A full day on Oahu! Our cruise ship arrived at 7:00 am and didn’t depart until 11:00 pm. It has been 15 years since we stayed here for a full two weeks, so exploring was on our agenda. But first, Waikiki Beach called. It is always fun to visit here, and it truly looks the same year after year. The Moana Surfrider Hotel claims part of Waikiki Beach for its ocean frontage. It opened in 1901 as the first Waikiki hotel. She is a beauty. We always get an açaí bowl, filled with granola and a variety of fresh fruits, and eat it on the front porch rocking chairs! We don’t know if is our imagination, but it looks like the portion size has gotten a little smaller since the last time…but it is still very good.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is about 35 miles north of downtown Honolulu, featuring singing, dancing, drumming, and costuming from the various islands that make up Polynesia. Everything in the park is very loud and very energetic. It is several hours of various demonstrations, lots of people, and lots of walking. A most interesting place!
Do you know what a malasada is? Hawaii has taken over this Portuguese treat as their own. It is a hot, freshly made (hopefully) donut filled with custard cream. We first had these in Hawaii 20 years ago, but then also had them everywhere in Portugal, where they were about 50 cents each. In the late 1800s, Portuguese farmers with experience in the sugar industry arrived in Hawaii and brought their beloved malasadas with them. So today, they are equally claimed by both places.
In downtown Honolulu, we found Penny’s Malasadas Waikiki – fresh donuts made to order and filled with your choice of custard or jelly. The price was significantly more than what we paid in Portugal (the donut’s birthplace) several years ago. At Penny’s, the price was three for just over $9.00. Oh, they were worth it, though! How often do you get hot, delicious donuts with warm custard?? We told the woman (the owner, we think) that she should have franchises around the world, like McDonald’s – yes, they were that good. She said she would love that, but for right now, this is her only location. Seek it out if ever you are near Waikiki Beach…it was very much appreciated and totally worth it.
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