s best to call for reservations

CLICK HERE FOR THEIR YELP LINK

 

The post THE MONKYPOD KITCHEN: Great for small receptions first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean Food https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/yakinku-don-day-ever-had-korean-food/ Mon, 05 Aug 2013 11:21:03 +0000 https://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/?p=833 You can cook your own food, or they do it for you! I Heart Korean Food, and You Should Too! Yakiniku Don-Day is probably one of my favorite places to eat here on the Island.  I go there probably about two to three times a month to feed my soul, […]

The post My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean Food first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>
Yakiniku-Don-Day-3 My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean FoodYou can cook your own food, or they do it for you!

I Heart Korean Food, and You Should Too!

Yakiniku Don-Day is probably one of my favorite places to eat here on the Island.  I go there probably about two to three times a month to feed my soul, and I really never get tired of it.  I must admit, I do have a bias to the Korean culture as I love their food, their music, and their Korean dramas.

This restaurant is not one to consider for wedding receptions, but should be on your “to-eat” list while you are here in Hawaii.

Yakiniku, pronounced, YAH-KEY-KNEE-COO, is a Japanese term meaning grilled meat.  In a way, it’s considered an Asian form of bbq.  Although the term Yakiniku originated from Japan, the Korean’s embraced it wholeheartedly, and have taken it to an entirely new level of greatness.

At any Korean Yakiniku restaurant, you and your friends sit around a semi-large table with a hot-plate stamped smack dab in the middle of everything.   Your menu usually consist of different choices of meats ranging from pork, chicken, to beef, that are either marinated or plain.  All meats come to you raw, it’s your job to cook it (or your server will do it for you for free!)

When I come to Yakiniku Don-Day, I usually order:

  • Kalbi Beef – short ribs marinated in a soy sugar onion ginger garlic saunce
  • Pork Belly – large slices of fatty bacon
  • beef brisket – thinly sliced beef that cooks extremely fast.
  • beef tongue – it’s the cow tongue. Sounds gross, but taste rather good!

All of these beef dishes, except for the Kalbi, taste the best when it is dipped into a sesame oil, salt-pepper sauce that they bring you.

Joining your orders come with a host of unlimited Korean vegetable side dishes.  I have never seen a Korean restaurant charge for these side dishes, and Yakiniku Don-Day does not break that tradition.   Warning, some of these veggies, especially the ones that literally look red hot, can be red hot to those who are not used to spicy stuff.

Yakiniku-Don-Day-1 My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean FoodPork belly and cow tongue tonight.  Cow tongue is surprisingly good!

yakniku-don-day My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean Food Kim Chee, pork belly, beef bulgogi

Another dish that I love is a dish called the “Korean Pancake.”   The Korean Pancake is not anything like an American pancake.  It consist of fried eggs, flour, vegetables, pork or seafood, and some other secret seasons.  It’s served like a pizza on a hotplate with a soy-vinegar sauce.  The pancake comes in three styles:  seafood, kim-chee, and curry.  Seafood is my favorite.

Yakiniku-Don-Day-2 My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean FoodLettuce Wrap of Goodness!  Seafood pancake on the bottom, rice, and two slices of pork belly

There is no correct way to eat Yakiniku.  You can just sample each dish separately or eat your meat with rice.  A popular method to eat is to create a little lettuce wrap that’s filled with meat, rice, and Korean veggies.   One of my good friends, who is a certified “Gastronaut,” created this awesome lettuce wrap that consist of:

  • A slice of seafood pancake with the soy-vinegar sauce
  • rice
  • two pieces of pork belly dipped in sesame salt-pepper sauce

It’s such an awesome wrap, that it has become a must-have meal upon every visit.

Great food, combined with awesome friendly service, I label this restaurant, a MUST EAT.


yakniku-don-day-with-family My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean FoodI take my family out to eat here as well.  I’m not in the shot, I’m taking the picture


yakiniku-donday-location My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean Food

 Yakiniku Don-Day is located at 905a Keeamoku St, Honolulu, HI 96814.  
It is five to ten minutes away from Waikiki.

They can contacted at (808) 951-1004
You can find their yelp listing here

 

 

The post My Favorite Place to Eat: Yakiniku Don-Day, The Best Korean Food first appeared on Dream Weddings Hawaii - Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages.

Author information

Steve Young
I pretty much do everything around here, from photography and video production, to the organization of all of my weddings. As you can see, I'm also the head writer too! If for some reason you can't reach me at my direct line, or my toll free number, feel free to hit me up on my company cell at (808) 479-0685. Call anytime...well, almost anytime. Don't call on Super Bowl Sunday or when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing!
]]>