Hawaii Traditions » Values

Hawaii Traditions: New look and merchandise

NEENZ — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:59:39 +0000

One year ago today, I wrote the first post for Hawaii Traditions. I was given the idea by a friend who found that there was not much information about the local culture in Hawaii. My definition of Hawaii’s local culture is all of the traditions and values of all of the different cultures that have found their home on the islands. Through research and self-exploration, I learned a lot about myself in the process. For example, while I am not Japanese, I have adopted some of the basic traditions that their culture practices.

Hawaii Traditions Store

Hawaii Traditions has also provided me the benefit of working with one of my dearest friends, since Ms. Epstein’s 7th grade math class, Jan Avellana. A designer by trade and independent artist by soul, Jan has been a consistent contributor to several of the more popular posts on HT. In addition to blogging, Jan has also developed the logo for Hawaii Traditions, its parent company Pono Media, and Entrepreneurs-Wanted.org. Without her constant commitment, I wouldn’t be able to announce our new Hawaii Traditions store!

Powered by Zazzle, the HT store features original designs by Jan on nearly all of the products provided. I’d also like everyone to take a look at her hand-stamped jewelry and other art pieces in her Hazelnut Cottage. If you’re looking to send a little piece of Hawaii to family and friends, we’d appreciate you sending them something from our store.

In addition to the HT store, you will see that we now feature ads on our site. If you’re interested in advertising, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Community Blog

One of the wonderful things that I learned over the past year is just how far the Hawaii culture has spanned around the globe. It is because of this global Aloha Spirit that we will be launching a community blog for everyone to share their photos, videos, and stories about how they continue to perpetuate Hawaii traditions, values, and culture. More information coming soon.

Hawaii Traditions Team

Our team continues to grow. Jan’s posts will be featured every Wednesdays, and she’s inspired her husband, Steve, an honors English teacher at a local school to begin writing too so stay tuned for his posts every Thursdays. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays we will be featuring syndicated articles from some of our partners. These articles will be hand-selected by newest team member, Gail Shiraishi. Our original writers, Melissa and Sandy, both Freshman in college have, well discovered that they’re freshman in college. The door to HT is always open to them both, but I’d much rather they enjoy their college days! And, I am so very proud to share that Heather has returned to the career world and accepted a position with a local credit union. She too will always have a key to HT, but with a career, husband, and two children to balance, I think I’d much rather see her on the weekends at our friendly gatherings.

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Talking Story with Hawaii’s Living History: Ted Nakamura

Jan — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:00:32 +0000

Hawaii’s Living History

Ted Nakamura of Ted’s Bakery is quiet and a bit shy—yet warm, and easy to talk to—a country boy at heart. Add to this persona a quick, sharp business mind and the ability to keep re-inventing himself and his business (and did I mention the best pies, cake, breads, pastries, shrimp, bentos…oh my!) and you begin to get a clearer picture of the Ted behind Ted’s Bakery.

A bit of background. Having been born and raised in Sunset Beach, Ted is the younger of two sons born to his parents, Takemitsu and Eva Nakamura who first came to Sunset Beach to farm. In time, the Nakamura fruit stand grew to become Sunset Beach Store. Meanwhile, Ted graduated from Kahuku High School back in the mid-1970’s, and then Leeward Community College, where he studied food service. He went on to use his newfound skills as pastry chef at the old Kahala Hilton and Pacific Beach Hotels. Then, in 1987, Ted moved back to Sunset Beach and opened Ted’s Bakery inside the Sunset Beach Store.

When I talked with Ted, he didn’t mention the numerous awards he’s won over the years; The 1999 Honolulu Star Bulletin’s Blind Taste Challenge, The Honolulu Advertiser’s People’s Choice Awards 2006, Associated Content’s 5 Best Places to Eat on Oahu, The Honolulu Advertiser Best Bakery 2007-2008 and 2008-2009; just to name a few. But Ted did talk about how his parents had the foresight to purchase the Sunset Beach property back in the 1950’s. And he spoke excitedly about his new venture, a Ted’s Bakery Shop newly opened in Chigasaki, Japan. Soon after our talk, Ted invited me to a quick behind the scenes tour of his bakery (see video), and was generous enough to answer a few questions for our Hawaii Traditions readers. Read on!

JAN: Could you please give me a brief history of how the Sunset Beach Store and Ted’s Bakery began?

TED: The beginning? Sunset Beach Store opened in 1956 by Ted’s mom and dad; Takemitsu and Eva Nakamura. It opened as a mom and pop grocery store. In 1987, I opened Ted’s Bakery [inside the original Sunset Beach store]. Today, we sell bakery items such as pies, cakes and pastries. We also sell pies and cakes wholesale to local merchants such as Longs, Times and Don Quijote, and Foodland. Ted’s Bakery also sells plate lunches, sandwiches, salads, coffee and merchandise.

JAN: Ted’s Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie is famous! What’s the scoop on how this awesome creation came to be?

TED: The “invention” of the Chocolate-Haupia Cream Pie? Well, it just so happened that one day, those two ingredients, (chocolate and haupia) were being used for two other orders. I decided to experiment and layered the two flavors together. The combination seemed to be a perfect match. Today, it is our top selling pie.

JAN: Anything new going on at Ted’s Bakery that you’d like to let the world know about?

TED: Ted’s Garlic Shrimp Plate is fast becoming a popular favorite among both locals and visitors. Come in early (in the morning) to try Ted’s Glazers—Ted’s own special recipe for a “super ono” doughnut! Ted’s Bakery recently celebrated its grand opening in September, in Chigasaki, Japan.

What are your Ted’s Bakery experiences? Share them with us, here at Hawaii Traditions!

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For the Keiki & Ohana: Sea Life Park

Jan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:33 +0000

For the Keiki and Ohana

Located at the curve in the road across from Makapuu Beach, sits Sea Life Park. An interactive marine life attraction, Sea Life Park offers a number of shows and activities for families. The Sea Life Park website offers a clickable map highlighting the different areas and attractions within the park.

The most popular attractions at the Park are the Dolphin Cove Show—featuring dolphins performing spectacular numbers—and the Hawaiian Ocean Theater, where families can view performances from a variety of sea life including dolphins, penguins and sea lions. Both shows feature open-air theater seating (the Hawaiian Ocean Theater offers a bit more shade), where keiki and ohana alike can learn about sea life in a fun and dramatic way. Other interesting stops are the 300,000 gallon aquarium, the Kolohe Kai Sea Lion Show and Green Sea Turtle Feeding.

Insider tip: Bring an umbrella and lots of sunscreen since most of Sea Life Park is an open air park, with few trees and very little shade. You may bring your own thermos or bottled water, but other outside foods and coolers are not permitted in the park.

One of the biggest attractions of Sea Life Park are the interactive activities available. There are six special programs you can sign up for, from interacting with stingrays, to swimming with the dolphins and romping in the water with sea lions. Prices for these special activities range from $15.70 for the Stingray Encounter, up to $235.99 for the Dolphin Royal Swim. Admission to Park is included in all Dolphin activities.

General admission costs to enter Sea Life Park are a bit steep compared to other keiki & ohana activities highlighted so far, but if you are looking for a special outing, Sea Life Park is worth a visit!

Admission Fees (rates in include tax)
Adults $31.44
Keiki $20.93

Special Kamaaina Rates
Kamaaina $21.00
Keiki $15.70 (ages 3-12)
1 gues t at same rate

Annual Pass:
Adult $52.35
Keiki $36.64 (ages 3-12)

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For the Keiki & Ohana: Furlough Fridays

Jan — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:24:59 +0000

For the Keiki and Ohana

Photo Credit: Plasticinaa

When we say, “lucky we live in Hawaii”, it is no mere bromide, but a truism. And yet, the tough economic times are hitting everyone, islanders included. Perhaps you are already familiar with or even personally affected by Hawaii’s newly enacted “Furlough Fridays”—Hawaii’s attempt at addressing what Governor Linda Lingle states is the “unprecedented $2.7 billion revenue shortfall projected between now and June 30, 2011”.

With all public schools closing on these Furlough Fridays, the biggest impact is on public school students, their parents and teachers. Among other issues, one main concern many parents have is locating affordable, quality childcare in an enriching and safe environment.

Hawaii Traditions has compiled a listing of childcare and educational services available to help address the question of what to do with the keiki on those 17 upcoming Furlough Fridays, beginning October 23, 2009 and lasting, possibly, for the next 2 years. Services are filling up and most are on a first come, first served basis:

The current Furlough Friday schedule is:
Fall 2009: 10/23/09, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Spring 2010: 1/15/10, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 3/5, 3/12, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14

YMCA of Honolulu, Maui* and Hawaii*
Program: All-day programs will include homework time and guidance, enrichment projects, recreational and sports-related activities.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: Varies with location.
Rate: Varies with location and membership; $20 to $36 per day.
Contact: Phone list is available on the YMCA website link.
• Maui Information: contact Jason Justus at (808)575-3006 (Haiku School site).
• Hilo Information: contact Rockelle Augustin at 935-3721 or ymca-hilo@hawaii.rr.com
• Kona Information: – Elizabeth Bercerra at 329-YMCA (9622) or ymca-ebeccerra@hawaii.rr.com

Kama’aina Kids (Available on Oahu, Maui and on the Big Island in Hilo and Kona)
Program: One of the largest childcare providers in the State of Hawaii offering quality childcare.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: Varies with location.
Rate: $25 per day

Academy of Arts
Program: Students will explore two and three-dimensional art projects, keeping kids engaged and learning on furlough Fridays; grades 1-6.
Class Dates: : Schedule: 5 sessions, each session with 3 classes
Session 1: October 30, Nov 6, 20
Session 2: Dec 4, 11, 18
Session 3: Jan 15, 29, Feb 5
Session 4: Feb 12, March 5, 12
Session 5: April 23, 30, May 7
Class 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Rate: Cost: $150 per three-class session, lunch not included.
Contact: (808) 532-8700

Diamond Head Theatre
Program: A series of musical theatre classes for students 6 – 12 years old; no experience required.
Class Dates: Fall session 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Class Times: 7 a.m. – 8 a.m., Drop-off; 3 p.m. Pick-up
Rate: $350 for Fall session
Contact: Kelly Moulson at 733-0277 ext. 306.

The Bishop Museum
Program: The museum’s program includes a “multi-sensory learning environment from science to cultural sessions”.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Rates: $25 per day for Bishop Museum members; $35 per day for nonmember.
Contact: Museum’s Education Department at 848-4168 or email education@bishopmuseum.org.

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center
Program: Science Playground, a hands-on science focused program full of fun and learning; ages 5-8
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: 9 a.m. – 4 a.m., (Courtesy drop-off at 8:45 a.m.)
Rates: $35 per day for members; $40 per day for non-members. Sign up for all 9 sessions and save! $275 for Members / $320 for Non-Members.
Contact: For more information, please call 524-5437 or email info@discoverycenterhawaii.org .

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center & Isis Hawaii
Program: Hands-on workshops for middle and high school students interested in using advanced technology tools (3D CAD and robotics); ages 11–17.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Rates: $45 per day per student x 17 = $765.00
Contact: Lynn at lfujioka@isishawaii.org.

Mililani Hongwangi Daycare
Class Dates: Daily
Class Times: 5:30 am – 6:00 pm
Rates: $27 per day per student x 17 = $459
Contact: 625-0325 or email: mililanibassprogram@gmail.com

We will continue to update this list as we learn about more Furlough Fridays solutions. Please let us know what is working for your family and children.

Myron B. Thompson Academy
Class Dates: Daily
Class Times: Normal School Hours
Rates: FREE
Program: Attend classes at Coconut Island and other areas that will give them credits toward graduation or their home school.
Contact: Call 441-8001 for information, or e-mail principal Diana Oshiro at msoshiro@ethompson.org

Pearlridge Shopping Center
Class Dates: Friday, October 23, 2009
Class Times: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Kauai, Maui and the Big Island

Furlough Friday programs on Kauai:

County Department of Parks and Recreation, Furlough Friday Program (Big Island)
Program: Registration for quality, low-cost childcare modeled after the County’s Summer Fun Program begins October 5, 2009; k-8 grade.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Rate: $6 per child per furlough day, or $12 per furlough day for families with more than one child in the program.
Contact: Go to the Hawaii County News for contact information.

Ebb & Flow Arts on Maui
Program: Music workshops, curriculum for reading & writing music, multi media connections; K-12.
Rates: By donation. Call for further information, scheduling and site determination.
Contact: Robert Pollock at (808) 876-1854 or rosalime@aol.com

Visit the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce for even more Furlough Friday resources.

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For the Keiki & Ohana: The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center

Jan — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:00:21 +0000

For the Keiki and Ohana

Photo Credit: Ryan Ozawa

Yearning for an air-conditioned, kid zone for your little ones to roam freely and safely? Wanting to engage your children in educational learning activities that still feel like kid’s play? Looking for a fun and truly child friendly space to hold a birthday party or other special event? Well, look no further than the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, located in downtown Honolulu across from the Kakaako Waterfront Park.

Photo Credit: Ryan Ozawa

The Discovery Center is split up into several different exploration and play areas. For little ones, there is the “Tot Spot”, a special area for children 5 years and under to roam freely within the confines of a carefully planned fenced play area. Activities include age appropriate toys, a Velcro and soft toy wall space, a fishing pond and sailboat. Other play areas include the “Fantastic You” exhibit where children can learn about the inner workings of the human body and a “Your Town” exhibit where children can role play and visit child-sized versions of an interactive town center; a post office, police station, fire station and grocery store. The upstairs portion of the center will engage the older child, and boasts a “Hawaiian Rainbows” and “Your Rainbow World” sections, both of which allow children to role play and explore Hawaii’s unique culture as well as cultures around the world.

Also available on the premises are a well stocked gift shop, a cozy, child friendly library, and other open play areas for block building, choo-choo train playing and other interactive activities. Weekly programs such as “Toddler Tuesdays”, “Art in the Park” and “Once Upon a Story” are also available.

The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is also offering day camps for those families affected by furlough Fridays (the closure of public schools across the State of Hawaii.) Visit the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center website for more information on the various programs available throughout the year as well as special offers.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Friday…..9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday……10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Holiday Hours of Operation
The Center is OPEN:
• Christmas Eve 9:00am-1:00pm
• New Year’s Eve 9:00am-1:00pm

The Center is CLOSED the following holidays:
• Easter
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Any holiday, except for Labor Day, that falls on a Monday.
• The Center also closes annually for one week following Labor Day.

ADMISSION
General Admission ……………………..$10.00
Kama’aina & Military (w/ I.D)…………$8.00
Senior Citizens (62+ w/ I.D.)…………$6.00
Children under 1 …………………………Free
HCDC Members …………………………..Free

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Oneula Beach Park

Heather V. — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:10:43 +0000

For the Keiki and Ohana

One’ula beach is a wide open spacious park hidden on the south-west shores of Oahu. More commonly known to the locals as Haubush due to the brush plant growing over surrounding, over grown kiawe trees — it’s one of the very few public access parks that offer visitors a variety of activities.

Bishop and Xander catch a nice sized fish at Haubush.

With a beautiful view of Diamond Head to the East, set-up your tents for camping, paddle out into the waves for a surf session, bring your rods and reels to do some fishing, jump into the ocean for a refreshing swim, or lay out in the sun to relax on the sand. And if you’re still at the park, enjoy an amazing sunset to the West.

Nearly every weekend during the summer months the park is filled with families enjoying the shores edge. Like our brethren States, the two most popular weekends are Fourth of July and Labor Day. People arrive very early, sometimes days in advance to reserve their camping spots. The smoke from barbeque grills fill the air with aromas of the isle’s favorite flavors. Families arrive in droves with the promise for a fun filled weekend ahead.

Faced with new development of a marina and residential housing, the wide open spaces of One’ula Beach park slowly narrows. For now, the tradition of having family gatherings at the “Bush” will continue.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of an over crowed busy beach and sit down, relax with beautiful scenic views, head on down to One’ula Beach Park it’s a must see on your next trip.

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For the Keiki & Ohana: The Honolulu Academy of Arts

Jan — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:50:24 +0000

For the Keiki and Ohana

Where can you go with your keiki to make ceramic green dragons, bubble art and paper mache hot air balloons? Why, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, of course! Hand in hand with my 5 year old son, we gleefully went to classes one day a week during this past summer and I would highly recommend it.

Photo Credit: Takayuki

Classes for both youth and adult are offered during the Spring, Summer and Fall semesters at the Academy Art Center at Linekoa. The next round of classes begins on September 28, 2009. The youth classes are open to grades kindergarten (aged 5) through the 12th grade in high school. Adults can enjoy taking classes with their little ones during the summer months, but during the Fall and Spring semesters, classes for the youth are independent of adults. The current offerings include everything from “Exploring Art” for grades K through 4 to “Mixed Media Sculpture” for grades 7 through 12 and even “Wednesday Afterschool Cartooning”. Classes will run for 11 Saturdays, from September 26–December 12,2009 (no meeting on November 28th) from 9–11am or 1 to 3pm. Tuition is $165 for most classes; some may require extra lab fees.

In addition to these classes, The Honolulu Academy of Arts has other ongoing programs for the keiki and ohana. Bank of Hawaii Family Sundays offer free Sundays on the third Sunday of each month. Their website reads:

“The doors will be open free of charge from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. for all residents and visitors to browse at their leisure through Hawaii’s premier cultural institution. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. there will be live entertainment, art projects for kids, gallery hunts, and artist demonstrations. The Pavilion Café will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.”

There are also Keiki Kits, which are specially designed tote bags that can help keiki and their ohana better enjoy their museum visit. The bags are free and themes range from “Shapes Stand Out; Crazy About Colors” for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners to “Unroll Your Imagination: Experience Chinese Landscape Painting” for the older keiki.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the free Artsy Keiki Newsletter (also available via email or download) from the Honolulu Academy of Arts Education Department, by contacting keikinews@honoluluacademy.org or calling (808) 532-8726.

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For the Keiki & Ohana: The Honolulu Aquarium

Jan — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:08 +0000

For the Keiki and Ohana

Photo Credit: Coconut Wireless

When I drive by the Waikiki Aquarium, I recall my mother’s story of how—trying unsuccessfully to balance on the Aquarium’s stone wall—she fell into one of the fish ponds in an attempt to sneak in after hours. The Aquarium my mother knew as a child growing up in Waikiki in the 1930’s is different than the one that exists in my childhood memories and now, that of my children.

When the Honolulu Aquarium first opened in March 1904, it began as lure to attract riders of the new trolley to the end of the line at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. Over the years, the Aquarium would undergo two major renovations—the first completed in 1955 moved the Aquarium about 100 yards south, where it stands today—and the second in 1994. During its 100 years of existence in Hawaii, the Honolulu Aquarium has redefined and focused its scope and vision as well. With an eye to the future, the current director, Dr. Andrew Rossiter has big goals:

“… to increase public awareness of the ecology and conservation of marine life and reef habitats through aquarium exhibitory, research and education…to consolidate and build upon the existing exhibitory expertise and the solid foundation lay down by his two predecessors, and to modernize, diversify and expand the Aquarium’s facilities…to increase the Aquarium’s own research activities and community educational outreach, and for the Aquarium to interact more closely with researchers at the University of Hawaii and elsewhere.”

Photo Credit: Coconut Wireless

As frequent visitors to the Honolulu Aquarium, my family and I are blissfully unaware of all of the history and hard work that has gone in to making the Aquarium what it is today. Instead, we are too busy enjoying the antics of the Hawaiian Monk Seals in their outdoor exhibit, and seeing if the jellyfish will follow our fingers as we trace them around the tank. We marvel at the quirky awesomeness of the seahorses on exhibit and stand with our faces nearly pressed against the glass as the sharks and “ulua” —the Hawaiian word for jacks or trevally—swim above us. And although there are no food concessions on the property, a few spam musubi’s and an impromptu picnic on the lawn before or after our time at the aquarium, make for a great keiki and ohana outing indeed!

Insider Tip: Did you know that the Honolulu Aquarium is available for party rentals? Weddings, birthdays and even intimate concerts and other events are held on the lawn throughout the year.

Hours and other visitor information are listed below:
REGULAR HOURS***:
- 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily* (last visitors exit by 5 p.m.)
SPECIAL HOURS:
- Thanksgiving Day (9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.), New Year’s Day (11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
HOLIDAY CLOSURES*:
- Christmas Day
- Honolulu Marathon Day (December 13, 2009)

Admission:
$9 for Adults; $4 for Youths (13-17), and persons with disabilities; $2 for Juniors (5-12);

$6 for Local Residents with a valid State of Hawaii ID, Active Duty Military with a valid military ID, Students with a student ID, Senior citizens (65 years old and over) with a valid ID;
Free for Children 4 and under.
Each paid admission includes a free Audio Tour Wand. (Methods of payment accepted are US Cash, Traveller’s cheques issued in US amount, Visa, MasterCard and JCB cards).
Contact Information:
Phone: (808) 923-9741
Email: info@waquarium.org

What are your memories visiting the Waikiki Aquarium? Does your city have an aquarium?

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For the Keiki & Ohana: The Honolulu Zoo

Jan — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:00:34 +0000

For the Keiki and Ohana

“Can the crocodiles eat us, mama? Because the last time, it looked like they could come out of the fence. I think they can squeeze through. Can they, mama? And can we go to the Keiki Zoo again? Pleeeaasee? Can we?” And so goes the conversation for the 30 minutes it takes to drive from our home to the Honolulu Zoo.

Honolulu Zoo Crocodile

Insider Tip: Bring a handful of quarters to pay for the metered parking in the zoo’s parking lot.

One of the reasons our family loves a trip to the Honolulu Zoo so much is because it is as close to being “free” as possible and we can leisurely spend a good chunk of just enjoying one another! With our “Flamingo Family” zoo pass (which includes a one year membership for up to 2 adults and 6 children), costs just $25 for the entire year. There are other, more inclusive packages available, a plus for busy families! One time admission is $12 for those 13 years and older, and a kama’aina (the Hawaiian word for local resident) rate is available at just $6 per person. Just present your local ID card at the entrance window.

While at the Honolulu Zoo has all of the things you are likely to find at many city zoos, worth noting is the Keiki Zoo, dedicated after a $5.1 million complex was completed on the grounds in 2006. Children and adults alike pet the goats and llamas, crawl underground into a guinea pig burrow and immerse yourself into the koi (a type of Japanese carp) pond tunnel. In addition to this, few people know that the Honolulu Zoo also has a number of outstanding Zoo Programs for schools and families alike. Some examples include “Art in the Zoo”, “Dinner Safari”, Honolulu Zoo Strollers (a special class for toddlers and their parents), “Snooze in the Zoo” and “Keiki Zookeeper”.

Honolulu Zoo African Savanna

The Zoo itself is organized into four main areas: the African savanna, the tropical forest, the islands of the Pacific and the Children’s Zoo. There is also a reptile house (great for those truly sweltering hot Hawaii days since it is fully shaded), a snack bar and wonderfully green swaths of grass where families can picnic; coolers and outside food are welcome at the zoo.

Picnic Insider Tip: Fill up your cooler with cold drinks and pick up picnic lunch from one of the great eateries near the Zoo.

Diamond Head Market and Grill on Monsarrat Avenue. They have tasty salads, sandwiches and desserts as well as gourmet type plate lunch specials. Although a bit pricey for a family outing, if your budget allows it, I would highly recommend a picnic lunch from here!
Another family favorite is Iyasume Bento-Ya (boxed lunch) on Kapahulu Avenue. The bentos and daily specials are authentic Japanese and wonderfully delicious!
In the mood for a classic Hawaiian meal? Then Rainbow Drive-In (cash only) is your lunch place haven. Located on Kanaina Avenue, Rainbow’s is a long-time Hawaii tradition and features plate lunch standards such as Loco Moco, Mahi-Mahi and Shoyu Chicken.

What are your recommendations for visiting the Honolulu Zoo?

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For the Keiki & Ohana: A New Hawaii Traditions Series on Family Fun

Jan — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:33:48 +0000

For the Keiki and Ohana

During the summer when everyone in my family was on vacation, the beach became relegated to many late afternoons, when the sun was low and less intense. The question quickly became what to do with these wriggly, restless little ones the rest of the day. After all, my two young sons needed an outlet for their energies (mainly to keep parents from going insane) something out of the sun, something to keep their little bodies and minds busy and happy.

Thus, it is through exhaustive (and I do mean that literally!) personal experience that I present to you “For the Keiki & Ohana” series here, at Hawaii Traditions. Look for upcoming posts on many classic standards such as The Honolulu Zoo and The Honolulu Aquarium as well as a few other lesser known outings like the Hawaiian Railway in Ewa and the fish pond at Ho’omaluhia Gardens in Kaneohe. There may even be a tip or two in this series highlighting family friendly eateries as well as discounts and freebies around town.

So, for those “What should we do today?” days, visit Hawaii Traditions for a comprehensive insider’s look into many of the fun child and family friendly places and events around Oahu. As always, Hawaii Traditions welcomes your stories and ideas, so post them here!

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