Kauai, Hawaii: The West Side
Visiting the western part of Kauai, Hawaii, the place of my childhood summers with spots like Waimea Canyon, Polihale Beach, Kokeʻe and Waimea.
Kauai is the 4th largest island in Hawaii, nicknamed “The Garden Isle”
Popular destinations on the west side include Hanapepe, Waimea, Polihale, Waimea Canyon and Kokeʻe
Kauai is like my second Hawaii home, and it’s my favorite island besides my hometown on Oahu.
In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful island in Hawaii, if they could ever be ranked, and has what just about any visitor to Hawaii could want aside from an active volcano. People often ask me where in Hawaii they should visit. Well, there’s my answer.
My family’s roots are based on the island’s west side in Waimea, so many of my childhood summers were spent there. We’d fly there along with other Oahu relatives, stay in the mountain cabins of Kokeʻe, have bonfires at Kekaha beach and check out the local Japanese bon dance festivals. There were a lot of fond memories made on the island.
I finally went back for a visit in 2017, after more than a decade. My life had changed enormously during that time - I had lived in San Francisco, then moved to Japan, living in Yukuhashi, Fukuoka and now Tokyo. I wasn’t sure how I’d react being on Kauai again, but it was really nice returning to a place that played a considerable part of my childhood.
Kauai is the fourth largest island in the state and has a big range in landscape.
There are lush greens and rivers on the northeast side in Hanalei, and dry, red dirt and vast beaches out west in Waimea and Kekaha. Then heading up the mountain, you’ll go through Hawaii’s “mini Grand Canyon” or Waimea Canyon before hitting the foggy green peak of Mt Waiʻaleʻale that’s known as one of the rainiest places on Earth.
While I visited most places growing up, there wasn’t enough time to do everything I wanted to this time around - Missed Hanapepe, didn’t fully walk around Waimea, and so on. These are a few places that I prioritized though, places that I think are worth checking out on the west side of Kauai.
WAIMEA
Waimea Landing pier in Waimea
Waimea is basically the last town in west Kauai and the fork point to my two west Kauai recommendations below. It has a couple of supermarkets like Ishihara (bottom) and Big Save, places to eat as well as shops and tourist attractions that I used to visit as a kid like the Menhune Ditch, the Swinging Bridge and Russian Fort. For a glimpse of local life though, the Waimea Landing is a pretty good place to get that.
The now downsized version of what was a former port, the pier often has locals hanging out fishing. The waters aren’t the picturesque blue that people might imagine in Hawaii because of the nearby Waimea River mouth bringing down dirt from Waimea Canyon, but it’s a nice place to stop by while roaming the town as it’s only a block away from the main street. There are some amazing sunsets here, I’ll need to go back and take a proper photo of one.
Local kids catch a baby Hammerhead shark at the Waimea Landing
Beach area between Waimea Landing and the Waimea River mouth
KOKEʻE & WAIMEA CANYON
Waimea Canyon
Hawaii’s mini Grand Canyon, the Waimea Canyon is a view many might not expect to see in Hawaii but in my opinion, is a must. Nowhere else in Hawaii has a similar view and Iran one of my favorites.
From Waimea town, there’s a road that goes up to Kokeʻe which is towards the summit of Mt Waiʻaleʻale, the main volcanic mountain on Kauai. The drive up goes through the ridges of the canyon and there are scenic lookouts to stop at.
Towards the top of the Kokeʻe area, there’s Kokeʻe State Park as well as another amazing lookout of the Kalalau mountain range. Contrasting the red dirt scenes of Waimea town and the Waimea Canyon, some of the most beautiful greens and blues in all of Hawaii are here. Definitely go up to Kokeʻe early though for the best view as the clouds and fog roll in.
Waimea Canyon Lookout | MAP
Kalalau Lookout | MAP
The view from the Kalalau lookout in the Kokeʻe area
POLIHALE BEACH
One of the best beaches in Hawaii, I feel. Polihale beach is a long, wide, white-sanded beach area at the most western point of Kauai with a clear view of neighboring Niihau island.
It’s not the easiest to get to and it’s best to go in a truck or SUV because you have to drive off-road a while after the pavement ends. When you hit the fork in the dirt road at the Monkeypod Tree [MAP], go right and when you undoubtably question if you’re going the right way as I did the last time I went, just keep going. There will be a small parking area with a few tables that eventually shows up.
The waters here are beautiful, sunsets amazing, and it’s not crowded at all. It’s a more of a local spot and almost like having a semi-private beach. Definitely bring some sun protection though as the sun is piercing on this side of the island.
Waimea was always the main area that I would spend my Kauai summers growing up, and it was the hub on this last trip to Kokeʻe, Waimea Canyon and Polihale Beach as well. It’s a small town but has a lot of character. It also has some great places to stop at for some food or snacks. Here are a couple.
ISHIHARA MARKET
Some of the best poke in Hawaii. Ishihara Market was a local, family-owned market before being taken over by the same owner that runs Foodland, one of Hawaii’s major supermarket chains.
Ishihara has remained pretty much the same according to reports, which is a good thing because they have a small town vibe and great local, Hawaii-style takeout foods. Their poke is the best and they have a wide selection in the back of their store. My personal favorite is their hamachi poke - uncommon and so good.
* This market has unfortunately closed.
JOJO’S SHAVE ICE
JoJo’s became a staple shave ice spot since when I’d visit Waimea growing up and they still should be.
One thing about the westside of Kauai is that it is hot and dry, so shave ice really hits the spot. Their serving sizes are generous and they have 34 different flavors to choose from as well as set combos. I’m sure any of them are good but mix in some local Hawaii flavors for sure.
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Best Poke Spots in Honolulu
Poke at its origin - these are some Honolulu poke spots that you can’t go wrong with.
Poke became one of the most well known foods coming out of Hawaii.
While most of the poke seen around the world isn’t actually authentic poke (other locals would surely agree with me), it’s cool to see something local become such an international phenomenon.
If you’re like me and ideally want to try dishes where they originated from, chances are that poke will be on your “to eat” list. If it isn’t, it absolutely should be.
This is by no means a definitive list, and there are many other places that make fantastic poke that maybe I’ve yet to try or need to try again, but here are some of my favorites that you can’t go wrong with.
Off the Hook Poke Market
This is one of the more recent poke places, opening in late 2018, but it’s one of, if not the best I’ve had.
They have some really good poke flavors, so I recommend getting a 2-choice bowl. My favorites are their ginger ahi, Kilauea Fire and spicy tuna, but you can’t go wrong with any of their options. Get all of the free toppings as well.
Service is great, really friendly and personable. This is a great addition to the Manoa area.
Ono Seafood
If you ask me where’s consistently been the poke spot that I recommend and go to, it’s probably Ono Seafood.
It's a really small, unassuming hole-in-the-wall place in the Kapahulu area, that in recent years has become pretty well known and extremely popular. All of their poke are good, and I usually alternate between their shoyu ahi, kim chee tako, spicy tuna or Hawaiian ahi poke.
Service is good and a soft drink is included as well.
Fresh Catch
If you’re looking for a poke spot that you can sit down and eat at, Fresh Catch is the best bet. They make a variety of plate lunches as well, but when I tried their poke, it immediately became one of my favorites.
Their shoyu ahi poke is very saucy and perhaps the most flavorful that I’ve had. Yum!
Foodland
Ask a local where they usually get their poke from and it’s often a market. In Hawaii, most markets make poke whether it’s Whole Foods, Safeway or even Costco.
To me, Foodland makes the best poke and they have a huge range - raw crab poke, clam poke, mussels poke, choices that most other poke spots just don’t have.
Foodland has poke bowls, but most locals pick up a container and take it over to a dinner party, a picnic or potluck. Can’t go wrong picking out a few and having a beer with it.
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East Honolulu, Hawaii
Scenic spots and good eats in East Honolulu, from Kahala to Makapu’u.
Koko Crater and Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai
East Honolulu is the area between Kahala and Makapu’u on the south shore of Oahu
It’s a desirable residential area that includes Kahala, Waialae Iki, Aina Haina, Hawaii Loa Ridge, Niu Valley and Hawaii Kai
Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Makapu’u Lighthouse are a few popular places here
I grew up here in East Honolulu, Hawaii Kai to be exact, so it’s the part of Hawaii that most feels like home to me.
It’s a relatively low key, residential area of the island connected by a single road, Kalanianaole highway, that runs along the coastline after the H-1 freeway ends. There are few high rises on this part of the island as most families live in houses, and it is a lot more Hawaii-esque than central parts of Honolulu.
Here are a few scenic spots that I recommend, from west to east, as well as some food places (at the bottom):
THE KAHALA HOTEL
Known as one of Honolulu’s top hotels, The Kahala is in a pretty great location. It’s a beachfront hotel tucked away in the upscale, quiet Kahala area next to the Waialae Golf Course.
Sometimes I’ll go to the Plumeria Beach House (info at the bottom) for lunch which has an open-air veranda area looking towards the beach, allowing you to really relax in a peaceful setting near the water.
WAILUPE BEACH PARK
Wailupe Beach Park is a very small, local park area alongside Kalanianaole highway. It’s quite easy to miss, but people go to the park to fish, paddle board or have a picnic.
I’ll sometimes quick pitstop to enjoy some takeout. You can also catch a view of the backside of Diamond Head.
MAUNALUA BAY
At the start of Hawaii Kai, there’s a large parking lot area along the highway’s ocean side. This is Maunalua Bay, which is mainly a boat ramp and paddling area.
I love this part of Hawaii Kai as it’s convenient for watching the sunset. It gives you a panoramic view and there’s always ample parking, which is a big plus.
KOKO MARINA
Koko Marina is at the center of my hometown in Hawaii Kai, and it has some of the nicest, turquoise blue waters in Hawaii.
You can get up close from any of the three shopping centers located along it; the Hawaii Kai Towne Center, Hawaii Kai Shopping Center and Koko Marina Center.
The photo at the top of this blog was taken from Hawaii Kai Towne Center and this one just above was from Koko Marina Center.
HANAUMA BAY
Hanauma Bay is one of the more popular tourist destinations on the island since, well, it’s gorgeous and because you’re able to snorkel with a lot of fish in pretty calm, shallow waters.
Along the crater ridge is a mostly paved trail that’ll give you a nice view of Hanauma Bay from above as well as Hawaii Kai looking towards Diamond Head.
Parking is really limited though, and they close entirely on Tuesdays due to it actually being a nature preserve, so definitely double check.
BLOWHOLE & HALONA (COCKROACH) COVE
If you keep heading up Kalanianaole highway past Hanauma Bay, you will hit Halona Blowhole and Cockroach Cove on the right.
The coastline in this area is pretty different from most of the island as the road becomes windy and you actually have to drive along the edge of a pretty high lava rock cliff.
Halona Cove aka “Cockroach Cove” is a small beach area below the Blowhole parking lot. You just have to climb down the rocky hill.
From this area looking east, you can also see Sandy Beach, which is a popular and notoriously dangerous bodyboarding spot. Even the Secret Service didn’t like President Obama going there. For that reason, I’ll skip over it although there is a nice tide pool area just after it.
MAKAPU’U
The Makapu’u area is the eastern tip of Oahu. There’s a popular hike there, the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, which is an easy, paved incline that’s less than 3 miles roundtrip. On the way up, you can see Sandy Beach and the back of Koko Crater, and a view of Waimanalo at the top.
There’s also a lookout you can park and walk to in case you’re not in the mood to hike up [MAP]. No shame in that!
Also in the area is Alan Davis beach [MAP] to cool off after.
FOOD
Now for the food. Most of the food around East Honolulu is at area shopping centers. If you’re looking for something on this side of town, here are some decent choices.
LA TOUR CAFE
Delicious sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and salads for lunch.
La Tour Cafe is in the Aina Haina Shopping Center and is a good if you want to catch up with friends, have a business meeting and work, or just want to get a good bite to eat.
Everything I’ve had there is delicious, but I’m particularly a fan of their Chili-lime chicken flatbread pizza.
UNCLE CLAY’S HOUSE OF PURE ALOHA
Shave ice and local desserts, Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha basically lives up to its name of providing pure ‘aloha.’
Formerly Doe Fang, a neighborhood crackseed store in Aina Haina Shopping Center, it has grown in popularity not just because it has tasty shave ice in local Hawaii flavors, but also because of their effort to create a family in the community.
PLUMERIA BEACH HOUSE
One of my favorite places to go for brunch or lunch in Honolulu. It’s a gorgeous, near beach, open-air location at one of the best hotels on the island.
Plumeria Beach House is one of the restaurants at The Kahala Hotel and has won a range of local awards. They have buffets as well.
Perfect spot to enjoy a nice, yet casual meal surrounded by Hawaii’s lush environment.
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Las Vegas
A Disneyland for adults who want to eat, gamble, party and have a good time.
They say "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," so how shall I document my travels here?...
I've been to Vegas several times and experienced it in different ways - on family trips, trips with friends and trips for business. Vegas is not a place for everyone, but it is worth checking out as its "Disneyland for adults" vibe is quite unique.
Vegas appeals to people looking to do any of these three things: Gamble, party or eat. There's definitely an abundance of each to say the least. You'll find tables, machines, clubs, bars and buffets anywhere and everywhere.
Finding something to do in any of those categories is easy. A couple other things that I've induldged in while in Vegas are shopping and going to events.
Fashion Show is a big mall and is centrally located on The Strip, across from the Wynn. A little down the road are spots like the The Venetian, Caesar's Palace and the water show at The Bellagio. Keep in mind though, that places in Vegas are further away from each other than you think. Another place I like is the Premium Outlets, near Downtown. A lot of people's favorite brands are there and it's one of, if not my favorite outlet mall that I've been to.
The shows in town are always changing but are always worth it if you can get a ticket. They either have to be a huge seller or have the longevity to sell show after show in the same location, so these are almost guaranteed to be good. The two events I've seen was a concert (Sting & The Police) and a UFC fight (saw Hawaii legend BJ Penn).
If you're not that into the gambling, partying and pigging out, you'll still find something to enjoy about Vegas. I will say though, even if you're not into those types of activities, the lights and sounds all around can get to you. I've gone with little intention to do any of those and left wondering where all my money went!
Bacchanal Buffet
Las Vegas has no shortage of all-you-can-eat buffets, but Bacchanal in Caesars Palace is arguably the most well known and popular. It's been ranked as one of the top buffets in the US in numerous reviews, and features an array of foods from crab legs, sliced beef and a whole lot more. You may have to wait a couple of hours, but they do have a service that will message you when your time is coming up.
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NYC: Manhattan
New York City is the world's gathering place. Roaming around and taking in the city was quite fulfilling.
New York City is the world's gathering place and I could sense that right away. Looking around, there are people from all walks of life and you hear a variety of different languages wherever you go. I've yet to visit a bigger, more diverse city and I don't think I ever will.
I've been to the Big Apple a few times and am nowhere near to having explored even a small fraction of it. To be honest I haven't really tried to, opting instead to "just be" and leisurely roam around. No itineraries, no tight schedules - just hanging out with my good friend who lives there and walking the streets.
There were, of course, a few things that I made a point to do and that I'd recommend and do again.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan at dusk was great because not only is it an easy walk full of great views, the views also change dramatically as the day turns to night. The Manhattan skyline begins illuminating as you walk towards the city and the cars start to streak lights as they zoom by down below.
The Empire State Building
View from The Empire State Building.
For anyone who likes nighttime cityscapes as much as I do, heading up the Empire State Building after sundown is incredible. 360-degree views of the massive city from an open-air deck at the top of a skyscraper that was built at a ridiculous speed, being completed in just over a year.
The Statue of Liberty
It may be the most touristy thing to do in New York, but the Statue of Liberty is on everyone's list and no visit is complete without seeing it. Don't be like me and not see it on your first visit - long story short: Overbooked flight, couldn't join my friends who went before I arrived. Thanks United ;)
I didn’t have a burning need to go right up to Lady Liberty, so I rode the Staten Island Ferry because it gives a view of her at a cheap price. Just hop off when the ferry docks, u-turn and hop right back on. I definitely wasn’t the only one doing that.
Here are some other places I visited:
Freedom Tower. Stop by the 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial nearby to pay tribute to the victims and fallen heroes.
The Guggenheim Museum.
Grand Central Station.
Washington Square Park.
Other places like Chelsea Market, the High Line (a park & rec area built from a converted railway), SoHo, or seeing a Broadway/off Broadway play are other fun tourist activities to do. I don't consider myself someone big on plays, but the first time I went (RENT), I was completely blown away. To see the talent that these actors have is mind-blowing.
Of course I walked through Central Park and Times Square as well.
Jazz band playing in Central Park.
Times Square.
I wandered random streets and people watched.
Guys playing a pick-up basketball game with spectators watching.
Walking into any random store, talking to some random person (and being OK with being ignored or told to hurry up and move along - personal experience!) adds to the trip.
Halal Guys
Halal guys is already famous and it's for good reason. Not only are they open late, but they're affordable and damn delicious. They mix Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors and their foods really hit the spot. Quite possibly the best food truck food I've ever had. I'm definitely stopping by the next time I'm in the city.
Serendipity 3
First seeing this in the movie Serendipity, I decided I had to try their frozen hot chocolates. Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack made them look so good! It was a bit of a wait outside, but popping into this quaint little, hole-in-the-wall style dessert cafe was great, especially since I liked the movie.
Juice Generation
My favorite fresh juice and smoothie bar. I've tried a few of their smoothies but their Mr. Greengenes with hemp milk is my favorite. Creamy and smooth with perfectly balanced flavors.
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Chicago
The third largest city in America, it holds its own and has its own vibe that separates itself NYC and LA.
Chicago is that third city often getting left out of the conversation when talking about the main cities to visit in America, always in the shadows of New York and Los Angeles. It's the capital of the Midwest, however, and it definitely has a unique feel that separates itself from its bigger brothers.
Being into photography, it's a blast to shoot around as I found it to be an extremely photogenic city.
I went to visit my sister who was living there, so having a resident guide take me around was nice. While Chicago's a big city, it still had a somewhat laid back feel to it, letting you explore at your own pace. To top it off, it has one of the most beautiful skylines you can find.
One of the unique characteristics about Chicago is the canals that run through the city. They run right between some of the iconic towers that shape the skyline. We took a boat tour through them and it was a very good experience. The one that we took was Wendella Boats, and their Original Architecture Tour will take you by and explain about some of the city's most historical buildings.
Taken from Michigan Ave's DuSable Bridge.
Michigan Ave is one of the main streets, and is known as the shopping street. Even if you're not looking to get some new clothes, it's just a nice walk - lined with tulips and various flowers when I went - and it also crosses one of the main canals for a good photo op.
Another iconic spot is Cloud Gate, otherwise known as "The Bean" at Millennium Park. After walking around and taking some cool mirror pics, you can check out the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pitzker Pavillion nearby.
Cloud Gate aka The Bean
Jay Pitzker Pavillion
Conveniently next to it is Bike and Roll, a place you can rent bicycles to ride around the city. This was such a good idea and I'm glad that we got to do it. You can head out towards the lake and head south. You'll pass Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park towards the Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field. We didn't go into any of them, choosing to enjoy the city views then head up a little north to explore a bit.
Buckingham Fountain
If you go north along the shoreline, you'll pass Navy Pier. Continue on to the sand volleyball courts, then look back and you'll see another nice cityscape behind you with the buildings wrapping around the lake.
Chicago is quite a great sports city as well, as it's the home to NFL (Bears), NBA (Bulls), MLB (Cubs & White Sox) and NHL (Blackhawks) teams. We checked out a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field, and while I'm not a big baseball fan, it was fun and you could sense the history there.
Chicago was a good time and I can't believe that I hadn't visited it earlier. It's very well rounded and there's something for everyone. There's also a lot of good food:
The Angry Crab
There's no way to make this look appetizing, but this is one of my favorite eats that I've had on any trip. Seriously. I've been to other delicious, cajun seafood on the table, dig in with your hands and get messy type of places, but this one is the best. The flavor is maxed out and with spiciness levels named after local professional sports teams, it's fun. You can't go wrong.
Giordano's
What's a Chicago trip without some Chicago deep dish pizza? Giordano's was one of two shops that was recommended to me and it didn't disappoint. I had some of the cheesiest, wholesome slices ever here and would go again for sure.
Wildberry
If you're a pancakes or brunch fan, check out Wildberry. It's immensely popular and, as you might have guessed, is known for their berry pancakes. I'm not a big sweets person nor a pancake one so I only tried a little, but I'm quite sure anyone who is a fan of them would love it. I went with their Los Altos Benedict, which featured chorizo sausage. Delicious.
Del Seoul
If you ever wished for a combination of Mexican and Korean food, Del Seoul is a pretty good wish granted. It's got a good balance of both. I tried an assortment of tacos as well as their kim chee fries. Nothing was a disappointment, it should definitely be considered if you're in the area.
Molly's Cupcakes
Molly's Cupcakes is a cute little shop a little north of the downtown area, right down the street from Del Seoul. They've got small batches of creative combos of cupcakes and a nice, homemade feel. The creative vibe continues as the counter chairs are actually playground swings, and their window sign is quite different (last pic).
Subway station at O'hare International Airport.
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Los Angeles: West LA
The West LA area has some of the most iconic settings in Southern California, and is one of the best places in the state.
Los Angeles is the second largest city in the US and the anchor of the west coast. The West LA area is what people typically imagine when thinking about California - palm trees, open sky and beaches.
I was fortunate to live in the Santa Monica area for a couple years, so I know first hand that there are endless places to go and see.
Santa Monica Pier in the distance
Santa Monica Pier is one the most iconic locations in LA, and with rides and games there, it's a nice place for kids or for a date. In close walking distance is Third Street Promenade, a walkable shopping street of a few blocks and the Santa Monica Place mall at the Broadway Ave end. There's a little bit of everything here, from food and shopping, outdoor hangout spots, and street performances.
Third Street Promenade
Venice Beach is another area to check out. While it's known for its hippie slash hipster vibe, it's equally as beautiful as it is entertaining. The area leading up to the beach has canals that, well, are the Southern California version of Venice.
Venice canals
Parking in the area can be a real pain, so I recommend catching an Uber or Lyft. Once there, you can rent bicycles and ride along the beach's bike path. You'll pass the random shops, Muscle Beach with serious body builders, the famous basketball courts and skateboard park as you go by the Boardwalk. To top it off, there's a pier here as well.
Skateboarders at Venice
View from the Venice Pier
If you're looking for more shopping, there are some boutiques nearby on Abbot Kinney and Main Street. Both are nice walks in any case if you're not looking to go have more bags in your hands. There's also a fair share of cafes and eateries in both areas as well.
Montana Ave is another area I would go to sometimes. It's a quaint area north of Third Street Promenade with some nice cafes and boutiques amongst a very residential area. Take a walk in the neighborhood and you come across all sorts of architecture.
If you're looking for a drink after a day of sightseeing, check out Blind Barber. It's a barber shop in the front but walk through the back door and you enter a hip lounge bar with some good eats. When it comes to food, LA is a mixing pot of a lot of different cultures and cuisines, and California has a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in-state to supply these food spots. There are endless places to check out, but here are a few others (of many) to check out.
Urth Caffe
These cafes were started in southern California from organic coffee blends and teas. The food and baked goods came after, many of which reflect the southern California cuisine of fresh vegetables with a little bit of a Mexican twist. Pick anything off their menu but my go-to's are their Tostada Salad and their Organic Green Tea Boba (smoothie with tapioca balls in it).
Diddy Riese
Located in Westwood, right off the UCLA campus. They're most famous for their ice cream sandwiches made from their freshly baked cookies. Absolutely delicious, and the fact that it's less than a couple dollars each, fantastic. Stop by if you can.
Hakata Shin-sen-gumi
The first time I tried a bowl of Hakata Shinsengumi ramen, I thought it was great. I then moved to Fukuoka, Japan where the capital is Hakata - this type of ramen's hometown. Visiting LA again, I went to Hakata Shinsengumi thinking I probably wouldn't think it was good after being in Hakata all the time. To my surprise, I found the tonkotsu ramen here to be quite good and probably the best you can get in LA. The broth and noodles are authentic, and while the topping options may venture away from traditional, they encompass everything good that you can put in a bowl of ramen. Approved.
Poke at its origin - these are some Honolulu poke spots that you can’t go wrong with.