I recently took a trip to beautiful island of Oahu. My husband’s family grew up there, and some still live there so we were able to visit.

I had a really amazing time trying to experience and eat my way around the Island 🙂

Experiences

Polynesian Cultural Center

The PCC let’s you learn about island cultures (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, etc.) in such a fun and engaging way. My favorite thing was watching the incredible Samoan fire-dancing and drinking out of pineapples.

How PCC stole my heart

Kualoa Range

We went on a raptor tour of the Kualoa range that was really amazing. The Kualoa range is recognizable even if you haven’t been there, because it has been filmed in 50 First Dates, Jumanji, Jurassic Park, etc. When we went it was pouring rain…which made for a very memorable experience!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pearl Harbor

If you are on Oahu hands down I think you should go on a tour of Pearl Harbor. We went on a bus tour which was amazing, because of all the history and stories. Ferrying out to the US Arizona was a very humbling experience. You end up being right on top of the ship, and can see the oil leaking out which is crazy to me! Side note: I think that Arizona is shutdown right now, because they found a leak in the memorial. Very grateful that I was able to see it when I did.

Food

Ted’s Bakery plate lunches

Ted’s Bakery is amazing. They have a ton of different pies and baked treats (Chantilly cake, Haupia pie, dobash cake). My favorite thing from them was the teriyaki beef plate lunches though. Plate lunches are huge in Hawaii! You can find them every where. Plate lunches are made up of protein (teriyaki beef, chicken, kalua pork), macaroni salad, and rice, YUM!

Outside of Ted’s

Chantilly

Chantilly is something I’ve never heard of before travelling to Hawaii! You will find it on cakes, cream puffs, etc. My favorite chantilly cake was found at The Willows. It is similar to a German chocolate cake with no coconut, and covered in chopped nuts.

Chantilly cake from Ted’s Bakery

Shave Ice

If you are in Hawaii shave ice is a must! My favorite place was Matsumoto’s in Haleiwa. The flavors were on point. Also, we met Matsumoto and he is a super cool dude! Haleiwa is a must see too. It’s a very cool surfer town with fun shops and great food.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I can’t wait to get back to Oahu. It is such a beautiful and unique place.

Mahalo for reading!

Links for you!

Polynesian Cultural Center

Kualoa Ranch

Ted’s Bakery

Matsumoto’s

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our new t-shirts?

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

After a grueling five hour staff meeting at work, I needed some fuel. And for some casual healthy lunch the best option is Wild Root Cafe on 8th St. in Boise.

The staff is friendly, the decor is beautiful, and the food is like nowhere else!

I recommend the Indian “Nacho” Flatbread (which is a wrap you can carry to go), the Market Melt (which changes seasonally. I got the cardamom pear with brie), or the PB&B (peanut butter and banana with fresh local peanut butter from City Peanut).

They also have a selection of fresh squeezed juices and kombucha from Idaho Kombucha Co.

Wild Root Cafe is a must if you want to eat locally and eat well!

Wild Root Cafe Facebook

Thank you Sharece Mecham for writing about this fantastic location!

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our new t-shirts?

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

A visit to Diablas Kitchen is about more than eating fantastic, hand-crafted food. It is an experience! I attended the Idaho Classics themed dinner a few weeks ago, and was so impressed. I have been a fan of Diablas for awhile now. I mainly go for delicious brunches on an ever-changing menu. The space is unique, a juxtaposition of things: Mix-matched chairs, vintage creamer pitchers, and salt shakers.

The atmosphere is comfortable and homey.  The owners and staff are so kind. At the Idaho Classics dinner I sat at the bar which is right next to where all the food is prepared. It was so great to watch them work!

  So, let’s get into what was served here.

(more…)