I was at Kaka'ako Farmers Market yesterday and ran across Vegan Cheese. To my surprise, they make…read morethese cheese out of macadamia, cashews, and / or almond nuts! I wasn't sure what to get? So I ordered a picnic box for $15. I can understand that macadamia nuts are expensive to make 3 ounces of cheese. Their prices are between $10-$12 for 3 ounces of your favorite cheese. I like it. It's Keto, except for rice crackers an raspberry jam. The herb cheese had a somewhat strong oregano, but that raspberry jam offsets and tone it down. I wouldn't mind coming back to try the Brie. They had Parmesan vegan cheese for spaghetti and or salad topping. So I shall return to test out the other products. Only requirement is wearing masks and social distancing and wait your turn in line...be nice, Ciao!!!

Obsessed! With all their offerings really. After stopping by their booth at the Kaka'ako Farmer's…read moreMarket, I couldn't get their Macadamia Nut Crisps out of my head. So, on my first on-line order I went nuts and tried about 10 items. I loved every. single. thing. Top 3: 1) the Crisps (obvi) 2) Truffle Macadamia Nut Brie ( so creamy!) 3) Spicy Pepper Jelly. On all their products the ingredient list is short with names I can pronounce. Something I always look for. Delicious!

All in the bag…read more.. I've shopped and have enough items from Twiggy and just need ti say what an awesome place to shop. Known for the variety of totes of all sizes and styles they sell all with fun and inspirational quotes and designs along with washi tapes, note cards, sticky notes and more accessories and gift sets. Operating by pop ups only doesn't make it difficult to find them as it seems like they're everywhere especially since the holiday season has just about begun finding something for that special someone is as easy as giving them a browse. Thank you!

What are you celebrating…read more.. Chances are they have the perfect card for you for all occasions and holidays to give for all ages and what I do love about it is it's unique. These days a typical card is quite pricey so rather than getting a card I've been going quite off the usual yet still nothing beads a handwritten card and thanks to Decowoods you can find that here. It's not just cards but gift cards and gift sets as well and as school starts there were gifts for teachers which makes it easy as many are shopping it's all put together for you. The lady working it is so friendly and helpful to find what we would need and at such great prices for something hand made is special and why I keep browsing over her selections. Thank you!

Shopping in Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i…read more.. While at the Kawaii Friends Fair at Pearlridge Center on 7.26.26, Irene pointed out DECOWOODS, a vendor that specialized in homemade greeting cards. This vendor's products are very neat, kawaii, and affordable. I got to mix and match 4 handmade cards for $5. I selected 8 cute cards to make it an even $10 so that I could get a stamp on the Loyalty Card! The nice lady running the booth was very pleasant and friendly! I look forward to seeing her again in a few months. I'll check her Instagram for her next location and dates.

Grocery shopping in Chinatown, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. I saw that my friends, Andy and Paul, had gone to this grocery store for fresh produce, so upon their reviews and recommendations, I chose 5 Stars Market to get fresh ginger for my potluck dish for church. Located on Hotel Street, across from Kekaulike Market, 5 Stars Market had produce lined up outside on the street, along the sidewalk. I found ginger right away, tore off a plastic bag hanging from the shelf, placed the ginger in the bag, and went inside. There seems to be two rooms. I perused the smaller room first. There were nearly stocked shelves of canned goods, bottles of sauces, and more. The first room is larger and has produce and the cashier. I walked around and saw some Ginkgo Nuts. I wonder how they will be in the shoyu chicken dish? Haha! We'll find out!

When shopping in Chinatown, I have my go to places for produce and usually am very satisfied with…read moremy choices. But on a recent State holiday, I met up with my family for dim sum at Canton House. As we were wrapping up, we had to pick up some produce before going back home. My sister commented she was going to 5 Start Market for some veggies as they are cheaper and more fresh than most vendors in Chinatown. Really? I had to just tag along and investigate. Located on N. Hotel Street just next door to Canton House, 5 Start Market is a compact Asian grocery store with a great vareity of fresh produce with some canned and dried goods, and some frozen items. I remember shopping here a couple of times when I was sent on a goose hunt for ingredients that were out of season in the past but I didn't make this my first choice to buy veggies like my sister. Upon entry, this place was PACKED. Perhaps too packed during COVID times. I saw many middle aged ladies shopping for fresh veggies. That is a good indicator that this place has great quality and great pricing. I wanted to pick up some fresh veggies for tonight's employee meal so I checked out their produce and indeed did see slight price difference. Most veggies here were cheaper than my go to place and the veggies did look very fresh and prepackaged. I ended up getting some Shanghai cabbage and some mushrooms for a simple stir fry. Before paying, I walked around this compact store to check out various Asian dried and canned goods. I saw packages of dried noodles, assorted sauces, oils and even the Vietnamese coffee cans. But buyer beware, you'll need to do due diligence to check for expiration dates. I saw some items where the packaging look faded and questionable. It was a jungle when I stood in line to pay. There were other patrons who were eager to check out so it was somewhat nerve racking having others so close to you. The staff were very cordial and communicated well, a rarity in Chinatown. Without asking, I was given a cash receipt for my purchase. Overall, a great find and I owe this to my sister. She's a working mother of two and a wife. She runs a tight household and sure knows the in's and out's of Chinatown as well.

Ever since I first sampled Aloha Island Jerky at the Blaisdell New Product Show many months ago I…read morewas sold. For those that know me know I have an obsession with crispy beef jerky. Have been in search for my favorites over the last couple of years, causing me to sample tons of different brands. The reasons why I love Aloha Island Jerky are many. The jerky is tasty without being overly salty unlike most. In fact, find it impressive that the creators of Aloha Island Jerky are sensitive to the health restrictions and/or preferences of their customers. Love that there are a few flavor options that are gluten free. Also love that there are amazingly tasty jerky that are sugar free. In fact my all time favorite flavor is "Poké" which is deliciously seasoned with sesame oil and chili peppers but no sugar. Is it the crispiest jerky... no it's not; without sugar it lacks that crispy caramelized glaze. Tho I find it a small trade off for the deliciousness, which I can enjoy sugar free, guilt free. Aloha Island Jerky sets up at the foodtruck entrance to Bellows Beach most every Sunday. They also usually set up on Fridays at Waimanalo Beach. When weather conditions don't allow, they might not be there. Follow them on their IG page. Better yet, DM them there. I have always received immediate response to my questions like "are you there inspite of the heavy rain?" "Will you be there this week?" "Can you reserve me 20 bags of that crazy good Poké flavored crispy jerky?!?" Hahah. Other flavors also available: Regular, Taegu, Sweet Siracha, Herbs (like prime rib), and other seasonal flavors. Look for latest updates on their IG page for special trade show or holiday fair attendance. Thank you Owner Cody Mole and entire Mole family who provide this excellent jerky. Jerky can also be purchased online at their website. I like going in person though... the sampling helps me to know what I like before buying OR... buy more even after paying!

Came here for bee pollen and bought 4 jars of honey too! The honey is delicious, reasonably priced…read moreand beautifully packaged. The owner, Kristal, is super sweet and let me sample before I bought. Her little boy even picked a fresh flower for me . Highly recommend!

10/10 recommend if you're looking for local honey and if you're into supporting family business…read more 10/10 amazing energy. 10/10 solid honey with different varieties. Location is residential. Call the website phone number and you'll be greeted by the sweetest honey farmer! Best find on our trip!

$6/mochi Mochi…read moreitself was super mid. Portion is small size same as any other store. Texture is also average at best not that soft. Strawberry Azuki w/ Matcha Topping - Strawberry is not sweet. Red bead filling is super little. Matcha is only sprinkled on top not inside. Mango - MANGO WAS NOT SWEET. SUPER DISAPPOINTING. On top of bad mochi they have a minimum 2 purchase and 4% service charge for card. Would not recommend getting anything here. Better off grabbing kansai yamato products.

So many flavors to choose from. We went with some of the recommended picks and seasonal specials -…read morepineapple, matcha strawberry with azuki, mango, and raspberry chocolate. My fave was probably raspberry chocolate and then the matcha strawberry. Fresh fruit. Soft mochi. Maybe a tad pricey at about $5.50 per piece.

Walked into the Waipahu Festival Marketplace to check out all the fresh produce vendors here…read more Nice cool air conditioning is a welcoming experience from the hot and humid Hawaiian summer temperatures outside. As I walked through the marketplace, I came upon Sonia's Market. The fresh green long beans caught my attention. I enjoy fresh long green beans with a little pork or chicken stir fry and black bean sauce. I grabbed a bag at $1.00 a bag! Reasonably priced and great friendly service too! Support our local markets!