Purple Power: Acai in Ha-wai-i

It’s the oh-so famous Brazilian berry that packs a punch as a modern-day superfood. Acai (ah-sigh-EE) is known for the dark purple colors it leaves on your tongue and teeth, and of course, the just as colorful health benefits for your body. Loaded with antioxidants and fibers, the tiny berry-like fruit may help with weight…

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Cheap Eats in Kahului, Maui

*DING* “Aloha, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of your flight crews, we want to welcome you to Maui. We hope you enjoy your stay!” (STOMACH GROWLS) “Grrrrr knew I should have packed something from Los Angeles BEFORE boarding…I’M STARVING!!!” Welcome to Maui! Now what’s there to eat around here? OK, you just landed in Maui.…

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In Deep Kim Chee

Unless you brave far into the depths of Chinatown, the most exotic Asian food you’ll most likely eat while in Hawaii is the fiery-red-colored concoction in the jar. Open the jar, and find out how good of a batch you really got by the way your eyes and nose instantly react. The vibrantly contained colors…

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Gifts of Aloha Go a Long Way

Chocolate covered mac nuts! Kona coffee! Did I get your attention? They’re popular products that complete any trip to Hawaii and remind visitors of our island gems in the middle of the Pacific. Chocolate covered macadamia nuts. ‘Nuff said! That’s why a local committee is putting together about 9,500 boxes of goodies for international dignitaries…

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The Sweet and Oh-So-Sour Story of Li Hing Mui

You’ve got a lot of great food to try in Hawaii. There’s kalua pig roasted in an underground imu oven, and poi pounded from taro roots. You’ll likely get authentic Hawaii poke while you’re here, along with local fruits and juices. One must-try Hawaii snack is li hing mui (lee-HEE-moo-EE). It’s a culmination of the…

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Pau Hana Meaning: The Happiest Hour in Hawaii

Looking for pau hana meaning? You must be in Hawaii, where this is a common phrase echoed by locals celebrating the end of a hard day’s work.  In fact, Pau Hana means “done with work.” It’s a time of relaxation and socializing in Hawaii.  But even if you’re on vacation, thousands of miles away from…

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Wow, Laulau!

No Luau in Hawaii is complete without a big, juicy, steaming laulau. The translation of the word laulau in a food context literally means “wrapped package,” and is truly a little gift of ono (oh-NO; delicious). Today, salted pork or beef is the usual meat source for laulau. In ancient times, Hawaiians used dog as…

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Pick a Pumpkin From Waimanalo

At Waimanalo Country Farms, it’s all about ohana (family). Every day, Dominic Kadooka, his wife Shawn and the rest of their ohana plant and harvest their 52-acre farm, nestled against the Koolau mountain range. The farm was established in 1948, and since 2001, the main crop has been a variety of sweet corn, sold from…

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Mochi Oahu: Best Spots to Buy & Recipe!

Mochi Oahu: Are you looking for a sweet treat while on the island? Or maybe you’re missing this tasty snack after you return home. Today we’ve got lots of great info about mochi, including a recipe in case you want to try your hand at making it at home.  Memories of Mochi in Hawaii and…

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Hawaii breakfast hotdog

Sure, you can get bacon, ham or sausage with breakfast in Hawaii. But the menu also includes spam and often hot dogs. Not just any hot dogs, bright red ones. The bright red hot dogs are a local favorite. I hear some are popular in other parts of the mainland, but I had never seen…

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Hawaii shave ice vs. snow cones

To the untrained eye, shave ice and snow cones may appear to be one and the same: frozen treats topped with colorful syrups, beckoning on a hot summer day. However, beneath their similar appearances lies a world of distinction, a tale of two frozen delights with unique origins, textures, and cultural significance. First, the flavors…

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