Won Kee Sea Food – Hawaii 2013

For our last day in Hawaii, we decided to visit Foster Botanical Garden (the oldest botanical garden in Hawaii dating back to the 1800′s) which is conveniently located near Chinatown.  After our usual problem with directions, we managed to find the place and enjoyed a few hours of wandering through the various flora.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant – Hawaii 2013

There are 4 Sansei locations in the Hawaiian Islands… one of which is located on the 3rd floor of the Waikiki Beach Marriott.  Right next door is the d.k. Steak House (both of which are part of the D.K. Restaurant group).

Hula Dog – Hawaii 2013

So what’s a Hula Dog?  It’s not a canine performing a hula dance on YouTube.  It’s not a new dance meme craze from Korea… It’s a twist on the good old fashioned hot dog. 

Wolfgang Puck Express – Hawaii 2013

At the far end of Waikiki is the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and on the main floor is a Wolfgang Puck Express. 

Matsumoto Shave Ice – Hawaii 2013

As I mentioned on our visit to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, our trip to the North Shore was a bit overcast and rainy.  We were driving though Haleiwa after a couple more car navigation snafus while stopping by Ehukai Beach (to see the Banzai Pipeline) and Laniakea Beach (to see the sea turtles) and noticed a long line of people standing in the rain waiting for shave ice.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Hawaii 2013

Our drive up to the North Shore was on a cloudy day with periods of hard rain.  After a brief visit to Kualoa Regional Park to see Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoli’i), we headed up to Kuhuku to check out Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. 

Nico’s at Pier 38 – Hawaii 2013

The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet was on our list of things to do while in Oahu, and since it’s only open 3 days a week (Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays), we decided to rent a car and go shopping before our drive up to the North Shore.  However, before all of that, we needed some breakfast so we stopped by Nico’s at Pier 38 which is about half way between our hotel and the stadium.

Kuhio Beach Grill – Hawaii 2013

Kuhio Beach Grill is located on the ground floor of the Waikiki Beach Marriott… just across the street from the beach!  They’re known for their breakfast and dinner buffets but the reason for our visit was because of the free Mai Tais that they were offering as part of our stay.

Lawson Station (Moana Surfrider) – Hawaii 2013

Lawson Station has an interesting history.  For instance, from the name, you wouldn’t really expect to find a Japanese convenience store.   Lawson actually has roots in Ohio where it was originally known as Lawson’s Milk Company back in 1939 (that’s probably why their logo has a big milk container on it).

Honolulu Cookie Company (Waikiki Beach Marriott) – Hawaii 2013

If you walk down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, you’re sure to notice all of the Honolulu Cookie Company shops that tempt you with their delicious signature shortbread creations.  First started in 1997 by the Sung family, they have rapidly grown from a wholesale provider to having 9 shops in Oahu including the one located at the Waikiki Beach Marriott that opened in 2008.

Marukame Udon – Hawaii 2013

Marukame Udon is a popular noodle shop in Waikiki located on Kuhio Avenue (a block over from Kalakaua Ave) and it’s not unusual to see patrons lining up late at night to try out their freshly made Sanuki-style udon.

Magoo’s Burgers – Hawaii 2013

One of the most prominent landmarks in Waikiki (besides the endless number of ABC Stores that dot the area) is Diamond Head which is a volcanic tuff cone that looms over the city.  It’s also a popular hiking location because of the expansive views that it affords from the rim of the crater.