Sigo Journeys-- Where to Next?

Lying there in the sun
On a white sandy beach of Hawai`i
Sound of the ocean soothes my restless soul
Sound of the ocean rocks me all night long.
White Sandy Beach, by Willie Dan
Sung by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole “IZ”

As the right wing of the airplane tipped, I saw our approach toward Oahu. I couldn’t contain my anticipation any longer… I was so nice to be back. I lived here from 1998 to 2001 and have tried to come back as often as possible. E and I have been back three times since 2004, and we are planning to go to Maui next year.

We love coming here during Thanksgiving, allowing an easy five days of relaxation. We usually would take several day trips to the Windward side and North Shore during our visit. But since we have spent some time here already, we decided to take it slow and just lounge at the beach, going into the city only to partake in some ono food.

We were staying in the Ko Olina resort area, about 20 miles west of Honolulu. The name Ko Olina means the fulfillment of joy. Ko Olina consists of four man-made lagoons. Rock barriers provide protection from the ocean and high surf. The lagoons are sandy beaches surrounded by grass and shaded picnic areas. The lagoons are called: Kolola, Hanu, Nai'a, and Ulua.

Wed, 11/21- We arrived to Honolulu in the afternoon. We headed to Ko Olina to relax before dinner. I had a mai tai and E had a local beer while we watched the sun go down.

Alan Wong’s has been our favorite restaurant since we first ate there in 2004. Last year we had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal here, but they decided to close this year for the holiday. We were able to get a late reservation for tonight. The restaurant is located in an unassuming office building, with barely any signage. Every time we have approached the restaurant, it never fails. The car comes to a halt as we are wondering, “Is this it?” I squint to make out the Alan Wongs sign on the building. This is it. We take the elevator to the third floor…every seat in the house was occupied.

E ordered the ginger crusted onaga. E always orders the onaga. I got the steamed opakapaka, as our waiter was telling us how they just put this dish back on the menu and how they “steamed” the fish by ladling hot oil over the fish instantly creating a broth. Both dishes were amazing, but I can see why E orders the onaga all the time! It is ginger crusted with organically grown hamakua mushrooms with corn and miso sesame vinaigrette.


Thurs, 11/22- We reserved the cabana for the whole day. The weather was perfect.

We met the newly married Woos (mentioned in the Las Vegas entry) at Diamondhead Grill for Thanksgiving dinner. Coincidentally, they were here on their honeymoon. Three of us had the traditional turkey dinner, while Milton had a steak. But I am sure the Pilgrims had some sort of steak on their Thanksgiving table…

Fri, 11/23- We went to Hapa Grill for breakfast. Everytime we are in Hawaii, I have to have certain things. One of them is fried rice and eggs for breakfast. Hapa did it right. We again reserved the cabana for the whole day. Another perfect day. We took a break and went to eat Hawaiian plate lunch (another “must have”). I really miss this when I am away. The BBQ mixed plate consists of BBQ chicken, pork, and beef. A scoop of mac salad and two scoops of rice. It is soooo ono.

We met some of our friends at Sam Choys. I knew them when I lived here, and it is so nice to see them when we return. A lot of history between us, we were just discussing how we have known one another for nearly ten years! Aren't the girls cute?!

Sat, 11/24- We got massages outdoors adjacent to the ocean, listening to the waves crash. The sea massages were a great way to melt the tense muscles from the eight hour flight. I got the Lomi Lomi massage. Lomi Lomi developed out of the Hawaiian philosophy of Huna (meaning "secret"). Therapists use their hands, elbows, and forearms to apply long, gliding strokes, rhythmic movements, and pressure. It was such a treat.

We headed back to Honolulu to try Chef Mavro’s new restaurant: Cassis. The name was chosen because George Mavro’s first restaurant was in the picturesque harbor village of Cassis on the Mediterranean. E and I have been to Cassis and love its beauty. We had high expectations of the restaurant, as Chef Mavro is a renowned chef. However, we were quite disappointed in the entire experience. The service was terribly slow, despite the restaurant not being very busy (desolate compared to Alan Wongs). And our dishes arrived at room temperature, almost cold. We did not make mention of it to our server, hoping that I was just a bad night. We commented to one another that we should have just returned to Alan Wongs for a meal that we KNEW would not disappoint. The only redeeming dish for E was the malasadas (Hawaii’s version of a doughnut without a hole) that were filled with macadamia nut cream. I was not as easily swayed.

Sun, 11/25- We woke up remorsefully. It was our last day. We hung out at the beach for a couple of hours before brunch. I chose JW Marriott’s signature restaurant Azul for Sunday brunch. Our waiter arrived with a tropical mimosa (traditional mimosa enhanced with mango). The buffet offerings included lobster bisque in little tea party sized cups (E asked for a spoon and was told it was supposed to be “sipped.”), cold bar with shrimp, oysters and gigantic crab claws— reminded me of the stone crabs at Trulucks, crustess quiche, a variety salads, an antipasti bar, and a plethora of desserts with a chocolate fountain! The display was presented so graciously. The brunch also included an entrée selection. E ordered the lobster eggs benedict and I got the roasted onaga (finally!) I had eight huge crab claws before my entrée came. The food was just delicious! With unlimited champagne and a Bloody Mary bar, the brunch was the best one we had ever had!
We lounged on the beach for a couple of hours before we had to say good bye to our lovely lagoon. Every time we visit, it is harder and harder for us to leave. There are at least several moments when we are discussing the possibility of moving here… Someday, someday!

There are many islands with beauty to give
But this special place is where I want to live
O`ahu, by Carol Miguel and Keith Haugen