Next up in our “5 Things” series is Honolulu! Here are five things I’m loving right now:
Birria Wontons and Lychee Slushies from Jolene’s – Airport
Jolene’s menu is amazing and the location is so convenient if you want to grab a quick bite before or after you pick up family from the airport. Our favorite items are the birria wontons and lychee slushies! Next time I stop by I am interested to see what their Lobster Roll is all about. Jolene’s is open Mondays-Saturdays 8am-4pm and closed on Sundays, with additional locations in Kaneohe, Ewa Beach and Chinatown.
Jolene’s – Airport Location
3040 Ualena st (Next to old Regal Bakery)
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
(808) 836-1000
Speak Easy / Craft Cocktail Lounges
The perfect place for a date night or much-needed Girls Night Put during deployment. Oahu is full of new speakeasy and bars with fun themes and signature cocktails and even mocktails. Most places require reservations so plan ahead. Whether your sailor is here or away make sure to take some time to enjoy a night out! Here are a few favorites:
- The Lei Stand, 1115 Bethel St.
- Blind Ox, 829 Kapahulu Ave
- Bar Leather Apron, 745 Fort St #127a,
- Gaslamp, 26 Ho’olai St, Kailua, HI
- Wild Orange, 1680 Kapiolani Blvd
- Green Lady, 431 Nohonani St
Plants From Hickam Freestore
Trying to be a plant mama? Check out all the free seedlings from all the Hawaii Free stores on island. The free stores are a perfect place to grab some new plant babies or donate your plants before you leave island. The stands are run by volunteers and run off the idea of leave what you can and take what you need.
Hickam Bowling Alley or Pier Side Bowling Alley
We love family date nights at the bowling alley! IIt has been a great way for us to unwind after the workweek and take some time away from our phones and screens. We usually go in the evening and grab dinner in-between games. The rates are great and they offer pricing per hour or game.
- Hickam Bowling Alley
1891 Hickam Ct, Honolulu, HI 96818
Mon – Fri: 1 – 9 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Pier Side Bowling Center
630 Pierce St, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860
Mon: Closed; Tue – Fri: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 – 8 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Local Jewelry and Gifts
I like to collect jewelry from each duty station as a reminder where we have been. I love also gift jewelry to friends and family. There are so many local businesses that incorporate locally found shells into the pieces that you are truly giving a piece of Hawaii. Some of my favorites include Treasure Hawaii, Rise Jewelry, Mom Made Jewelry and Clay and Aloha.
For more Honolulu area resources, click here. Any questions on my “Five Things?” Let me know @aloha.mama.cat on Instagram. You can follow me for more Oahu family fun and foodie finds