Maui Specialty Chocolates

Dark Chocolate Truffle Mochi

Assorted Chocolates

Location: 180 East Wakea Avenue
                     Kahului, HI 96732

Phone: 808.871.1222

Website: http://www.mauispecialtychocolates.com

Parking: It looks like there is a paved parking lot and it looks like it's free.  I guess I will have to check it out in person. ;)

Hours of Operation: M-F 10am-5pm & Saturday 10am-2pm

Why you should go: So far I've only tried the Dark Chocolate Truffle Mochi and a couple of the assorted chocolates and they are DELICIOUS!  I got this as a gift from a family member, so these are the only things I was able to try...so far.  According to their January 2014 pricelist, it costs $7.25 for the 5-piece box I received.  The mochi is made fresh daily and you have to eat it within 3 days of purchase.  The outer mochi layer is slightly sweet and chewy.  The inner layer is a combination of chocolate ganache and a piece of chocolate. The ganache is smooth and silky and pairs perfectly with the chocolate piece.  It's not sickeningly sweet and is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.  I can't wait to try the rest of their sweets.  To be continued...

Tips: They tend to run out quickly and suggest to call to place your order.  According to their "Mochi Care Instructions" it should be eaten within 2-3 days or immediately placed in a freezer ziploc and frozen.  When freezing, Do not microwave to thaw!  Thaw by letting it reach room temperature.


**Information as of March 11, 2013

Macky's Shrimp Truck

Lemon Pepper

Butter Garlic

Location: 66-632 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa 96712 (Next to 7-11)

Phone: 808.780.1071

Website: None

Parking: Free ( Dirt lot )

Cost: $12 per plate - You can choose from Lemon Pepper, Butter Garlic, Coconut, Original & Spicy Hot. It comes with salad (with Italian dressing), a piece of pineapple, 2 scoops of white rice and of course 9 huge pieces of shrimp.

Hours: Everyday 10:30am-6:30pm

Why you should go: The shrimp is yummy!  On a crave-ability scale, I'd rate it an 8.  That's saying a lot since I'm picky about what I will eat for a second time. 

What to expect: We went on a rainy day.  Luckily they have covered seating.  

There are chickens running around trying to get scraps of food.  I suppose they know they are safe since they are not on the menu.  There are flies too.  It's Hawaii and insects thrive here.  Annoying, but not a deal breaker.

There is a 7-11 next door so if you are with someone that doesn't like shrimp they can grab something to eat there.  You can also get your drinks from them.  They have a wider selection to choose from. 

It does get messy so you may want to bring wet wipes. If not, they do have a sink with soap located on the side of the truck. 

**Information as of December 4, 2012

Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market

Young Coconut Juice

After you drink the juice they crack it open for you

Location: 4303 Diamond Head Road ( Parking Lot C )

Website: http://hfbf.org/markets/markets/kcc/

Parking: Free!!!!  We found parking easily and there were available spaces when we left.

Cost: Free!!!! (except for what you purchase)

Hours: Tuesdays - 4pm-7pm & Saturdays 7:30am-11am

Why you should go: It's a great way to get a taste local foods, see (and buy) local produce and try out other local products all in one place.  If you are visiting, this is a great place to shop for gifts.

What to expect: If you go on Saturday, go early!  We were there at 8:30am on Saturday and the crowds were ok.  By the time we left at 10am it was packed!  They also have straw mats available for you to use while eating. (See picture above) Great idea! 

We also went on Tuesday and there were a lot less vendors and tons of parking.  I think we were done walking around within 30 minutes.  

My experience: The only prepared foods I tried were the young coconut juice (see picture above), a banana spring roll, shrimp summer rolls and a chicken and vegetable spring roll all from the same vendor.  First of all, I grabbed the shrimp summer rolls from the bottom.  It was the coldest and I wasn't going to eat it right away.  The vendor wasn't too happy about that.  He blurted something out loud in his native language and ran over to where I was and started to move things around.  I didn't expect that sort of response and was a little shocked so I didn't even realize that there was no peanut sauce for the shrimp rolls.  I've eaten these numerous times and never had them without the sauce! Second, we ordered the coconut juice.  The juice tasted a little fermented and carbonated and it was warm.  The taste of the juice is not what I remember as a child. When we were done drinking the juice we took it back to them to get the meat out of the coconut.  Well,  it was hacked into thirds and we only received two pieces.  Hmmmm, I glanced over to the food area and saw them putting out coconut pieces that were packed in a to-go container.  Yuck!  That means that various peoples germs (from drinking the juice) is sitting on the meat!  Ewwwww! 

The banana spring roll was pretty good.  Slightly sweet and tangy.  You can't really go wrong with a fried banana.  The chicken and veggie spring roll was pretty good too. I was surprised that it was still crunchy when I ate it.  The shrimp rolls were disappointing.  No sauce and the skin was tough.  I won't be going there again.  I will have to go back and try out the other prepared foods.  To be continued...

Mission Houses Museum

Location: 553 S. King Street
                         Honolulu, HI 96813
                         Click here for directions

Phone: 808.447.3910
Website: http://www.missionhouses.org/

Parking: Metered street parking  - I am not sure how much it is for metered parking right now.  (PLEASE READ THE STREET SIGNS - Some street parking areas in downtown are blocked off during rush hour.  THEY WILL TOW YOUR CAR)

Cost: General - $10
          Kama'aina, Sr. Citizens (55+) & Military - $8
          Students (Age 6 - College w/ ID) - $6
**Kama'aina Saturday - Last Saturday of the Month 50% off admission**

Hours of Operation:
Mission House Museum: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm
Guided House Tours: Tuesday - Saturday: Starting on the hour every hour from 11am with the last hour beginning at 3pm.
Cafe and Tea Parlor: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3pm / Afternoon Tea on Saturdays from 11am - 3pm
Cafe Menu


Why you should go: Here is another interesting glimpse into Hawaiian history.  At this museum you will hear about the arrival of the missionaries to the islands.  Allow about 2 1/2 hours here.  If you are waiting for the next tour to start you can check out the cemetery across the street.
I haven't been here in awhile so I don't have any up-to-date opinions or pictures.  To be continued...

A must do before you go: Check out their website for upcoming events under "Whats Happening".  Although I haven't yet attended any of their events, they all sound very interesting.  There is one in particular that caught my eye.  It's called Cemetery Pupu Theatre at Oahu Cemetery.  There is a small cemetery across the street and it sounds like you get a tour of different gravesites and they tell you who they were and what they did.  It's $60 which sounds a little steep, but it is a unique tour and they even serve "Pupus" or appetizers.  (Please refrain from making a joke about the word "Pupu".  I'm sure they here it all the time and it's probably not funny to them anymore.)  

Iolani Palace

Location: 364 King Street
                         Honolulu, HI 96813

On the corner of King Street & Richard Street.  For directions click here.

Phone: 808.522.0822
            Pre-recorded tour info: 808.538.1471
            Reservations for guided tour: 808.522.0832 or 808.522.0823 or click here for email

Website: http://www.iolanipalace.org/

Parking: Limited metered parking on the palace grounds.  Street parking (quarters only) 25 cents for 15 minutes.  (When parking on the street, read the signs!  They will tow your car during morning and afternoon rush hours) Click here for more info.

Cost: Guided Tour (Reservations required)* - Adult - $20
                                                                          Child (5-12) - $6
          Self-led/Audio Tour ($1 extra for audio recording)* - Adult - $12
                                                                                                 Child (5-12) - $5
          Basement Gallery Exhibits - Adults - $7
                                                        Child (5-12) - $3

          Military and Kama'aina - Guided Tour - $15 (ID required)

Click here for detailed information regarding tours.

Kama'aina Sunday - Generally the first Sunday of the month there is free admission. (ID Required)

*Children 4 years and under are not allowed on the first and second floors of the palace and cannot participate in the guided or self-led/audio tours.  They can however visit the Basement Gallery Exhibits.

Hours: Palace: M-Sa - 9am-5pm (periodically open on Sundays)
                   The Palace Shop: M-Sa - 8:30am-4pm (also open on Kama'aina Sunday)

Why you should go: Just being in the same space where Hawaiian Monarchy once lived is surreal. Hear about how life was for Hawaiian royalty and walk the same halls they walked.  I admit you have to be at least a little interested in history or else this will look like just another big building with old stuff in it.

I haven't been here in awhile so I don't have any personal experience info yet.  I will update this post when I am able to go.  To be continued...

**Information per website as of July 5, 2012

Kahuku Farms

Tractor Ride

Taro and Papaya

Papaya

Location: 56-800 Kamehameha Hwy

                Kahuku, HI 96731

(Click here for directions - It can be a little hard to find if you are a first time visitor)

Phone: Tours & Reservations: 808.628.0639

            Farm Cafe: 808.293.8159

Website: http://www.kahukufarms.com/

Parking: FREE

Cost for Tractor Tour:
         Adults - $15
         Children (5-12) - $12
         Children 4 and Under - FREE
**Book before and receive $2 off**
**INCLUDES Fresh fruit from the farm served on the patio of the Farm Cafe before the tour**

Hours of Operation:
Farm Cafe - Friday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm (Click here for menu)
Tractor-pulled Wagon Tour - Friday - Sunday - Call for tour times.

Why you should book the Tractor Tour: If you are curious about how fruits and vegetables grow and look before they are picked and displayed at the grocery store, this tour is for you.  I got to see what passion fruit, taro, eggplant, papaya, banana, sugar cane, vanilla, cacao (chocolate) and many other tropical and not-so-tropical plants/trees grow.  If you'd like, the guide will even stop the tractor so you can walk around and take pictures.  Plus you start off with fresh fruit right from the farm!

Why you should eat at the Farm Cafe:  Everything is fresh right from the farm!  The only items I tried on my trip there was the Ice Cream.  Since there were 4 of us, I was lucky enough to try all 3 flavors.  All were equally delicious.  Please don't make me pick my favorite.  That decision is way too difficult.  If you are not familiar, lilikoi is passion fruit and apple banana is a banana with a slightly tart taste.  Both very delicious!
They also sell fresh fruit that you can take home or back to the hotel with you.  Please also check out their Bath & Body and Culinary products.  I bought the Waterless Hand Sanitizer and I love it.  It doesn't dry out my hands and smells amazing.  I also bought the dehydrated apple banana.  It was the perfect snack during our hike the following day.

Notes: We were there about 2 hours which included the tour and ice cream and shopping after the tour.  Since this blog was an afterthought, I don't have any pictures of the fresh fruit or ice cream.  I will just have to visit again!

**Information as of June 26, 2012 according to their website**

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

Location: 1525 Bernice Street
                Honolulu, HI 96817
Click here for directions

Phone: 808.847.3511
Website: http://www.bishopmuseum.org/index.html

Parking: FREE ample parking

Cost of admission: 
General: Adult - $17.95
               Children (ages 4-12) - $14.95
               Children (3 & under) - FREE
               Senior Citizens - $14.95

Kama'aina & Military (ID required): Adult - $10.95
                                                              Junior - $8.95
                                                              Senior Citizens - $8.95

Guests of Kama'aina & Military (sponsor's ID required): Adult - $14.95
                                                                                                 Junior - $11.95
                                                                                                 Senior Citizens - $11.95
                 
Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Monday 9am - 5pm (CLOSED on Tuesdays)

Why you should go: Although I am not a history buff, I still love history.  I may not be able to tell you dates of past events, but I still enjoy checking out a history museum.  My favorite is the Hawaiian Hall. It gives you a glimpse into what Hawaii was like many years ago.  As I stare at the clothing, weapons, jewelry and other artifacts behind the protective glass my imagination runs wild; who used those items and how was life like during that time?  There are many things to see and experience here.  I would allow at least 3 or more hours for this visit.   I haven't been here in years so I don't have any pictures yet. To be continued...

**Information as of June 26, 2012 according to their website**