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Oahu: Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites

September 22, 2011 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Our stay in Honolulu was coming to an end quickly and we wanted to savor every last minute. The 3rd resort we stayed in on our recent trip to Oahu took us to the Outrigger Luana, Waikiki (*the property has changed ownership and is now under Aqua Hotels & Resorts as the Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites). Overlooking serene Fort DeRussy Park, you’ll find the pace unhurried and mood relaxed. But it’s only a short 5-10 minute walk to the rolling surf at Waikiki Beach and busy central Waikiki, including Waikiki’s most exciting shopping promenade, Waikiki Beach Walk. Though you do still get a city feel when you look out your balconies and see the highrises, you also feel away from it all amongst the park and outer edge of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.

For two nights we enjoyed a one bedroom ocean view room with kitchen on the 9th floor. Our view from the kitchen window and living room balcony was so peaceful and serene we could almost hear the waves crash! Not looking down into the inner workings of a nearby building we instead could see the unique shape of the swimming pool and surrounding area from our bedroom balcony, it was a nice change. With the ocean so close, the pool area can have those times of the day where you feel like you’re the only one there.

We took advantage of that time shortly after checking in. With chaise lounges abound and an open available cabana, we all took some time to enjoy our new hotel and it’s luxuries. The pool was fabulous for diving and jumping in with an 8 foot depth at one end. Also the steps and shallow are were great for my youngest still learning to swim without floaties! Adjacent to the pool area, you can bring your own goodies to use for grilling on the barbecues available to guests. Having the full kitchen you can save some money by shopping at the local store and dining in if you wish! Also if the heat gets too much for you outdoors, the hotel also has a nice air conditioned fitness center, lit up by the floor to ceiling windows, overlooking the pool.

$25 per day, you have unlimited in and out access with valet parking. The drivers were always so friendly and helpful even offering to buckle my youngest into her seat! At the entrance of the hotel you have the Protea Cafe serving breakfast, thin-crust pizzas, smoothies and cocktails daily from 7am-2pm. In the lobby you have fresh water infused with fruit and chips for snacking, I always got smiles and happy vibes from the staff walking in and out. Also, you can check out complimentary boogie boards and other various beach toys that my kids were thrilled about. We use them here in California each beach trip and we didn’t have to purchase one or spend extra money at a beach kiosk for renting.

The room was huge and great for all of us. The couch in the living area opened up to a bed, which when placed in front of a television is our kids’ dream! The recliner in the living are was huge and wide and was the choice of my son for his bed for the two nights! Separate air conditioners in that room and in the master bedroom helped keep all of us at the right temperatures. Our bedroom was large and airy, crisp white bedding on the best bed of our trip, loved it. The balcony out our bedroom was a nice respite after a long day!

For more information on Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites visit, http://www.luanawaikiki.com/.

Our stay was hosted in exchange for honest review.

Honolulu, HI: Tiki’s Grill and Bar Review

September 20, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

With so many fabulous restaurants and local fare it’s tough to choose where to dine in Honolulu. When you are traveling with family, you’ll be happy to know that Burger King, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and all those favorites your kids enjoy are also available. Eating where it’s familiar is nice and quick on a pinch, but we wanted good food that made us feel more like we were dining on an island while on vacation!

We were able to check out Tiki’s Grill and Bar one evening, a leisurely stroll down Kalakalua Avenue overlooking Waikiki Beach. It was Open Mic night, where local and visiting artists can share their art with Waikiki, be it music, poetry, or what have you. We were immediately invited in before we reached the reservation desk, but opted to eat dinner first!

The retro South Pacific-style Tiki’s Grill & Bar opened in October 2002 and was popular from the start. Located on the second floor of the ASTON Waikiki Beach Hotel and with breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach and its spectacular sunsets. The 272-seat restaurant serves lunch, dinner, a late night menu and weekend brunches.

An indoor/outdoor restaurant, like most, there were fans going and fresh breezes coming in from outside. The atmosphere was relaxed, the lights dim, and the smell of the food was mouth-watering! We were seated and drink orders were taken. Their Blue Bikini was as gorgeous as it was tasty, I admit I had about 3 of those to enjoy the evening. Kid’s menus are available, with drinks in plastic cups with lids to take with you if you desire. My husband and I were famished and everything looked good on the menu.

After drinks were served, taro rolls were brought out with a sweet butter that everyone couldn’t get enough of. We started with an appetizer, I’m a huge fan of Kalua pork and the Kalua Pig Quesadilla was exactly what we needed. The pork is slow cooked and the flavor is phenomenal, sweet and salty at the same time. Served in a purple taro tortilla, the pepper jack cheese made the dish a quesadilla and the corn gave it a great sweet bite! With sour cream and quacamole on the side you cannot go wrong, we almost ordered a second! It’s one of those appetizers you eat with your eyes first then dive in with your mouth!

The 3 kids decided on beef sliders for dinner that was served with fries and carrot sticks. The best part for them, the plate was served atop a Tiki’s frisbee, so they had their own souvenirs with dinner! Luckily for my oldest daughter, my youngest was done after one slider and gave the second to her sister, not quite enough food for a near teenager, but dessert was still a possibility!

I opted for the Parmesean Crusted Chicken, and was over-whelmed at the size of the portion. It was literally enough for 2 people! Presented beautifully over linguine and broccoli, the best part was the chardonnay/sun-dried tomato glaze that I dipped each crispy bite of chicken in. This my friends, I could have eaten every night along with those Blue Bikinis.

My husband chose the Pulehu Ribeye that was as tender as can be and again enormous portions with garlic mashed potatoes that gave a nice kick in flavor. My oldest is a steak fan and contemplated this meal, but was happy to take many bites off dad’s plate to satisfy her small kid’s meal portions.

Surprisingly the steak was gone after we all sampled it, but I had a whole lot of chicken left for lunch the next day, thank goodness for hotel refrigerators!

We hoped to get back to the restaurant on another night for just dessert, but for sure on our next trip to Oahu! While there, don’t forget to take home a Tiki’s branded souvenir from their store at the entrance to the restaurant!

Tiki’s is a feel good restaurant, not fancy in the least, no need to dress to the nine’s and if come on different nights of the week, you’ll be entertained by live music each time. Try Tiki’s and I guaranteed you’ll be hooked!

Our meal was compensated in exchange for honest review!

Oahu: Touring Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri

September 12, 2011 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

During a time many are remembering the lives lost a decade ago on 9/11/2001, we are sneaking up to the seventieth anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. During our recent trip to Hawaii, my husband and I knew the plan to visit the memorial was a must as history buffs and as Americans. How would the kids feel about the experience, even they were infants and toddlers when the Trade Center attacks occurred, they know only what they’ve learned in school. It was a experience we knew we all would appreciate if not immediately, down the road.

Arriving at Pearl Harbor that morning, we immediately got our tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial tour. Starting every 15 minutes from 7:45am-3pm daily, we had 11:30am tickets and it only being 10am, we had time to tour the visitor’s center. We explored the museum which gave a graphic and written timeline of the fateful day, December 7, 1941. For my older two children who had a million questions, they were able to tour the museum, use the interactive videos and monitors, and literally read the walls all about the decade of deteriorating relations between Japan and the US that led up to the attack.

There is a whole building of the prelude to the war, then a second that encompasses the very day. Both areas hold different aspects that made an impact on our family. My youngest, at 5 saw the model of the memorial and could already visualize what we were about to experience, “is this the underwater part that sunk?” My husband remembers the draft of Roosevelt’s “Day that will live in Infamy” speech and his personal handwritten edits, my children and I remember the decoder machine that gives you the feeling of how close they were to interpreting the Japanese communication, to be more prepared for the upcoming events. That combined with the radar signals they picked up that was enemy though they didn’t have the full capacity to interpret, just gives you the heartbreaking feeling, and realization how far communication and technology has just come. Resonating with us most, the question my oldest asked, “why does war even have to happen, it’s stupid.” Not a question easily answered.

Once you begin the tour, which is free, you enter a theater and listen to a National Park Service ranger talk you to about Memorial etiquette. Then a 23 minute documentary film is presented on the attack on Pearl Harbor. Immediately after the film, visitors board a Navy shuttle boat to the memorial. The USS Arizona is the final resting place for many of the ship’s 1177 crewmen who lost their lives, the 184-foot-long memorial structure is truly awe-inspiring. It spans the mid-part of the sunken battleship in 3 sections, the entry and assembly rooms with flags representing the states and the armed forces. The central area is designated for ceremonies and the ability to observe the parts of the ship under the water as well as the oil that still surfaces to this day from the ship. In the back, the shrine stands powerful as well as sad where the names of those killed on Arizona are engraved in the marble wall.

Battleship Missouri

Also in the harbor you’ll find the Battleship Missouri, first launched in 1944, it’s final decommission was back in 1992. A memorial to all those who have served our Nation, you can explore the ship with all of it’s physical characteristics of her service still intact. “Knee-knockers” and “head-bangers” abound on the ship while you still need to ascend or descend ladders facing the steps.

Aboard you can take the walking tour as we did on our own pace through the main deck touring the most famous aspects of a ship. Below deck you’ll find the reality of life at sea which we all enjoyed. The quad bunks stood out to my younger two kids who share a two-bed bunk, also you see the cafeteria style dining commons and rooms and areas where seaman would spend their free time playing checkers or cards. “A library? Computers?!” Yes, kids remember the ship was last used in the early 90’s so you will see some sort of technology relateable to what our young family knows.

My son’s highlight was the command and control centers of the ship as well as the Captain’s quarters, not to mention posing with a machine gun. A contrast to the Arizona Memorial, we had a chance to recover some of the sad feelings for a bit to enjoy the fascinating Missouri. Also sensing the pride of the seeing the signed document ending the end of WWII and Japan’s surrender on the deck by MacArthur.

My kids still talk about Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri experience as well as ask questions, memories were made on this experience and was a huge impact on our vacation.
Our tickets for the Missouri were hosted, all opinions are our own.

OHANA Waikiki Malia Resort Review

September 8, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

When choosing a location to stay on the island of Oahu with your family, the OHANA Waikiki Malia is a wonderful choice. Located in the heart of Honolulu, just a 15 minute walk to the beach, and 5 minutes from shopping, the city bus stops right out front of the hotel to get you to your next activity. The hotel may not host luxuries like a spa or a pool, but the rooms, view, and location will have you hooked once checked in.

For our family of 5 we had two adjoining rooms with two double beds in each. Having all of the kids in their own bed was relaxing and important to them after a long day of excursions, beach, and the sun. We were thrilled to have a very clean room with all the basic amenities that was comfortable and something we looked coming back to each evening.

Renovated in 2010, the guest rooms have a tropical leaf themed bed cover on the plush Serta beds and cherry-toned woods in the custom headboards, dressers, and vanity. The custom wood pieces are complemented by granite countertops on the bar/coffee area giving an modern Hawaiian feel. The bathrooms are perfect with a detachable shower head making baths for little ones easier to manage.

The balconies sported fabulous city views with the ocean peeking behind the buildings. The space itself didn’t allow for a chair or sitting, but the sliding door and adjoining windows did offer plenty of light during the day and a beautiful lit scenery at night. We stayed over a Friday night and were excited when we had a spectacular view of a fireworks show southwest of our room.

Being midpoint on our trip, it was time for laundry to be done and an oversized washer and dryer was available on the 5th floor. For under $10 we refreshed our clothing and especially our swimwear that takes a beating with moisture, salt, and never really drying out.

The hotel security is reassuring as you need a key card once in the main elevator to get to your floor. The lobby is very helpful in every aspect and there were a few times we needed our keycards reactivated and security and privacy was always considered by checking ID. The parking garage is also secure with in and out access via a parking attendant. Be careful as the driveways are really narrow! Parking is $20/night.

Families will enjoy this aspect of the OHANA Waikiki Malia, it sits adjacent to an IHOP restaurant (with door leading into the restaurant from the hotel). Perfect for my kids aged 12, 10, and 5 with simple tastes of comfort foods, for certain afternoon/evening hours, kids eat free with an adult purchase! Perfect for parents who want to ensure kids are eating meals they like at reasonable prices, you feel good not having to eat gourmet each day.

Honestly, none of us missed not having a pool on site. If we wanted to, we could visit other OHANA/Outrigger hotels in the area with our room key, but it was the part of our vacation where we headed up to the North Shore during the day so we generally were just in the hotel to sleep. My husband teases that none of the hotels should have pools with the biggest warmest pool, the ocean, at our fingertips! I tend to agree! Overall, save your money for excursions and souvenirs, save by staying at a quality location like the OHANA Waikiki Malia!

Our stay was hosted for two nights, all opinions are our own.

Waikiki Beach Services: Outrigger Canoe Ride Review

August 30, 2011 by The Mom Jen 4 Comments

I have to admit, I have some trepidations being in the water, feet dangling over a surfboard with ocean sea life swimming about below me. The rest of my family, husband and 3 children aged 12, 10, and 5 have all experienced surfing, both times in the warm waters of Hawaii. I have anxiety about it, though we did have a family experience in Oahu that got me about as close as I might get to surfing. Waikiki Beach Services has an Outrigger Canoe ride that will take you literally amongst the surfers and paddle boarders for an unbelieveable ride of your life!

The sport of canoe surfing is unique to Hawaiʻi, more specifically to Waikīkī. In old Hawaiʻi, Waikīkī was the playground of the elite and canoe surfing was a privilege reserved solely for the aliʻi, or Hawaiian royalty. To this day, Waikīkī Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can race down a wave on an outrigger canoe.

Just beachside of The Royal Hawaiian Resort, the Waikiki Beach Services kiosk will check you in and get you ready for your ride. Exclusive to your group of up to 6 riders, if there’s a canoe open and available, you can go for your ride. Assigned to your spot in the canoe, pushing out to the water is easy with your two assistants that help paddle the boat. Literally each family member paddles and for my kids, it wasn’t easy so we relied on the paid help! You get out to the area where you are among surfers and paddle boarders all waiting for that great wave.

Once out there, the assistants shout to paddle fast and hard to get some speed going so that the canoe can sail with the wave. Once you stop paddling you surf right along with those with longboards and to top it off, you just get a spray of cool mist on you, no crashing head over foot, ever. The canoes are so safe, my youngest (age 5) could have opted to not even wear her life vest because she doesn’t swim yet! It’s truly exhilarating and you get the opportunity to catch 3 great waves. Paddling is an acquired activity and you will feel off in pattern, especially with kids. I must say it’s a good work out and you can get a little sore later, but it’s worth it!

You shouldn’t bring valuables on the canoe like fancy sunglasses or cameras/phones, Rx glasses should have a strap or wear your contacts! Luckily there are professional photographers documenting your experience and the CD of all the photos is included in the price of your trip. Seriously, we waited only 15 minutes following our quick 30-45 minute experience to get the photos uploaded and they are spectacular! (click on the ones above to see them larger!)

This is an amazing family activity that I highly recommend, you will catch 3 waves and the assistant paddlers know to wait and get those that will leave you with an amazing memory. Watch those waves curl while you’re surfing them, the views of the beach line and those around you are phenomenal. Best yet, you can do it for 6 people at $150 with the photo package, not per person like many activities can be on the islands!
Our adventure was hosted, experience is ours and 100% honest.