Over a year ago, when we visited China, we promised the Missus' cousins that if they visited Her parents on Oahu we'd be there. Of course we had to keep that promise, right? So we're back after ten or so days and countless visits to Ala Moana and Waikele Outlets......
And during the in-between time, we were able to visit a couple of places that I'd been itching to check out.
And I managed to reaquaint myself with places I'd been thinking about for years.....places I really missed.
And newer favorites as well.....
So you know they'll be more than enough poke for a post......
We even managed a short side trip......
To the Pacific Northwest....juts kidding. By the looks of the Cook Pines can you guess where this is?
Or perhaps the ranchland???
Here's the answer.....
My father was from Lana'i and I hadn't been back in at least seventeen years. I thought it would be interesting for the Missus to visit a place with no traffic lights, seventeen miles of paved road, and a speed limit of 20 mph.
And of course we had to eat, right?
It felt great to be "home", where there is an endless supply of sunsets......
And beautiful orchids....
And of course there are those items that just grab my attention for some reason or another as well.
So let me regroup and I'll see you all tomorrow!
Thanks for stopping by!
Welcome back Kirk! Can't wait to read all about your trip! i like the 'bombucha' size of Primo!!!!
Posted by: caninecologne | Monday, 05 December 2011 at 07:04 PM
*homesick* now, but glad you got to do/eat all this, hope you & the missus (and her family) had fun!
Posted by: kat | Monday, 05 December 2011 at 08:56 PM
Aw Kirk...posts like this are what brought me to your blog many moons ago! Can't wait to hear about it.
Posted by: Jack | Monday, 05 December 2011 at 09:30 PM
wow! I can't think of a much better promise to have to keep =) so happy for you to have the chance to visit back home!
Posted by: Lynnea | Monday, 05 December 2011 at 10:02 PM
Welcome back Kirk! Looking forward to your posts!
Posted by: Dennis | Monday, 05 December 2011 at 11:00 PM
LOL CC! You can get that size of Primo here in San Diego as well!
Hi Kat - I was glad to be able to check out some places that were on my list during my trip.
Thanks Jack! I'm glad you still read our blog.
Hi Lynnea - This was an easy one to keep.
Thanks Dennis!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 06 December 2011 at 06:47 AM
I was in Oahu this summer, and you're reminding me that I miss the poke. That bowl of oxtail soup looks so yummy!
We made several trips to the Ala Moana mall (love that food court!), but none to the Waikele outlet this time (nothing unique there for us).
Can't wait to hear details! Maybe I'll have to visit Lanai next time.
Posted by: Sandy | Tuesday, 06 December 2011 at 07:45 AM
Welcome back! Can't wait to see your posts, though I know it will just make me want to take a trip to Hawaii.
Posted by: kirbie | Tuesday, 06 December 2011 at 10:10 AM
Glad you had a good time in Hawaii. I am also from Lanai but haven't been back for a loong time...no relatives left there. Anyway, have never heard of Spam flavored Mac Nuts. Where do you get them. I go back to visit Hawaii at least a couple times a year. Especially Big Island.
Posted by: Hulacook | Tuesday, 06 December 2011 at 02:03 PM
Hi Sandy - Lana'i really hasn't changed much since the last time I visited, which was really nice. If you like slowing down a bit, you'll love it.
Hi Kirbie - Airfares to HNL from SAN were priced pretty good when we purchased our tickets, so you may want to check it out.
Hi Hulacook - I passed by a shop in the airport, but you can get it from Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company online. I believe I saw these at a couple of markets - the Hamakua Shop is located in Kawaihae:
http://www.hawnnut.com/Visitors-Center_ep_41.html
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 06 December 2011 at 02:37 PM
Welcome back, Kirk! Your fondness for your home is so great to read - and who wouldn't be fond of a place full of flowers and food? Looking forward to all the details.
Posted by: mizducky | Tuesday, 06 December 2011 at 04:46 PM
Kaukau time brother.....
Got another Thai place for you to try....Thai Society in Encinitas. Got some good pa-low pork belly....
Travel safe
Posted by: PedMa | Tuesday, 06 December 2011 at 08:28 PM
Hi Mizducky - Long time no hear! I hope all is well.
Hey PedMa - You do get around! I still gotta get some rec's for Lanna from you! We did get some great grindz.....
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 07 December 2011 at 06:43 AM
It looks like amazing sunny weather over there! Hawaii is so beautiful.. those orchids.. wow! Spam flavoured nuts? How did they taste? It's always fun buying fun snackies. Can't wait for all your other posts!
Posted by: Christine | Wednesday, 07 December 2011 at 01:34 PM
Hi Christine - The weather was pretty good, it rains but usually only during the morning. The mac nuts tasted kinda like Spam.....
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 07 December 2011 at 02:48 PM
Welcome back Kirk! Never been to Lana'i but it's one of those last-on-the-list or maybe-next-time island hops for us. Look at all dat ono poke!
Posted by: Carol | Thursday, 08 December 2011 at 06:50 AM
Hi Carol - Lana'i was very relaxing for us. We did try to get as much poke as we could.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 08 December 2011 at 07:14 AM