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CONTENTS
VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 1 | FEBRUARY/MARCH/APRIL 2015
LAS VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT 6 8 12 13 14
2
SHOWCASE
Can’t-miss Las Vegas shows and events
VEGAS CALENDAR
A three-month guide to Sin City happenings
DOWNTOWN DINING MTO Café
CHEAP EATS
Three meals in Sin City
CALIFORNIA NOODLE HOUSE
Boyd Gaming reinvests in Downtown for its 40th anniversary
18
TOP FOUR BUFFETS
22
BOYD CASINO WINNERS
24
THE LINQ
Stack the plates in your flavor
Lucky you!
Discover the Strip’s newest dining, shopping and entertainment district
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LIVING ALOHA 30 34 37
EAST OF EATING
Asian health foods for vitality and longevity
UH SPORTS
Peggy Liang
PACIFIC CUISINE Kona Brewers Festival
46 48
VACATIONS HAWAII
What to know before you travel
TRANSPLANT
Derek Miyano
Shoyu Chicken
Chow Fun
Looking for “homemade” food on your way to Vegas? Kabocha Pumpkin Slice
Create your own “In-Flight” Bento. • CATERING AVAILABLE • • MADE FRESH DAILY • • 35 YEARS IN BUSINESS • Chef Johnathan S. Mosley
Furikake Chicken Katsu, Nishime & Kimpira Gobo pictured below
...just like home! 1351 Nuuanu Avenue Honolulu Hawaii 96817
COMPLETE MENU AT: nuuanuokazuya.com
(across from Hosoi Mortuary)
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday – Saturday: 5:00AM – 1:30PM Sunday: Closed
808-533-6169
ANNIVERSARY COUPON SPECIAL Furikake Chicken Katsu Chow Fun Nori Musubi
ALL FOR
+ tax
$5
EXP. MAY 31, 2015
Volume 7 | Issue 1 | FEB/MAR/APR 2015
PUBLISHE RS
Bill Smith Vice President / General Manager Vacations Hawaii
Jamie & Naomi Giambrone Element Media, Inc.
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHE R E. S. Adler
MANAGING E DITOR Kevin Whitton
ART DIRE CTOR Keith Usher
SALE S
E.S. Adler Bonnie Kish
STAFF E DITOR In mid-December, Vacations Hawaii accepted delivery of a replacement aircraft for our Las Vegas charter program. The former aircraft, named Kikaha, performed superbly for Vacations Hawaii over the past three years, carrying 280,267 passengers from Honolulu to Las Vegas and back. During that time, Kikaha flew nearly 3.4 million miles across the Pacific Ocean. Our new airplane is named Kaulele, which has dual meanings in Hawaiian—“to soar above and beyond” and “extraordinary.” The airplane was blessed and christened upon delivery by Kahu Kordell Kekoa and a cross section of Vacations Hawaii team members as well as representatives of Omni Air International attended the ceremony. During the blessing, Kahu Kekoa asked our team to recall the best flight experience they’d ever had in their lives and, while joining hands, prayed that the combined experiences be passed on to all passengers who fly on Kaulele to and from Las Vegas. Both airplanes were named by Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Studies educators Kapulani and Lokahi Antonio and their chosen names reflect the true spirit of the extraordinary service that is delivered by pilots and flight attendants of Omni Air International on every flight chartered by Vacations Hawaii.
Lauren McNally
CONTRIBUTING W RITE RS Kim Baxter Myra Rabanal Chelsea Tsuchida
ADMINISTRATION Kathy Bell Sally Shaner
PUBLISHE RS’ ASSISTANT Chelsea Tsuchida
E DITORIAL INTE RNS Ian Kai Bianca Bystrom Pino
ELEMENT MEDIA INC.
1088 Bishop St. #1130 Honolulu, HI 96813 808.737.8711 info@elementmediahi.com
VACATIONS HAWAII
1585 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 900 Honolulu, HI 96814 808.591.4777 boydvacationshawaii.com
©2015 by Element Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in Las Vegas Bound do not reflect the opinions of Element Media or Vacations Hawaii.
ON T HE COV E R : The California Noodle House debuts at the California Hotel & Casino.
Las Vegas Bound @vegasboundmag 4
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Photo: Boyd Gaming
L to R: Scott Kurosawa, CPB VP & Business Banking Manager, Jasmine, Mel, Lynn and Justin Tanioka
Our bank shares our commitment to service. “My parents started Tanioka’s Seafoods and Catering in 1978 on one simple principle: quality foods with a friendly smile,” reveals Jasmine Tanioka. “It’s how we treat every customer and employee to this day.” “We look for the same commitment to service in our partners and our business banker at Central Pacific Bank certainly delivers. Scott goes above and beyond to ensure our financial needs are met so that our business runs smoothly from day to day.” Small businesses are more than customers, they’re partners. Helping them succeed means knowing their business and anticipating their needs. It’s just another way we’re committed to working for you.
808-544-0500 1-800-342-8422 centralpacificbank.com
2015 USA SEVENS RUGBY TOURNAMENT AND FESTIVAL The HSBC Sevens World Series is an annual rugby tournament featuring the world’s top rugby players. Started in 1999, the tournament pits national teams against each other in a series of nine tournaments to determine who will claim the series title. Las Vegas hosts the fifth tournament, when 16 nations compete in 44 games over a span of three days. Sevens rugby is played with only seven players on each side instead of the traditional 15, so the action is fast paced and that much more exciting. WHERE: Sam Boyd Stadium WHEN: February 13–15 › $25–$108 › usasevens.com › 702.739.3267
ELTON JOHN In a career spanning five decades, Sir Elton John has sold more than 300 million albums and amassed over 50 Top 40 hits, seven consecutive U.S. No. 1 albums, 58 Billboard Top 40 singles and six Grammy Awards. He had at least one song in the Billboard Top 100 for 31 consecutive years and his single “Something About The Way You Look Tonight/Candle In The Wind 1997” sold more than 33 million copies, making it the best-selling single of all time. John received his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 and has performed at Royal functions including Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. WHERE: Caesars Palace WHEN: March 18–April 1 › $50–$500 › caesars.com › 866.227.5938
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BARRY MANILOW World-famous singer, songwriter and producer Barry Manilow will grace the MGM Grand Garden Arena for one special evening. Manilow is one of the world’s most successful performers, famous for hits including “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” In 1978, Manilow had five albums on the best-seller charts simultaneously, a feat matched only by Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Mathis and The Beatles. In addition to producing and arranging albums for other artists, Manilow has written songs for films such as Thumbelina and Foul Play, the latter of which earned him an Oscar nomination for the song “Ready To Take A Chance Again.” WHERE: MGM Grand Garden Arena WHEN: April 10 › $24–$267 › mgmgrand.com › 702.891.1111
JERRY SEINFELD Jerry Seinfeld grew enamored with the art of comedy from watching stand-up comedians on TV as a kid. He began his career in stand-up in the late ’70s and early ’80s and landed a small recurring role on the sitcom Benson in 1979. After a successful appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1981, Seinfeld appeared regularly on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with David Letterman. It wasn’t until his “show about nothing” hit the airwaves, however, that Seinfeld achieved his status as a pop-culture icon. WHERE: Caesars Palace WHEN: April 17–18 › $105 › caesars.com › 866.227.5938 LasVegasBOUND
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FEBRUARY/MARCH/APRIL 2015
februar y FEBRUARY 14–15
Rocky Mountain Gun Show Looking for some bang for your buck? Come down to the Rocky Mountain Gun Show as vendors show off the latest guns and rifles and display the widest assortment of ammunition around. If you’re an outdoor adventurer, a gun enthusiast or a hunter, this show is for you. South Point Hotel Casino & Spa $15 southpointcasino.com 702.796.7111
FEBRUARY 15
Engelbert Humperdink Extend those Valentine’s Day celebrations with legendary British pop singer Engelbert Humperdink. Known for his U.K. No. 1 hits “Release Me,” “The Last Waltz,” “After The Lovin’” and “A Man Without Love,” Humperdink arrives at The Smith Center for a onenight affair. The Smith Center $29–$150 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
FEBRUARY 20–21 Ana Gasteyer
Comedian Ana Gasteyer began her career as a member of The Groundlings, an influential improv group in Los Angeles, before landing small roles in several sitcoms, including Seinfeld, Fraiser and Party of Five. In 1996, she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live and gained recognition for her portrayal of Martha Stewart and music teacher Bobbie Mohan-Culp. The Smith Center $39–$59 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
FEBRUARY 20–21
Ray Romano and David Spade Sitcom stars Ray Romano and David Spade team up for a night filled with laughs at the Mirage Hotel & Casino’s Terry Fator Theatre. Romano starred as Ray Barone in the wildly popular show Everybody Loves Raymond, which aired for nine seasons. Spade most recently portrayed the womanizing Russell Dunbar-Patel on Rules of Engagement. Mirage Hotel & Casino $109 mirage.com 702.791.7111
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FEBRUARY 24–MARCH 1 Nice Work If You Can Get It
Tony-winning musical comedy Nice Work If You Can Get It comes to The Smith Center this February. The musical, set in New York during the Roaring Twenties, tells the story of wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter and his nuptials. Things go awry when Winter meets Billie Bendix, a bootlegger who steals his heart.
FEBRUARY 20–MARCH 1
The Smith Center $39–$139 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
Boyz II Men
Popular R&B group Boyz II Men take the stage for 10 nights at the Mirage Hotel & Casino. Join the “boys” from Philly as they perform “Motownphilly,” “I’ll Make Love To You,” “End of the Road” and other classic hits. Mirage Hotel & Casino $54 mirage.com 702.791.7111
FEBRUARY 28 Larry Braggs
Former Tower of Power lead singer Larry Braggs links up with the Lon Bronson Band for an evening filled with classic ’60s and ’70s soul. Hear them recreate classics from some of soul’s biggest names, including Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. The Smith Center $15–$30 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
FEBRUARY 28 Jay Leno
Spend an evening with former The Tonight Show host Jay Leno at the Mirage Hotel & Casino’s Terry Fator Theatre. Leno made his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1977 and became a regular substitute host a decade later before taking the reigns in 1992. Mirage Hotel & Casino $87 mirage.com 702.791.7111 LasVegasBOUND
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march MARCH 3–21
Olivia Newton-John Olivia Newton-John propelled into superstardom with her portrayal of Sandy Olsson in the 1978 blockbuster smash Grease and led a successful career as a recording artist with hits such as “I Can’t Help It” with Andy Gibb in 1980 and “Physical” in 1981. She has sold an estimated 100 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time. Flamingo Las Vegas $79 flamingolasvegas.com 702.733.3111
MARCH 6–7 HAPA
Hawaiian music duo HAPA, whose unique sound originated on a picnic bench in Lahaina, are often referred to as the “sound of Maui” or the “soundtrack to Hawai‘i.” HAPA visits the Ninth Island for two incredible shows in March. The Smith Center $35–$45 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
MARCH 20–21 Jake Shimabukuro
MARCH 13–14
Big League Weekend Take yourself out to the ballgame as the Chicago Cubs play the Oakland A’s in the 25th annual Big League Weekend. This is the Cubs 11th season playing in Las Vegas. This is the fifth time that the A’s have visited Las Vegas and its first since 2000. Cashman Center $35–$55 lvcva.com 702.386.7111 10
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‘Ukulele sensation Jake Shimabukuro brings his signature rapid-fire strumming and ‘ukulele mastery to The Smith Center. Shimabukuro got his start as a member of the band Pure Heart, whose debut album won four Na Hoku Hanohano awards and was named one of the 50 greatest Hawaiian music albums by Honolulu magazine. The Smith Center $39–$59 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
MARCH 27–29
Spring Home Improvement & Backyard Expo Got a green thumb or penchant for DIY projects? Check out the Spring Home Improvement & Backyard Expo, where top vendors will present the latest and hottest products on the market. South Point Hotel Casino & Spa $5 southpointcasino.com 702.796.7111
MARCH 21–22 The Temptations
One of soul music’s greatest groups, The Temptations, will grace The Orleans Showroom. These early pioneers of Motown got their start in Detroit in the early ’60s and went on to release such hits as “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “Ain’t To Proud To Beg” and “Papa Was A Rolling Stone.” The Orleans $39 orleanscasino.com 702.365.7111
april APRIL 25–26 Don Rickles
APRIL 17–18
Ramsey Lewis Trio Ramsey Lewis is one of the world’s most prolific jazz musicians, having recorded more than 80 albums between 1956 and 2013. Lewis received Grammy Awards for his songs “The In Crowd,” “Hold It Right There” and “Hang On Sloopy.”
Nothing is safe when insult comic Don Rickles is on stage. His stand-up act earned him the nicknames “Mr. Warmth” and “The Merchant of Venom” and gained recognition from Frank Sinatra, whose co-sign helped turn Rickles into a star. In addition to comedy, Rickles was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and appeared in numerous films and sitcoms throughout his career. The Orleans $88–$110 orleanscasino.com 702.365.7111
The Smith Center $45–$79 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000 LasVegasBOUND
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MTO Café
Neighborhood Hub Connects with “Made to Order” Menu Review by Myra Rabanal Reflected across the glassy façade of City Hall shines the distinctive, Creamsicle-hued sign for MTO Café, whose name stands for “made to order” from scratch every day. Run by three owners from different parts of the country, you’ll find touches of comfort food from the South, lighter fare from the West and even a nod to the islands. The cafe’s motto of “fresh comfort food” beckons urbanites who flock there daily to connect with friends and plug in over a “bowl” of java and fabulously fresh, no-frills food. Convenient ports and outlets in the booths cater to a crowd that combines eating, working and networking. Natural light streams in through a wall of windows, reinforcing the freshness and comfort of this modern-day diner that dishes up daily breakfast and lunch downtown. My friend and I settle into a booth and our friendly server, Donna, a New Yorker who is a kama‘aina at heart (ask her if she likes Spam), offers recommendations for a well-rounded breakfast. The menu has universal appeal, offering light, healthy options along with more substantial fare to power you through the day. We bypass the signature MTO Breakfast ($14), a feast of everything but the kitchen sink, including Spam. Donna recommends the Kentucky Fried Chicken breakfast special ($13), a finger-lickin’ combination of boneless fried chicken nested on MTO’s signature mash browns and topped with an over-easy egg and light ladling of creamy country gravy. One of the owners’ own recipes, the tender morsels are brined for flavor from the first bite until the last. Like our server, we recommend it. On the lighter side, the fresh avocado omelet ($11) with its tangy tomatillo concoction dazzles the palate. A sampling of the lemon poppy seed pancake ($13) with blueberry-ginger compote drizzled generously on top yields a one-word response, “Wow!” Bright citrus flavors and a hint of gingery spice explode with every bite. Dessert has no boundaries, even at breakfast. The MTO mini donuts wading in local honey ($7) bring it all back home to Vegas. MTO Café’s relaxing atmosphere and energizing flavors make it an ideal place to reconnect with the world at your own pace, whether you’re online or offline.
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MTO CAFÉ DOWNTOWN 500 South Main Street 702.380.8229 mtocafe.com
Photos: MTO Cafe
DOWNTOWN DINING
CHEAP EATS: The Vegas Mixed Plate Downtown Crawl Reviews and photos by Myra Rabanal
The S’mores donut—no campfire necessary.
Downtown Vegas is primed to greet visitors old and new. Being in the company of friends new to Vegas presented the perfect opportunity to do a little downtown crawl to discover—or rediscover—the revitalized scene and some of its hangouts.
O FACE DOUGHNUTS
Tucked away in the revitalized John E. Carson Motel, this upscale holein-the-wall offers an impressive selection of In-Hand Doughnuts ($1.25 each) and Fork & Knife Doughnuts ($2.25–$2.75) to satisfy your craving in the morning. The bakers tame down the sugar, so don’t fret while you chomp into the impressive S’mores doughnut with chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow, the elegant key lime with whipped cream and graham cracker or any of the specialty cereal doughnuts, which feature real cereal soaked in milk at the center. They’re all “O” so good. 124 South Sixth Street, Suite 140 702.476.3223 ofacedoughnuts.com
CHEFFINI’S HOT DOGS
Expanded from a popular cart on Fremont Street running only in the wee hours, Cheffini’s opened a second location in Downtown Container Park so families and non-night owls can enjoy its tasty, all-beef dogs. The Classic Cheffini’s ($5.99) is an eclectic combo of the usual condiments, plus jalapenos, mozzarella, pineapple sauce and crushed potato chips. The El Mexicano ($6.99) features a bacon-wrapped frank with avocado, green chile sauce, chipotle guava and garlic aioli. East meets West in the Moshi-Moshi ($6.99) hot dog, complete with caramelized onions, seaweed, wine sauce and spicy mayo. Weird, but it works.
The Classic Cheffini’s dog, complete with pineapple glaze and crushed potato chips.
707 Fremont Street, Suite 1050 702.527.7599 cheffinis.com
The Vegetarian Baguette Pizza is made fresh with hearty veggies.
THE BEAT COFFEEHOUSE & RECORDS Located in the historic Emergency Medical Arts Building, The Beat is a popular urbanite hangout downtown. The place becomes clubby once night falls but during the day, an unhurried pace welcomes professionals, artists and visitors to sit, sip and sync with their computers or with some storied vinyl discs. Order a classic Croque Monsieur ($8.99) off the chalkboard menu or share The Kitchen Sink baguette pizza ($8.99) and the simple but hearty vegetarian baguette pizza ($6.99) while sipping coffee, wine or a brew. Stay a while and enjoy the ride. 520 Fremont Street 702.385.2328 thebeatlv.com LasVegasBOUND
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Boyd Gaming reinvests in Downtown Vegas for its 40th anniversary BY LAUREN MCNALLY
T
he first of Boyd Gaming’s nationwide collection of properties, the California Hotel & Casino commemorates 40 years as
Hawai‘i’s ninth island and embarks on a new era typified by its latest addition, the California Noodle House.“Conceptually, it’s completely different from anything else you’ve seen at the Cal,” says Ashlen Manos, director of marketing for Boyd Gaming’s downtown properties. From its gleaming exterior latticed like a traditional Japanese shoji screen to its open kitchen lit by clusters of lanterns, everything about the California Noodle House is a striking departure from the pasta house that preceded it. Executed by award-winning design studio Tandem Design, the Eastern-inspired décor and inviting, modern ambiance supplement a menu brimming
Photos: Boyd Gaming
with influences from all over Asia.
“We took traditional ingredients from various Pacific Rim cuisines and incorporated them with different flavors and styles of cooking, adding a twist to make it our own,” says Executive Chef Derek Kinoshita. Guests are welcomed with an amusebouche of shrimp chips and spicy salsa—an Eastern take on south-of-the-border chips and salsa. The Vietnamese spring rolls are rolled thin to look like chopsticks and the red Thai curry is a play off of traditional Italian seafood linguini. Bringing together culturally diverse elements comes second nature to the Hawai‘i native, whose island home stands at the crossroads between the U.S. and numerous ethnic groups throughout the Pacific. “People came from all over the world to work the sugarcane plantations,” says Kinoshita. “During lunch hour, everybody would be eating the lunch they made from home and started sharing things. That was the birth of Hawaiian regional cuisine.” Hawai‘i’s abundance of fresh seafood and fertile farmland further shaped the culinary tradition Kinoshita brings to the California Noodle House. Everything is prepared in-house and by hand, right down to the wonton broth flavored with anchovies, radishes, onions, garlic and soy. “It’s a labor of love,” he says. “If you use good, fresh ingredients, you can really see the difference in the end product.” His braised oxtail stew—an allusion to the Cal’s signature oxtail soup—is a customer favorite. “There’s a Vietnamese beef stew called bo kho with wonderful flavors of tomatoes, lemongrass, star anise, kaffir lime and Madras curry,” Kinoshita
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says. “I took all of those flavors and, instead of using beef the traditional way, decided to use oxtail, which just falls off the bone. It is quite a sight.” Another crowd pleaser is the Korean bibimbap, a medley of vegetables, meat, egg and toasted rice delivered to the table in a sizzling stone bowl. “It’s got such a presence,” Manos says. “There was such an overwhelming demand that we had to double our order of bowls.” “When I was really young, my family would have these get-togethers with all the aunties and uncles,” Kinoshita recalls. “There weren’t a lot of commercial products then, so everything was made from scratch. Most kids would be outside playing, but I was in the kitchen, so intrigued by all the smells and the flavors.” He honed his skills at local mom-and-pop shops and landed a position at what is now the Four Seasons Resort on Lana‘i before relocating in search of opportunities on the mainland. His culinary expertise includes stints at the MGM Grand and Caesar’s Palace as well as opening his own Korean barbecue and sushi restaurant in North Dakota. “I kind of started the same way as Chef Derek,” says Food & Beverage Director Datron Green. “Hanging out in the kitchen with my mother and my grandmother.” Like Kinoshita, he hails from a renowned culinary melting pot—New Orleans—and worked under Emeril Lagasse at Commander’s Palace, the city’s Arc de Triomphe of Creole cuisine. Since climbing the ranks from a position on the graveyard kitchen staff at Sam’s Town more than 20 years ago, he’s had a hand in a number of the company’s other dining concepts and currently manages its California and Main Street Station eateries.
Both Green and Kinoshita draw from a broad spectrum of culinary influences and emphasize creative growth and progression. “We’re always open and looking to change and revamp the menu items,” Green says. They’re also happy to tailor the dishes to suit individual preferences. “We try to accommodate everyone’s needs and tastes,” adds Kinoshita, who is a frequent presence out on the floor, chatting with guests and welcoming feedback. Designed to provide a unique experience at every visit, the California Noodle House is ever evolving, but not because it’s new. “The California Noodle House brings completely different flavors and amenities not only to our Boyd properties downtown, but also the entire downtown market,” says Manos. “The goal is to not only cater to our regular visitors and stay on top of their needs but also bring in new, local customers.” Still, the California Noodle House is rooted in the Cal’s kama‘aina identity, debuting with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and maile lei untying in January. “It’s inviting, it’s comfortable, you can come and dine alone on our high tops or bring your entire family,” says Manos. “There’s something for everyone.” At the end of the meal, Kinoshita sends custom-made dark chocolate macadamia nut clusters sprinkled with Hawaiian sea salt to every table. “We call them lava rocks,” he says. “They’re our way of saying, ‘Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you back soon.’”
“If you use good, fresh ingredients, you can really see the difference in the end product.” —Executive Chef Derek Kinoshita LasVegasBOUND
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Vegas isn’t only known for its casinos—it’s also a mecca of buffets that take you on a culinary trip around the world. With so many options, however, it can be difficult to choose which to visit. These buffets get you the most bang for your buck, whether you’re looking to fuel up for a marathon round at the slot machines or celebrate your wins by indulging in plates piled high with your favorite treats.
By Bianca Bystrom Pino
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Garden Court Buffet Fuel up at one of USA Today’s “10Best” Las Vegas buffets. Go for Hawaiian staples such as Portuguese sausage, eggs and rice or visit the omelet station to watch your meal prepared just the way you like. Head there on a weekend for the tasty champagne brunch. Great food, friendly service and elegant décor await every day of the week. Buffet Best: Prime rib Main Street Station Casino Brewery Hotel 200 North Main Street 702.387.1896 mainstreetcasino.com/dine/garden-court-buffet
French market buffet From watermelon sorbet to chocolate cream pie, French Market Buffet’s numerous dessert options are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The entrées are as plentiful as the desserts, so be sure to save room for a variety of main course dishes, including jambalaya and pulled barbecue pork. Buffet Best: Strawberry torte à la mode The Orleans Hotel & Casino 4500 West Tropicana Avenue 702.365.7111 orleanscasino.com/dine/french-market-buffet
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PARADISE BUFFET & cafe Get a deal for your meal at the largest buffet on Fremont Street! Choose from a wide selection spanning crab legs and crawfish to Mexican cuisine and all-day breakfast items. Known for its warm service and great prices, Paradise Buffet is a comfortable and affordable way to feast. Buffet Best: Seafood dinner on Tuesdays and Fridays Fremont Hotel & Casino 200 Fremont Street 702.385.6226 fremontcasino.com/dine/paradise-buffet-and-cafĂŠ
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Ports o’ call buffet Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Ports O’ Call Buffet offers a large selection of dishes from all over the globe. Treat yourself to Chinese, American, Mongolian, Italian and seafood, along with fruits, vegetables, desserts and much more. The buffet’s spacious dining area and roomy tables are perfect for accommodating large parties. Buffet Best: Mazatlan chicken with zesty sauce and cheese Gold Coast Hotel & Casino 4000 West Flamingo Road 702.367.7111 oldcoastcasino.com/dine/ports-o-call-buffet
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Discover the newest dining, shopping and entertainment district on the Strip By Chelsea Tsuchida
M
uch more than a room to sleep in and a place to gamble, The LINQ encompasses more than 300,000 square feet—three football fields—of outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment. Caesars Entertainment’s The LINQ Promenade and $223 million revitalization of The Quad Resort & Casino redefines what it means to vacation in Vegas.
Setting a World Record
Near the Eiffel Tower and the Fountains of Bellagio stands the world’s tallest operating observation wheel and the newest addition to the brilliant Las Vegas skyline. At 550 feet tall and nearly as wide in diameter, the High Roller surpasses international predecessors such as the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer and the Star of Nanchang in China. The High Roller takes riders on a 30-minute journey providing an aerial view of the Strip and a panoramic view of the city from one of its 28 glass-enclosed cabins, which holds up to 40 people each. It’ll cost you a little extra to ride at night (individual tickets are $24.95 during the day and $34.95 at night), but it’s well worth it as 2,000 LED lights transform the Ferris wheel into a mesmerizing, psychedelic halo. Traveling with friends or family? Rent an entire cabin for a memorable way to celebrate that special occasion, whether it’s a birthday, engagement, anniversary or retirement party. Larger groups can reserve the High Roller’s wheelhouse, complete with its own bar. In addition to individual and group reservations, options like the “happy half hour” cabin, the family pack or family hour package offer special deals and features to best suit your needs.
Photo: Denise Truscello
An Exotic Show
Beneath its flamboyant façade, Las Vegas hosts some of the most elegant and beautiful artifacts of American history. The Auto Collections showroom, located on the fifth floor of The LINQ Hotel & Casino, is home to over 250 vintage cars from the 1920s to the 1980s, including special-interest vehicles valued at over $100 million. Though it’s recognized as “Best Piece of Vegas Auto History” by Las Vegas weekly newspaper Vegas SEVEN, this car museum is not just for history buffs and automobile aficionados. Anyone interested in the evolution of style or in relishing the aesthetic appeal of a vintage, cherry-red Chevy Impala should visit this museum. You can walk within feet of former president John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s 1962 Lincoln Continental limousine, which also transported subsequent president Lyndon B. Johnson. If you’ve got the dough, you could even take a piece of auto history home with you from the inventory of cars for sale. The Auto Collections is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and provides visitors with a complimentary audio guide recounting the stories behind these rare cars. Visit the Auto Collections website and click on the “Free Admission” tab for a free pass.
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The LINQ Promenade is a pedestrian-friendly pathway connecting The LINQ Hotel & Casino to the Flamingo Las Vegas. As you enter from Las Vegas Boulevard, you’ll not only notice the revitalized LINQ Hotel & Casino (formerly The Quad), but also The Vortex, an architectural element unlike anything you’ve seen before. Created by Hetzel Design to complement the nearby High Roller, The Vortex features an impressive canopy of LED lights similar to those used to illuminate the observation wheel. After purchasing your tickets for a ride on The High Roller at one of the convenient automated machines opposite The LINQ Hotel & Casino, grab a fresh-squeezed juice from Squeeze or a cup of joe from Starbucks. Next, search for the perfect souvenir at Koto, a gift shop with an array of eccentric and quirky goods, including their best-selling “Ring for Sex” bells and “Spin the Shot” party game. Hungry? In addition to familiar favorites like brick-oven pizza from Flour & Barley, hot dogs from Haute Doggery, chocolate from Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop and cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes, you’ll find more unusual—yet equally satisfying—menu items at The LINQ’s various eateries. Try the sashimi “won-tacos” or the 14-hour beef brisket at Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar, open daily from 10
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Photo: Jerry Metellus Photography Inc.
Avenue of Amusements
a.m. to 2 a.m. This “Flavortown” offers 16 craft beers, Sonoma County wine and a one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary menu. For Mexican done right, head to Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, where you can have the best fiesta of your life thanks to its $3 Taco Tuesdays, 2-for-1 margarita specials, mechanical bull and daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. After you leave Chayo, hop next door to Las Vegas’ iconic and newly renovated Blarney Bar at O’Sheas. This 24-hour Irish pub has its own casino, serves over 50 types of beer and even hosts beer pong tournaments. Enjoy live entertainment or try an Irish margarita with the bar’s host, Lucky the Leprechaun. If you’re craving more ethnic fare, experience a taste of Asia at F.A.M.E. (Food. Art. Music. Entertainment.) You’ll find conventional favorites like sushi, tempura and robata at the contemporary Japanese restaurant upstairs along with street food, dragon dancers and taiko drum performances downstairs. Inspired by the region’s lively night markets, F.A.M.E.’s very own Asian market on the main floor features authentic cuisine from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, China and Malaysia. Parked directly in front of F.A.M.E. is faux food truck Fukuburger. Their trademark creation melds the flavors of an all-beef patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, wasabi mayo, crispy onion strings and fried egg. This foodtruck delicacy goes best with the togarashi garlic fries, served with ketchup and F.A.M.E.’s signature crack sauce. There’s evening and late-night bowling across the street at Brooklyn Bowl, a massive 80,000-square-foot music venue with 32 bowling lanes and New York’s renowned Blue Ribbon restaurant serving good ol’ American comfort food. The original Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg has hosted some of the most famous names in music history, including Guns N’ Roses and Elvis Costello. You never know who might show up at the new Vegas location, open at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Combine all of the above with nine bars and cocktail lounges, two wedding chapels and a tropical pool, The LINQ is the ultimate attraction on the Las Vegas Strip and an epic social center with a welcoming atmosphere, modern amenities and an assortment of activities for anyone and everyone to enjoy.
Living ALOHA
The food, fun and lifestyle of our Aloha State
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east of
Studies have shown that while daily supplements can fill nutritional gaps in a generally balanced diet, they can’t replace the variety of vitamins and minerals present in natural sources. As Western medicine places increasing emphasis on prevention as an effective means of improving health, it has begun looking to East Asian populations to investigate the connection between long life and a plant-based, antioxidant-rich diet. High in satiating fiber and nutritionally diverse, traditional Asian diets are governed by underlying principles of moderation and balance, so they’re a good starting point in battling illness, warding off disease and prolonging life.
eating Asian health foods for vitality and longevity
Story and photos by Lauren McNally
< Exotic superproduce Though good eating habits matter more than any one particular nutrient, many types of Asian produce contain beneficial compounds rarely found in Western foods. Considered the “king and queen of fruits” in their native Southeast Asia, durians and mangosteens contain rare and potent antioxidants called xanthones that may prevent cancer as well as arthritis, Alzheimer’s and numerous other ailments associated with chronic inflammation. The durian’s sulfurous compounds and antioxidant flavonoids may also fight cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and become increasingly bioactive upon ripening. Bok choy, choy sum, tatsoi and other Chinese cabbages offer the cancer-fighting abilities of a cruciferous vegetable as well as the vitamin B and folic acid of a leafy green. Bok choy is a particularly rich source of anti-aging carotenoids and bioavailable calcium and iron.
Fermented foods Fermented foods like kimchi, miso, tempeh and tofu contain live bacterial cultures and other beneficial by-products as a result of the fermentation process. Probiotics not only improve gut health by helping alleviate gastrointestinal conditions, but they also enhance nutrient absorption and improve immune function, the majority of which occurs in the digestive tract. Research indicates fermentation also enhances a food’s nutrient content by producing enzymes, vitamins and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Miso contains more than 160 bacteria strains, including one that supplies a form of bone-fortifying vitamin K. Nattokinase, an enzyme specific to the fermentation of soybeans into natto, acts as a natural blood thinner and may protect against stroke, heart attack and other afflictions related to blood clots. Pickled foods, however, do not offer the same benefits. Whereas fermentation creates its own acidic environments, many storebought, “fermented” foods are preserved in vinegar and have not undergone the same changes. LasVegasBOUND
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Asian mushrooms Mushrooms are fiber-rich sources of B vitamins, potassium and iron. Japanese varieties have been shown to pack some of the greatest benefits and are prescribed throughout Japan for health conditions ranging from ulcers and asthma to thrombosis and iron deficiencies. A provincial study published by the Nagano Prefectural Research Institute of Rural Industry links frequent enokitake consumption with nearly 50 percent lower cancer mortality rates. Studies of these and other Japanese mushrooms have identified unique bioactive compounds and immunity-boosting beta-glucans that may lower cancer rates, reduce oxidative stress, lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, improve cardiovascular function and potentially treat autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Maitake mushrooms were once worth their weight in silver due to benefits that include improved digestive health and lower blood sugar, earning the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;dancing mushroomâ&#x20AC;? for the joyous response they prompted upon discovery.
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Ugly root veggies Culinary forecasts report that in 2015, chefs will replace typical white potatoes with “uglier” earth dwellers for their unique flavors and textures. Many of these alternatives pack a greater nutritional punch. Purple sweet potatoes, for example, are a staple in Okinawa, where people live longer than almost anywhere else in the world (Chinese legend referred to the southern Japanese island as the “land of immortals”). The Okinawan sweet potato gets its vibrant hue from high levels of anthocyanins, the same antioxidant in blueberries and other richly colored produce. But unlike blueberries, Okinawan sweet potatoes contain high concentrations of anthocyanins throughout their flesh as opposed to just their skin, so they’re an even greater source of antioxidant benefits including enhanced brain and eye function, lower blood pressure and protection against cancer, heart disease and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Potatoes get a bad rap for their glucose-spiking carb content, but the Okinawan variety sits lower on the glycemic index than its white-fleshed counterpart and contains enzymes that help regulate blood sugar, even in those with type 2 diabetes.
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Photos: Jay Metzger
For swimmer Peggy Liang, being deaf has never been a handicap By Kim Baxter
When Peggy Liang, one of two deaf players in University of Hawai‘i athletics, accepted the program’s Peter Chi Most Inspirational Award, she joked, “Am I inspirational because I’m deaf?” Liang’s response underscores her outlook on life and reflects a humility and humor that characterizes her quiet but big personality. “I don’t see myself as inspirational, but more as a role model,” she says. “I think everyone pushes each other to be better as a person, athlete and student. Each person has their own story and each is very inspiring to me.” Liang has been a stalwart on the Rainbow Wahine swimming squad for the last three years and represented her school and nation twice in the Deaflympics. One of three deaf children born to hearing parents, the University of Hawai‘i swimmer describes herself as clumsy on land and says she struggled during her early forays into tennis, volleyball, track and soccer, but found comfort in the pool at a young age. When she was nine, a club swimming coach watched her in the pool after school and invited her to practice. Liang thrived and eventually garnered the attention of Jennifer Buffin, a University of Hawai‘i assistant swimming coach and primary recruiter for the women’s team. “She’s successful and I think she will be successful in life, no matter where it takes her,” says Buffin. “Swimming is a tough sport and she’s had challenges, just like every other swimmer. But she perseveres just like everybody else and she gets back in the water and she does it again. Over the four years, for me, her disability has become less and less.” Liang eased the first face-to-face meeting with Buffin by texting back and forth with her while sitting at the same table. It was a revelatory moment that reassured the assistant coach that Liang possessed the mettle and independence to survive on the Manoa campus thousands of miles away from her Washington home. “She works really hard in practices,” Buffin confirms. “So it’s not just about her disability, it’s
about the effort that she gives in making herself better. I see that both in the pool and out of the pool.” Liang refuses to let being deaf limit her in any way. A freestyle and breaststroke specialist, she was named to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation all-academic team in 2013. She and her teammates won the conference title in the 400-yard free relay, finished second in the 200-yard free relay and came in third in the 800-yard free relay at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships the following year. Set to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Family Resources, Liang has interned at Make-A-Wish Foundation and hopes to find a career after graduation that will “help the community navigate available resources and make sure they are accessible for everyone.” Upon first meeting her, Liang can come off as almost painfully shy, especially given her diminutive five-foot-one stature and slight build. When she emails or texts—her preferred methods of communicating to those who don’t
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“I don’t see myself as inspirational, but more as a role model. I think everyone pushes each other to be better as a person, athlete and student. Each person has their own story and each is very inspiring to me.” know sign language—her personality shines. As a freshman, Liang broke the ice with teammate Antoinette Ranit through Facebook messaging. They have since graduated to their own sign language and are now roommates and best friends. Many others on the University of Hawai‘i swimming team have learned some sign language because of Liang. Coaches posted signing boards in the locker room so teammates can learn words and phrases. Buffin writes out her practice plan so Liang knows what to expect every day. During practice, when the coach barks out orders to the team, she’ll also write messages on a white board. “I really don’t think anything is that much more difficult for her because it’s just how she’s done everything her whole life,” Ranit says. “Even if I ask her, she’d be like, ‘I don’t know. I’ve never heard anything, so [being deaf] doesn’t really matter to me.’ It’s not a handicap for her. It’s just part of who she is.”
the Peter Chi Most Inspirational Award Peter Chi was a University of Hawai‘i swimmer honored with the university’s Most Inspirational Award after surviving cardiac arrest in 2011 due to a previously undiagnosed heart condition. The 19-year-old Hilo native continued to compete with the team until October 2012, when he was found unresponsive in his dorm room and pronounced dead at Straub Hospital after the season-opening meet. The University of Hawai‘i renamed the Most Inspirational Award after him following his death.
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GR E E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA II.C O M
Photo: B. Appelt
Photo: R. Thomas
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Krista Donaldson. “Reusing is an important strategy in leaving less of a footprint on our beautiful island. Large-scale composting and recycling at Kona Brewers Festival is vital today as Big Island officials debate investing county monies into trash incineration or zero-waste technologies.” Through collaborative effort, the Kona Brew Festival pre-cycles, recycles and composts 90 percent of its waste. Since the festival made the transition to zero waste in 2008, approximately 270 community beneficiaries have helped compost, recycle and transport festival discards. Attendees are encouraged to separate their trash into compost and waste stations staffed by volunteers throughout the grounds. These zero-waste tables are vital to the festival’s on-theground success with sustainability. Volunteers leave with a greater awareness of the island’s composting and recycling opportunities and festivalgoers can take a part in the change while enjoying great music, craft beer and island-style cuisine. konabrewersfestival.com
Photo: J. Appelt
Kona Brewing Company hosts four days of entertainment, craft beer, gourmet food and green initiatives at the 20th annual Kona Brewers Festival on Hawai‘i Island in March. The benefit celebration promotes craft brewing while building on the positive economic, educational and environmental impact it’s had on the Big Island community. Activities leading up to the main event on March 14 include the Suds and Sea Benefit Cruise, the 5K/10K Run for Hops and the Brews for the Big Rock concert. Admission to the event includes a commemorative glass mug, eight four-ounce brew-tasting coupons and unlimited samplings of gourmet cuisine. Craft beers from 40 local and mainland breweries will be served alongside food from Big Island eateries such as Blue Dragon Restaurant and Buns in the Sun bakery and deli. The event also features live music, hula and the annual Trash Fashion Show. “The Trash Fashion Show consists of a very creative group of people,” says Thalia Davis, who supervises the event every year. “Some of our trashy folks have been collecting rubbish for years. The process of collecting misunderstood stuff and creating wearable art allows everyone to analyze our consumption and the implications of excessive packaging, discarded household items, ocean debris and all the superfluous stuff that ends up in our landfills. The mindlessness of consumption is an opportunity to educate with the functional beauty of art, the inspiring energy of music and the excitement of the stage.” The Trash Fashion Show is just one of the ways the festival brings sustainability and environmental education to the forefront of the event. “Incorporating sporks and ti leaves provided another easy and replicable model for our community to eliminate waste. We diverted 4,000 plates and 13,000 napkins from the festival’s waste stream,” says sustainability coordinator
Lift the Fog
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ProAdvice Embracing Retirement Communities I have helped hundreds of families, as well as my own, go through the aging process. Historically, and in Hawai‘i particularly, our cultures require us to take care of our kupuna in our homes. However, in current times, adult children have very busy lives, working full time and raising children and grandchildren. Retirement communities are no longer drab and dreary places with sad faces and worn wheelchairs. Visitors can experience vibrant and beautiful living spaces that promote wellness, recreation, socialization and health for older adults from the same era through shared interests, likes and understandings. Adult children can now visit their parents and find them exercising in the pool, arranging tropical floral
Your Vision is Our Mission Dr. William K. Wong, Jr. served as an ophthalmologist with the U.S. Army for more than eight years before returning to Hawaii to open his practice in 2005. He offers comprehensive eye care and facial rejuvenation in Aiea and Honolulu. As a board-certified ophthalmologist, he specializes in advanced cataract surgery, using the most advanced cataract laser and advanced technology lens implants to correct astigmatism, give full range of vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Dr. Wong and his colleagues opened their Eye Surgery Center to bring the most advanced technology to Hawai‘i. This painless procedure takes just 15 minutes and requires no shots or stitches. Most of his patients see much better immediately after their surgery. “After improving their vision, my patients often ask to have newly found wrinkles treated as well,” Dr. Wong says. Dr. Wong also offers anti-aging injections such as fillers and Botox in the office he shares with his father, a dermatologist. The Wong’s
Get the 411 from the experts bouquets, laughing with friends over coffee or volunteering in the community thrift store, all the while knowing that Mom or Dad have support, will never go hungry and, most of all, are safe. Retirement communities have finally been embraced by Hawai‘i’s cultures and are now more accepted. As I work with my clients, I am finding that most of our kupuna are independently choosing this lifestyle. “I don’t want to burden my children” is a statement that I hear all the time. Parents don’t want to burden their children and children want the best for their parents.
Nathan Richardson, Director of Sales, Marketing and Resource Development at Good Samaritan Society Pohai Nani, is an expert in consulting with older adults about retirement living options in Hawai‘i. He has been with Pohai Nani since May 2013.
also offer laser skin resurfacing and are the only doctors in Hawai‘i to offer Pelleve, a painless, non-surgical, no downtime skin-tightening procedure. This spring, Dr. Wong will be opening a brand-new Ala Moana office in the Poolside Suite at Nauru Tower, offering full eye care services, an optical boutique and a LASIK center. Dr. Wong has been continuously selected as one of Hawai‘i’s best doctors and is highly regarded as a skilled surgeon who colleagues turn to for surgical support as well as personal treatment.
William K. Wong, Jr., M.D. is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Founder of Hawaii Vision Clinic, Owner of Pan Pacific Laser, President of the Hawaii Ophthalmological Society and President-Elect of the Honolulu County Medical Society. hawaiivisionclinic.com
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What to expect on a Vacations Hawaii experience to Las Vegas ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
You are required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide an acceptable form of identification at check-in and at the security checkpoints in Honolulu and Las Vegas. Acceptable forms of identification include photo identification issued by the US Federal or State Government or US and foreign government-issued passports. Additionally, the identification must contain a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and some tamper-resistant feature. Bus passes, library cards and fishing licenses are among the forms of identification that are NOT acceptable.
In addition to one personal item (briefcase, purse, laptop computer, backpack) each person is allowed one piece of carry-on luggage. The maximum dimensions for each piece of carry-on luggage is approximately 9 x 14 x 22 inches and the weight restriction is 25 pounds. No more than three ounces of liquids, aerosols or gels may be included in carry-on luggage. Additionally, all of the above items must be consolidated in a single quartsized zip lock bag, which must be placed separately in the security bin during the security screening process.
CHECKED LUGGAGE l In Honolulu, check in two hours prior to departure at Omni Air International’s ticket counter located in Lobby 6 of the Honolulu International Airport.
l PLEASE BE AWARE THAT : • Baggage that needs to be checked needs to pass through the agriculture checkpoint before heading to the ticket counter. • In addition to affixing the hotel tags provided by Vacations Hawaii, all checked luggage must be tagged with your own personal identification tag. • You are allowed two pieces of checked luggage with a maximum weight of 50 pounds and maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches (length+width+height). • A fee of $25 will be assessed for each of the first two pieces of checked luggage on each flight segment. Passengers who check in more than two pieces of luggage will be charged $100 per piece for each additional item of checked luggage per each flight segment. • In addition to the checked baggage fees set forth above, Vacations Hawaii may, in its sole discretion, accept oversized or overweight luggage when space is available, subject to the payment of a fee of $100 per piece on each flight segment. Checked baggage that exceeds a maximum outside linear dimension of 62 inches and/or exceeds a maximum weight of 50 pounds constitutes overweight luggage. Items heavier than 70 pounds will not be accepted for transportation. • First Class passengers and Emerald cardholders in Boyd’s B Connected program will be allowed two pieces of checked luggage at no charge, except for oversized and overweight pieces described above, which will be subject to fees. • Styrofoam coolers will not be accepted unless packed within an outside box or container. Special rules and restrictions govern the transport of dry ice.
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SPECIAL NEEDS (Wheelchairs, Oxygen, Oxygen Concentrators) Customers with special needs should make their reservations with Vacations Hawaii as far in advance as possible and should request the special services available to them. Arrangements can be made for special seating and handling at the same time that your charter reservations are made. Wheelchairs are available through the porter service at both Honolulu International Airport and McCarran International Airport for the convenience of passengers. Arrangements can be made in advance to rent wheelchairs for use in Las Vegas. Customers also have the option of taking their own personal wheelchairs with them as checked luggage on the chartered flights. Oxygen can be provided at a cost for any customer who provides Vacations Hawaii with a prescription that has an acceptable flow rate and meets the government’s criteria when the request for oxygen is made. Oxygen concentrators are allowed on the airplane but are subject to restrictions concerning the make and model of the concentrator and the amount of battery-charge available. Consult with a Vacations Hawaii representative for a full description of terms and restrictions.
DEPARTING HONOLULU
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Again, once at Honolulu International Airport, please check in two hours before departure at Lobby 6. A 5 1/2-hour flight will take you from Honolulu to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport. The charter approaches Las Vegas from the south, giving passengers a clear view of the Strip and Downtown as the plane descends for its landing.
ARRIVING IN LAS VEGAS
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The flight arrives at Terminal 1, where a Vacations Hawaii ground agent will greet you, answer any questions
NEED ASSISTANCE? l If you need any help while you are in Las Vegas, please contact the Duty Escorts at the Vacations Hawaii office in the Main Street Hotel and Casino. Escorts are at the office 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also call 702.249.8404 for assistance.
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and direct you to the buses that will take you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted by another agent and proceed to the front desk to retrieve your meal-ticket book and room keys. Your luggage will be brought to your room shortly. During your stay, there are countless ways to stay busy with gaming, shopping, day trips, sightseeing, free shows and more. For a list of some possibilities, contact your hotel’s bell desk representatives.
On the day of your departure, your luggage will be retrieved from your room by the bell desk. You will meet in a designated room and await the buses to take you back to McCarran Airport, Terminal 1. At the terminal, you will need to retrieve your luggage (or use a SkyCap) and take it to the check-in counter. Check in with the Swissport counter agents. There, you will be issued your boarding pass and luggage claim tags and directed to the proper departing gate. Once you arrive at the Honolulu airport, your luggage is typically sent to Baggage Claim E. An announcement will be made in-flight to let you know where to pick up your baggage. <
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Omni Flight Departure & Arrival Information
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Thank You For Choosing Vacations Hawaii! LasVegasBOUND
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Meet Hawai‘i transplants now living and working in Las Vegas - Story by Ian Kai
Matthew Wong, Lifestyle Photographer and AV Team Member at Zappos.com, commercial photographer at M Photography Online, Media & Photography for E 320 Entertainment Group
Transplant: Derek Miyano
Hometown: Honolulu Years in Las Vegas: 24 Miyano, 58, was working for GTE Hawaiian Tel when Central Telephone Company, a Las Vegas telephone provider, came calling and offered him a job. Miyano packed his bags and made the move in 1991. Miyano transitioned from home phones to homes, starting a career in real estate in 1997 with Century 21 before ultimately opening his own agency, ADG Realty, in 2008. As a real estate agent, Miyano is in tune with relocation, especially transplants from Hawai‘i. Miyano estimates that 70 percent of his clients hail from the Aloha State. “I think that there’s so many similarities between Las Vegas and Hawai‘i that the workforce from Hawai‘i in the hospitality industry found it to be an easy transition to find work in Las Vegas,” he says. Although Hawai‘i will always have a place in Miyano’s heart, Las Vegas is his home and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I like the food, I love the entertainment, I love the variety of people,” says Miyano. “It’s also very comfortable. We have a lot of plate lunch places and a lot of poke places. It’s easy to travel. There’s so much to like. We have different experiences that you won’t get in Hawai‘i.”
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o how do you choose the S right senior living community? Fun is important. So is comfort. But what about those deeper questions? Questions like whether our lives will have as much meaning and purpose? We’re the Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani, part of the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services. And we’d like to help you answer those deeper questions that belong at the very center of your search.
To learn more about our community in Kane’ohe, call (808) 247-3448.
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