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Big Island Hawaii Day 8 – Glass Bottom Boat, Original Hawaiian Chocolate, Kona Joe Coffee & Magic Sands Beach – Monday, June 13, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-13-11 The picturesque Anaho'omalu Bay at the Waikoloa Marriott Beach Resort

Friends:

On Day 8 of our Hawaiian vacation, we did so much! We woke up early and went to Anaeho’omalu Bay to take a glass bottom boat tour of the bay. This is a view of the shore from the boat.

6-13-11 The view of the shore from the glass bottom boat

We learned so much about the sea life on the glass bottom boat tour. We spotted yellow tang, long-slate pencil sea urchin, and honu, meaning sea turtle in Hawaiian.

6-13-11 Honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtle

After our glass bottom boat tour, we decided to get in some beach time since our previous swim in “A-Bay” was at dusk the night before.

6-13-11 Eliana swims in A-Bay

After playing at the beach for a while, we got dressed and went to the Original Hawaiian Chocolate factory. Pam Cooper, one of the owners, was kind enough to give us a tour by appointment even though their tours are usually scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays.

6-13-11 Original Hawaiian Chocolate farm and factory in Kailua-Kona

It was an amazing experience for me to tour a single-origin chocolate company, especially since my book, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate, comes out in the Fall of this year. OHC grows their own cacao trees, from which cacao pods ripen.

6-13-11 OHC grows their own cacao. Here various colored cacao pods suspend from tree branches.

Here is a picture of the cacao pods up close.

6-13-11 A close-up of the cacao pods

Pam cut one open so we could see inside.

6-13-11 A cacao pod opened to reveal the white fleshy fruit

After the pods are harvested, the cacao beans are extracted and fermented. They are then placed on drying racks to sun-dry before they are roasted.

6-13-11 Cacao beans dry in the sun before they are roasted

After they are sent to the winnower (which removed the shells and turns the beans into nibs), they are then ground in a machine called a conch, creating a concentrated liquid. After conching for 15 hours, the chocolate arrives at temperer for its final process before it is poured into molds.

6-13-11 The chocolate, in its final stage of tempering, before it is molded

The result is astounding. Seeing chocolate created from the soil to the bar was a magical experience for me! OHC was the first single-origin chocolate in the United States, cultivating their own cacao and processing it into chocolate. Most chocolate factories buy their cacao from farms. OHC IS the farm and the factory! Wow!

6-13-11 Original Hawaiian Chocolate bars!

Pam, thank you so much for your incredible hospitality! We appreciate you. Like you say, “Chocolate is Aloha!”

6-13-11 Kid Chef Eliana, Dianne & Soleil with Pam Cooper of Original Hawaiian Chocolate

After our amazing tour with Original Hawaiian Chocolate, we headed to Kona Joe’s Coffee to see how coffee is made. I knew very little about the coffee making process and I learned so much from this tour as well! Kona Joe has a patented trellis system that his coffee trees are grown on.

6-13-11 Kona Joe's coffee farm with his signature trellis grown coffee

Here is a close-up of the coffee cherries on the trellis system.

6-13-11 Coffee cherries are grown on a trellis system patented by Kona Joe

This is the processing plant where Kona Joe makes his magic happen. Coffee on the Kona coast of Hawaii is the only coffee that is grown and processed in the United States!

6-13-11 The processing plant where Kona Joe makes his famous coffee

Of course, Antonio and Soleil were excited to shop for coffee. I am not a coffee drinker so Eliana and I enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa. The view from Kona Joe’s is amazing! You can see straight to the coast from the farm on the mountain.

6-13-11 Kona Joe's coffee farm overlooks the beautiful Kona coast

After our coffee tour, we took a leisurely drive around the Kailua-Kona area. We stopped at La’aloa Beach, also know as Magic Sands Beach because when the tide is high, the sands disappear into the water.

6-13-11 La'aloa State Beach Park, also known as Magic Sands Beach

We were at the beach during the late afternoon, when the surf was high. There was little sand but what little sand was visible was fine and white. The water was crystal clear too!

6-13-11 Eliana and I frolic at the Magic Sands Beach

The beach is dotted with volcanic rock and the waves can be quite strong. Eliana enjoyed dancing at the water’s edge.

6-13-11 Eliana dances in the waters of Magic Sands Beach

Antonio and Soleil were content to watch and take pictures while we played in the water.

6-13-11 What a beautiful beach!

Even Batman enjoys a little surf now and then…

6-13-11 To the Bat Cave... or beach

The Big Island of Hawaii has so many types of beaches! It’s amazing to see the variety of beaches, even on the same coast!

6-13-11 The water is so pretty and the sand is so white at Magic Sands Beach

It was another day in heaven!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu & Big Island Day 7 – Waikiki Beach & Big Island Hawaii Arrival – Sunday, June 12, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-12-11 Oh so pretty... the Waikiki beach and Eliana!

Friends:

On our last day in Waikiki, we decided to grab some beach time at our resort at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Eliana and I really wanted to go swimming.

6-12-11 I spend some time on Waikiki Beach before we fly to the Big Island

Of course, Eliana had to send her message in the sand…

6-12-11 We love you too, Eliana!

We had a great time at the beach but it was time to pack up and fly to the Big Island!

6-12-11 The pretty pink princess checks in for her flight to Hawaii, the Big Island

We arrived at the Kona airport, which is completely open air. We were staying at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort and rented a car to drive around the island.

6-12-11 Hula nani Eliana at the Kona airport

On the way to our resort, we traveled the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. We were astonished by the stark lava landscape and the organic graffiti!

6-12-11 A tradition on the Kona side of the Big Island - grafitti made with coral on black volcanic rock formations

Of course, we had to stop by the side of the road to examine the landscape further!

6-12-11 The lava creates amazing formations

Eliana makes her mark with scattered coral… Now she is a part of this curious tradition.

6-12-11 Eliana makes her mark on the Big Island!

Frankly, I was stunned by the volcanic desertscape. I didn’t expect it and it was such a surprise. I was taken by the landscape’s raw and stark beauty. It seemed so primal, like seeing the earth being created.

6-12-11 Me amidst a sea of black lava with a lone tree dotting the volcanic landscape

On the dry Kona side of Hawaii, you can see the sea, even from Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway.

6-12-11 A scenic lookout on Queen Koho'omalu Highway on the Big Island

We arrived at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort on Anaeho’omalu Bay. It was such a drastic contrast to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. So remote, so peaceful.

6-12-11 The amazing Marriott Waikoloa Resort on A-Bay, Big Island, Hawaii

We hurried into our bathing suits to catch a little beach time. The beach was a mixture of volcanic rock, salt and pepper sand, and azure water surrounded by lush flora and fauna.

6-12-11 The sun sets on Waikoloa

As the sun set, we dipped in the waters. The beach was practically deserted. It was so serene. A completely different scene than Waikiki, which is always moving, even at night.

6-12-11 A sunset dip at the beach

Then we decided to sample all the pools that the Marriott had to offer. I loved the slightly heated large infinity pool!

6-12-11 A night dip in the pretty infinity pool at Waikoloa

Our first day on the Big Island was a lesson in beauty. Not every Hawaiian landscape is full of lush palm trees and plumerias. Yet, the rolling lava desertscapes echo with a quiet, raw beauty. Not all beaches are full of fine white sands. Yet, the beach at Anaeho’omalu Bay is mysterious and just as beautiful with its sharp volcanic rock and coarse salt and pepper sand. Aloha from the Big Island…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu, Hawaii Day 6 – KCC Farmer’s Market, Polynesian Cultural Center & Sunset Beach – Saturday, June 11, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-11-11 The KCC Farmer's Market is crowded!

Friends:

On Day 6 of our Hawaiian paradise vacation, we went to the KCC Farmer’s Market.

6-11-11 The most beautiful hibiscus flowers at the KCC Farmer's Market

We heard that it was one of the best farmer’s markets in the country and couldn’t wait to taste the local flavors. We were not disappointed!

6-11-11 A kimchi sausage on a stick. Awesome!

We sampled lot of different kinds of foods. This caprese pizza was made completely from scratch with all local ingredients, even the tomato sauce. It had hand-stretched mozzarella too. Just fabulous!

6-11-11 Caprese pizza with all fresh ingredients!

Kid Chef Eliana and I had an authentic pineapple ginger ale made fresh. It was so delicious!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana sips a homemade pineapple ginger ale at the KCC Farmer's Market

Antonio and I shared a Northshore Cattle Company beef kalua loco moco. It was phenomenal. I learned that Hawaii is the largest producer of beef in the country!

6-11-11 Kalua beef loco moco at the KCC Farmer's Market

We also had honey cream pineapple, the best pineapple I have ever tasted. Fresh Hawaiian sweet bread was amazing. We had our breakfast/lunch at the KCC Farmer’s Market. Kid Chef Eliana found these amazing spices!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Kaiulani Spices at the KCC Farmers' Market

She was lucky enough to meet Kaiulani, the owner of Kaiulani spices. Kaiulani was so sweet. She gave Kid Chef Eliana some spices as a birthday present. Wow! Such Aloha!!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Kaiulani, the Hawaiian Queen of Spices

After the KCC Farmer’s Market, we headed back to the Polynesian Cultural Center for our Ambassador Tour, which we missed on our first visit. On the way, we stopped at a local carver’s workshop. I picked up a hand-carved Tiki. The artist, Mailo, signed it for me! We always treasure art from the places we travel to and local handicrafts are a special prize.

6-11-11 A tiki is hand-carved and signed by Mailo, the artist

At the Polynesian Cultural Center, we were assigned a guide from Fiji – Louchrisha – who was so hospitable and knowledgeable. We loved her!

6-11-11 Cousin Louchrisha is our guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Our first order of business was the lei greeting. We had to greet each other with a kiss and bestow leis upon our partner. I caught Mom and Clay in the act. Awwww. So cute!

6-11-11 Clay kisses Mom as he gives her a lei greeting at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Eliana took a picture with a beautiful Polynesian young lady.

6-11-11 Eliana poses with a beautiful Hawaiian girl

Louchrisha took us to Samoa, where we watched a man make fire from wooden sticks and coconut husk.

6-11-11 Eliana and Soleil take a picture with a Samoan fire-maker

We also watched a man scale a coconut tree with his bare feet! Ouch.

6-11-11 In the village of Samoa, a man scales a coconut tree with bare feet

In Aotearoa (New Zealand), we did a Maori stick game. Eliana and I were partners and did the best of all the groups. Yay!

6-11-11 In Aotearoa, we play a Maori stick game

Then we tried our hand at Maori poi balls. This was easy for me because I did poi balls as a kid. My stepdad nearly killed himself with the poi balls. Hilarious!

6-11-11 Mom, Clay, Soleil & Antonio work their poi balls in Aotearoa

Next, Louchrisha brought us to the amazing canoe pageant featuring the dances of the various Polynesian Isles. We had great seats and I got some wonderful pictures. First was Aotearoa in green with their poi balls.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Aotearoa

Next was Samoa. I love how they balance on the canoes as they dance.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Samoa

Fiji floated by with fierce dancers.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Fiji

Next, Tonga was in fiery red and I loved their hair pieces!

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Tonga

Hawaii danced gracefully in bright blue, representing the colors of the ocean and the sky.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Hawaii

The crowd favorite was clearly Tahiti with their fast hip-shaking dance, and careful balancing of the boat. I am always mesmerized watching Tahitian dancers and love their full skirts and tall head-dresses.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Tahiti

After the canoe pageant, we got to take a canoe ride ourselves! We toured all of the villages by water and exited the boat in Hawaii. There, we had a fun Hula lesson.

6-11-11 We all dance Hula!

Then it was on to Fiji, where we got our tribal tattoos. Mine was “Queen.” Eliana was “Warrior Princess.” Then we went to Tonga.

6-11-11 Eliana with pretty wahines from Tonga

In Tonga, we saw a drum show and learned how to weave an angel fish out of palm fronds. When the fish was finished, it was on a long reed. When you flung the reed, the fish moved to the tip and it looked like you caught fish while fishing. Soooo cool!

6-11-11 Weaving an angel fish made out of palm leaves on my fingers

I loved the Polynesian Cultural Center and felt such a connection to the many cultures of Polynesia. And there is still so much more to learn! I hope to one day write a book about Polynesia, collecting its rich folklore and the magical qualities all the islands possess.

6-11-11 Vina makes poi balls by hand

After our second PCC visit, we decided to take a scenic drive up the North Shore.

6-11-11 The Chinaman's Hat, an island off the North Shore of Oahu

It was really a pretty drive!

6-11-11 The scenic drive on the Northshore of Hawaii is beautiful!

Then it was time to take in the sunset at where else? Sunset Beach! We parked and then Eliana and I played in the sand and sea.

6-11-11 Eliana hangs loose at Sunset Beach

Eliana loves the water!

6-11-11 Eliana plays in the water at Sunset Beach

It rained on and off at Sunset Beach while we were there but I still managed to catch some beautiful pictures!

6-11-11 Sunset Beach on the Northshore of Oahu

Eliana and I love the beach!!!

6-11-11 The sun sets at Sunset Beach

After the rain goes, rainbows!

6-11-11 A beautiful rainbow caught from Sunset Beach!

Then I caught this postcard picture of Sunset Beach! Totally worth getting a little wet for! The perfect sunset to close another perfect day in paradise…

6-11-11 The postcard sunset at Sunset Beach

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu, Hawaii Day 5 – Lei Making, Hula Lessons, Puka Dog & Chinatown – Friday, June 10, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-10-11 The pretty view of Waikiki from my Mom and Clay's balcony at the Sheraton Princess

Friends:

Day 5 on Oahu was spent doing a variety of things. The men (Antonio and Clay) went to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor while the girls (Mom, Soleil, Eliana and I) took lessons in lei making and hula. We went to my mom’s hotel, The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, and took our lessons there. Not only did we learn how to make orchid leis, we were also given our Hawaiian names. My Hawaiian name is “Mehealani,” which means “heavenly moonrise.” Eliana’s Hawaiian name is “Pualani,” which means “heavenly flower.” Soleil’s Hawaiian name is “Nalanani,” which means “beautiful sunshine.” Mom’s Hawaiian name is “Puanani,” which means “beautiful flower.”

6-10-11 Soleil, Eliana & I make orchid leis and receive our Hawaiian names

After our lei-making, we took an hour-long hula lesson from a tutu kumu (a grandmotherly teacher). It was quite a workout and we were all perspiring at the end of it!

6-10-11 Mom, Soleil, Eliana and I take an hour long hula lesson. What fun!

We worked up quite an appetite and it was time for lunch. So we headed to Puka Dog, a local hot dog stand located only on the islands Oahu and Kauai.

6-10-11 We fell in love with Puka Dog, a Hawaiian tropical hot dog. Ono!

“Puka” means “hole” in Hawaiian. A puka dog, is a bun with a hole inside. The sausage is inserted with a variety of tropical relishes and condiments. I had a lilikoi (passion fruit) mustard and pineapple relish Puka Dog. They were soooo good. Clay, my stepdad, loves them so much that he wants to open a Puka Dog franchise in New Orleans!

6-10-11 Soleil holds her tasty Puka Dog

Puka Dog is also renowned for their Hawaiian shave ice. There is no “d” at the end of “shave,” in case you are thinking I misspelled the word. Shave ice is a powdery fine crushed ice flavored with different kinds of tropical syrups. It is akin to the “snowball” of New Orleans although I have to say that the Hawaiian shave ice has a much finer texture. Just delicious!

6-10-11 A Blue Hawaiian Shave Ice from Puka Dog

After eating our Puka dogs, the girls decided to do some shopping at a nearby outdoor market. We found lots great bargains that rivaled the prices in Chinatown. Imagine that, in the heart of Waikiki!

6-10-11 The girls shop at an outdoor market and find Hawaiian bargains!

We met up with the guys again and headed to Chinatown for our second visit, this time on our own. We shopped for leis, souvenirs, and ate at the food court full of Chinese, Singaporean, and Filipino foods. Eliana and Soleil had traditional Filipino halo-halo, for the first time. Halo-halo is a shaved ice dessert with coconut milk, milk, ice cream, and tropical fruits, a great summertime treat!

6-10-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Filipino halo-halo!

I had my favorite pork hash with a “paper” cupcake dessert, an angel food cake-like pastry. Can you believe that the pork hash was only 50 cents each?!

6-10-11 I ate pork hash and a paper cupcake from Chinatown. I LOVE pork hash!

After our fill of food, we headed back to Mom and Clay’s hotel, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulanai, and watched a hula show as we sipped on tropical cocktails.

6-10-11 We watch a lovely hula dancer at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

The night ended with a stroll through a big Hula street festival in front of Waikiki beach.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu, Hawaii Day 4 – Hanauma Bay & Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room – Thursday, June 9, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-9-11 Breathtaking views of where surf meets shore

Friends:

On Day 4 of our Hawaii trip, we went to Hanauma Bay. Before we went to the bay, we stopped at a scenic overlook and took some gorgeous pictures.

6-9-11 A scenic view of Oahu's rocky shore

The beauty of the Hawaiian Islands never fails to astonish me…

6-9-11 Smile, ohana!

Antonio, Soleil, Eliana and I had our hearts set on going to Hanauma Bay. My mom and Clay decided to spend their day with Reggie, Clay’s nephew, who is stationed on Oahu. They explored the Northshore while we swam and snorkeled in breaktaking Hanauma Bay.

6-9-11 Beautiful Hanauma Bay

Check out this phenomenal panoramic view of Hanauma Bay!

6-9-11 A panoramic view of Hanauma Bay from above

After viewing a video on the preservation of Hanauma Bay, we decided to walk down the steep hill. It was so pretty. The beach wasn’t very crowded and we found a nice spot quickly.

6-9-11 Happy to be at Hanauma Bay!

We snorkled lots and saw some amazing sea life.

6-9-11 Angelfish in Hanauma Bay

Unfortunately, my underwater camera was an epic failure and all but two pictures were blurry.

6-9-11 The underwater camera failed to take clear pics. Here we are snorkeling in Hanauma Bay.

But I did get this great picture of a sea urchin!

6-9-11 The long-slate pencil sea urchin in Hanauma Bay

We had so much fun frolicking in the sand and sea!

6-9-11 Eliana loves Hanauma Bay. She is a natural island girl!

Hanauma Bay is picturesque on land and in the sea! Everywhere you look is a good picture!

6-9-11 Island beauties at Hanauma Bay

Yes, we loved taking pictures at Hanauma Bay!

6-9-11 Antonio, Eliana & Dianne at Hanauma Bay

I even ate my Spam musubi at the beach! LOL

6-9-11 I confess... I love Spam musubi, a Hawaiian comfort food

Eliana made her mark at every beach we visited! It became our Hawaiian tradition… what a sweetie!

6-9-11 We love you too, Eliana!

Even roosters love Hanauma Bay…

6-9-11 A beautiful rooster roams the beach at Hanauma Bay

We didn’t want to leave this beachy paradise but we had reservations at Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room to celebrate Kid Chef Eliana’s birthday so it was time to go… On the way back, we saw the grand “Stairway to Heaven,” a mountain with “stairs” all the way to the top. Unfortunately, it is not safe to climb and it is illegal for visitors to do so. But it sure makes a pretty backdrop!

6-9-11 Eliana poses in front of Stairway to Heaven on Oahu

Going to Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room was such a treat. They treated Kid Chef Eliana like a princess! We ate the best food – gastonomical delights such as a marinated tomato and watermelon salad, compliments of the executive chef!

6-9-11 A tomato and watermelon salad compliments of Executive Chef Lance Kosaka from Alan Wong's Pineapple Room

They even brought out a delicious birthday cake for Kid Chef Eliana!! WOW!!

6-9-11 A birthday cake for Kid Chef Eliana from Alan Wong's Pineapple Room

Here is Kid Chef Eliana with Executive Chef Lance Kosaka, who gifted Eliana with sacred volcanic sea salt from the island of Kauai. We were wowed by the hospitality of the Pineapple Room. Not only was it an amazing experience for Eliana, it was wonderful experience for the whole family! And the perfect end to another day in paradise!

6-9-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Executive Chef Lance Kosaka from Alan Wong's Pineapple Room

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu, Hawaii Day 3 – Polynesian Cultural Center – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

by Dianne on June 21, 2011

6-8-11 Eliana and I pose in Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda's backyard

Friends:

Day 3 was our day to spend at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) but we were waylaid by me having an allergic reaction and a swollen eye. I had to go to Wal-Mart to get prescription eye drops so we got off to a late start. Auntie Linda asked us to stop by her house before we went to PCC because she made us jasmine leis from her garden! They were so pretty and aromatic!

6-8-11 Tropical flowers from Auntie Linda's garden adorn Eliana's hair

While we were there, we toured the Katekarus’ yard and gardens. They had a collection of amazing turtles!

6-8-11 A turtle eats hibiscus flowers

Their backyard was so pretty, we had to pose for pictures!

6-8-11 Soleil and Eliana, pretty island girls

Auntie Linda and Uncle BobKat are so sweet. Thank you for being so hospitable AGAIN! We left their house and headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

6-8-11 Soleil and Eliana, pretty girls at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The only village we got to see was Aoetearoa (New Zealand), where we saw a Maori dance show. Then it was time for the Ali’i Luau.

6-8-11 Eliana holds a fish made out of palm leaves at the Ali'i Luau

We saw the roasted kalua pig come out of the ground and carried ceremoniously to the stage.

6-8-11 The kalua pig is pulled out of the imu, the underground oven, at the Ali'i Luau

It was time to dig in. I piled my plate with rice, kalua pork, a purple taro roll, poi (the pasty starch Hawaiians eat), pineapple, chicken long rice (actually a noodle dish), and a root vegetable. I have to say that I didn’t hate the poi but it lacked flavor. It’s not something I would specifically order. I did have poi later that tasted better because it was freshly made. An interesting note about taro root (which poi is made from): if not cooked properly, it causes burning and itching in the throat. I don’t remember it from my childhood days in Hawaii so I am glad I sampled it again.

6-8-11 My meal at the Ali'i Luau - kalua pork, chicken long rice, a taro bread roll, poi, and fresh pineapple

We were treated to a nice show of Hula with a royal procession.

6-8-11 The royal dance to signal the king's entry at the luau

I love watching Hula because it is so graceful and elegant. But it’s even more amazing when kids dance and are so accomplished! I love it!

6-8-11 Kids dance with uli ulis at the Ali'i Luau

After the luau, we went to the Ha, Breath of Life Show and it was magnificent. The show featured dances from the Polynesian cultures highlighted at the PCC: Hawaii, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti. It was spectacular, full of special effects and a good story! Unfortunately, we could not take pictures. :( But it was the perfect end to our time at the PCC. Aloha!

6-8-11 Family photo time after the Ali'i Luau

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu, Hawaii Day 2 – Hawaii Food Tours & BobKat’s Famous Pizza – Tuesday, June 7, 2011

by Dianne on June 21, 2011

6-7-11 Eliana in front of a big batch of manapua

Friends:

On Day 2 of our Hawaii vacation, it was a day dedicated to food and Kid Chef Eliana’s culinary education. We went on Matthew Gray’s Hawaii Food Tours. It was phenomenal!! I learned so much about the foods of Hawaii. We had manapua, a Chinese sweet bun made with sweet or savoring fillings. I had the cha siu, Chinese barbecued pork. Kid Chef Eliana had coconut. It was definitely love at first bite!

6-7-11 Hawaii's famous manapua buns made with sweet or savory fillings

Then we headed to Chinatown for lots of samplings of local foods. One of my favorite parts of this tour was the visit to the Chinese noodle factory, where rice noodles were made by hand!

6-7-11 At a noodle factory in Chinatown, where rice noodles are handmade

The delicate noodles were complimented by chicken and a savory gingery, sesame, soy sauce. Absolutely divine!

6-7-11 Samples of the amazing rice noodles & wings are prepared for us

We sampled all kinds of local fruit, including rambutan, a small, spiny red fruit with white fleshy orb inside. It’s exotic and sweet.

6-7-11 A rambutan fruit - a fruit popular in Southeast Asia

We saw purple sweet potatoes, mangoes, lichees, and a host of other fruit and vegetables.

6-7-11 Kid Chef Eliana holds a purple sweet potato

I fell in love with a local food called Spam musubi. I know what you’re thinking. Spam?!! Yes, Spam! Hawaii is the largest consumer of Spam in the world and they have fully integrated this canned meat into their cuisine. Spam musubi is sushi rice topped with Spam, and wrapped in nori, a seaweed paper.

6-7-11 Fresh mango, Spam musubi, and ahi poke, which is marinated ahi tuna

We browsed through Chinatown and I was wowed by all the wonderful fresh produce!

6-7-11 Lots of fresh produce in Chinatown!

We loved the tour and the food kept coming!!

6-7-11 A great family photo in Chinatown - notice the No Dumping sign over my stepdad's head. LOL

We knew we were coming back to Chinatown another day!

6-7-11 Kid Chef Eliana eats Korean barbecue pork

Keira, one of our food guides, created a tropical cocktail smoothie. It was soooo good!

6-7-11 Keira's tropical cocktail smoothie - a perfect respite from the heat!

We also tasted a local confection called “coco puff,” a small puff pastry filled with chocolate and topped with a buttery chantilly cream. Tasty!!

6-7-11 Matthew of Hawaii Food Tours passes out coco puffs, a famous Hawaiian pastry

By the time we were done with the Hawaii Food Tours, we felt like overstuffed manapua! It was one of the best tours I have been on and we all loved it! After a quick dip at our hotel’s pool, we got ready for dinner. Can you believe it?!! After all that food…

We went to my Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda’s house for dinner. They are long-time family friends. I grew up with their kids in Hawaii!! We hadn’t seen them in years and seeing them felt like no years had passed. It was the feeling of “ohana,” meaning “family” in Hawaiian.

6-7-11 Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda, old family friends from my childhood in Hawaii!

Uncle BobKat (my childhood name for Bob Katekaru) is an expert, renowned pizza maker and wowed us with his culinary skills as well as his operatic singing abilities. Who knew?! It was like watching a food T.V. show!

6-7-11 Uncle BobKat makes a pizza from scratch! Yum!

The pizza came out of the oven hot and fresh, oozing with mozzarella cheese and full of yummy toppings!

6-7-11 Uncle BobKat's Pizza!

Companionship with loving friends was the perfect end to a culinary day of perfection! Thank you Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda for your Hawaiian hospitality! We love you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu, Hawaii Day 1 – Arrival! Monday, June 6, 2011

by Dianne on June 21, 2011

6-6-11 Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii!

Friends:

My family vacation to Hawaii was a blast. Antonio, Soleil, Eliana, and I spent ten days in paradise! After many hours of flying, we finally arrived on Oahu, at the Honolulu airport.

6-6-11 We arrive in Hawaii, at the airport in Honolulu

It was fun driving through Honolulu and Waikiki. Lots of fun sights to see, including this very cool looking building!

6-6-11 As we drive into Waikiki, we see an interesting looking building!

The foliage and trees are amazing. Look at this banyan tree.

6-6-11 A big Banyan tree. Wow!

We stayed at the Grand Waikikian at the Hilton Hawaiian Villlage. Upon arriving, we were greeted with Kukui nut leis. The staff was so friendly. I loved our suite. We had a full kitchen and even had a washer and dryer.

6-6-11 Our Grand Waikikian suite at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

Our view from the balcony afforded us sights of the ocean and the mountains. Plus, we had easy beach access as well as access to pools and the pretty Hilton lagoon, perfect for children.

6-6-11 From our balcony, the day is waning. We have ocean and mountain views, and beach access!

My mom and Clay also vacationed with us on Oahu but stayed at a different hotel. They were at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel, also in Waikiki. We had a rental car and picked them up for dinner. We ate at a local eatery called Lulu’s Waikiki Bar and Grill.

6-6-11 Mom, Soleil & Eliana at Lulu's in Waikiki

Lulu’s is a casual cafe that overlooks the beach. The food was great.

6-6-11 Eliana and I at Lulu's in Waikiki

I ate a local favorite called “Loco Moco,” rice topped with a hamburger patty, brown gravy, with a fried egg on top. Definitely comfort food and I was starving. American Airlines does not feed you (unless you pay), even on 8 hour flights!

6-6-11 A Hawaiian specialty - Loco Moco, rice topped with a burger, gravy and a fried egg

We were so excited to be in Hawaii!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Story Safari Programs at Webster Parish Libraries – Thursday, June 2, 2011

by Dianne on June 4, 2011

6-2-11 Performing my draw and tell tale, The Emperor's Dragon, at the Webster Parish Library in Minden, LA

Friends:

On Thursday, June 2, I was at the Webster Parish Library in Minden and then their Springhill Branch Library. This summer’s reading theme is “One World, Many Stories.” My program is called “Story Safari,” to coincide with the summer theme.

I began my program with my draw and tell story, The Emperor’s Dragon. The kids love seeing lines transformed into a picture! Then I did “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps,” another draw and tell story.

6-2-11 Performing my draw and tell tale, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps, at the Webster Parish Library in Minden, LA

My middle story was “Medio Pollito,” which in Spanish means “Little Half Chick.” It’s the story of how the weather vane came to be. Then it was time for a song: “My Aunt Came Back.”

6-2-11 With helpers from the audience, Dianne performs My Aunt Came Back, a traditional song at the library in Minden

My last story was from my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library. I had helpers from the audience participate in the story. The little boy who played the main character, Max, was hilarious. His name is Kayus. My rapport with the audience was magical and I had such an amazing time with them!

6-2-11 Cute and kooky Kayus plays Max in There's a Dragon in the Library

Kid Chef Eliana closed out the show with a performance of her new song, “Cool Kids Cook!” She is so adorable! Afterward, we sold and signed tons of books, especially Eliana!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana talks about her cookbook, Eliana Cooks! at the library in Minden

At the end of the show, I put on some dance music and some kids from the audience showed everyone their moves. Check out Kayus!! He was the most incredible break dancer!

6-2-11 Kayus does a handstand while is he breakdancing to Dianne's music

After the show, it was time for our annual tradition: lunch at Moody’s Place! Moody’s is this “hole in the wall” restaurant that serves stick-to-your-ribs Southern soul food – fried chicken, fried pork chops, country fried steak, turnip greens, purple hull peas (black eyed peas), yams, and pies that will make you dream about them for days!!

6-2-11 Oh me, oh my! Look at those pies!

This is the restaurant that introduced me to “hot water cornbread.” Cornbread that is baked and then fried! But it sure tastes good!

6-2-11 Hot water cornbread at Moody's Place in Minden, LA

Jennifer Heard is the children’s librarian who introduced us to Moody’s. Now we have to eat there every time we go to Minden! Look at the two Jennifers! (Jennifer Heard is on the left.)

6-2-11 Jennifer X 2 from the Webster Parish Library in Minden!

Eliana even got to talk to Ms. Moody for a little bit. Yes, Moody’s Place is one of our favorite Southern cooking restaurants in Louisiana!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana in front of Moody's Place in Minden, LA

After lunch, it was time to head to Springhill, Louisiana for our second show. Springhill is on the Arkansas border. It’s waay north! Again, I told my draw and tell stories. When I did “My Aunt Came Back,” the audience had a great time getting silly!

6-2-11 The audience at the Springhill Branch Library does My Aunt Came Back

“Medio Pollito” was a hit with the Springhill Crowd. They even learned a little Spanish!

6-2-11 Showing kids a weather vane from the story, Medio Pollito

When I performed There’s a Dragon in the Library, Zach was my little helper that played “Max” in the story. We had a good time!

6-2-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library at the Springhill Branch Library

Kid Chef Eliana performed her song, “Cool Kids Cook!” At this show, we sold out of books – both of us!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs her song, Cool Kids Cook!

Kid Chef Eliana was a big hit and her little fans wanted pictures with her!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana takes a picture with sweet fans!

Following our show, we headed across the street to AmJenn’s Soups and Scoops restaurant. We both enjoyed cold Coke floats. We even got to sign dollar bills that were placed on the ceiling! Cool!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana and Dianne de Las Casas sign dollar bills for the ceiling at AmJenn's Soups & Scoops restaurant on Main Street in Springhill, LA

Eliana and I had a MARVELOUS time in Webster Parish. Webster Parish is just full of good people – we had such wonderful audiences and the library staff is just out of this world!!! So a world of thanks to our friends in Minden and Springhill! See you down the road…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Craft: I Love You Little Monkey Paper Plate Mask – Thursday, May 19, 2011

by Dianne on May 19, 2011

5-19-11 I Love You Little Monkey Paper Plate Mask

Friends:

Have fun monkeying around with this cute craft! It’s a paper plate monkey mask. Ooh ooh ooh, Eeh Eeh Eeh! Grab a big banana for me!

Supplies:
2 paper plates
Glue stick
Crayons
Pencil
Scissors
Cups – 1 small, 1 medium, and 1 large
Black marker – 1 fine tip and 1 thick tip
Jumbo craft or popsicle stick

Directions:
Color one of the paper plates brown. On the second paper plate, with a pencil, trace the small cup twice for the eyes. Then trace the medium cup twice for the ears. Finally trace the large cup once for the monkey’s mouth area. Make a black circle inside the eyes (small cup circles) for the pupils. Color the ears (medium cup circles) and the mouth area (large cup circle) a tan or beige color. Draw a C inside the left ear and a backwards C inside the right ear. Use the glue stick to attach to each side of the monkey’s head. Glue down the eyes and the mouth area. Next, with the thick tip black marker, make two dots inside the large circle for the monkey’s nose. Underneath, draw a curvy smile. To finish the monkey’s face, draw a semi-heart from one side of the top of the big circle to the other side. The dip of the heart should be between the monkey’s eyes. Write “I Love You, Little Monkey!” on the craft stick. Glue the stick to the bottom back of the paper plate. Now you’re swinging!

Here’s what I did with my mask… I placed it on the front door to greet my 10 year old daughter on her way to school. What a fun surprise!

5-19-11 I Love You Little Monkey Mask on the front door

I’m bananas about monkeys! How about you?!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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