You want me to go to what? The Mōiliili Bon Dance? Isn't that like a billion people with horrible…read moreparking? What about my raging agoraphobia and enochlophobia? Well sort of. That my dear Yelp Associate, is Saturday. The Mōiliili Hongwanji Bon Dance is the FRIDAY before the massive Saturday Summer Festival. (See my review for that one here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/moiliili-summer-festival-and-bon-dance-honolulu?hrid=BfibWk8TVWn0_XKJxMzQ_Q&utm_campaign) The Friday event is a chill sibling of the Saturday Summer Festival, with far fewer people, but with no food trucks and less shopping. Parking is also better due to fewer people, with one of the nearby free parking lots on Beretania Street available. The hot food for 2018 included shoyu pork bowl, chicken karaage, takoyaki (squid balls), teri burger, saimin, BBQ beef sticks, and spam musubi, along with an assortment of drinks. There was also a bake sale with andagi, andagi dogs (think corn dogs), mochi, and cookies. The shoyu bowl was by far the best item, with tender, flavorful pork over gravy enriched rice with a piece of pickled radish. Hands down winner of the night! The takoyaki, which came five to an order, were freshly fried, warm and had a decent amount of squid. A little too creamy for me, but I can see how people would love this. The dressing and flakes were tasty too. The BBQ meat stick was good size and well marinated. Teri burger was an average Bon Dance teri burger, but with a good char on it. Hot food tent takes credit cards as well. Some shopping and games for the kids were on site along with donations for a high school's project grad. Dancing started around 6:00 PM with the regular assortment of songs, dancers, kimonos, yukatas, and adorable children. Dancing goes through 10:30 PM. The Friday event is perfect for people who are more interested in dancing and not fans of horrible parking and massive crowds. Bring a small umbrella as Mōiliili tends to have frequent, but short showers during this time of the year and there's very little cover during the event.

Parking on Beretania St. On Left after Teddy's Burger, and across Shinyo-en (?) church. Lots of…read moreparking!

Public art in Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. We came upon this tall structure and were amazed by its grandeur. "Wayfinding" by Linda Fleming is an art installation at Victoria Ward Park. It was unveiled in July 2024. We were walking along the Ala Moana Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge when this structure came into view. It depicts movement of the ocean and the sky. It's the first of four planned art pieces in the park.

Park with art…read more.. Victoria Ward Park to be precise and as a great suggestion to go outside and explore it started at Choy's Monster then worked our way to Ala Moana Boulevard Bridge which took us over Ala Moana Boulevard to Victoria Ward Park one that most of us driven past as it got shifted across the street due to a condominium built at its former location though the size is much smaller I do feel like they tried to make it friendly and aesthetically pleasing by adding features like this art that we see from many angles as it towers impressively high to see is Wayfinding. Another definition of wayfinding is like navigating and as this work of art looks like either the wind and waves or a combination of it visually it certainly is stunning though as I looked at it closely I see many birds using it as a landing spot navigating itself to rest which in results of poop on it already which isn't very pleasing considering it's fairly new. Probably quite costly and to make and to maintain and keeping it clean will cost much more though absolutely beautiful just wished it was planned better.

This is a review of the Manoa Christmas Parade 2015…read more It has been many moons since we took da kid to the Manoa parade when he was a squirt. In those days, the parade was relatively short, less than 30 minutes as I recall. My how things have changed. This year we took our little fur ball princess to da parade, and boy was she in awe of the festivities. The parade now seems to run close to an hour and there appears to be a more diverse group of marchers. From school bands to financial institutions, and all groups in between, the Manoa Christmas Parade, because it is on less busy streets, has a more neighborhood and personal feel as compared to say, the Kaimuki Christmas parade. A highlight of the parade has to be Mrs. Claus, rocking away on her chair as she passes the crowd in the back of her vintage truck. This is a clever take on the Claus tradition, something the crowds seem to look forward to. Another highlight was this year's Grand Marshall and Lion Stanley Takamine. Way to go Lion Stan! Many thanks to all who participated in this great parade institution in beautiful Manoa Valley to the delight of the many families who lined the streets watch. Happy holidays to everyone!

So why 5 stars? Well duh this is where I live (so yeah I am probably biased). We are a small…read morecommunity with a rich unique history (i said HISTORY so all you burglars go Kahala or something). While we can no longer can leave our doors unlocked, neighbors know each other and still talk to one another and look out for each other. Parks: 5/5. Manoa District Park. Huge park with tables and places to dispose of your coal if you decide to grill (Longs and Safeway is just down the road if you forget something). A baseball field, a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts are just a few things available here. Library. 3/5. Manoa Library. Currently in a small temporary location. There is a totally brand new library currently under construction sure to be a 5 star location when it does open. Shopping & Dining. 4/5. Manoa Shopping Center & surrounding shops. With so many restaurants ranging from healthy (Andy's) to not so healthy (McDonald's) they is sure to be something for everyone. Schools. 5/5. Manoa Elementary & Noelani Elementary. Great schools with great parent involvement. Their seasonal craft fairs are super awesome. I know I have missed some stuff, but I am sure you can see why we have a great community worthy of 5 stars. #Yelp 365 007/365 Date Visited: Everyday

It was the biggest bon dance I've ever been to. Lots of people enjoying the traditional music and…read moredance. So many familiar faces. Games, crafts, and tons of food vendors. It was a really fun and enjoyable cultural experience. The only reason why I'm giving this festival 4 stars instead if 5 is because I was hoping there would be more traditional obon festival foods--cone sushi, saimin, manju, etc. Don't get me wrong, it was great having the local food vendors come out. But it would've been nice to have more traditional options for the people who needed a little more old school flavor in the mix.

Our family/friends have been coming every year for the past 5+ years. It used to be at the…read moreMoiliili Community Center parking lot by Down to Earth, but only a couple of years ago it's been held at its current location-which is way better and it seems like every year it gets bigger with more food vendors and booths. The Andagi is a must! Usually on the second night they have strawberry and/or blueberry ones. Got Yelp sunglasses for answering a trivia question correctly at the Yelp booth! Overall, it's great fun for the whole family.

If you're heading there on the H3 you'll be going through the Tetsuo Harano tunnel. As kids we'd…read moreonly have access via the Pali and it was a challenge who could hold their breath the entire distance through the mountain tunnel. You will need to turn on your lights then turn them off once out of the tunnel. The view of the mountains with lush vegetation and a chance sighting of a waterfall if it's been raining is always a thrill. Proceed through part of Kaneohe and follow the signs. Some folks like to go to Lanikai Beach or have shave ice where Barack Obama gives it a thumbs up. For us we just go for a joyride and end up at a delicious breakfast place as there are several on the Windward side of the Island. Hopefully you won't be in need of one but Castle Hospital is close by. Some people dream of living in Kailua but to purchase the real estate be prepared to dish out multi millions of dollars and more.

Touristing on the Island of Oahu…read more.. Kailua is a trendy town on the Windward side of the island. Most visitors stay in Honolulu which is on the South Shore. Kailua is north of Honolulu and Waikiki... about a half hours drive away... The most direct route would be through the Pali Tunnels. Some Hawaii residents think that Kailua is a tourist town. There are many things here that would attract out-of-towners - such as Kailua Beach and its ocean activities such as Stand Up Paddie Boarding and Kayaking. (Lanikai Beach is also beautiful and secluded.) Shopping would be another positive aspect of Kailua since there are many cute boutiques, big stores like Target; and necessities such as the US Post office, Foodland, Safeway, and Times Supermarkets, and credit unions like Aloha Pacific. As a resident, I enjoy Kailua for its foodie adventures. Besides Pieology, Over Easy, Uproll, Mahaloha Burger, Mother Bakery, and Boots and Kimos, there are small businesses like Agnes' Portuguese Bakery with fresh, hot malasadas; Baci Bistro with fine Italian cuisine; and Wilson Store with yummy snacks and refreshing shave ice. The Beet Box has healthy, delicious vegetarian options while Kaohao County Store serves deli sandwiches using Boar's Head quality products. Don't forget to go to the Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings at Pali Lanes and Thursday evenings at Kailua Town! It's really fun to go to Kailua. Sometimes it reminds me of Pasadena, California - especially areas where there's metered street parking... lol! Kailua usually has sunny and warm weather with cooling trade winds. It's no wonder why President Obama enjoys vacationing in Kailua!

Very attentive staff, delicious food, good selection of liquors. I really like the atmosphere in…read morehere and can see it quickly becoming my go to spot. It may not be for everyone but it is definitely for me.

Dinner in Kaimuki, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. I went to Yoas on 4-1-23 because there was a special pop-up event happening outside. Inside, I saw the intriguing menu for Bad Weather Bar and decided to return one day... Located where Gazen Izakaya used to be, Yoas (black building with red wording) is across from Kaimuki High School. There is a free parking lot right in front. Look for the Buddha wall mural! There's a lot of merchandise at Yoas to keep you amused as you wait for your order from Bad Weather Bar. I liked the cute keychains, cups, pins, figurines, jewelry, etc. The variety of phone cases and other cell phone accessories are amazing. Donna and I ordered the new menu item: Smoked Smash Burger. It was a double hamburger patty sandwich with lots of smokey, cheesy goodness! Corey cut it in half for us so we could share it! Thank you! It was rich, messy, moist, and tasty! We sat at the counter seats. It was a bit warm inside. Next time, we should sit outside at the picnic tables in front of Aloha Shave Ice around the corner - same parking lot. We could plan better and have shave ice first (they close at 5pm) and have a burger afterwards (Bad Weather Bar closes at 6pm).

Local Ghibli art…read more.. One thing I love about SALT in Kaka'ako are the murals and you can't miss them that are large as the whole side of the buildings but there is one that draws a lot of attention and it's really not that big at all. Pineapple Totoro and Catbus Mural which is located right on Coral Street between Highway Inn and The Boiling Crab "Da CatBus is painted in the local transit colors while Totoro is full dressed as a Pineapple is so fun and creative that tourists are always found taking pictures of and with the mural as we all love how it combines the cultures in a fun and playful way that is only found right here in Kaka'ako. Along with Kako plants and the stunning blue skies in the background artist @7sketches is a fun and playful piece that makes everyone smile and shine the local love we have here with artists to share with us all. Thank you!

Pali Lookout is one of my many favorite spots on Oahu…read more Located off Pali Highway, you will get an outstanding view of the windward side of the island and learn some Hawaiian History. This is a historical site so PLEASE be RESPECTFUL of the land!!! There is generally plenty of parking but during the weekend, the lot can fill up quickly. You must pay for parking if you do not have a Hawaii Driver's License. Kama'aina are free. Everyone else I believe pays $7 to park. You can pay via a QR code or at the kiosk with card. Is parking enforced? Sometimes there is a parking attendant and sometimes there is not. I recommend paying the fee as it helps with the upkeep of this historical site. There are portapotties located on the far side of the parking lot where the busses park. Are they clean? I've never used them but this is what a part of the parking fee goes to is amenities like this. The lookout can be incredibly windy so be mindful of loose clothing, hats, etc. They can blow away. If you come here during our winter time (~November to April), it can get a bit chilly up there depending the time of day. People usually spend about 15-30 minutes or less here. Come here ready to take plenty of photos! The views are beautiful!!

Lookout with a pretty view but a history of bloodshed. This was one of the stops on a tour bus that…read morewe took around Hawaii. A quick stop to look at the view and also some random chickens walking around the parking lot. Overall I can't imagine the war but being here actually seemed peaceful to me. So much greenery! It is quite pretty and I heard that people do hike around this area.