Bridge Over Ala Moana Blvd.

As Ala Moana Boulevard is one of the busiest and most hectic roads on Hawaii, crossing it was always a chore, and with all the redevelopment going on at the Ward area, they finally took the time to make a convenient and stress-reducing way to get from one side to another.

Called the Victoria Ward Park, this place is situated approximately where the old Ward Warehouse once stood , and with its many winding paths, makes for a pleasant way to cross the street!

Featuring grassy hills, a calming pond and what looks to be a few cafe booths and eating area, it also serves as a sort of oasis within Kaaka'ako's bustling streets!

Making my way bath and forth, I wasn't the only one taking photos and streaming the crossing, and why not? It led to a great view of the ocean!

Though one side leads to the harbor, the Ward side is still pretty much in development, so the traffic is light, you can expect things to really pick up once the shops and restaurants are there!

Time for Tempura at Kiki’s in Waikiki!

Among the eateries we frequent for lunch when in Waikiki (along with regular spot Ginza Bairan) is the wonderful Tempura Kiki in the ASIA STIX foodcourt of the Waikiki Plaza.

There are about 5 places we go to for tempura, but Kiki is by fave my favorite, especially the Shrimp set which comes with 4 Shrimp and 4 vegetables, along with miso soup and all you can eat pickled cabbage!

Priced about 25-35 bucks but they give Kama'aina discount which makes the price just right!

First time we went to Kiki, we didn't even realize it was a new restaurant- when we sat down, we thought we were at Kaneko Hannosuke (another place we really loved) , and only when we saw the menu realized it was a NEW tempura place in its spot! Happily it was just as great!

Dior Cafe Ala Moana Shopping Center

Huh, cruised Ala Moana Shopping Center the other morning and found that the Dior Cafe had been taken down and cleared out!~ They opened in 2019 but after COVID hit they closed up shop shortly thereafter and sat languishing on the side...wonder if they'll be building something new there.

Will keep an eye out on that spot.....

KCC Farmer's Market at Diamond Head

We hiked up the hill this past weekend to the Kapiolani Community College parking lot where they hold the KCC Farmer's Market every Saturday morning- Was a drizzly and overcast morning but somehow really fit the vibe- the overhanging clouds keeping everyone cool as they perused the stalls and booths....

the clouds make a picturesque backdrop for the festivities....

There was a Breakfast stall selling tasty breakfast type meals like pancakes, french toast and the Hash Fried Rice plate which we got, but I just couldn't resist the rib-eye steak plate from Hawaiian Style Kitchen and HAD to grab it!

YEPPP that's a HEAVY meal for breakfast and I surely paid for it later, but was so tasty! There were not any areas assigned for dining, so like everyone else, we just plunked down on a random curb and chowed down!

The sun came out a bit later (as did the crowds, which doubled as the morning went on with locals and tourists alike) and we did some window shopping before leaving for home!

So great to see a community coming together for events like this every week!

Now that I have Saturday mornings off, I'll be sure to be visiting more!

New Lunch Haunt

So our "go-to" place for lunch lately has been Doraku on Kapiolani- such relaxing atmosphere, great food- and for reasonable prices as well! 

Lots to choose from from their menu, but the Wagyu Rib-eye Steak has GOT to be the top of the list!

 

We usually get there about 12 and the crowd is pretty light- perfect for just kicking back and enjoying the food and place!