Honolulu, Hawaii - Day 5

After visiting Shirokiya the previous the night, we wanted to see the rest of Ala Moana Center. So, the following morning, we went back! We just had a simple, boring lunch at their food court and proceeded to do some window shopping. Even though it was hot and sunny outside, a lot of the shops at the mall were selling winter clothing… We could easily find such attire back at home so we were more interested in the unique, local items like the revered Koa wood and cookies from The Honolulu Cookie Company LOL!

Rokumeikan @ Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu

Aside from Shirokiya, we found other Japanese influences in the mall too. We noticed a really elegant, ritzy, fancy-schmancy looking store and it turned out to be a Japanese specialty store selling intricate, dainty sweets and pastries. Their sweets were showcased in an enclosed glass case with beautiful decorations all around, just like a jewellery store. They were quite pricey so we didn’t get any… 

However, they had a small stand just out front selling, what I call them, red bean wheel cakes! A comforting street food typical of Japan and Taiwan (since Taiwan was once colonized by Japan), these were more affordable for my wallet so I got 2 for W and I to have as a snack.

Imagawayaki

According to a quick Google search, I believe these red bean wheel cakes are called imagawayaki. The ones from Rokumeikan were stuffed to the max with red bean filling! They were freshly-made and piping hot, which made them even more awesome and delicious!

Ala Moana Beach Park

Being nearby, we stopped by Ala Moana Beach Park in the late afternoon to chill and soak up some rays before dinner. It’s a pretty nice beach park; lots of space and family friendly, and there’s a pretty good view of Diamond Head too. We didn’t stay too long though because, as cheesy tourists, W and I wanted to have a “romantic” walk along Waikiki beach during the sunset haha!

Cheesecake Factory

2301 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

We walked from end to end of Waikiki beach. By the time we looped back to the “main strip”, Kalakaua Avenue, the sky was dark and we were tired and hungry. Not wanting to waste time thinking of, and walking to somewhere further to eat, we decided to head back to the Cheesecake Factory one more time. As usual, we ordered take out and took it back to our room.

I know, I know… I should try new places when abroad. The Cheesecake Factory is also a huge chain restaurant and I can go there whenever I head to Seattle or Portland. But when you’re HANGRY, you just want to eat at wherever is the closest place. At least we didn’t go to McDonald’s! =P

Guacamole Made-to-order ($11.95) – ripe avocado, onion, tomato, chilies, cilantro and fresh lime, served with tortilla chips, salsa, and sour cream

BBQ Kalua Pork sandwich ($12.95) – Island style slow roasted Kalua pork with BBQ sauce piled high on a brioche bun

What I like about the Cheesecake Factory is that the quality and flavours are consistently good. The guacamole was fresh and just how I expected it to be.

Knowing that the portions will be pretty large, we opted to share the Kalua pork sandwich. Since we were in Hawaii, I picked the most “Hawaiian” sounding one haha… Similar to a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, we really enjoyed the tangy sauce mixed with the moist meat. 

Good thing we opted to have dinner back the hotel. We needed more rest for our full day trip to Pearl Harbor the next morning. Gonna be busy with a lot of walking!