"Coconut Macadamia Nut" ice-cream; heavenly combination! :)

One of my favourite ice-cream flavours :-)
well, because it's so unusual!
who'd have thought that macadamia & coconut would make such a smashing combo?
after all, I've always associated macadamia nuts with wasabi, chilli, garlic ...& other salty flavours

It's a local Hawaiian brand known as Dave's Gourmet Hawaiian Ice-Cream.
unfortuately, the company does not currently have a website for online shopping...
but it's a must-try if you're in Hawaii

Macadamia Nut Crusted Prawns @ Blue Water Grill, Koko Marina Center

The Blue Water Grill (located in Koko Marina Center, Honolulu) is a great place for al-fresco dining:-). Fresh air, good food and a nice view by the river side ;-)

Macadamia Nut Crusted Prawns with Thai Chilli-Coconut Salad

I really liked the purple color stuff. I was told that it's Okinawan sweet potato:)

A view of the "Diamond Head" mountain

"Diamond Head is Oahu's largest tuff cone formed over 100,000 years ago by an active bubbling volcano.

Nineteenth century British sailors nicknamed the crater Diamond Head when they mistook the calcite crystals for diamonds.

A well-graded trail leads you up the 760-feet summit to a World War II bunker with a bird's eye view of Honolulu."

(Source: http://www.virtualtourist.com/)

Website: www.kokomarinacenter.com

Hawaii Loa Ridge : most beautiful place in Oahu:)

Planning for a vacation in Hawaii?;-) Instead of staying in Waikiki (which is very much like Phuket- crowded), try renting a place in Hawaii Loa Ridge, nearby Aina Haina. It's definitely the most panoramic place in the whole island of Oahu - hilly, and just a short distance from the seaside

Hawaii Loa Ridge is located on the southern coast of Oahu, east of Diamond Head and considered one of Oahu's premier residential gated communities. Hawaii Loa Ridge hosts approx. 500 custom single family homes.

Hawaii Loa Ridge is set in the foothills of the Ko'olau Mountains rising from sea level to an elevation of just over 1000 feet. Homes in Hawaii Loa Ridge offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean; Diamond Head and Koko Head craters.

Top left: the Diamond Head

A view of the Diamond Head from Pu'uikena Drive

The Hawaii Loa Ridge neighborhood is one of the most exclusive areas on the island of Oahu and has always been a showcase for Hawaii's finest custom home builders. Hawaii Loa Ridge amenities include private roads with controlled access, a park with picnic stations, tennis courts, a community building, 24 hour mobile security, maintained common landscape areas, and a professionally managed homeowners association.

Pu'uikeena Drive, over looking the Kawaikui Beach Park

University of Hawaii, Manoa (Honolulu)

UH (Manoa) is one of the must-visit places in Honolulu :-) It's one of the most beautiful uni campuses I've ever seen. To all backpackers - good news! There's free internet access in the "Hamilton Library" of UH (There are 3 libraries at the campus)

Here are some pics of the campus:-)

Hina O Na Lani Sculpture

On the Campus Road side (map) of Campus Center you find a very interesting sculpture. This sculpture is named "Hina O Na Lani", which means Mother of the Universe in Hawaiian. It was created by UH Art Department graduate Gregory Clurman.

"Hina O Na Lani" is a signifier of "fertility"

sculptures, sculptures & sculptures in every nook and corner :)

student residential units/dorms

one of the large theatres/auditoriums

a 'cooking' area - outdoor-kitchen, sort of

large trees :)

colourful birds at the field in front of the campus :)

If you sit on teh ground/read a book, they'll come up to you

tropical plants :)

Wal-Mart, Honolulu

The first Wal-Mart outlet that I have been to is the one located on Keamoku Street, Honolulu (Hawaii) - just a short walk from Ala Moana Shopping Center.

I remember having been very exited at that time even though I have been to similar retailers like Carrefoure (French), Tesco (British retailer), and Giant (Malaysian).
I have read a lot about Wal-Mart in text books - its humble beginnings, the story of Sam Walton (the founder) and his noble intentions for starting the business (providing affordable goods to not-so-wealthy people), his frugal ways despite being a wealthy billionaire and his disdain for Wal-Mart top execs' excesses (flash cars, houses...)

What really caught my attention was the lingerie section - multiple sizes and colours;-)

Tamale Pie : definitely the best Mexican dish :)

Being a great fan of Mexican food, I was delighted to have discovered Gourmet Express while shopping at Kahala Mall, Honolulu. While Mexican restaurants are aplenty in Oahu, Hawaii (Chilli's, TGIF, & other taco places), none have tamale pie on the menu.

Ah... Gourmet Express is not a typical Mexican fast food place. GE serves turkey dishes (turkey meatballs, turkey enchiladas) & the best Tamale Pie in Oahu! :-)

Veggie Tamale Pie layered with Spinach Tortilla and Mozzarella Cheese

The pie was served with two generous servings of side dishes - roasted vege & lemon-flavored couscous.

Gourmet Express at Kahala Mall offers a offers quick healthy and made to order meals.

Turkey meatballs serve with Tofu Poke, brown rice & salad

Fresh tofu salad - MSG-free:)

Grilled Opakapaka fish served with vegetarian couscous, fresh salad & tomato salsa

Haagen-dazs frozen yogurts

Haagen-dazs's low-fat frozen yogurts are a must-try!:-) These two flavours are my favourite:-

Wildberry

Vanilla raspberry swirl