Waikiki Style

Lately, my style has been feeling pretty simple in a good way. Mostly black and white, I'm comfortable in classic clothes that make me feel relaxed and don't make too much of a statement. You can normally find me cruising the streets of the 96815 in my favorite jeans, a casual tank and a pair of chucks. I'll add a few pieces of jewelry to jazz it up and sometimes a hat to tame my unruly locks. I prefer to be muted against the colorful, vibrant backdrop of the 96815. There is no competing with Hawaii's gorgeous scenery in my book. Like the timeless beauty of Waikiki or a black and white photo, I never want to go out of style.

XOX, 

The 96815

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Musubi & Bento Iyasume

I have been really busy with work lately, which means there hasn't been much time to put together a thoughtful blog post, let alone sit down to a nice meal. Constantly running from one place to the next, exasperated and starving, is how I found myself at Musubi & Bento Iyasume in the 96815 the other day. Musubi Iyasume serves up the Hawaiian version of the Japanese Omusubi, which is a combination of rice and grilled Spam wrapped together with nori dried seaweed. I have to admit -  I am a little skeptical of consuming the mysterious Spam. I was raised by a health nut who is probably reading this post with disdain. Sorry Mom - I was hungry! Judging by the the crowd outside of the shop, I knew I would at least get something tasty, so I jumped in line. To my delight, the Spam, egg, cucumber, rice combo was wonderful and filling. My locally raised counterpart agreed that it was delicious and uniquely better than those sold at most convenience store checkout counters across Hawaii. We shared a miso soup and ended with a refreshing soft serve vanilla ice cream cone. In this case, once a skeptic, not always a skeptic? I like Spam or maybe I just like it from Musubi & Bento Iyasume. 

Spam Musubi - my new favorite meal on the go!

The 96815 Tip - Have time to linger with friends over a musubi? Visit their cafe location with plenty of seating in the Pacific Monarch Hotel at 2427 Kuhio Avenue.

Musubi & Bento Iyasume, 7 Days a week, 7am - 8pm, Seaside Ave. between Kalakaua and Kuhio, the 96815. 

The Royal Hawaiian

Gracefully perched on the golden sand of Waikiki Beach in the heart of the 96815, is the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Rooted in royalty, the hotel was built in the late 1920's on the former site of Hawaiian Queen Emma's summer palace and King Kamehameha's personal playground. Surviving numerous inhabitants, changes, restorations and renovations over the years, Her style and grace has remained timeless. The Pink Palace of the Pacific is still the premier luxury destination for paradise-seeking world travelers and me - who happens to live just a few miles away. I know you are thinking a staycation in the same zip code as home seems a bit frivolous, but upon check-in I was instantly transported to another world a million miles away from my normal life. For a couple of days, I felt like royalty enjoying a mai tai under a pink umbrella on Waikiki Beach whilst gazing at that gorgeous Diamond Head. Here, the day easily drifts by and with the setting sun I am ready for another lovely Waikiki night. A drink or two at Mai Tai, the hotel's beachside bar, a walk in the sand listening to the waves softly lap against the shore and I am feeling romanced by this place. They say, "The Royal Hawaiian is where the world fell in love with Hawaii". After this stay, I know it to be true.

A Royal Hawaiian Staycation - only a few short days, but forever in my heart.

XOX,

The 96815

The Royal Hawaiian, 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, The 96815, Ph: 808.923.7311, Reservations: 1.866.716.8110

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Waikiki Love

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I have love on the brain. By now, it is no secret that I am in love with Waikiki. You may find it hard to believe that someone living in Hawaii could find love amongst the millions of tourists, buses and the general chaos that can come with city life. I'm looking beyond all that and taking this place for what it is. The mix of endless shopping, world class restaurants, and pristine beaches make Waikiki one of my favorite places, hands down. Beyond the amenities, Waikiki is naturally a beautiful place rich in Hawaiian history and mid century nostalgia. The contrast of tall white buildings against the curved palm tree-lined shore and aquamarine sea is one of my favorite scenes. At sunset, a golden hue hits the city as hotel room lights begin to slowly flicker on one by one. I love walking through Waikiki during golden hour and watching the smiling, happy tourists taking photos and capturing beautiful moments that they will now remember forever. For a few minutes, the hum of the hustle and bustle seems to quiet, as a captive audience watches yet another breathtaking Hawaiian sunset. Waikiki, you have stolen my heart once again.

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOX,

The 96815

Photography by Jessica Tronoski and The 96815