Island Glazed

Island Glazed is a donut shop in the Aiea area that makes fluffy donuts with local flavors like guava, lilikoi, lychee, ube and more. My favorite is their OG (original glazed) donut which is similar to Krispy Kreme but without the greasy taste. I thought the flavored ones were too sweet but the lychee had better flavor compared to the guava. Their donuts cost about $2.50 each which is pricey but if you buy them by the dozen or half dozen, it's cheaper. I recommend going before 10AM for the best selection of flavors. If the trays inside the display case are empty, ask the staff and they'll let you know if there's more of that flavor in the back. Besides the yeast donuts, they also have cinnamon rolls, filled donuts, donut holes, drip coffee and a few espresso drinks.

They are located inside the Pearl Kai Shopping Center next to Ricado's Italian Restaurant. They have a leather couch with a coffee table inside and a few chairs with counter seating against the wall. There is parking in front of the shop making it easy to grab and go breakfast in the mornings.

For more information about Island Glazed, visit @islandglazed on Instagram.

Pearl Kai Shopping Center
199 Kamehameha Hwy #98
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 777-7505

OG (Original Glazed)

Lychee, Guava

 

Little Joe's Steakhouse

Little Joe's Steakhouse is a locally owned American steak house. They offer steaks and seafood at reasonable prices. This place is great for dining with family and large groups. I've eaten at both the Nimitz and Pearl Highlands locations and the food is consistent. The service from the staff is also excellent and they provided good suggestions on what to order. My favorites are the Greek filet minion, t-bone, rib eye (boneless), seared furikake ahi, and the lilikoi creme brulee. The steaks and seafood entrees are for 1 person, but they can also be shared between 2 people. The sides can be shared with 3 people. The best way to dine is family style where you just share everything and try multiple dishes. If you're on a budget, you can do a walk in for their happy hour from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

The town location on Nimitz across from City Mill and the west Oahu location is inside Pearl Highlands Center. Both steak houses are next door to Liliha Bakery, their sister restaurant. The interior design and decor of both restaurants are similar, but it seemed like the Nimitz location had dimmer lighting. Both locations have a parking lot. If you plan to dine here, make your dinner reservation online a few days in advanced. If you have a group of 12 or more, you can ask for one of the private rooms.

For more information about Little Joe's Steakhouse, visit littlejoessteakhouse.com.

Nimitz
580 N. Nimitz Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 524-0088

Pearl Highlands Center
1000 Kamehameha Hwy
Pearl City, HI 96782
(808) 455-3388

Scallops Dynamite

Seared Furikake Ahi

Panko Crusted Chicken

T-Bone

Mashed Potatoes

Fried Rice w/ Steak

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Lilikoi Creme Brulee

Thai Buddhist Temple of Hawaii

They are open on Sundays from 10am-2pm until October. You will find a variety of authentic Thai food. The ladies cooking and serving the food give generous portions and everything is priced between $5-$10. Only cash is accepted. Most of the signage has English so you know what the dishes are but if you ask, they will tell you what it is and how it should be eaten. It's best to go with a small group of people so you can try more dishes. There is seating under the tents to enjoy your food but it can get really hot so bring water to stay hydrated. I only saw Thai ice tea, Thai ice coffee, and longan tea being sold. Parking is available along the side of fence on Farrington Highway or you can go inside and park in the marked stalls.

Since this is a temple and there is Sunday service happening, you'll hear the monks chanting and walking around to bless everyone. To be respectful, there is a required dress code. It is recommended that you wear a shirt and long pants/jeans; no tank tops or shorts.


Thai Buddhist Temple of Hawaii
96-130 Farrington Hwy
Pearl City, HI 96782

Thai Crispy Fried Chicken ($6)

Coconut Pancakes ($10)

Pork Skewers ($5) & Sticky Rice ($2)

Fried Apple Banana, Fried Breadfruit, Fried Sweet Potato ($5)

Golden Egg Yolk dessert ($5)

Thai Bistro Suksabay

Thai Bistro Suksabay is located in Aiea at the Pearl Kai Shopping Center. If you want simple Thai food, this is the place. You can just walk in with your friends or family and have a nice meal together. Their food taste good and the prices are reasonable. I recommend doing family style so you can order a bunch of things to share. Walk-ins during lunch and dinner for 4 people or less is okay but if you have a large group, it might be best to make a reservation. If you're lucky, you might get a parking space right in front of the restaurant. If not, you'll just have to park a little farther away and walk. The Pearl Kai parking lot is big.

For more information about Thai Bistro Suksabay, visit thaibistrosuksabay.com.

Pearl Kai Shopping Center
98-199 Kamehameha Hwy, Ste C2
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 488-2881

Tom Yum

Thai House Combination Platter

Spicy Pad Ped w/ Beef

Pad Seiew

Pad Thai

Bravo Restaurant

If you've never eaten here before, you have to come and try their complimentary Garlic Rolls. I know it's greasy but it's good grease and it's full of garlic flavor. You have to eat them right when they to your table. If you let it cool, the rolls get hard. If you finish the basket they'll refill it.

They cook their pasta a little longer. It's probably because locals prefer their noodles soft. If you want yours "al dente," tell the waiter.

For more information about Bravo Restaurant, please visit http://www.bravorestaurant.com.

Pearl Ridge Center
98-115 Kaonohi St
Aiea, HI 96701

Garlic Rolls

Calamari

Rotisserie Chicken

Linguine w/ Clams