Tag Archives: Oahu

Culture, hawaii, Holidays, Travel

Independence Day Fireworks in Hawaii

If you’re wondering where to see fireworks in Hawaii on the 4th of July, here is a run down by island.

Fireworks Displays on O’ahu

The 4th of July fireworks show presented by Ala Moana Center is the largest fireworks show in Hawaii. The fireworks are launched from three separate platforms and they can best be viewed on the Makai-Ewa Parking Deck of Ala Moana Center. The center usually features live entertainment beginning about 5:00 p.m. and the fireworks show usually begins about 8:30.

The fireworks display at the Aloha Tower Marketplace usually happens on July 3, the day before Independence Day. The fireworks show typically begins about 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. and it is usually preceded by live music and other festivities beginning about 5:00 p.m. Call the Aloha Tower Marketplace to confirm dates and times.

  • Maunalua Bay 4th of July Celebration

The “Independence Day at Maunalua Bay” 4th of July celebration takes place at Maunalua Bay Beach Park, usually from about 2:00 in the afternoon to 9 p.m. Fireworks are released from a barge shore beginning about 8:00 p.m. The 2009 was the 2nd Annual Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Celebration and that year Maunalua headlined the live entertainment.

The Kailua Chamber of Commerce was not able to fund an aerial fireworks display in 2009 but the local citizens were hoping to raise enough money to keep it going. The Kailua 4th of July parade usually begins at about 10:00 a.m. at the Kainalu Elementary School and it ends at Kailua District Park. If the fireworks show can be resurrected, it will begin about 8:00 p.m.

  • Turtle Bay Fireworks and July 4th Celebration

There are usually fireworks and a 4th of July celebration at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. The event usually takes place on a field across from the resort’s stables. Features live entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts, and a sunset fireworks display.

Fireworks Display on Maui

Lahaina Town hosts an old fashioned Independence Day celebration including music, food, kids activities and a grand fireworks show. The fireworks show is set to start at 8pm. This display will be visible from Lahaina’s Front Street waterfront and from waterfront restaurants. Synchronized music can be heard from Hard Rock Cafe Maui at 900 Front Street.

Kahului’s fireworks show is set to start at 10pm.

Fireworks Displays on Kaua’i

There will be local entertainments which performs throughout the day along with contests, Talent Show and more. There will be lots of Ono Food booths and plenty of cold Water and Soda booth. Then to end the day with a Spectacular “OMG” Fireworks Display which will be accompaniment by live music. Fireworks being 1 hour after dark.

Fireworks Displays on Hawai’i Island

Waikoloa Fireworks at Waikoloa Bowl are set to light up the sky at 8pm. This event is free and open to the public. Entrances open at 4:30pm with a performance from Beyond Paradise at 5pm and Johnny Shots at 6:30pm. Guests are welcome to bring beach chairs and blankets. Coolers are not allowed. This event is alcohol-free, drug-free and smoke-free.

  • Kailua-Kona Fireworks, Parade & Events
    Coconut Grove Marketplace is hosting a free July 4th Concert at 4pm. Kailua-Kona’s Independence Day Parade is set to begin at 6pm with this year’s grand marshalls being Korean War Veterans. See this link for the parade route.The Kona fireworks show is set to begin at 8pm. This fireworks display will be visible from along Kailua Bay in Kona.
Dining, food, oahu

Best Places to Eat in Honolulu

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What are the best places to eat in Honolulu?

Lucky you, Honolulu is such a fun food town with multiple ethnic influences melting into one tasty bowl. Here is a list of my favorite places to eat in Honolulu:

Traditional Japanese
Akasaka — Across from the convention center; great for lunch; They serve raw and cooked food. The broiled misoyaki butterfish and spicy tuna hand rolls are favorites; Review at http://www.yelp.com/biz/akasaka-honolulu . Make a reservation.

Modern Japanese
Doraku Sushi — Royal Hawaii Shopping Center (if there’s a wait, do NOT eat at the super overpriced place across the hall); Great for dinner with a group; Hip vibe with a creative menu; http://www.dorakusushi.com/ . Make a res.

Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
Mariposa — Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Shopping Center; Ask to sit on the lanai; Killer ocean views; Also good for a nice lunch or dinner with a group; Website at http://www.neimanmarcushawaii.com/restaurant.aspx . Make a res.

Lunch
Siam Garden Cafe — It’s the best Thai food you’ll eat outside of Thailand. I almost cried when I thought they’d closed in August, but they were just cleaning the place; Great for lunch and groups; Kid friendly; Website at http://www.siamgardencafe.com/ . No need res.

There is also a dizzying variety of quick, inexpensive places to eat within walking distance of the Hawaii convention center located in the food court of the Ala Moana Shopping Center (Street level) –http://www.alamoanacenter.com/diningdirec.htm . I like the Korean and Japanese grills, but you’ll find it all there fast.

Whatever you decide,  you can always get take out and then eat it across the street at Ala Moana Beach Park while taking in sunset.

Dinner
Duc’s Bistro — Chinatown; great for a group, food is served family style; Lamb chops are not to be missed; French Vietnamese; http://www.ducsbistro.com/ducbistro/MENU.html . No need res, unless it’s a group of 6 or more.

Super fancy dinners to impress (or seal the deal, in order of my preference)
Halekulani La Mer — http://www.halekulani.com/dining/la_mer/
Alan Wong’s on King St — http://www.alanwongs.com/
Chef Mavro’s — http://www.chefmavro.com/
Michelle’s — http://www.yelp.com/biz/michels-at-the-colony-surf-honolulu
Happy eating!!!

food

Good places for Hawaiian food and fresh fish in Honolulu

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Question from a reader about food in Honolulu:

Thank you as well for the burger joint recommendations. My husband will be pleased to know he won’t have to eat fish all the time. Do you know any good places for Hawaiian food, other than a luau?

Our vacation hotel has a kitchenette so I can cook some of our meals. Is there a good farmer’s market on the island or where is the best place to get groceries, especially fresh fish?

ono fish

(Ono fish)

MY REPLY:
For traditional Hawaiian food, try these places that serve “plate lunches”:

HELENA’S HAWAIIAN FOOD (Winner of a James Beard award)
1240 North School Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
(Honolulu / Kalihi Area)
Tel. (808) 845-8044

HAILI’S HAWAIIAN FOODS
Ward Farmers Market
1020 Auahi Street,Honolulu, HI 96817
(Honolulu / Ala Moana Area)
Tel. (808) 593-8019

For a modern fusion of Hawaiian with other culinary styles, ALAN WONG’S on S. King St is a must-do. He is a famous chef and cooked last summer for the Congressional picnic luau at the White House. The fish you find on his menu will be the freshest and to die for.

I recommend trying “ono” (a medium-firm white fish) if Wong has it. BTW, “ono” in Hawaiian means really good, so the fish matches its name. If Wong has poi on the menu, you’ll want to try his version, too.

Something relatively new food tours of some great “hole-in-the-wall” places. I’ve never done it, but I’ve heard it’s fun. Something to consider.

For produce shopping, there are farmer’s market at Ward Center and Chinatown (more exotic veggies at cheapest prices; also fun to walk around).

To buy the freshest fish, try:
UNCLE’S FISH MARKET
1135 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, 96817
Ph: 808-275-0063

GARDEN & VALLEY ISLE SEAFOOD MARKET
22 Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu 96817
Tel: (808) 524-4847

You might also want to pick up a copy of Honolulu Magazine (usually on bookstore news stands, or check out their website). They are utterly devoted to food and will have many good recommendations.

No matter what, there is so much good local food around and just about every type of Asian food imaginable that you almost can’t go wrong — unless, of course, you get stuck in some tourist trap. But you’ll be able to spot those. Classic signs are nautically-themed decor, plastic leis, lots of old white people and Mainland chains.