What better way to end a day at the beach than with a Honolulu happy hour?

Bars with the Best Happy Hour

I love to experience the outdoors and jump at any chance to get my heart rate going while also exploring a new activity. In this regard, it’s safe to say that Hawaii pretty much has my name all over it. Of course, I also love good food and drinks. After a few hours or days running around hiking, biking, swimming and snorkeling, what better way to catch some R&R than with some serious happy hour time? Some of my favorite places are well-situated in the hub of Honolulu, just like many of my top hiking trails and beaches. What more could I ask for?

Enjoy Hawaiian cocktails for a true taste of the islands

Off the Wall Restaurant and Bar, Aiea, Hi

This place has specials every day of the week except Mondays. From one of my favorites, sake, slashed to 50 percent during Happy Hour (4 p.m – 6 p.m.) to fun sparkling cocktails for just $4, Off the Wall appeals to all imbibing styles. Plus, it has cheap, tasty Asian fusion appetizers and several Polynesian cocktails for a true taste of the islands. Contrary to its name, the place is calm and inviting.

Try the pizza and Blue Moon happy hour specials at Hawaii's Sports FanAddicts

Sports FanAddicts Bar & Grill, Honolulu, Hi

As the name implies, this sports bar hosts every game or event on with the added bonus of truly outstanding food and awesome drink specials. The devoted followers come here and rave about the pizza and Blue Moon specials during happy hour, as well as the attentive staff. What’s great about this place is it’s never too crowded, which almost makes me reluctant to share it!

Karaoke and cheap drinks qualifies Wang Chung's for Honolulu Bars with the Best Happy Hours

Wang Chung’s, Honolulu, Hi

Some visitors tout Wang Chung’s as a place for “the most fun you’ll ever have in Honolulu.” With karaoke and cheap drink specials, it’s hard to argue. Songs are free before 8 p.m., many of which are Japanese, and provide the bar with another type of island experience. Fun cocktails like key lime pie drinks and strawberry mojitos make this place a silly but memorable happy hour destination.

Daily drink specials at this happy hour make Hanks Cafe easy on the wallet

Hank’s Café Honolulu, Honolulu, Hi

To be honest, I’m a dive bar kind of person, and Hank’s Cafe serves this need for me perfectly without having to go down the overly saturated route of an Irish pub. Live music most nights, homey décor and a variety of patrons make it extra special and eclectic. Daily drink specials make it easy on the wallet, but happy hour prices bring it even lower. Experience a true game of musical chairs, as most of the patrons are there to hop up on stage at some point and share instruments. The musician’s network makes it a welcoming and ear-pleasing spot to end your day

After an early evening of sipping drinks, watching games or singing Japanese pop tunes, I like to make my way down Honolulu to any of the numerous Waikiki hotels. The lounges and restaurants located within offer up a new direction for cocktails or innovative cuisine. It’s no surprise that Waikiki is one of my favorite places to have just about any style of eating and drinking experience!

What are your favorite things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii?

This post was made possible by Aqua Resorts.

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Things to see and do in Maui

Honolulu

Experience the Wailele Polynesian Luau at The Westin Maui Resort

Maui Insider Tips

Looking for insider tips for things to see and do in Maui, Hawaii? I have recently returned from the Hawaiian Islands and I’m happy to share some Maui “must do” recommendations with you.

The first experience I do with visitors from out of town is to go to a Luau – it is a must see for people who have never been to Hawaii.  A favorite is the Old Lahaina Luau. Their performers are very talented and the pacing of the show keeps your interest.  The buffet is also one of the best from any luau. I recently tried the Wailele Polynesian Luau at The Westin Maui Resort and enjoyed the five member fire knife dancers, as well as Fiji and Maori performances.

Ko Restaurant at The Fairmont Kea Lani offers plantation era-inspired cuisine

Authentic Hawaiian dining Maui-style

If you are looking for an authentic Hawaiian dining experience,  Ko Restaurant at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui offers plantation era-inspired cuisine.  They have truly represented  Maui cuisine  from the main cultures of the island all brought together when working the sugarcane fields.  The menu features Portuguese stew,  lobster tempura, chicken and mushroom lumpia, Maui Cattle Company ribeye, pancit, and coconut gelato. FYI, the restaurant is undergoing a major renovation and will be opening in February of 2012.

Want to impress your dining companion?  Go to Restaurant Nick’s Fishmarket Maui and order the Strawberries Panzini – Ulupalakua Ranch strawberries flambéed tableside with Grand Marnier served with Hawaiian brown sugar, Devonshire Cream & Chocolate sauce – the presentation of this dessert alone is worth it!  Located at The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort. Save me a bite!

And if  you like fresh fish at a great price, locals know to go to  Eskimo Candy in Kihei (South Maui).  They have the freshest fish caught by the owners, but hurry because they will sell out!

Kihei Caffe has got great breakfast treats and espressos.

If you haven’t been to Maui before, you should try Mama’s Fish House, just past the hippy town of Paia. The menu lists the fresh fish and who caught the fish daily.  Another splurge and one of my favorite restaurants is Lahaina Grill located on Front Street. They are known for quality cuisine, knowledgeable servers, and expansive wine list.

Maui works outs

If I want to be adventurous or simply get a cardio work out on the water,  go to any of the beaches in Kihei and Wailea for stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, Hawaiian canoe experience or surfing lessons.

Fitness buffs will love an active day outdoors in Maui. There are an unlimited amount of activities to try, from walking or hiking, to SCUBA diving, outrigger canoe paddling, surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, ziplining, snorkeling, paragliding, and, of course, horseback riding!

My favorite walking route is the 1.5 mile winding walk along the Wailea beaches – it is perfect in the early morning.

Early birds, bring your camera with you for sunrise at Haleakala (and lesser known – sunset AND late night at the top of Haleakala)   Other “must do” photo opportunities: Seven Sacred Pools on the road to Hana, Iao Valley, Twin Falls, Front Street Lahaina, Honolua Bay, Bamboo Forest, Black sand beach, Hookipa lookout point

If you walk to the top of Pu’u ‘ula ‘ula (Red Hill) – summit of Haleakala in the West Maui Mountains – you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view.

Try the Hawaiian Canoe Experience - anyone can try it - free to guests of Fairmont Kea Lani

Insider Tip: Listen to your mother

My teenagers wanted to be sure to return home to California with Hawaiian tans.  Of course they didn’t listen to dear old mom me when I shared that the Hawaiian sun was very strong and the importance of re-applying sunblock. Needless to say, they both fried themselves on our first day in Hawaii and spent the entire next day in the hotel room drinking Gatorade to re-hydrate and slathered in Aloe vera lotion. By the way – they missed out on surf lessons due to their sun burns.

Upcountry Maui

At  Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area the weather is usually cooler and sometimes misty, but always beautiful.  The intoxicating scent of the trees will encourage you to journey farther into this state park located upcountry Maui near Kula. While you are upcountry, visit O’o Farms located in the Waipoli (misting forest) district of Kula for a farm to table garden tour.

If you come to Lahaina, visit Aloha Mixed Plate Beachside Grill

Lahaina, Maui

If you come to Lahaina, Maui, get your picture taken at the famous banyan tree off Front Street.  It is one of the largest Indian Banyan trees in the world expanding over a 200 foot area. While in Lahaina, stop at Aloha Mixed Plate for the affordable food and stay for the water front views.

Are you looking for some Maui night life? For dancing, go to “the triangle” in Kihei (South Maui).  There are several different types of bars from Dog N Duck to Tiki Lounge, to Ambrosia, to Life’s a Beach – each has live entertainment.

Insider Tip: If you like sushi, Sansei Kapalua and Kihei is the place for late night dining.  They offer half  price sushi after 10 pm plus karaoke!

MauiTime is the newspaper the locals read to keep up on what’s happening on the island.

If you happen to be visiting Maui in June, check out the Maui Film Festival Wonderful movies are shown outdoors on a golf course, under the stars.

Go on a whale watch in the winter time to view the majestic humpback whales!

Come play in The West Maui's 87,00 square foot aquatic playground

Traveling with kiki?

Will you be traveling with  keikis? The Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea is worth a visit.  This Hawaiian aquarium features a turtle lagoon, hands-on tide pool, discovery center, and a 54-foot clear tunnel allowing you to walk among sharks, stingrays, and other fish.  Book online for discounts. Check out The Ohana Mama for additional tips from a local Maui mom blogger.

What are your favorite things to do on the Island of Maui?

Thanks to Wendy Harvey and  for assistance with this post.  Photos and YouTube video by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau and Hawaiian Air.

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Sharing Aloha at Hilo Farmers Market

As I wandered the aisles of the Hilo Farmers Market, I was lamenting my “carry -on packing policy” decision. I would be able to take home Filthy Farmgirl soaps, Hilo Sharks coffee and handcrafted earrings and matching pendant from a local crafts woman, but I would NOT be able to bring back any Broke the Mouth Passion Mango salad dressing or Leslie’s Menehune Kitchen Apple Banana Butter from the Hilo Farmers Market due to TSA’s airline regulations restricting liquids in carry on luggage. Boo hoo!

Stop by Ratana's food cart at Hilo Farmers Market for spring rolls

Hilo Farmers Market Humble Beginnings

The Hilo Farmers Market has come a long way since its debut in 1988. Conceived and developed by Richard “Mike” Rankin, the Hilo Farmers Market had a humble beginning with only four farmers who sold their goods from parked cars and trucks. Today, the market has grown to over 200 vendors selling everything from locally grown tropical flowers, to fresh island fruits and vegetables, special Big Island food products and handmade crafts made with Aloha.

Named one of the best Farmers Markets in the West by California-based Sunset Magazine,  you’ll find good deals on produce, Spam musubi, Ratana’s Green Papaya Salad and spring rolls sold from her food cart, Puna goat cheese or special gifts that say “The Big Island” at The Hilo Farmers Market.

Did you know that the Hilo Farmers Market was the first open market in the nation to be federally approved to accept food stamps?  True to the Big Island’s welcoming spirit, the Hilo Farmers Market is accessible to everyone.

I had a chance to speak with Hilo Farmers Market Director Keith De La Cruz during my visit to Hawaii’s Big Island. Look for De La Cruz cameo appearance drinking fresh coconut water in the YouTube video I created at the Hilo Farmers Market.

What are your favorite things to do in Hilo, Hawaii?

If You Go:

Hilo Farmers Market (808) 933-1000

Corner of Mamo St. and Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, 96721-0034

Thanks to Big Island Visitors Bureau and Jessica Ferracane of Irondog Communications for assistance with this post. You may also follow the Hawaiian Island on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan of Hawaii. I was a guest of Big Island Visitors Bureau. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown

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