So we got to celebrate the 4th of July this year in one of our FAVORITE places in the world
Hawaii
Oahu – to be precise
This is where we had our honeymoon so it has a special place in our hearts. And, after the crazy year we’ve had, we were super excited to just have husband and wife time here.
PLUS we got to spend some time with some of our most favorite people in the world, our DPARK family filmmakers and husband and wife, Hazel and Loyd!
Oahu has so many beautiful locations to check out. Having been here a few times now, we went to some of the spots we hadn’t tried.
But definitely made a priority to hit up the spots we have but that we LOVED.
best spa in oahu
My personal favorite spa I’ve ever been to is Laniwai at Aulani (yes, I know it’s Disney, but it is AMAZING and beats the other even more expensive spas I was recommended). The fragrance, the experience, the service is just unparalleled. It’s officially my happy place.
Read our article on Disney Examiner on why Aulani is the BEST family spot in Hawaii and the must-try spots there!
And, MOST IMPORTANTLY to both of us, we wanted to try up EVERY SINGLE DELICIOUS place to eat in Oahu that we had heard about from the couple who grew up there 🙂
best places to eat in oahu
We LOOOOVED these spots.
You. Must. Eat. Here.
(forgive the cell phone imagery – we were on vacation and only pulled out our phones for photos when the food was THAT amazing)
We have to list out first the food we miss the most.
Marukame Udon
Long line that goes by quickly. We ate here several times…walking through the rain…running in 5 minutes before closing. Because we loved it that much.
Alan Wong’s Honolulu
The most scrumptious Hawaiian fine dining we’ve ever had. It was the perfect place to celebrate David’s birthday.
They served my favorite cocktail I’ve ever had in Hawaii: a blueberry hibiscus strawberry sangria
And, yum, the oysters…
We enjoyed the Chef’s Tasting Menu and the most memorable items were the
Ginger Crusted Onaga, Long Tail Red Snapper
Miso Sesame Vinagrette, Mushrooms and Corn
Twice Cooked Short Rib, Soy Braised and Grilled “Kalbi” Style
Gingered Short Rib Croquette, Kochu Jang Sauce
And the DESSERT was called The Coconut
Haupia Sorbet in a Chocolate Shell, Tropical Fruits, Lilikoi Sauce
…and we followed it up with some karaoke.
Then, we actually drove an hour to try this one:
Giovanni’s Shrimp Scampi
And, oh man, it was worth it. So….goooood.
Then, if you’re in the mood for just large portion, good breakfast Hawaiian food. Go here:
Eggs N Things
If you are going to try ANYTHING in Hawaii (other than poke) it’s their LOCO MOCO dish. OMG.
Then, try some of their macadamia nut pancakes. Yum!
Roy’s
And of course we had to taste this amazing dessert again: The Hula Pie
We were also told we HAD to try Helena’s Hawaiian Food but it was closed (even though Yelp and the website didn’t say it would be (sigh)). Next time, Helena’s, next time.
where else should we dine?
Send us your recommendations for future date nights!
With our love,
The DPARK Family
more hawaiian wedding inspiration
Swoon over our recent gorgeously modern glam Royal Hawaiian wedding in Oahu here!
Fall in love with our recent breathtaking Kauai destination wedding here!
Capture your love story around the world with the DPARK family today!
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