Beyond Paradise- Hawaii

This time my travels took me and my family to Paradise... Hawaii in August. We stayed the whole time at one Island Oahu. It takes about 2 hours one way to drive the entire island to the North Shore. The family got involved in a lot of hiking adventures, swimming and sight seeing. 

Manoa Falls
A really beautiful place but a tough hike uphill over some rocky terrain to a majestic waterfall. Even though some people said it was an easy hike, between the steep rocks and slippery mud I found it to be a moderately difficult but surefooted climb through a beautiful rainforest and bamboo forest. There were macaws as well as mosquitos so you've got to be very careful.

Diamond Head
Taking The Bus to the foot of the Diamond Head Crater, we walked over the hill and through a tunnel to the foot of the mountain. Then a trail leads around the mountain towards the steep head of the crater.
The hike was not a difficult one for us since we had good hiking shoes and bottled water.  R and I skipped the spiral staircase to the tip but the views from the top of the mountain were absolutely stunning looking towards Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu.

Saturday Farmers Market Kapiolani Community College, Waikiki

The Polynesian Cultural Center included 7 villages representing different islands and their culture. We enjoyed learning about the different cultures, enjoyed the wonderful Ali'i Luau dinner(Kalua Pua'a or Pig, Taro rolls, Salmon, Poi, Salads, rice, Teriyaki Chicken and Haupia pudding and cakes) and the evening show:HA-Breath of Life was absolutely stunning.

My true love for food and drink inspired me to share these photos with you. The highlight of this drive was our lunch stop at one of the famous Shrimp Trucks on the way at Kahuku called 'Fumi's Shrimp Truck'. Let me tell you that this fast food truck is a hidden gem with the freshest shrimp I have ever tasted with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. It is one of the best spots to stop by for lunch when you are driving around the island towards the North Shore.

V's plate Spicy Garlic Shrimp Plate-most popular by reviews

R's plate-Hot and Spicy Shrimp Plate

N's plate- Coconut Shrimp Plate

Malli's order- Ginger Shrimp Plate

Shaved Ice at its best- strawberry snowcapped with Azuki Beans and Condensed milk!! Yum

Pineapple farm at Dole Plantation

@Morimoto Restaurant Waikiki

Chef Masaharu Morimoto is popular not only for his creative integration of Japanese and Western ingredients into his cuisine, but he is also one of the Iron Chefs in the show Iron Chef America.
N surprised us by making reservations and treating us to Morimoto's famous restaurant! The ambiance at his beautiful place is breathtaking with ocean blue colors that immediately puts you in a comfort zone. Our table being out on the porch we got to inhale the fresh ocean air as we ate.  Photos of wonderful meals at his restaurant in Waikiki.................

                                                                 Morimoto style Poke
                                         with bocconcini, avocado wasabi sorbet and dashi foam
Morimo-tai

Saki Morimoto Ginjo

 Crispy whole fish, big island fluke with spicy tofu sauce and pickled papaya salad

 Seafood 'Toban Yaki' with kona lobster, king crab, mussel, clam, diver scallop in a spicy red miso-sake broth

 Ishi Yaki Buri Bop slices of yellowtail cooked tableside in a hot stone bowl.

 Chocolate Mille Feuille with bruleed bananas, avocado anglaise and spiced chocolate ice cream

Haupia semifreddo with coconut gelee, local honey and matcha meringue

 Green Tea dessert and ice cream

The most popular dish in Hawaii Loco Moco with fried egg and Spicy Ramen noodles. Fried Chunks of chicken in batter.....