Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – September 17, 2008

snow broke a new world “Where In Hawaii” record by correctly guessing last week’s photo as the very first commenter! WOAH! Talk about being duck soup! I really gotsta make these harder yeah? I’m hoping this week’s one will keep you guys stumped for at least a day or so. Hurrr we goooo!

Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – September 17, 2008

Hint: It’s in Kauai… perhaps somewhere with a lot of trees? *grin*

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Last Week’s Answer
Here’s the answer to last week’s photo:

Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 10, 2008: Tasaka Guri Guri Sign, Maui

Da “Where In Hawaii” Winnahz Circle!

• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 10, 2008: snow (Tasaka Guri Guri, Maui)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 3, 2008: M with props to Rodney (Laie Point State Wayside)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 27, 2008: nobody!, but dsosa was close (Camp Erdman)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 20, 2008: BarbieQ! (Old Koloa Town)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 6, 2008: kako mochi (Kincaid’s)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 30, 2008: ijiwarui (Dave & Buster’s)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 23, 2008: MoOgooGuypAN and Coconut Willy’s wifey (La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 27, 2008: GumbysHorse (White Plains Beach, Barber’s Point)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – May 19, 2008: nobody! (the mall fronting Kekaulike Market in Chinatown)
• Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – May 7, 2008: nobody!, but 1dble was pretty dang close (Ward area, more specifically, right in front of the Starbucks/Big City Diner area)

Happy Hump Day Where In Hawaii Wednesday y’all. 🙂

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Wowie In Maui – Part I

Part I | Part II | Part III

No, the “wowie” in the title is not what you think, Cheech. I’m actually referring to all of the exciting things you can do while exploring the beautiful island of Maui. And in true World Wide Ed fashion, let’s take the logical approach and break this thang down by sections, starting with the West Side of the Valley Isle… WessssSiiiide!

Pretty much as far West as you can get is the city of Lahaina. If touristy shopping is your bag, then this is your place. As somewhat the equivalent of a countrified version of Waikiki, Front Street is where you’ll find all the little shops and restaurants to please your palette. (I may be alone on this one, but for some reason Front Street also reminds me of the Fisherman’s Wharf area in San Francisco. Anyone else?)

Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761 (map)

We ate the ribs at Front Street Grill and Bar, but I honestly don’t remember much. Not that it was bad, but it just wasn’t memorably good, naw-mean. It is however, a great place for fresh air and people watching, as the restaurant overlooks Front Street.

Ribs from Front Street Grill and Bar

Front Street Grill and Bar 672 Front Street Lahaina, HI 96761 (map) (808) 662-3003

Working our way east, we cannot forget to mention Iao Needle at the Iao Valley State Park. I say “mention” because I unfortunately have no photographic proof of actually going there, just my memories. *blush* But since my memories are useless to you, here are a couple of useful links to help you get edu-ma-cated. While you’re off visiting those, I’ll type up my favorite cheesy Iao Needle joke for when you come back.

• Iao Valley State Park
• “Iao Needle” image search results from Google

Welcome back. How were those links? Pretty cherry ah? Anyway, here goes with the cheesy Iao Needle joke:

Q) How did Iao Needle get its name?
A) One day, dis guy wen sit on um and yelled “Iiiiiiaowww!”

Yeah, lame, I know… but don’t say I didn’t warn you. *grin*

One thing to note, be sure to bring your umbrella-ella-ella, as it rains often here.

Iao Valley State Monument/Park (Iao Needle) End of Iao Valley Road, Highway 32 Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793 (map)

Ohhhh K, moving right along…

How ’bout a little crispy manju action from Home Maid Bakery?

Home Maid Bakery sign

Inconspicuously located on Lower Main Street in Wailuku, this mom & pops store has been baking up fresh pastries and sweets like malasadas, doughnuts and their popular crispy manju since 1960. My personal favorite is the peanut butter filled mochi. You heard it here first! 🙂

Home Maid Bakery 1005 Lower Main Street Wailuku, HI 96793 (map) Bakery: 244-4150 Office: 244-7015 Open 7 days a week, 5am-10pm

Moving east, we hit the Queen Kaahumanu Center, for those of you getting a bad case of shopping withdrawals.

Queen Ka`ahumanu Center sign

With a good sized food court, 6-screen movie theater, and the usual shopping center shops and anchor tenants (see store directory here), you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss local favorite Koho’s Grill & Bar.

Having a little too much fun in front of the Koho Grill and Bar sign

Be forewarned though. It is often crowded here and is known to (sometimes) take long with food orders. Today, I got the veggie burger with fries.

Veggie burger with fries

Queen Kaahumanu Center 275 W Kaahumanu Ave # 1200 Kahului, HI 96732 (map) (808) 877-3369 Mall Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:30am-9:00pm, Sun: 10:00am-5:00pm

Koho Grill & Bar 275 W Kaahumanu Ave # 245 Kahului, HI 96732 (map) (808) 877-5588

In case you didn’t enough of yo shop on, we’ll head to the next mall, Maui Mall on nearby East Kaahumanu Avenue. They’ve also got a bevy of stores of interest like Long’s Drug Store, Fun Factory, and the 12 theater Maui Mall Megaplex (see store directory here), but the real reason most visitors come here is get a tasty treat from the ever-popular Tasaka Guri Guri.

Tasaka Guri Guri sign

This famously sweet, juice, soda and condensed milk concoction is undeniably addicting, and the prices are still mom and pop-ish (starts at just $1 for 2 scoops).

Tasaka Guri Guri

Tasaka Guri Guri 70 E Kaahumanu Ave Kahului, HI 96732 (map) (808) 871-4513

Another merchant in the Maui Mall with name value is IHOP (International House of Pancakes), the first in the state.

Maui’s IHOP sign

This is the very IHOP that was well documented during Season 3 of American Idol, when it was revealed that Hawaii contestant Camile Velasco used to work for her parents here before trying out for the singing competition.

Today, I ordered a hard-to-ruin, eggs, hash and link sausage breakfast, also known as the Quick Two-Egg Breakfast.

Quick Two-Egg Breakfast: Two Eggs, Two savory pork sausage links (or two bacon strips), plus hash browns and toast

Yeah, I didn’t order pancakes at the International House of Pancakes… Sue me! 😛

IHOP 70 E Kaahumanu Ave Kahului, HI 96732 (map) (808) 871-4000

Did I hear somebody say doughnuts? Your wish is my command. Sitting on nearby Kele Street, the State’s only Krispy Kreme Doughnuts location awaits us.

Krispy Kreme sign

With a plethora of flavors and styles, hand-carrying a few dozen of these tasty treats home is always a popular omiyage option for those of us who live on another island.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Selection

(Tip – I’ve mentioned this before, but if you’re cheap, you can come here and sometimes be offered free samples of their popular Original Glazed doughnut, fresh off the conveyor belt).

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 433 Kele Street Kahului, HI 96732 (map) Phone: (808) 893-0883

Enough with the eats you say? Fine. Let’s head south and hit up the Maui Ocean Center to see Hawaii’s most spectacular marine life in action.

Maui Ocean Center sign

Your first attraction (follow along using the park map) to the right of the entrance is the Living Reef, defined as “Hawaii’s beautiful tropical fishes and living coral reefs, in awe-inspiring marine habitats.” Here are scenes from the Living Reef.

Upon exiting the Living Reef, you’ll pass by Turtle Lagoon – “Hawaii’s green sea turtles are a wonder to behold,”

Maui Ocean Center – Turtle Lagoon

before hitting the Tide Pool – “Enjoy an up close and personal look at Hawaii’s marine life.”

Maui Ocean Center – Tide Pool

And then you’ll make your way to Hammerhead Harbor: “Come eye to eye with Hawaii’s most unusual sharks, scalloped by hammerheads.”

Maui Ocean Center – Hammerhead Harbor

From there, we’ll go into the Marine Mammal Discovery Center,

Maui Ocean Center – Marine Mammal Discovery Center

which includes the Hawaiians and the Sea display and the Open Ocean tank and tunnel. Following are some scenes from here.

For more detailed information about the various exhibits, visit the visitor information page at mauioceancenter.com.

Maui Ocean Center 192 Maalaea Rd Wailuku, HI 96793 (map) (808) 270-7000

We round out our western tour of Maui by traveling south to a fun Italian Restaurant called Bada Bing in Kihei. It’s no high class restaurant by any stretch of the imagination, but if you’re looking for simple, like-home pasta, or as I like to call it: “Spaghetto,” this is your place.

Bada Bing Menu/Display

Looking for fancy tablecloths and air conditioning? Fuhgedaboudit! It’s checkerboard table covers and ceiling fans for you. But the eats hits the spot.

One Big Meatball – 1/2 lb Meatball Smothered in Marinara Sauce – $9.99

Meat Lasagna – $11.99

Bada Bing 1945 S Kihei Rd # G Kihei, HI 96753 (map) (808) 875-0188

What’s that you say? Not enough Wowie in Maui for ya? Relax Tampax. I’ve got you covered next month in part deux. Since we mostly stuffed our faces in this one, prepare your bones for some action next month with Ziplining and Lava Tubing as well as some sights to behold like Kaumahina State Wayside, Wai`anapanapa State Park and a beautiful sunrise at Haleakala. How ’bout that for some Wowie!? 😉

Part I | Part II | Part III

Shave Ice Ice Baby

Something fishy is definitely going on here… The airports have been bustling with college folk and local eateries and nightclubs are a’ bumpin’. You’re no longer alone at the beaches and malls, and there’s an unusually large amount of parties and family functions to get to. And let’s not ignore the fact that you’re sweating profusely like Kalua pig at a luau. Yep gang… like Bell Biv Devoe’s Poison, Summer is in full effect!

So what should we do this summer as the sun torches down on us and parches our tender little, post-winter throats? Nothing. The weather hasn’t changed here in Hawaii since, like, forever silly.

But seriously… Let’s just say, you know, hypothetically, that we were coming out of one of our coldest “winters” ever. Brrrr… And this “Spring” thing also did a number on us. Wouldn’t we be looking forward to Mr. Sun showing his adorable face to us and defrosting our buns? Wouldn’t you be craving a refreshing, beverage-ish snack, that’s both an island favorite and a tourist attraction all the same?

Say no more. The Ed is here to help you.

Shave Ice, as it’s known here in the islands (not snow cones or shaved ice), is the perfect summertime treat to quench one’s thirst buds after a long, hot day in the sun. Yes, it is a bit cliché, but you have to admit, gathering a bunch of friends to laugh and gossip and share small kid time stories, while lapping up this magical frozen water/syrup-py concoction is still good times.

One such place that specializes in this delicacy is the original Waiola Store, located on the corner of Pa`ani and, of course, Waiola.

Corner of Pa`ani and Waiola

Hidden on an inconspicuous road, and nestled in between homes in a quiet neighborhood, this island favorite sits peacefully on the corner, as sweets-seeking patrons stop by.

Waiola Store

(! – Not to be confused with Waiola Bakery & Shave Ice, located on Kapahulu Avenue. For purposes of this review, I’ll be sticking to the O.G. – Original Gem – Waiola Store that got it all started)

Waiola Store actually started as a small convenience store, selling miscellaneous knickknacks like sodas, chips, crack seed and frozen goods many moons ago.

Inside Waiola Store

It wasn’t until they started gaining popularity as a shave ice selling hotspot that they really took off. Now, you can’t find a day when the crowd inside the store compares to the line outside near their specially created shave ice side window.

Shave Ice window at Waiola Store

Waiola’s, as they are endearingly referred to as, is known for their finely shaved ice. You won’t find the rock-hard chunks of ice here. They also offer a vast menu selection with unique flavors and add-ons that you may not see at other shave ice specialty stores. Unique add-ons like mochi balls, li hing mui seeds, lilikoi cream and chocolate syrup.

Waiola Store’s ecclectic menu

On this occasion, I didn’t get too complicated. I just ordered a small cup with mochi balls and condensed milk… strawberry flavor.

The famous Waiola shave ice

(! – That’s something I forgot to mention. If you’re new at this shave ice ordering thing, the flavor should be the least of your worries. To fit in like you’ve been doing this for years, be sure to order your size and add-ons first. This way, they can start preparing it for you. The flavored syrup is added last and, as such, you would order that last.)

Waiola Store
2135 Waiola Street
Honolulu, HI 96826 (map)
(808) 949-2269

Waiola Bakery & Shave Ice
525 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815 (map)
(808) 735-8886

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The Island Snow store in Kailua serves up shave ice alongside of their collection of surf/snow/street apparel. It’s a popular stop for those going to one of the many beautiful beaches on the Windward side, Lanikai being my favorite.

Island Snow sign

In addition to being able to buy their name brand apparel at the same time as your treat, Island Snow has a few other unique features when it comes to their shave ice flavors. They have catchy names that turn ordinary-sounding flavors into exciting ones. Godzilla Grape, Kuulei Coconut, Da-Kine Lemon Lime and Kailua Coffee to name a few. They also set up their colorful collection of syrups above a lighted counter-top, much like you’d find your assortment of drinks at a fancy nightclub or contemporary bar.

Island Snow flavors

This time, I ordered a regular with no ice cream… Pali Lilikoi & Wacky Watermelon combo. Pretty big eh?

Island Snow shave ice

(! – All shave ice treats from Island Snow include up to 3 flavors & a scoop of ice cream, unless you don’t want it.)

Island Snow – Kailua
Kailua Beach Center
130 Kailua Road
Kailua, HI 96734 (map)
(808) 263-6339

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What’s a conversation about shave ice in Hawaii without mention of the world famous M. Matsumoto Grocery Store in Haleiwa town, otherwise known as Matsumoto’s Shave Ice?

M. Matsumoto Grocery Store sign

Matsumoto’s has the richest history and gets the largest media coverage of any shave ice store in the state and perhaps the world. And though there are many naysayers who claim that Waiola’s or even Haleiwa neighbor Aoki’s is better, you can’t question Matsumoto’s popularity.

Like Waiola Store, Matsumoto’s started as (and continues to be) a convenience-type store. Though, these days, most of their products caters to the tourist and shave ice crowd (sun tan lotion, hats, logo apparel, beachwear, snacks, etc.).

The menu looks like the same one they’ve had since they opened, and the prices seemed to have stayed the same as well. Just $1.30 for a small! Over the years, they’ve attached little one-piecers as they’ve added new flavors like mango, lychee and melona. Funny, but cute. A reminder of the mom and pops feel still present here.

Matsumoto’s menu

The equipment they use looks quite heavy duty. Is that an industrial strength motor? Wowsers!

Matsumoto’s shave ice machines

The photo from my friend’s shave ice came out nicer, so we’ll show it instead of mine. She ordered a vanilla/cotton candy combo FYI.

Matsumoto’s shave ice

(! – Be careful of the killah bees when eating outside. They usually swarm around the trash can slurping on the sweet juices. I’ve never been stung, but you never know… Just be sure you’re not in the area when they are hungry!)

M. Matsumoto Grocery Store
66-087 Kamehameha Highway
Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712 (map)
(808) 637-4827

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Other notable shave ice joints around the state:

Jo Jo’s Clubhouse – Waimea (Kauai)
On the way to or coming back from the long drive to/from Waimea Canyon, you’ll see the bright sign of Jo Jo’s from Kaumualii Highway.

Jo Jo’s Clubhouse

Jo Jo’s Clubhouse
Mile Marker 23, Kaumualii Highway (Hwy. 50)
Waimea, Hawaii 96796 (map)
(808) 635-7615

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Itsu’s Fishing Supplies Inc. – Hilo (Big Island)
Known to the locals as “ice shave”, Itsu’s serves up this winner alongside of local style plate lunches, in addition to doubling as as a fishing supplies store.

Itsu’s Fishing Supplies, Inc. (Photo by Nancy Vereze)

Itsu’s Fishing Supplies Inc.
810 Piilani Street
Hilo, HI. 96720 (map)
(808) 935-8082

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Scandinavian Shaved Ice, Inc. – Kailua-Kona (Big Island)
Across from the Palace in town, this shaved ice has ice cream in the middle. (Mahalo for the info Wendy & Jay!)

Scandinavian Shaved Ice, Inc. (Photo courtesy jatbar.com)

Scandinavian Shaved Ice, Inc.
75-5699 Alii Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI. 96740 (map)
(808) 331-1626

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Tasaka Guri Guri Shop – Maui Mall, Kahului (Maui)
Yeah, I know, this is not really shave ice, but we can’t pass up the chance to mention this famous sweet, sweet, juice, soda and condensed milk concoction can we???

Noelle, Kelvin, Hillary, myself, Grant and Shari outside of Tasaka Guri Guri

Tasaka Guri Guri Shop
70 E Kaahumanu Avenue
Kahului, HI 96732 (map)
(808) 871-4513

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I know I’ve missed tons of your favorites from around the state. I guess that’s what you get for keeping me cooped up all day here in Mililani. Sorry dudes and dudettes, but be sure to let me have it by posting your favorite shave ice (or any sweets) hotspot in the comments section below. Now stop reading this and get back out there and enjoy your summer won’tcha?