Sunset on Hawaii {Pretty Pictures & Free Background Images}

Sometimes I just need to look at something peaceful and pretty. Maybe you do too.

From recipes to hikes to travel tips, the focus here for the last month and a half has been on our vacation to Hawaii earlier this summer. Thank you so much for indulging me – it’s been so much fun to relive our trip and share the best parts with you. Now that the summer is winding down and the kids are going back to school, I wanted to leave you with a last look at some of the beautiful scenes we experienced in one final Hawaii post.

Note: I’m the first one to admit that I’m not a professional photographer, but if one of these images catches your fancy and you’d like to use it for a background or some other [non-commercial] use, full-sized images are available to download here from my Flickr account, or just click the picture you like for a direct link.

↑ This was on of the first images I took on my Sunrise Photography Tour. I love the way the light reflects off the tide pools in the foreground.

↑ One of my very favorites! This image illustrates many things; the most interesting (to me) being that we never know when or how we will become part of someone’s memories. I have no idea who the guy on the beach is, nor do I know the tiny surfer in the waves, but because of this photograph, they will forever be a part of my memory of my first trip to Hawaii.

↑ My favorite part about the image above is the tiny paddle boarder making his way along the coastline. You don’t notice him right away, but when you do, he changes the whole story of the photo.

↑ A very exciting image for me: this photo represents the moment when I learned how to control the shutter speed to do what I wanted it to do.

↑ My kids’ Grandpa David used to take millions of pictures of trees, and I never really understood why. I think get it now though, because I could take pictures of the ocean all day.

↑ Dole Plantation Bromeliad Garden. I just think this is pretty.

↑ The first time I saw Hanauma Bay, I was overwhelmed by how clear the water was.

↑ You can’t really have a bunch of pictures of Oahu without a shot of Diamond Head. This was taken while we were on our dinner cruise on the last night of our trip.

↑ From our hotel balcony in Waikiki, you could literally see what was playing on the enormous television screen on the far left side of the apartment building on the right (fourth floor down). We weren’t trying to look, but that giant TV was like a bright, flickering fire that drew your eyes to it. Good thing the sky was more interesting to watch.

Until next time, Aloha.

Simply Elegant {Duc’s Bistro}

August 28 By Renée ♥ 8 Comments

Dining at Duc’s Bistro in Honolulu’s Chinatown is an unforgettable experience in casual elegance, delicious food, and warm hospitality.

Thinking about how the paths of individuals cross unknowingly through time and space has always intrigued me. For example, even if you and I have never met, if you live in the Portland area, there is a better than good chance that we have brushed shoulders at one time or another. We might have visited Multnomah Falls on the same day, or ridden the same MAX train, or visited the same food cart within minutes of one another. In other words, we have probably been in the same space at the same time at least once.

I like to think of it like this: pretend that you are a blue light on a globe that shows your location in real time, and I am a green light. How often would our lights cross one another? The glowing paths left by those little lights moving through time is an interesting image, and one that came to mind this summer when Mr. B and I visited Duc’s Bistro in Honolulu’s Chinatown, because there is an excellent chance that the owner, Duc Nguyen, had a hand in cooking one of the most memorable meals Mr. B and I have ever had – 34 years ago.

Back in 1981, when Mr. B and I were seventeen and full of big dreams, we scrape together our hard-earned pennies and took a day trip to Seattle over spring break, where we splurged on a dinner at the most elegant place we could think of – the top of the Space Needle. While we watched the city rotate across our field of vision, Duc – then a recent immigrant from Vietnam – was working away in the Space Needle kitchen and dreaming big dreams too.

Fast forward 34 years.

Duc has come a long way from that sky-high kitchen in Seattle. A resident of Hawaii for more than twenty years now, Duc has been carefully creating and serving traditional Vietnamese and classic French cuisine in Honolulu’s Chinatown since 1992. His dedication to providing diners at his restaurant with food of incomparable quality, freshness, and flavor – served with unparalleled hospitality – is renowned among locals and tourist alike.

Let’s start with that hospitality, because that is what stands out above all else at Duc’s. Enter the front door, and the atmosphere is clean, modern and inviting, highlighted with tasteful pink ambient lighting and crisp white table clothes. Once seated, you will likely be greeted by Duc himself, who will make you feel so welcome that it is almost as if he has been waiting a very long time to meet you.

Likewise, the service at Duc’s was impeccable. Our waiter, Kanoa, was just as warm and friendly as Duc, and – without a note of hyperbole – he was one of the best waiters we have ever experienced: professional, knowledgeable, and completely attuned to our needs. We learned that he started working at Duc’s when he was twelve, and now 27, Kanoa has developed such a finely honed instinct that we never once wanted for anything. He explained each dish carefully and answered our questions completely before we even asked, magically appeared tableside whenever we needed anything, and intuitively knew when to leave us to enjoy our evening.

Duc’s menu takes its inspiration and vision from a synthesis of effortlessly beautiful dishes from the cuisine of Vietnam, the fresh ingredients of Hawaii, and the refinement of western methods and presentations. The resultant menu is one of simple elegance.

After consulting with Kanoa, we decided to start out with a Baby Papaya and Shrimp Salad, which turned out to be one of my new favorite things ever. Crisp, fresh, and dressed lightly with what I’m pretty sure was nuoc cham (sweet Vietnamese dipping sauce), this was a wonderful start to our meal.

Over the course of our dinner, we ordered a few drinks to share as well. The ginger martini was So Good (you remember how much I love ginger, right?), and Mr. B’s mojito was a refreshingly cool, well-balanced blend of tart and sweet. However, the real standout the “Madame Vu,” a blend of cloves, ginger, sugar cane, pomegranate and pineapple mixed with (your choice of) vodka, rum or gin. We went with vodka, and the unique blend of flavors immediately became a new favorite for both of us.

For our main course, we chose Lemon Grass Chicken, Breast of Duck Saigon, and Long Green Beans With Garlic. The chicken, boneless organic thigh strips sautéed with lemongrass, was fresh tasting, mildly spicy, and very satisfying. The market-fresh long beans were well seasoned with just the right amount of garlic to enhance without overpowering their delicate flavors.

The duck was a big surprise for me. Duck is not something I usually enjoy: many preparations leave it too greasy, and I find the gamey flavor off-putting, but Mr. B loves it, so we ordered it with the idea that he would have the duck, I would have the chicken, and we would share the beans. However, when I tried a bite of Mr. B’s duck, I tasted no gamey flavor whatsoever, and the meat was tender, succulent, and delicious. Needless to say, Mr. B had to share.

We topped off our dinner with Apple Banana Tapioca Pudding topped with coconut cream, and garnished with ground peanuts, sliced almonds, and mint. I loved this delicately creamy dessert so much I came home and created my own version of Banana Tapioca Pudding to preserve the memory in my recipe file.

Food is served family-style, and portions are on the small side (relative to today’s super-sized norms) but they are actually exactly the right size for sharing. Prices are on the median for mid-high end dining in Honolulu: our bill, which included an appetizer, two protein-based entrees and one vegetarian entree, three cocktails, an espresso and dessert, came to a little over a hundred dollars before tip, which we both considered very reasonable considering it was our one Big Night Out in Hawaii.

A final word:

Being from Portland, I’m accustomed to finding little dining pearls in the most unassuming places, and have learned that best places are sometimes surrounded by less than desirable neighbors. This is definitely the case with Duc’s, which is tucked between a nail salon and a corner flower vendor on a sketchy-looking street in Chinatown. Do not let the location deter you from a truly wonderful dining experience.

Duc’s Bistro
1188 Maunakea St
Honolulu, HI 96817
Chinatown

Phone number (808) 531-6325
ducsbistro.com

Hiking Diamond Head {360° of Amazing}

August 26 By Renée ♥ 6 Comments

Hiking to the peak of Diamond Head Crater is no stroll through the park, but Wow! What a payoff!

No, I am not sunburned in the picture above. I’m just one of those people who doesn’t sweat much, overheats easily, and turns red any time I my heart gets going faster than my feet. Now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you why we are smiling from ear to ear.

Or better yet, let me show you – from our vantage point at the top of Diamond Head Crater.

Looking to the right, Honolulu stretches west, and beyond it, Iroquois Point and the inlet to Pearl Harbor; and farther in the distance, the southwestern tip of Oahu.

Now we look down, and about 700 feet below us stands the Diamond Head Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was built in 1899, and the current structure, erected in 1917, stands 147 feet above sea level and uses the original 1899 fresnel lens to projects its light 18 miles out into the Pacific Ocean.

And then to the east, and beautiful Maunaloa Bay.

To sum it up – 360° of Amazing.

But there is a price to pay for this view: the hike takes some effort. Admittedly, Mr. B is in better shape than I am, but we were both huffing and puffing a couple of times during this “moderate” hike. The park service suggests visitors allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace for the hike; however, the hike itself really only takes about an hour round trip, give or take – if you don’t stop and take a lot of pictures. If you are young and very fit and want to run the trail, it might only take you 30 minutes, but that’s just a guess. (I’ll certainly never know!) It will take you longer if you aren’t in the habit of exercising, or you bring small children. (Note: Do not bring your dog, or any other pet. They are not allowed in the park – not even the parking lot.)

Here’s a few tips for making a successful trip up one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks.

Start early

The park is open from 6am to 6pm seven days a week. Thousands of people visit each day, so getting there early can help you avoid the crowds. But that’s not the biggest reason. In my book, it’s all about the Heat. You are walking up the side of a extinct volcano here folks! There is very little shade, and it gets hot early.

Wear Good {Closed-toe} Shoes

This is not a flip-flop hike. I’m not your mom, so I’m not going to tell you that you can’t wear flip-flops on the hike. But I will tell you that if you do, you’ll wish you had listened to me. And while we’re on the subject, wear a hat, or something to keep the sun off your head. (I brought my sun-brella, and I’m 100% sure it saved me from heat stroke.)

The first 0.2 miles of the 0.8 mile trail are all paved, but beyond that, the trail is rocky and uneven. There are steep stairs and narrow tunnels to navigate as well, and many sections of the trail are only wide enough for one person. Needless to say, leave the stroller in the car and Great-Grandma at the hotel with the air-conditioning on.

Take Water

It was surprising to me how many people didn’t have water with them. The reason I noticed is because they were suffering, many obviously in need of a drink. If you have the means, freeze a bottle the night before so that it will stay cold.

Once you leave the parking lot area there are no restrooms, water or other services available. According to the park service, when it’s hot and humid, people who don’t hydrate enough frequently need to be carried out, and because of the terrain that often means a helicopter rescue. And while a helicopter ride over Oahu sounds fabulous, I wouldn’t want to take it while lying flat on the floor of an National Guard medical helicopter with an IV stuck in my arm because I forgot to bring a water bottle.

Take It Easy

Enjoy the experience. If you find that the pace you’ve set is a little too ambitious, slow down. This is an adventure, not a race.

There are a couple of tunnels that you will need to go through; the longer is 225-feet long. I have a very mild case of claustrophobia, and this tunnel was a bit of a challenge for me. However, you never lose sight of light, and that helps a great deal. There is also a quite daunting 99-step staircase: I’m out of breath just remembering it.

Take Pictures

I was intrigued with how the outline of the palm trees that lines the coastal highway contrasted with the water, and found myself momentarily wishing for a longer lens.

I took a minute to grab a few shots of one of my favorite subjects, too.

Finally, remember to have someone take your picture. (Yes, you can take a selfie, but…) There are plenty of friendly people in this world, and a lot of them will be right up there with you on the top of that volcano. My best advice: find a mom. Moms get left out of pictures a lot, so whenever I see a mom taking a picture of her family, I make a point of asking if I can take the picture so that she can be in it too. Nine times out of ten, she will flash me a Mom Club smile [First rule of Mom Club] and it makes my day.

That’s about it, so I’ll end where I started: If you have the opportunity to climb Diamond Head, do it! You will sweat – and it is totally worth it!

Photography Tips for Beginners {Or, What I Learned at Sunrise in Hawaii}

August 20 By Renée ♥ 18 Comments

A Sunrise Photography Tour is a great way to see some of Hawaii’s most beautiful locations, all while getting professional guidance that will help you to take your landscape photography to the next level.

_{This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.}

Years ago, I took a writing class from an editor-turned-publisher, who shared that when he started out, he made his bread-and-butter money writing instructional manuals for a high-tech company. He told us that he got the job not by virtue of his vast store of technical knowledge, but ironically, because of his complete lack of it. In other words, he was full of questions and no answers, just like the people who would be reading the manuals he wrote.

“I remember the day I knew I had to find a new job,” he said. “As I often did, I’d asked my teenage daughter to proofread a computer manual I’d completed before turning it into my editor, and when she handed it back to me, she said, ‘Looks good, Dad – except one thing. How do you turn it on?’ I knew then that I knew too much about the product. I didn’t ask all the questions anymore.”

I’m a wannabe photographer, so I read a lot of articles and blog posts about photography; most written by talented, capable photographers who have thoroughly learned their craft and are generously passing their knowledge on. The problem is, even in pieces aimed at beginners, they often forget that some of us are still trying to learn how to turn the camera on.

Alex, owner and operator of Oahu Photography Tours, is an exception. Not only does he remember all the questions, but he guides you to the answers in such a way that you go home with some truly valuable knowledge that you can use going forward. I learned more in one morning taking pictures with Alex and our small tour group than I have learned in hours and hours of reading blog posts and books on the subject.

**“Never let the truth get in the way of a great photo.”**

If there is one message that I took away from the tour, it was, “Never let the truth get in the way of a great photo.” While I use this guideline nearly daily when taking food images (if you had any idea what’s going on just beyond those cropped edges…) I hadn’t really thought about applying it beyond close-ups. Anyway, Alex must have repeated this advice at least twenty times in the six or so hours that we spent with him, and it is perhaps the most important thing I learned. Move things, change angles, or do whatever you need to do (within law and reason) to capture that perfect shot.

Here are a few other tidbits that I gleaned from the tour.

Silhouettes

Taking pictures in silhouette is powerful. Since you can’t see faces, people can imagine themselves in the picture.

Composition

Be aware of where things are happening. Don’t overlook something cool in the foreground because you are too focused on what’s going on on the horizon.

Exposure

Under-expose sometimes. You can always add fill light with an editing program, and the under-exposure often creates some nice drama.

P Mode

P Mode was the one piece of technical learning I took away. (Once again, this will be ultra rudimentary for Real Photographers.) When you are ready to move on from fully automatic, but not ready for Manual, P Mode is a great intermediate step. In P Mode, you can:

Learn what works: The camera will show you which aperture and shutter speed settings it has decided to use for your picture, so instead of guessing which aperture and shutter combination will work, you can shoot in P mode and take some notes. Then when you are ready, you can use the same settings in manual mode.
Adjust the exposure compensation, which makes your images brighter or darker. Start off by switching to P mode and taking a picture of something you see. Then look at a preview and decide if it’s too bright, too dark, or just right. If it isn’t quite right, just adjust the exposure compensation up or down.
Adjust your camera’s ISO speed. Sometimes there isn’t enough light in a scene and you still want to avoid using a flash. If that’s the case, you can make your images brighter by increasing your camera’s ISO speed. ISO speed controls the rate at which your light sensor picks up the information it gets from your lens. Just experiment to see what you like. Don’t go crazy though, because if you increase the ISO too much, your images will start to look grainy.

Forest and Trees

Remember while you are photographing the forest to take a few pictures of the trees – you might find something interesting. Conversely, remember to capture the forest, even when you are focusing on the trees.

People

Don’t forget the people in the forest. They tell a story all their own.

Finally, take a lot of pictures. This probably seems like a no-brainer, but even though I’ve been taking all my pictures with a digital camera for well over a decade, until this tour, I don’t think I had completely made the mental shift from film photography, when counting the number of exposures was a thing. However, I’m cured now: I took so many pictures of this stand-up paddle boarder that I can practically make a stop-action movie.

If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, I highly recommend including a photography tour early in your itinerary. You don’t need a fancy camera – you can even use your phone – and some equipment (e.g., tripods, and some filters) is provided. For me, this was some of the best-spent money of our entire trip, and the images I captured, both on the tour and subsequently on our vacation, are priceless.

While this post specifically highlights my experience with Alex and Oahu Photography Tours, there are a number of photography tours on the Hawaiian Islands, offering a number of different types of tours, from Sunrise to Sunset.

NOTE: All of the images in this post were taken by me (except the last one) during my photography tour.

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Tips for {Snorkeling} Virgins

August 14 By Renée ♥ 4 Comments

Helpful Tips for Snorkeling Beginners, plus a brief recap of our adventure in Hanauma Bay, Oahu.

As an Oregonian, I’m conditioned to tense and shudder just thinking about swimming in the ocean, so the first time my toes touched Oahu’s sun-soaked waters, I was like a toddler with a new wading pool: I couldn’t get enough. Mr. B and I went on a number of water-adventures during our stay on Oahu, and snorkeling was high on our list of favorites.

Since snorkeling was a new experience for me, we decided to go to Haunama Bay, which – based on how many people were there – is apparently where every other virgin snorkeler in the entire civilized world (or at least Oahu) goes.

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Even though I am a lifelong swimmer, I was a little nervous about snorkeling (for reasons I won’t go into); however, I quickly learned that if you can swim, you can snorkel. Just a few quick tips from our shuttle bus driver and I was ready to roll…er, swim. The salty ocean water dramatically improves buoyancy, so if you are used to swimming in a pool or fresh water, as I am, you will find ocean swimming to be much less work.

Here’s a few tips, from one newbie to another:

Buy or Rent a “Dry Snorkel“ – Seriously, spend the extra few bucks. I have zero desire to have water flooding down my snorkel. A dry snorkel has a special valve on top that seals shut when your snorkel goes underwater (like with a wave, or when you tilt your head to the side). It also has a special purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel so that it is easy to blow water out of the tube. I don’t think I will ever go without one of these.
Take the Time to Properly Fit and Adjust Your Mask: Don’t let the rental place rush you through the process of getting a mask that fits your face. Masks come in different sizes and shapes, and can be adjusted. Take your time, and make sure the one you have fits and will seal tightly around your face before you leave the rental site.
Take Pictures with Your Cell Phone: If you plan to use your cell phone for pictures, purchase a Waterproof Cell Phone Dry Bag. This turned out to be indispensable on our trip. (I’ve already used it a couple of time since I got home as well.) Also, the touch screen on your cell phone will not work under water, so be sure to set your volume key (or whatever works on your phone) as the camera shutter before you go out into the water.
Get Fins that Fit: Be sure to try them on before your get down to the water. You don’t want to slip a fin and have the tide take it away before you even know what’s happened.
Be Mindful of Shallow Water, Tides and Waves: I got quite a few scrapes on my legs because I started out in too shallow of water while the tide was coming in. Lesson learned. (If you are diving in colder water or around a lot of coral, a diving skin is a good idea.)
Avoid Sunburn: Reapply sunscreen often – at least every hour – and let give it a few minutes to “take” before diving back into the water. (I recommend a spray-on sunblock.) Be sure to have a buddy spray down you back, because that is the part that will be exposed most of the time when you are snorkeling. Do not, however, use sunscreen on your face above nose level, as it may be washed into your eyes.
Avoid Stirring Up the Sand: Too much sand can harm sea creatures around you and suffocate the coral.
Snorkel with a Buddy: As a former lifeguard, I cannot emphasize this enough: SWIM WITH A BUDDY! Even if you are a very strong swimmer, you still need someone to have your back when you’re in the water.

Now, back to Hanauma Bay…

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the most famous of all Hawaii’s snorkeling beaches, due in great part to its extremely high fish population – all of which are very used to humans and don’t seem to care much if you get right up in their business, so to speak. This allows you to get up close and personal with the turtles, tropical fish, eels and other sea creatures.

Located on the east side of Oahu, Hanauma Bay is an old volcanic crater that is protected from all but the biggest of ocean swells. This makes for extremely calm water, and easy snorkeling for folks of all ages. Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve, and visitors are encouraged to treat it as “a living museum.” In the interest of minimizing the impact on the ecosystem, only about 3,000 visitors are allowed in daily, and before entering the preserve, everyone must watch a short video in the Marine Education Center.

Manini (Convict Tang) in Hanauma Bay | The Good Hearted Woman

We saw a lot of these black and white striped Convict Tang while we were snorkeling.

Coral and clear water begin just a short way from the beach. There are plenty of little hidey holes and crevices to check out, and you will see fish everywhere.

More than 450 colorful tropical fish, as well as octopus, crabs and eels can be found in the Hanauma Bay area. Visitors are asked not to touch the wildlife or the coral, and to use smooth, calm movements when creatures are close by.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Know before you go:

Where: 30 min east of Waikiki, at Oahu’s southeastern tip.
Hours:
- Wednesday – Monday [Closed on Tuesdays for weekly beach clean-up]
- 6:00 am until 6:00 pm daily. [Winter]
- 6:00 am until 7:00 pm daily. [Summer]
Entrance fee: $7.50 per person [Fee is waived those under 13 years of age or for residents of Hawaii with valid identification.]
Getting there:
- Drive yourself: Limited parking is located on the ridge above the actual bay.
- Get a ride: Many different companies provide shuttle service from and back to your hotel, as well as gear rental. (We used Kaimana Tours, which we were very happy with, but there are a lot of different shuttle companies that offer a variety of deals throughout the year, so a little homework might save you some dollars.)
Facilities:
- Showers and restrooms are on site.
- Lifeguards are on duty.
- Tram: If you want to save yourself the steep walk down to and up from the beach, a tram is available (for a small fee of course).
- Picnicking: If you want to eat away from the sand and surf, tables can be found in the grassy are near the parking lot. A concession stand with snacks and beverages is there as well.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running – and (relatively) ad-free!! Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Kahuku Shrimp Recipe Roundup (+ “Oahu Cheap Eats” Winner)

July 29 By Renée ♥ 21 Comments

Whether you’re looking for the Best Cheap Eats on Oahu, or hoping to relive those North Shore memories and make some of those buttery, velvety, succulent A-MAZING Kahuku Shrimp at home, you are in the right place!

Oahu’s North Shore Kahuku Shrimp is easily one of the most succulent, delicious things Mr B and I have ever eaten, and I can’t wait to try to make them at home! I’ve compiled a round-up of the best, most authentic sounding recipes I could find, which you will find at the end of this post. But first, our selection for the Best of the Best Oahu Cheap Eats is…

[drum-roll, please…]

Wait! Before I introduce you to the winner, just take a moment to appreciate these beauties!

I can wait.

^{This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.}

Guess what? They taste even better than they look!!!

So where are they, you ask?

From Honolulu, take a drive up to Oahu’s North Shore, and you will eventually come upon a number of Kahuku-style shrimp vendors – Giovanni’s famous Shrimp Truck at the Kahuku food cart pod being the most notable. (If you can’t see it for all the signatures covering the truck, you may be able to recognize it by the long line of hungry tourists stretching endlessly from it.)

Keep driving.

Farther up the coastline, you will easily spot the red Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp shack, with its equally long nightmare of a line.

Keep driving. (Just a couple more minutes, I promise.)

Soon you will see the sea-blue sided shrimp stand of Fumi’s Shrimp Farm – with a short line, plenty of parking, lots of covered picnic table seating, and AMAZING farm-fresh shrimp.

Whether you’re looking for the Best Cheap Eats on Oahu or hoping to relive North Shore memories 🏝 and make some buttery, velvety, succulent A-MAZING Kahuku Shrimp 🍤 at home, you need to check this out! #shrimprecipes #kahukushrimp Click To Tweet

Check out our countdown of the Best Oahu Cheap Eats Part 1 & Part 2!

Fumi’s Shrimp Farm {Roadside Stand, Kahuku}

Mr. B and I both agreed that this was probably the best shrimp we’ve ever eaten – and we’ve eaten a lot of shrimp.

The first time we came here (yes, I said first, as in, we came here more than once), I ordered the Spicy Garlic Shrimp. My plate came with nine clean, fat prawns with the shells attached, and was served with two scoops of rice, a slice of fresh, cold pineapple, and a small tossed salad. (The pineapple slice and salad provided a nice complement, but felt mostly like a bow to social convention. I mean, you can’t really just serve a big plate of prawns and call it a plate lunch, can you?)

My shrimp was bathed in a buttery garlic sauce that brought out its sweet notes without overpowering them, and the bite was firm and tender. They were so perfect that I think I may have even teared up a little.

At $13 a plate, this was the best deal on the island, as far as I’m concerned.

Fumi's Shrimp Farm - Oahu Cheap Eats {Plus a Hawaiian Kahuku-Style Shrimp Truck Recipe Round-up}| The Good Hearted Woman

Hot & Spicy Shrimp (left), and Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Mr. B had the Hot & Spicy Shrimp, and in his words, “that buttery texture and the sauce on the outside was so good that I couldn’t help but suck off the juice before I peeled them.” Having tried them myself, I can tell you that they were quite spicy, but not overly so.

One thing we both noted was that the shrimp had an amazingly fresh flavor that you just can’t get from frozen shrimp. Taken directly from Fumi’s aquaculture farm out back, the shrimp we ate for lunch had been scuttling around just minutes before we arrived. (I have it on relatively good authority that same cannot be said of all the shrimp along the North Shore, as much of it comes from the Costco freezer case in Honolulu.)

The covered picnic are at Fumi’s offers a lot to see while you eat.

Finally, if you’ve read me for any length of time, you may know that I always check out the restroom at the places I review. If there is nothing to note, I don’t, but in this case, there is.

Powder Room Review: We stopped here after a long day of kayaking, and were very happy to find that Fumi’s had not only a cleaning station where you can wash up after eating those luscious crustaceans, but also a large, clean restroom that is perfect for changing.

The only drawback to eating shrimp at Fumi’s is that it will leave you wanting more. And more. And more.

Hawaiian Kahuku Shrimp Recipe Round-up

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Photo Credit: thegourmandmom.com

Kahuku-Style Garlic Shrimp

Photo Credit: www.cookinghawaiianstyle.com

Garlic Chili Shrimp

Photo Credit: www.cookinghawaiianstyle.com

Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp

Photo Credit: therecipecritic.com

Apr 7 Almost Kahuku Garlic Shrimp (Truck)

Photo Credit: www.fixfeastflair.com

Raiatea Helms Kahuku Style Garlic Shrimp

Photo Credit: www.cookinghawaiianstyle.com

Let’s make a deal: I haven’t had a chance to try any of these Kahuku Shrimp recipes yet, but when I do, I will be sure to leave an update. Your part of this deal is, if you try one (or find another one that’s better) be sure to come back and let me know about it. OK? Because we all really want to know the very best recipe for making these bad boys at home. Thanks a bunch!

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^{Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!}

The Best Oahu Cheap Eats {Part 2}

July 28 By Renée ♥ 7 Comments

The second installment in our countdown of delicious and wallet-friendly Oahu food finds. {Read Part 1 here.}

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

#5 →Highway Inn {Honolulu}

Mr. B and I are big Guy Fieri fans, so we had to check out his recommendation for authentic Hawaiian food at the Highway Inn in Honolulu.

The service very friendly, and we were escorted to a table quickly. After studying the menu (which included a glossary of terms for non-locals) we decided to share a Super Lau Lau Combo Plate.

Combo plates are served with poi or rice, `uala (sweet potato), haupia (Hawaiian flan), and a choice of lomi salmon, potato salad, macaroni salad, or nalo greens with liliko`i dressing. Our super combo came with an extra protein, and we could choose from kalua pig, pipikaula, squid lu’au, or chicken long rice.

Oahu Cheap Eats - Highway Inn| The Good Hearted Woman

Our plate (clockwise from rice) included rice, pipikaula, purple sweet potatoes, lomi lomi, and pork lau lau.

Mr. B and I both enjoyed the lomi lomi so much that I spent the rest of my trip asking complete strangers how they made it at home so that I could make an authentic version myself. Likewise, the sweet potatoes and the pipikaula (a moist, flavorful Hawaiian-style jerky) were both very good.

Lau lau was completely new to me. It involves carefully wrapping a mixture of finely shredded kalua pork (or chicken/beef) and fish in taro leaves and steaming the mixture. I wish I could say I loved it, but I didn’t– I found the steamed taro leaves too reminiscent of canned spinach. However, the inside pork and fish mixture was quite tasty, which resulted in my half of the plate looking like a picky toddler had a go with it.

Overall, while traditional Hawaiian fare did not move to the top of my favorite cuisines list, the Highway Inn is definitely a great place to experience it.

Note: If you are looking for “live like a local” Hawaiian food on the cheap, my tour bus driver Aaron (a seriously nice guy) highly recommended Ono Hawaiian Foods in Waikiki. Disappointingly, Mr. B and I ran out of time to make it there this trip, but it gets great reviews on Zomato and Yelp, so you might want to check it out.

#4 →Surf N Turf Tacos {Honolulu – Waikiki}
The portions here are over the top! Waikiki is a shopping mecca with high end stores aplenty, and everything there seems to comes with the price-tag to match, even the food. However, Surf N Turf Tacos is one place where you can definitely get your money’s worth. Before we stopped here, I read a few reviews and they were quite mixed, but I’m really glad we decided to go for it. It was located very near where we were staying, so we picked up a burrito and a salad bowl and took them back to our hotel to eat. The service was very friendly, and the food was fresh, hot, and plentiful. In fact, if we had known ahead of time how ginormous our order would be, we would have split a single item – as it was, the leftovers were plenty for a couple of generous snacks for each of us. There have lots of vegetarian options, and we especially recommend the Grilled Veggie Burrito. (Sorry that there are no pictures of this one: we were so hungry when we got back to our hotel that I completely forgot to take pictures before we ate, and we all know how pretty leftover burritos are!)

#3 →Me BBQ {Honolulu – Waikiki}

From the outside, Me B-B-Q looks like a run-down, dingy little hole-in-the-wall. (Taped to the window next to the business hours, you will find a list of “Don’t’s” that includes a warning against sleeping on the premises.) Don’t let that put you off for a second!

The food at Me’s is so good (and so wallet-friendly) that we ate here twice. Portions are huge and one combo plate was plenty for both of us, with leftovers to spare. There are a ton of dishes to select from. We ordered the Na’s Special, which comes with Korean-style chicken and beef (both amazing!), fish jun (egg battered fish), two scoops of rice, and a choice of four sides– all for about twelve bucks!

#2 → Marukame Udon {Honolulu – Waikiki}

Note: This is our #1 for pick for vegetarians!

Umami, often referred to as the fifth taste, is described as a pleasant “brothy” or “meaty” taste with a long lasting, mouthwatering and coating sensation over the tongue. Let me just tell you up front, Marukame Udon is the place on Oahu to seriously get your umami on.

We must have passed by the line outside Marukame Udon ten times over the course of a couple of days before we finally decided to brave it, and we were so glad we did. As it turns out, due to the cafeteria-style service (think Subway with delicious fresh noodles), it moves pretty quickly.

Marukame Udon aren’t your typical udon noodles: made Sanuki-style, the process for creating them is known to be back-breaking, but the results are amazing. (It also offers a great show for folks waiting for a meal.)

You first choose from a variety of udon options that are tailored to your tastes, including traditional, curry, bukkake, cold or hot. You then progress through the line and add your choice of tempura (vegetable and seafood), inari, musubi and fried chicken. Finally, you can add a little something extra to make it your own, including tempura sauces, chili flakes and wasabi, Tenkasu (tempura crumbs), Welsh green onions, and freshly grated ginger. For Kake udon, there’s also soup dispenser where you can add as much or little as you like.

I ordered bukakke odun, which is served cold. Mr. B had his Ontama-style, topped with a soft boiled egg. The noodles themselves were tender and perfectly cooked, and both came swimming in a deliciously amazing, wonderfully savory sauce that made our umami receptors do a freaking happy dance all over our mouths.

Oh my gosh. I’m getting so hungry just thinking about it that I almost forgot – our whole bill for two bowls, four small plates and a soda came to just $18! Especially by Waikiki standards, that’s a crazy-good deal.

Could there be anything better than fresh udon noodles? Believe it or not, we think so. Read all about our Top Pick for “Great Oahu Cheap Eats” in tomorrow’s post!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running – and (relatively) ad-free!! Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Dole: The Complete Pineapple Experience

July 23 By Renée ♥ 11 Comments

Pineapple is no longer the lifeline of Hawaii’s agricultural industry that it once was, but you can still get the whole Pineapple Experience with a visit to the Dole Plantation, just an hour or so north of Honolulu. The Dole Plantation is about as touristy as it gets, but it is also a lot of fun.

POP QUIZ

Q: What is a pineapple?

a. The hanging fruit of the pineapple tree.
b. The underground root of a spiky-leafed plant.
c. The fruit of a terrestrial bromeliad flower stalk.
(Hint: The answer in is the image below.)

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This is tough for me to admit, but until I went to the Dole Plantation, I had no idea how pineapples grew. I was humbly reminded of the time, while taking a class on curriculum development in college, I learned about how some inner-city children needed to be taught that carrots came from the ground and milk came from cows. I was incredulous: who doesn’t know that? I’m sure small children in Hawaii would think the same thing of me and my ignorance about pineapple cultivation.

We took a ride on the The Pineapple Express, which carries visitors through a through a working plantation of pineapple and other crops, featuring fields in all stages of growth, from planting to harvest.

We also managed to make our way through “The World’s Largest Maze” – it took us just under an hour, which I learned is about average. The maze stretches over three acres and includes nearly two and one-half miles of paths crafted from 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants. (I’m pretty sure that the Corn Maize on Portland’s Sauvie’s island is bigger, but who am I to dispute the folks at Guinness World Records?)

Our stroll through Dole Plantation’s eight different educational gardens gave us a glimpse at a wide variety of beautiful and useful tropical plants. The Bromeliad Garden was particularly striking.

There was also a large pond that held some seriously large koi.

Local artisans were on hand as well.

Our last stop started with a brisk walk through the Dole Plantation Store, which has more pineapple-related stuff for sale than I ever imagined could possibly existed. We headed straight for the Plantation Grille – for cup of their a world-famous Dole Whip! So, so, so good, especially on a hot day!

Check out my recipe for 4-ingredient Pineapple Ice Cream {A smooth homemade soft serve created in the spirit of Dole Whip}

In Memory of Gallant Men {Pearl Harbor}

July 20 By Renée ♥ 11 Comments

Highlights and reflections on our visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor.

{Part 1 of 2}

The average age of a serviceman stationed at Pearl Harbor during World War II was nineteen. Do you remember what nineteen looks like?

Sailors on the beach at Waikiki 1945| The Good Hearted Woman

My Dad [age 17, standing on the right] with his buddies at Waikiki – 1944

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My dad enlisted in the Navy in 1943, twenty months into The War, on the day he turned seventeen. After completing basic training, he was assigned as a Torpedoman’s Mate on the USS Searaven, a submarine stationed out of Pearl Harbor.

The image above, taken on the beach at Waikiki in 1944, puts it all into perspective for me. Those faces were with me every minute we spent at Pearl Harbor, and colored every moment of my visit there, because while Dad and his buddies all lived through the war, so many faces as fresh and alive as theirs did not.

They were so very young.

USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor | The Good Hearted Woman

The Shrine Room in the USS Arizona Memorial.

The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument consists of nine historic locations in three of the westernmost United States: California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Of these, five are located within Pearl Harbor itself: the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and parts of Ford Island and Battleship Row.

Before taking our scheduled tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, Mr. B and I took some time to walk around the monument, which includes a number of interconnected sites.

The Remembrance Circle lists every sailor, marine, soldier and citizen known to have died on Oahu on December 7, 1941, besides those listed on the USS Arizona Memorial itself. As I read through the list of civilians who died, I found myself thinking of all the living that was lost: the girls James never got to kiss…the sunlight that never fell again on Alice’s face… the young mother who never got to hear little Eunice tell her she was the best mommy in the world. It broke my heart.

The tour of the USS Arizona Memorial includes a compelling 23-minute film on the history of the politics, the people, and the attack on Oahu. After viewing the film, we boarded a US Navy operated boat for a short ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.

The USS Arizona Memorial is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed on December 7, 1941, when their ship was bombed by the Japanese Naval Forces. This loss of life represents over half of the Americans killed during the worst naval disaster in American History.

Some 500,000 gallons of oil continue to slowly seep out of the ship’s submerged wreckage, nearly 75 years after the attack.

Like many who tour the USS Arizona Memorial, our experience was reflective and somber. Mr. B is a six-year Navy veteran, which brought it all even closer to home for both of us.

Dear Lord,

Lest I continue
My complacent way,
Help me to remember that somewhere,
Somehow out there
A man died for me today.
As long as there be war,
I then must
Ask and answer
Am I worth dying for?

~ Poem Eleanor Roosevelt kept in her wallet during World War II

Just 355 USS Arizona Memorial crewmen survived the attack. During our tour, we were touched to learn that since 1982, the U.S. Navy has allowed those survivors to be interred in the ship’s wreckage upon their deaths. Following a full military funeral at the Arizona memorial, the cremated remains are placed in an urn and then deposited by divers beneath one of the Arizona’s gun turrets.

The Tree of Life, a sculpture designed by architect Alfred Preis, symbolizes rebirth and renewal, and serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected. This piece stands in front of the Road to War Museum and the Attack Museum, near the entrance to the USS Arizona Memorial tour. The same symbol is found on the side panels of the Shrine Room in the USS Arizona Memorial.

[In Memory of Gallant Men, Part 2 ]

If you are planning a trip to Oahu, Pearl Harbor should be on your itinerary. We strongly recommend getting your tickets for the USS Arizona Tour well ahead of time. For more information, including USS Arizona Memorial ticket information, please visit The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument on TripAdvisor.
^{Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!}

Embracing Your Inner Tourist {Hawaiian Style}

July 16 By Renée ♥ 12 Comments

I’m fine with being a Tourist. I have Inner Peace with it.

This post contains affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Because his work takes him there often, Mr. B has spent a lot of time in Hawaii, but our vacation this summer was my first trip there. Before we left, many people asked me, “What island are you going to?” and when I replied that we would be staying on Oahu the whole time, nearly every one looked down and said, almost apologetically, “Oh, it’s really touristy there. You know that, right?”

Well, of course I know. I am the Vacation Planner of all Vacation Planners. So Yes. I know. And guess what!?!

→ * → First time Hawaii Visitor ← * ← right here!!

I’m good with it.

Usually when I mentioned that we would have a car, and there was an audible sigh of relief, as if they were saying, “Whew. OK, I can let you go to Hawaii with my blessing now because you have a way to escape the city.” Having been there, I get that too. I would never want to go back (we are going back, right, Mr. B?!) if downtown Waikiki was my entire Hawaiian experience. But long before we went, I decided that for my first visit, I was going to embrace my inner tourist with gusto!

And I did.

For the first few days after I arrived on Oahu, Mr. B was still working, so I occupied my time by taking an all-day excursion around the island, a half-day tour of Pearl Harbor, and a fabulous sunrise photography tour. ↓

After his vacation officially started, Mr. B and I dedicated a whole day to touring the Pearl Harbor Memorial, so I ended up spending a total of a day and a half there. Which was fine, because Mr. B is a former sailor and my Dad was stationed at Pearl Harbor during The War, so we both feel a deep personal connection.

The majority of our time, however, was spent exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes on the coastline north of Honolulu. We went kayaking and snorkeling, hiking and sightseeing, and had a great time everywhere we went, from the colorful beaches of the North Shore to bustling streets of Waikiki. We even booked ourselves onto a cheesy sunset dinner cruise, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. [You’ll be reading more about all of our adventures as the month goes on.]

In the process, we made a few quick stops at some very touristy and (mostly) fun destinations. I thought I’d share a couple of those with you today.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Anyone who has ever been to Oahu will tell you (or at least they all told me…many, many, many times) that no visit is complete without a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC).

In all honesty, the PCC felt a lot like Epcot Islands to us; however, it probably would have been a lot more awesome had it not been blisteringly hot the day we attended.

The PCC is set up as a string of Islands, representing island groups from six Pacific cultures – Tonga, Samoa, Aotearoa, Figi, Hawaii, and Tahiti. You can stroll through the “Village Experience,” mingle with natives from those islands, and watch demonstrations that reflect island life, both modern and historical. Each Island also offers shows, scheduled throughout the day, and that provide an in-depth, entertaining look at unique aspects of Polynesian cultures. We got there later in the afternoon and so we didn’t catch all of the shows, but those we did attend were very well presented. We especially enjoyed the Tongan show. (I mean, who doesn’t love a guy with serious leg tattoos twirling Fire!?!)

Figi was also very entertaining. Their show began with each performer standing under a carved lodge-pole representing one of their ancestors and giving a brief overview of their lineage. I know nothing about authentic Figi culture, so I can’t say if this family-history focus is really a big deal in the Figi islands, or if the presentation was influenced more by the LDS Church, who owns and operates the PCC. (The BYU Hawaii campus is right next door the the PCC, and most of the performers are students there.) In any case, it was pretty of cool, and the performers themselves very talented.

The PCC also puts on a canoe pageant each day, as well as cooking demonstrations, food tasting (yum!), and a Broadway-worthy evening show known as Hā: Breath of Life – an epic adventure told through traditional song and dance and fire-filled performances. (It even comes complete with requisite luau!)

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Outlet

I’m not gonna lie – I went back here twice, because we ate up all the macadamia nuts I purchased on my first visit in one day! SO good. (Do not even comment to tell me how many calories are in one macadamia nut. I know. But they are nuts, so they are probably super -good for you, right? And that makes it totally OK to eat a couple of handfuls every night when you are on vacation, right?) This family owned place has a nice vibe, there are many varieties of nuts, as well as natural cosmetics and other fun stuff, and the prices are very reasonable.

The Ukulele Site {Haleiwa}

Mr. B and I made a decision some time ago that when we go on a vacation, we would avoid throwing our money at cheap, kitchy stuff that will eventually be thrown away (dashboard hulu girls excepted) and use our money instead to purchase one nice something that reminds us of our trip. Preferably something musical.

Hmm… Musical + Hawaii = ???

Ukulele!!

There are plenty of toys that have strings in Hawaii, and we weren’t interested in those. We wanted a musical instrument – one that with a rich tone that would stand up to years of playing. After researching things out, we drove up to Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore to meet the very talented Noah Campbell at The Ukulele Site shop.

We already knew we wanted a Concert-size ukulele. (One step bigger than the small soprano variety seen in every single tourist shop window in Hawaii.) Noah helped us find one that met our needs in our price-range – a Pono MC-Mahogany Concert (with a pick-up!) – and since neither Mr. B nor I are ukulele players of any skill yet, he played it a little for us so that we could hear its tone and true potential. Great guy, great store.

Matsumoto’s Shave Ice {Haleiwa}

We capped off our visit to Haleiwa with some shave ice at Matsumoto’s. Billed by locals and tour guides alike as the best shave ice on the island, Matsumoto’s Shave Ice is the Voodoo Donuts of the North Shore.

Mamoru and Helen Matsumoto opened their small grocery store in 1951, and expanded it to include shave ice after the birth of their three children. They boomed in the 60s as waves of surfers from across the globe came to the island’s famed North Shore. Today, tourists flock here in droves to stand in line for an hour just for a chance at a sweet treat.

We ordered the “Hawaiian” – Coconut, Pineapple & Banana – with condensed milk, which (by Hawaii’s tourist prices) was a steal at $3.50, with plenty for both of us to share. And in case you are wondering, the answer is Yes, it was the Best Shave Ice I’ve ever had. The addition of condensed milk – Brilliant! – makes it takes like fresh, light ice cream, only better!

The point of this whole post is, if you want to do the tourist thing, embrace it! Pull on those Bermudas and that Hila Hattie shirt; slap that hula girl on the dashboard of your rental car and Go For It!

I know how much I love to see visitors discover my world here in the PNW for the first time, and I’m sure that people elsewhere feel the same way about sharing theirs. I know that the Hawaiians that I met did! Oahu was the first place I’ve ever visited where the locals were (almost) as open and friendly as the folks on the streets back in my hometown.

So friendly, in fact, that it almost felt like Portland – with palm trees. And sunshine.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. (Rest assured though, we will NEVER recommend anything we don’t believe in just to make a buck. We like to sleep at night.) Anywho, while clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running! Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Be sure to check out our Ultimate Oahu Vacation Guide for LOTS more info!

Sometimes I just need to look at something peaceful and pretty. Maybe you do too.

Dining at Duc’s Bistro in Honolulu’s Chinatown is an unforgettable experience in casual elegance, delicious food, and warm hospitality.

Hiking to the peak of Diamond Head Crater is no stroll through the park, but Wow! What a payoff!

Start early

Wear Good {Closed-toe} Shoes

Take Water

Take It Easy

A Sunrise Photography Tour is a great way to see some of Hawaii’s most beautiful locations, all while getting professional guidance that will help you to take your landscape photography to the next level.

“Never let the truth get in the way of a great photo.”

Silhouettes

Composition

Exposure

P Mode

Forest and Trees

People

Thank you so much for being a faithful reader and supporter of The Good Hearted Woman. ❤ Be sure to Pin this post!

Helpful Tips for Snorkeling Beginners, plus a brief recap of our adventure in Hanauma Bay, Oahu.

Now, back to Hanauma Bay…

Whether you’re looking for the Best Cheap Eats on Oahu, or hoping to relive those North Shore memories and make some of those buttery, velvety, succulent A-MAZING Kahuku Shrimp at home, you are in the right place!

[drum-roll, please…]

Check out our countdown of the Best Oahu Cheap Eats Part 1 & Part 2!

Fumi’s Shrimp Farm {Roadside Stand, Kahuku}

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Kahuku-Style Garlic Shrimp

Garlic Chili Shrimp

Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp

Apr 7 Almost Kahuku Garlic Shrimp (Truck)

Raiatea Helms Kahuku Style Garlic Shrimp

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

The second installment in our countdown of delicious and wallet-friendly Oahu food finds. {Read Part 1 here.}

#2 → Marukame Udon {Honolulu – Waikiki}

Could there be anything better than fresh udon noodles? Believe it or not, we think so. Read all about our Top Pick for “Great Oahu Cheap Eats” in tomorrow’s post!

Check out my recipe for 4-ingredient Pineapple Ice Cream {A smooth homemade soft serve created in the spirit of Dole Whip}

Highlights and reflections on our visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor.

I’m fine with being a Tourist. I have Inner Peace with it.

The Ukulele Site {Haleiwa}

Matsumoto’s Shave Ice {Haleiwa}

**“Never let the truth get in the way of a great photo.”**

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter of
The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!