Summer in the City

Summer in the 96815 is upon us and I'm kicking it off in style at the Shoreline Hotel, Waikiki. Just off Kalakaua Avenue, the Shoreline boasts sleek, minimalist rooms that nail Waikiki’s island/city vibe.  Endless dining, shopping, nightlife and Waikiki Beach are all within walking distance from this boutique high-rise property. Looking out over the cityscape from the Shoreline's rooftop pool, I'm lost in the sight of Waikiki’s famous mid-century architecture nestled between the royal blue sea and the intensely green Ko'olau mountains in a late afternoon summer sky. The sight brings a feeling that anything is possible in this magical urban paradise.  All you need is a colorful summer dress, a stylish bikini and a sense of adventure to get carried away this summer in the city.

Shoreline Hotel, 342 Seaside Avenue, the 96815. Check out their site www.ShorelineHotelWaikiki.com for room rates and specials!

Photos by Ijfke Ridgley

Manu Kai

Afternoons in Waikiki can be spent a number of wonderful ways. Cruising and sun baking on the beach, watching the day go by from your favorite spot at Duke's or aboard one of the colorful catamarans for a sail around the 96815 all sound a-ok to me. On this Sunday, we joined our friends on the Manu Kai, the yellow and blue cat that calls home to the curvaceous shoreline fronting the Outrigger Waikiki. Join them for one of their many sails which run throughout the day and into sunset. On the sail & swim, which departs at 1:30pm daily, we stopped for a quick 10 minute dip in the somewhat shallow, crystal clear waters just off Diamond Head. Back on board, it's all smiles and good times coasting over the waves and sharing a laugh with the new friends we've made while out at sea. Happy, sun-filled days like these won't soon be forgotten even when our polaroids begin to fade. 

Manu Kai Catamaran offers seven distinct sails daily as well as private charters. Check out their website or give them a call for more information!

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Aloha Saturday

Someone recently asked me, "What does your ideal Saturday look like?" There are lots of ways I like to spend a Saturday in paradise. Sometimes, believe it or not, I'll even venture out of the 96815. A day in the white, baby-soft sand of Kailua Beach or running wild on the untamed coastline of Oahu's North Shore is how I like to get out of town. But, in all sincerity, a Saturday spent just a few blocks away from home in the lush, green landscape of Kapiolani Park is ideal for me. Grass under my feet, midday sun on my back and a crystal clear view of the blue pacific from my swaying hammock, are nothing short of perfect. 

Aloha Saturday - I wish there were more days spent just like this. 

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Back to Bills

Most people know bills Waikiki for their famous banana ricotta hotcakes. It's not easy to dine here without ordering this signature scrumptious dish, even for dinner. On this visit, I resisted the urge as I was dying to try their gorgeous new menu items, which proved to be just as wonderful. Both sweet and savory toasts have been added to the lineup. A colorful, jaw dropping raspberry and vanilla jam, labneh and pistachio on toasted brioche and a lightly tea smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, pea shoots and edamame number layered high atop fresh toasted rye were pure brunch perfection!  I could just eat these two forever, but then we were introduced to their friends: the healthy charged buckwheat bowl (quinoa, avocado, beets, poached egg, harissa) and zucchini fritters served with fried egg, cucumber and haloumi cheese. Meatless never looked so good! Of course, all accompanied by stumptown coffee and lattes endlessly flowing for another one of my favorite days spent at bills. And hey, it feels great to support the only green certified restaurant in Waikiki! High efficiency kitchen fixtures, biodegradable takeout containers/cups, LED lights that turn off during bright, sunny daylight hours and local/sustainable produce and meat whenever possible all help to lighten bills carbon footprint on our lovely island paradise.

bills - food you can feel good about!

More delicious stuff to come from bills in 2016! An all new Happy Hour from 3 to 6pm beginning in March - stay tuned!

bills, daily 7am to 10pm, ph. 808.922.1500, 280 Beach Walk, the 96815.