Oahu trip, Part 2

Day 3 in Paradise

To North Shore! We had done the Dole Plantation train last time, so we just stopped by for some Dole whip. K was fascinated by the "pick a pearl" booth, and we grabbed a coupon for half off (regular price $14.95) so we let her pick an oyster. Of course they mounted it so nicely in a dolphin pendant, we got that too. Then they let her pick another oyster for free, and she got 2 pearls in that one! So yeah, we bought a ring for one of them. They let Mom pick a free pearl too! I didn't fall for the tactic... at first. Balking at the $300 rose gold setting, I opted for a much cheaper one, and skipped the chain. They let me pick another "free pearl" which I just kept plain. 

We then set out for Waimea Falls, and a leisurely mile walk. We enjoyed the beauty of the park, and didn't jump in the waterfall. 

We walked up an appetite, so headed to Haleiwa town for some lunch. We enjoyed the food and views at Haleiwa Joe's. The line at Matsumoto shave ice was way too long, so we skipped that.

Went back for a rest at the resort.
Dinner was at nearby Kapolei, at a new to us place, Takumi. I enjoyed a cold soju drink, mango Chu Hai. It was refreshing! I also read a review about bacon wrapped mochi on their menu, so we had to try it. So delicious!

Day 4...

The next morning, I woke up early enough to catch the sunrise from our bedroom window, which faced the mountainside.

Then we headed to the Aloha Swap meet. It was hot. And traffic was bad. We only had about an hour to shop. Which was fine by the hubby man. 

Next, we met up with a former work buddy of the hubs, at Shirokiya Village Walk at Ala Moana Shopping Center, also known as my happy place. Shirokiya used to be a Japanese department store the last time we were here 3 years ago. No longer... it is now a huge group of food stalls. What to eat??

I discovered a new food fave... Hello Kitty waffles from Kulu Kulu! We got custard, chocolate, and regular. So cute and yummy!!

Then we hit the mall, and I picked up some cookies (They have both Big Island Candies, and Honolulu Cookie Company... maybe part of the reason why this is my happy place), and had to search out Uncle Clay's HOPA stand (House of Pure Aloha). He makes his own syrups, and it was quite tasty!

I know it seems like we are always eating, and my hashtag for the trip was #eatingmywaythroughoahu... but after a rest, we had dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen. I really enjoyed this place last time, and the fish and chips did not disappoint!