Mornings at Hula Grill

Waking up early in the 96815 has its perks. The sun is just hot enough to softly kiss my skin while casually strolling through uncrowded sidewalks, snapping pics along the way and thinking about where I might enjoy breakfast on yet another lovely Waikiki morning. If you have been reading my blog, you know there are a few places that I enjoy and recommend, but on this morning I was in the mood for one of my original favorites, Hula Grill. Located on the second floor of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, tables line the lanai, affording a front row seat to the turquoise sea below and Diamond Head off to the east. Waikiki is till waking up and pretty quiet; all you can hear in the open air restaurant is the wind gently rustling through the tall swaying palm trees. We decide to take it slow and enjoy the scene over a Waikiki Wasabi Bloody Mary, Outrigger Mimosa and bottomless cups of coffee. Fully awake and feeling good, I'm having the Hau'ula Tomato Benedict with Macadamia nut pesto while my breakfast date opts for the savory Loco Moco with fried rice. Most people would not use the words "peaceful and quiet" when describing Waikiki, but from up here, on the lanai of Hula Grill, the 96815 seemed to stand perfectly still as we dine on delicious island fare. As the afternoon slowly approaches, the once footprint-less sand now brims with tourists and beachgoers soaking up the Saturday sun. Another Waikiki morning spent just how I like it - good food with great company, overlooking my favorite part of paradise. 

The 96815 Tip: Champagne taste on a budget? Cheers to half price mimosas Friday to Sunday until 3 p.m.!

Hula Grill, located in the Outrigger Waikiki, Breakfast daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Lunch Friday to Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Brunch Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m., and Dinner daily from 4:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

A Few of my favorite things

We have been living in a 90 degree, and rising, hot, humid paradise this summer in the 96815. The weather has me feeling like not doing much of anything, except trying to keep cool and avoid melting into the steamy Waikiki sidewalk. A few days back, I mustered up the courage to leave my spot in front of the fan and head to one of my favorite places, the Halekulani, during my favorite, cooler time of day: sunset. On the open air lanai of House Without a Key, swaying hula dancers, live Hawaiian music and the setting sun grace the stage nightly. I left home in the simplest breathable outfit I could think of - a cotton tank dress. By the time I made it to Kalakaua Avenue, I was feeling a little bare and bland. Passing Duke's Marketplace, the alleyway lined with overstocked carts selling typical souvenirs and trinkets, I decided to pop in to quickly accessorize. For $15, a few strands of coral and turquoise paid the perfect compliment to my favorite Ki-ele 96815 necklace and pearl. love. bracelets. Finally, off the sweltering streets, I'm enjoying a late afternoon sea breeze gently rolling in from Gray's beach and drifting over the Halekulani's poolside oasis. I don't even need to look at the menu; I'm having my favorite - the Mai Tai. Fresh lime juice, a rum trio and hints of orange over crushed ice perfectly swirl with the accompanying sugar cane stick in my glass. These are just a few of my favorite things...

Photography by Jessica Tronoski and The 96815

Shaka Pressed Juice

Fresh cold-pressed juices and elixirs made from locally sourced ingredients is what's shaking inside the new, brightly colored Shaka Juice on Monsarrat Avenue in the 96815! The menu offers a variety of nutrient rich concoctions, from roots to greens and fruits to nuts. No matter what flavor you choose, each Shaka Juice packs a powerful punch of amino acids, phytonutrients, minerals and enzymes, which remain remarkably intact during the high-pressure extraction process, before hitting your lips a few hours later. Drinking a pressed juice is the fastest and easiest way to wash your system with the good stuff! I like to fancy myself a healthy eater, but with a busy schedule, I'm prone to eating whatever I can get my hands on, which doesn't necessarily do a body good. As part of my summer resolution, I've made a pact to workout more, and to eat, well, in this case, drink better. My two favorites, the subtly sweet Shaka Greens, a blend of kale, pineapple, celery, mizuna, bok choi, watercress, cucumber and lemon, and the Hawaiian Beets, simply beets and pineapple, are perfect for just after those hot South Shore workouts. If you really want to wipe the slate clean, Shaka suggests their one, three, or 5-day juice cleanse. Available with or without food, they will provide everything you need to rest, repair and rejuvenate your digestive system. Moral of the feel and look good story is to start inside and work your way out - heart, mind, body and Shaka Juice!

The 96815 Tip -  The lovely Lia, photographed above, had me taste the freshly pressed Almond Milk (almonds, alkaline water & dates) over their crisp, crunchy granola. Heavenly!

Shaka Pressed Juice, Monday to Friday 7am - 6:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:30am - 6:30pm, phone 808-200-0921, 3118 Monsarrat Avenue, the 96815.

Waikiki Brewing Company

At the corner where Kalakaua Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard meet, pints of perfectly poured malts clink together in celebration of the 96815's first and only microbrewery, Waikiki Brewing Company. With their inaugural batch bubbling up in the bright and shiny new tanks just a few short months ago, Waikiki Brewing Co.’s hop-adorned taps now flow with everything from pale ales to porters to tasty signature brews like the peppery Jalapeno Mouth, a perfectly executed Amber Ale infused with just enough fresh jalapeno to keep your taste buds intrigued and craving another sip.   

On a sunny Saturday morning, we caught up with Joe Lorenzen, one of the owners, and the idea man behind the brewery, to talk hops, yeasts, milling, mashing and brewing as their Wailele Wheat, a refreshing single hop American Wheat, boiled to life before our very eyes. Joe's story is genuine and inspiring. An at home brewing hobbyist turned Brewmaster via extensive certification coursework with the American Brewers Guild, he presented the idea to his then boss/now business partner to open a brewery in the unused space of the restaurant he managed in Waikiki. After a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and beers, Joe’s dream for the 7-barrel brewhouse was made reality. During our visit, Joe’s eyes lit up with excitement as he explained every aspect of both the creative and technical processes involved in creating the brews currently on rotation. His passion for his craft is palatable in every sip.

Every guest has a front-row seat to the action as the brewery itself is only about 5 feet behind the bar top where any inquiring guest can enjoy brewing masterminds Joe, Nate and Eric eagerly explain the whole brewing process, from grain to glass.  For a refreshing Waikiki experience, grab a handcrafted brew, beer cocktail or some brew-inspired “grinds” with your nearest and dearest under twinkling café lights and the Hawaiian stars. Cheers, Waikiki Brewing Company, and welcome to the 96815!

The 96815 Tip:  I recommend the refreshing Blonde Ale after a long hot Waikiki beach day or the Double E. IIPA, if you need something a little more direct to take the edge off!

Waikiki Brewing Company, 11am - 11pm Daily, ph: 808-946-6590, 1945 Kalakaua Ave, the 96815.

XOX,

Jess in the96815

Guest Post and Photography by: Jessica Tronoski