Hawaiian Traditions

The Modern &The Traditions of hawaii

WORDS RICHARD S POLLAK

The traditions of Hawaii’s past blends perfectly with a new modern lifestyle that we simply call paradise. Today, the beaches of Waikiki are a bustling oasis of not only the traditional sun and fun but a new era of outstanding dining, shopping and living. The ancient spirit of aloha with the old sites of traditions are still within walking distance while also exploring the modern Hawaii.

The Modern H o n o l u l u Hotel is the best example of the new chic modern lifestyle which is right in the heart of the Waikiki Beach. It has taken over as the beach’s resort for celebrities. At the Modern, the famous don’t mind being discovered as they relax right next to you! If you are a celebrity who wants to hide out, then you will prefer your rendezvous at the Trump or the Halekulani. Both properties boast five star services and cater mostly to an affluent Japanese wealth. Just a lei’s throw away from the Modern, both properties are also within walking distance to the most expensive retail shopping which is located on the main drag of Kalakaua Avenue. Gone are the cheap tee-shirt and fake pearl necklace shops that are now replaced by Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Hugo Boss. It is amazing how many pairs of sheep fur UGG’s boots are sold in this 85 degree weather, especially to the Japanese. The store has tripled in size since our last visit less than a year ago!

Back at The Modern, the hotel has become the weekend outpost of choice for the cast of the locally filmed Hawaii Five-O series. The CBS remake of the classic Jack Lord series, now stars actor Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett. Every week the show opens with that same panoramic view of Waikiki Beach as McGarrett stands atop of the infamous Ilikai Hotel. He can also peer straight down directly into the Modern’s man made beach and sundeck which is actually part of the original Ilikai and still connected by a second floor walkway .

Then, after the opening scene, O’Loughlin can head down to relax at the Modern’s exclusive man made adult guests only beach and sundeck on the second floor with his fiancee. The adults only sun deck features a three inch wading pool that brings the spirit of Waikiki beach right to the hotel since the Modern is actually one half block from the sandy beach.

The Modern Honolulu offers suite accommodations for guests who are seeking a little more space and a private terrace overlooking the Waikiki Marina and beautiful blue Pacific Ocean. The irresistible ocean view rooms tantalize your spirit to relax and enjoy paradise. The contemporary decor of the Modern Honolulu rooms and their

refreshing looking Lanai urges the guest to sit outside and “enjoy the view of the tranquil marina, sparkling pool and the mesmerizing ocean which lures guests outside to their private terraces for many hours of the day and the nights.”.

The hotel reminds their guests,”whether its the sun or the moon above that the light lingers into their rooms as they slip into a complimentary Sarong and Slippers. Just two of the many courtesy amenities of the Modern.

You can even cross paths with Danny “Danno” Williams (actor Scott Caan) the Hawaii Five-O sidekick as he and his new German Shepard puppy can be seen walking down the beach past all the luxury yacht docks just in front of the Hotel.

At the end of the beach you can gaze out to the Pacific Ocean to your right and to the Halekulani to your left. There is even a replica of the Kamekona Shrimp Food Truck from the famed TV show right in front of you. Dive into their Fried Shrimp platter or return to the Modern to dine at Hawaii’s number #1 restaurant. Morimoto’s.

We would recommend to Hawaii Five-O’s Medical Examiner, Dr Max Bergmann (actor Masi Oka) a known

celebrity foodie to dine at the only five star restaurant in all of the Islands of Hawaii, Morimoto’s inside the Modern. Our once in a lifetime dining experience for two begins with the Chef ’s raw bar which comes in the $80, $100 or $150 sizes. Large samplings of his sushi or sashimi combinations run from $45 to $200. Then you have to experience the one pound Australian Wagyu Ribeye (the best beef on the island) for $98. The Seafood ‘Toban Yaki’ comes with Keahole Lobster, Alaskan King Crab, Mussels, Clams, Diver Scallops in a spicy red Miso Sake broth for $50. The simple Duck, Duck, Duck: features a trio of seared Duck breast, a Duck confit Spring Roll and Duck Meatball soup for $29. Morimoto’s is easily the most impressive meal on all of the Islands and perhaps even a lifetime..

The Modern’s study turns into a sexy bar for their hidden Happy Hour. It isn’t what it immediately seems. It waits demurely behind a wall of books in the lobby till 5 p.m. Each evening the bookshelves rotate to reveal The Study. The decor is neutral palette and clean lines which are whispers of the Modern’s subtle sophistication. That’s your invitation to get to know The Study – a knockout cached in an understatement bar. Cocktail tables are barely an arm’s length from

endless sectionals, lush ottomans and melt-into-me chairs where you can always command a comforting seat at the bar. The cocktails here are legendary. A varied menu in the Study features Fried Calamari, creative Pizzas, a Gourmet Burger and Island style Ahi Tuna Poke that works well with the Liquor refreshments. The $13 specialty Cocktails with creative names such as Huckleberry Fin,The Scarlet Letter, Dante’s Inferno or Men are from Mars/Women are from Venus reflects the Study’s theme of books on the shelves. VIP Service is standard with the Island’s best bottle service for premium Spirits starting at $250.

The Poolside Passageway and the Grove are the Modern’s all day breakfast, lunch and dinner spots. They are nestled in a tranquil garden of Arbors, Bougainvilleas and Hibiscus alongside the main pool. With daily rays of sunshine and cool breezes, the Modern’s own dining venue is a must during your stay. The night view of the harbor during dinner at The Grove is one of the most romantic yet casual dining experiences on the island.

It is a new tradition to watch the nightly fireworks from your Lanai or stroll down to the beach for the spectacular show. This is the best way to end your day at the Modern!

TIKI’S GRILL & BAR WE MADE THE MAI TAI FAMOUS

If you happen to walk down Kalaua Avenue by the Aston Hotel, Honolulu, you have to stop by Tiki’s Grill & Bar. The Tiki’s Grill & Bar is beautifully located on their second floor. The view is right across the street from the best beach in Waikiki. The restaurant with its breathtaking romantic sundown dinner for two is also the most partying place at their Lanai Bar. The bar is known not for creating the Mai Tai (where they let Don the Beachcomer and Trader Vic fight it out for who invented it) but at Tiki’s Grill & Bar they just made it the most famous drink in Waikiki!

Tiki’s Executive Chef is infamously known as Chef Ronnie, who left the Executive Corporate Chef position with Roy’s to create the Tiki’s award winning cuisine. The menu is a culinary adventure where everything is locally produced . We enjoyed a priceless four course menu sampling of 5 incredible tastes of each course showcasing: Coconut Shrimp, Kalbi Beef Gyoza, Ahi Tataki, Duck Duet, Miso Pork Pot Roast, and the Beach Boy Seafood Combo with Shrimp and Scallops.

For month’s, I was looking forward to trying Hawaiian Poke for the first time. After reviewing the Tiki’s Grill & Bar menu many times before my trip, I salivated for their Prime Rib Poke! After all, how wonderful

could Prime Rib Poke be? Randy, the Restaurant Assistant Manager, ensured me that I had an additional full order of the Prime Rib Poke for myself and every course we sampled! Hangin’ at the Best Lanai (patio) Bar in Waikiki, Tiki’s Master Hawaiian Mixologists create their TOP FIVE: the Surf Mai Tai, the “Five-O” Lava Flow, Ocean Potion, Mega Mango Mojito and Pro Bowl Punch all served in Hawaii Keepsake Glassware. Some of Tiki’s other favorites from the Bar are the Shark Bait, Skinny Chi, Kalkoa Sunset, Blue Bikini and the Ultimate Malibu Mai Tai. The list never ends with popular cocktails including Top Shelf Margaritas and Coladas served in Coconuts!

According to an old Hawaiian Legend, Mama has worked in the Kitchen of Tiki’s Grill & Bar forever preparing her World Famous Thai Chicken & Green Papaya Salad. Her secret recipe is unknown even to Executive Chef Ronnie and she plans on keeping Thailand’s most famous national recipe a delicious secret.

It’s the view at Tiki’s that makes the cuisine taste even better! As the sun sets and we were finishing a sampling of 5 desserts including Lilikoi Creme Brulee, Molten Hot Hawaiian S’mores, Crunchy Chocolate Spring Rolls, Baked Apple Volcano and our favorite, Hawaii’s Most Ridiculous Small Brownie with a World Famous Mai Tai in our hands, we say “aloha” and ”mahalo” to Tiki’s Grill & Bar for a true culinary paradise.

WORDS RICHARD S POLLAK