Fujiya Hawaii

Fujiya Hawaii is a confectionery known for their mochi, manju, and senbei. Some of their products are available in the supermarket but I recommend coming here for the best selection. If you're planning to get mochi, it is best to pre-order 2 days in advance on their website. This will guarantee you'll get what you want. You can walk in but some items might be sold out because of its popularity. Today (8/8/2021) is also the inaugural National Mochi Day. If you grew up on the islands, you'll know that mochi platters are at potlucks and holiday lunches/dinners so this is loved by the locals. My favorites are the strawberry mochi and chichi dango. The prices for mochi and snacks start from $4.

They are located in the McCully area. When you see Sanoya Ramen on S. King Street, make a right turn and Fujiya will be in the next parking lot. The parking lot is shared with Minato Japanese Restaurant and a few other businesses. Since we are still in a pandemic, I suggest paying with a card. Their terminal accepts contactless payment.

For more information about Fujiya Hawaii or to place an order, visit fujiyahawaii.com.

930 Hau'oli St
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 845-2921

Strawberry Mochi

Chichi Dango (regular & haupia)

Pineapple Senbei

Island Popper

Island Popper is open and you can pick up some gourmet popcorn to snack on as you continue to work from home. My favorite flavor is the Oahu Mix, it's half butter popcorn and half furikake popcorn. If you've never had their popcorn before, I suggest the 4-cup pack for $10. Once you figure out your favorite flavor, move up to a bigger size. You can also have mochi crunch added to your popcorn for an additional fee. 

They are located in Kalihi. If you live on the island, you can purchase online and get curbside pick. They have parking spaces in front of the shop. If you are on the neighbor island or the U.S. mainland, they can ship to you. They have 2 different websites so make sure you are using the correct one before placing your order. You can follow them on instagram, @islandpopper for special flavors and special pricing.

For more information about Island Popper, visit islandpopper.com. To order on Oahu, visit islandpopper.net.

1549 Colburn St
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 888-0101

Spicy Garlic Butter (small)

Oahu Mix (large)

Big Island Mix (large)

Mix & Match (4 cup pack)

Tiger Sugar

Tiger Sugar's first Hawaii location is now open in Honolulu. Their signature drink is the black sugar boba and pearl milk with cream mousse. The boba is made in small batches and kept warm so it stays soft and chewy. The black sugar is what sweetens the drink and there is no customizing of the sweetness level like at the other shops. All the ingredients are imported from Taiwan except for the milk. My favorite was the black sugar boba and pudding milk with cream mousse. The pudding is also made fresh and they were generous with the portion. The black sugar milk drinks come in 1 size and it's $6.

They are located at the corner of Nuuanu Ave. and Vineyard Blvd. in the same complex as Papa John's. The parking lot is small and vehicles can enter from both sides so you can get stuck. I suggest parking on the street in the metered parking spaces along Nuuanu Ave.

1365 Nuuanu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 376-0648

Black Sugar Boba + Pearl Milk
w/ Cream Mousse

Black Sugar Boba + Pearl Milk +
Chocolate Malt w/ Cream Mousse

Fat Cheeks

Fat Cheeks is known for their seafood rolls. Their most popular is the lobster roll but there is a shortage on lobster so I ordered the trio with crab, shrimp, and crawfish. I got half a sandwich for each. My favorite was the shrimp roll because the pieces of shrimp were big and the sauce was light. The crab was my second favorite and I didn't care for the crawfish; it was a bit too fishy for me. All three sandwiches were served cold on lightly toasted brioche. The trio also came with a bag of chips and it was $16. I recommend the online ordering so you don't have to wait inside Ohana Hale Marketplace.

For more information about Fat Cheeks or to place an order online, visit fatcheekshawaii.com.

Ohana Hale Marketplace
333 Ward Ave
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 773-4129

Trio
(1/2 crab roll, 1/2 shrimp roll, 1/2 crawfish roll)

 

Blind Ox - CLOSED

Blind Ox is a speakeasy located in Kapahulu. You can spot their modern exterior at the corner of Paliuli Street and Kapahulu Ave. They offer whisky flights and pages full of other drinks. I mainly came for the food and to see friends. The prices are high but their portions are big so they were perfect for sharing. The crispy pickled duo, nori shrimp, and bone marrow were my favorites.

They have outdoor seating which is well lit and casual with couches and low tables. The indoor seating has beautiful decor, dim lights and an ox sculpture greeting you. I recommend the indoor seating if it is available. I went on a weeknight and they were busy; the wait for food was long. I suggest making reservation at least 1 week in advance. They only offer valet parking.

For more information about Blind Ox, visit blindox.com.

829 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816

Crispy Pickled Duo

Escargot

 Kampachi Tartare Taco

Bone Marrow

24 K Gold Popcorn Chicken