I have no doubt this era that we are living in is a double edged sword. While I try to maintain a positive attitude and share inspiration, hope and joy... We are human and it does take a toll on your mental health to encounter all of these challenges, changes and the new normal of  life. 

1. I've enjoyed all of this quality time at home with my husband. I feel our relationship has only grown stronger and better with each passing day. We have and will always compliment each other and balance one another -- and that is perhaps the most gratifying experience I can share so far since March. As a life partner who has loved unconditionally this only intensifies these feelings of deep love, appreciation and support. 
2. Tele-Work - I've been working remotely and from home for 6 years now... so nothing is new for me, but many others have discovered how great it can be to be just a productive from the comforts of home. It can still be rewarding, productive and efficient if you do it correctly. At home projects all got done and all this downtime was a great way to reconnect on all levels. I am also extremely grateful to still have work!
3. Takeout and Delivery - at it's peak when we all feared going out in public and were ordered to stay in our homes, the joy of home delivery and restaurant food for takeout was a pleasant experience. perhaps it was seeing other humans, encountering other people, seeing something new and trying something new that helped bring a spark to your day. From that we discovered a few gems and also learned to really appreciate our small businesses who are working so hard to stay afloat, always adapting and pivoting to stay alive.
4. Communication is Key - with the advent of FaceTime, Zoom, video conferencing, text messaging, direct messaging, group chats and etc... keeping in touch, sharing a message and just engaging with others really helped to uplift and inspire. I tried to keep in touch with close friends regularly and hoped that my messages and frequent check-ins also kept their spirits up. 
5. Mother Nature Reset - the water is clearer, the oceans are cleaner, life is rejuvenated and wildlife found some restoration. I first heard about it when dolphins were swimming in Venice, the fish returned to parts of Waikiki and coral started to grow again. Our reduced impact on the environment really helped mother nature experience a rebirth or sorts. 

1. After one month in isolation, the lack of social encounters and in-person engagements led me to a somber place. I felt frustrated, defeated and emotionally lost. I believe the unknown and fear created these feelings of angst and fright. There were so many questions about this new virus, sickness, death, hospitalization and more. Obviously, there are still a series of unknowns but Hawaii has emerged as one of the lowest regions of infection and has done very well keeping the health and safety of our residents in tact.  Being cooped up at home isn't the best and most ideal choice but I am grateful to be safe, healthy and virus free. 
2. Too much social media - while I manage social media for others as it is part of my business, also for Da Best Hawaii and my own personal pages this, as you can imagine, is somewhat cumbersome. Posting for my clients is fun, exciting and inspires me... but keeping up with Da Best Hawaii and maintaining posts for myself leaves me weary. I worked tirelessly to help my clients as best I could, doing 5Xs the amount of expected work and often fielding, calls, meetings, texts, emails and etc from 5am-12am daily. When the work started to taper off I found myself frustrated by others on social media who opted to unfollow, block or disengage with me personally. I think when you are living your daily life you wouldn't notice these things, but since all we had was time at home and on the internet, being social, it lead to some common frustrations. For me, I feel social media is a place to entertain, educate and inspire others. For others I think social media is a game... It's a place where they can create a facade, find false affirmations of themselves and investigate what others are doing and how they are living without them noticing. To put it in it's simplest terms much of what we see is fake, fake altered posts, fake followers, fake likes and fake friends. Now don't get me wrong this is just speaking from a personal perspective, this isn't related to marketing or business reach at all. This is mainly an observation regarding the cognitive behaviors of humans on social media. For some they are seeking validation through "likes" and "followers" and thus begins this cycle of inauthentic relationships, engagements and unvalued worth. So what does this all mean? We will never know because each person is unique in their motivations and desires through social and it depends on how authentic and true they actually are. 
3. I think I definitely gained weight - I don't have a scale and I am uncertain how much I weighed in February but I am pretty sure my waistline has seen better days LOL. A combination of inactivity, gym closures and lots of snacking has led to my realization. My husband did a great job of cooking for me and we ate everything that made us happy and content. I find a great sense of happiness and joy because of good food and I don't regret it, but it may take some extra time making my fitness goals again.
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You can see the benefits outweighed the negatives. I do believe we will make it through and the world may in fact become a better place, I hope. Moving forward it'll be a world that is more cognizant of the way we interact, the way we treat each other and the decisions we make. I can only hope that we can always consider what is best for the soul, for others and for the planet. 

Being at home in isolation, socially and physically distancing from others has been a roller coaster of emotions. But as the days pass you start to adapt and things have changed to accommodate our new lifestyle. Here are the best things I have found since being quarantined and ordered to stay home, work from home and remain safer at home. -- I love these innovations and options!

Market home delivery is amazing. Being able to shop online and have the items you have chosen hand delivered to your doorstep saves a lot of time, effort, energy and is exceptionally convenient. I also had a poke delivery service bring poke to my front door as well and that was the most exciting thing about last month. What I love about the freshBOX market is they feature only local treats and products - it is hand delivered in an insulated box with frozen ice packets. Everything is fresh and you get to try new things too. We loved the HI FIVE ULU Waffle batter and even though we didn't have a waffle maker it was a spectacular pancake too! 

With all of this stay at home cooking going on... we discovered the specialty sauces by M from Chef Marvro Restaurant and they were mind blowingly delicious. Imagine pristine culinary french cuisine... what elevates it and takes it to the next level? The elegant and expertly made sauces. These were definitely worth their weight in gold. I loved all of them... Ginger Scallion, Eggplant Miso and Pistou were amazing and inspired us to make more food at home enhanced by these phenomenal sauces. Psst, I even added the Ginger Scallion to my fresh poke and that was unreal. Use sauces to help let your creative juices flow. I feel having great sauce inspires your cooking!

I've always been a big fan of wearing a face mask while traveling. There is something comforting about it and when you aren't feeling well it's a great way to keep your throat warm and to feel secure. I first saw these being worn in public in Asia, notably in Japan about 20 years ago. It is nice to see that as a society we can begin to respect and feel at ease knowing it is ok to opt to wear these in public spaces. With the efforts to reduce the spread of germs I am glad we've all adopted this way of life and have learned to utilize it. Some say they have a hard time breathing, get a mask that is easier to breathe or try breathing through your nose and essentially don't touch your face... or stop touching your face so much. 

I recently ordered a specialty pak from Ahi Assassins and it was probably the best food deal I have consumed this whole year. Because eateries aren't making the usual sales they would normally see on the daily or from events, they are getting creative and offering incentives. This is also a way for them to get rid of inventory and add more value for your dollar. For $25-$100 you can score a huge meal for your whole family and then some to freeze if need be. I saw similar options for other eateries... where you essentially get a whole meal at a discounted price. 

Probably the most convenient and greatest no-contact option around.... preorder via phone or online, swing by and pick up your items by having them hand delivered to your vehicle and go. I have done this at restaurants, stores and shopping centers. This is probably the most efficient and easiest option around. Seriously, I told one girl to just open the backseat and put it in and done. I guess it would be even better if they didn't touch the vehicle but hey door to door service is amazing and so convenient. 

So... I am probably the most affectionate and huggable person you know. I might dare to say I am actually quite famous for my hugs, full, unique, ultimate and with all my heart and body. I am going to go out on a limb and say they are pretty legendary.

Now with the social distancing and physical distancing requirements in place... it has hurt my heart not to hug people anymore. But you may recall when Hawaii's flu season was rampant this winter I tried to initiate a no-hugging policy, so as to avoid getting sick. But I was met with abrasive gestures, multiple scoffs and forced hugs. Fast forward to January and yes, I got sick. It was definitely some sort of corona virus in that I had a fever, cough and was down for about 4 days with a lingering cough for about a month. Luckily when I recovered, and prior to COVID, I went out and got my flu shot - amen. 

Now that COVID-19 has resulted in 4,525,497 known cases globally and 307,395 confirmed deaths (as of May 17, 2020) even with global lockdowns and stay at home orders for millions... I  am noticing some people are still hugging and kissing like there is no risk and no reason not to hug. When this happens I feel a great sense of awkwardness and uncomfortableness. Why? Well... if I am the only one not hugging, then it honestly makes me look like some sort of killjoy or physically and mentally withdrawn from the situation or person. 

The real answer is I rather be safe and not spread germs. I don't know who you've been in contact with and who you have hugged and kissed prior to me... and I honestly tend to have a sore throat often and what if I am sick? Even worse is the possibility of exposure. There are some people who are asymptomatic and show no signs of infection at all; how horrible would it be if I was that person and I brought it to your house and spread it to your entire family?

But as I start to see this sense of rebellion or disconnect from medical suggestions/government orders - I begin to observe that many choose to disregard precautions and live their day-to-day lives like there is nothing to be concerned about. If I am the only person out of 10 who isn't hugging, then I guess it is inevitable that I will eventually contract whatever it is that you may be carrying, and you will contract what I am carrying too.

Luckily, here in Hawaii we are amongst the best places in the world with the lowest COVID-19 infection. I feel that I have taken all the precautions to not get sick and have followed them to a T (since early March). Now as we slowly transition to normal life... I can see people initiating handshakes, hugs and close contact again. I thought perhaps that distancing would be the new norm, but I feel it isn't the case. Many news agencies are reporting contact isolation as the best method to reduce the risk, but those are people who are already infected. 

So here is the question? When will I be comfortable hugging people again? What do I do when people forcibly try to hug me? And should I just bite the bullet and hug again because we are all going to get sick anyway? In the meantime I have tried the shaka, bowing, and touching other parts like feet, butt and elbows - but still people are so awkward and it's just an awkward situation to be in because everyone's boundaries are different. 

Food for thought:
"Hugging loved ones who don’t live with you is “not recommended” until a coronavirus vaccine is found, U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said." - Forbes
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5 Best Spots for Mochi in the Morning
By Olena Heu


Craving something sweet, light, fluffy yet chewy and perhaps a texture that you’ve never encountered before? Enter delightfully delicious mochi pancakes and mochi waffles, that are artfully created using rice flour. This iconic Japanese treat which originally dates back to just before the 800’s is now setting a new trend. Here’s a look at five of the most innovative and mouthwatering mochi pancakes and mochi waffles you must try on Oahu.

​The Nook
Mochiko Chicken & Mochi Waffles has been a mainstay on the menu of this rustic brunch spot for several years now. Double the mochi and double the fun, as the crisp yet juicy texture of the fried chicken also lends itself to the dense yet subtle mochi waffle - a great combo if you ask me. A play on the classic chicken and waffles, this iteration is completely unique and out of this world with the use of Jidori chicken and a decadent bacon maple syrup. This dish is not gluten free, but can be prepared gluten free by request.
The Nook
1035 University Ave #105
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 942-2222 www.thenookhonolulu.com

Koa Pancake House
A staple for breakfast with an impressive menu spanning everything you can imagine from omelets, to benedicts and more… Koa Pancake House has been open for nearly four decades and now boasts Butter Mochi Pancakes and a Butter Mochi Waffle topped with Guava Lava puree. Butter mochi is a more decadent mochi usually a golden yellow hue and includes… yes rich, silky butter. The chewy texture is addicting and a perfect blend of sweet with savory.
Koa Pancake House
6 Locations island-wide
Oahu, Hawaii www.koapancakehouse.com

Yogurstory
Famous the world over for their vibrant purple ube pancakes, the management team at Yogurstory decided to try something new… Ube Waffles. This pairing of ube (purple yam) with mochi flour topped with a sour cream whipped cream will leave your tastebuds dancing. The waffles have more of a spongy texture when compared to traditional pancakes, and the ube syrup is a blend of coconut milk and sweet yam which offers a nutty, creamy and comforting essence.
Yogurstory
815 Keeaumoku Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 942-0505 www.yogurstoryHI.com

M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki
An all day and all night eatery serving unique island favorites along with traditional comfort classics, these Mochi Pancakes are uniquely delicate, alarmingly addictive and easily devoured. Naturally gluten free and available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late night snack, the original option is served with a spiced vanilla butter or you can choose to add freshly picked fruits to enhance the flavor profile. Honestly, these pancakes are so yummy you don’t need to add anything to them in this chic, contemporary yet charmingly convenient gem.
M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki
2500 Kuhio Avenue
Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 921-5564 www.mac247waikiki.com

Herringbone Waikiki
Weekend brunch just got better when you add Mochi Pancakes from Herringbone Waikiki to the mix. Topped with lilikoi (passion fruit) butter and seasonal fruits, this order of pancakes is almost too beautiful to eat. Lilikoi is a blend of both sweet and sour, so if you would prefer to enjoy the delicate flavor of the gluten-free pancake ask for the sauce on the side. A convenient location at International Market Place along with the idyllic decor, makes this a hot spot for ladies and families who love to enjoy an afternoon meal with flowing mimosas in the tropics.
Herringbone Waikiki
2330 Kalakaua Avenue #316
Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 797-2435 https://herringboneeats.com/locations/waikiki

Unicorn Food in Honolulu
By Olena Heu

HELLO rainbows, sprinkles, glitter, chocolate sauce, syrups, decadent and sometimes refreshingly satisfying for any sweet tooth. We’re talkin unicorn food, a rainbow inspired fad that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Checkout our recent picks for the best spots to find uniquely inspired unicorn offerings.

Chocolate + Vanilla Bakery
As the name implies, this decadent bake shop in Kaimuki offers no shortage of sweet treats. They are known for their luscious bread pudding topped with extravagant flavors and additions. But did you know they also have a specialty rainbow bread unicorn sundae too?
1115 12th Avenue, Honolulu HI

Dipped by Dee
Chocolate covered strawberries is the name of the game for this sweetheart. Dee and her girl gang also conjure up delectable caramel apples, and berry bites to add to the strawberry delights. But none can impress more than white chocolate silver and pink unicorn dipped strawberries available for custom orders.
111 Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu HI

Charmy Hawaii
Famous for its extravagant soft serve crafted into a phenomenally decorated waffle cone… Charmy Hawaii takes exceptional ice cream flavors and melds them into works of fun edible art. Unicorn pineapple ice cream or just the basic unicorn flavor will make anyone smile and add a extra bounce to their step.
1450 Ala Moana Blvd #1360 Honolulu, HI

Urban Local Living Hawaii
This urban cafe nestled in the heart of Kakako serves milk drinks, boba teas and cotton candy goodness. The huge cotton candy bulb on your drink is enough to make you smile, while the rainbow cotton candy cup would make any unicorn prance and dance. People love to photograph their treats and sips for others to gaze at.
685 Auahi Street Honolulu, HI

Zippy’s
It’s soft, creamy, nostalgic and the cake is rainbow. Zippy’s Napoleon’s Bakery has brought back the iconic Rainbow Cake and everyone is rejoicing. This delightful sweet ending is a popular addition to parties, birthdays and celebrations. Slice into the white whipped frosting and inside you’ll find layers of rainbow goodness any unicorn would appreciate.
Locations island wide on Oahu, one on Maui and soon in Las Vegas.

Back in October 2019, I wrote this article about The Best Boutique Hotels on Maui. Since our islands are suffering right now and in particular Maui is hurting badly, I wanted to share it. Some are not open right now and we are bracing for what the future holds, but perhaps you will want to bookmark these hotels for a future stay. Enjoy!

Off the beaten path and nestled amongst the flora and fauna of tropical Maui is an oasis of your choosing. Boutique hotels boast attention to detail, personalized service and a more intimate setting. Here are our favorite boutique hotels on the Valley Isle of Maui.


Hotel Wailea
Considered one of Maui’s most romantic hotels, Hotel Wailea is an adult-only resort, perched mountainside amongst 15 acres of bliss.  72 one-bedroom suites along with a relaxing luxurious pool, on-site cabanas, restaurant and lounge make this a destination to behold.
Hotel Wailea
555 Kaukahi Street
Wailea, HI 96753
www.hotelwailea.com


Lumeria
A wellness and educational retreat, Lumeria is much more than just plush accommodations. Guests are invited to enjoy mediation, healing arts, yoga and specialty body work. 24 private rooms, a farm to table restaurant and unlimited activities make this a getaway to remember.
Lumeria
1813 Baldwin Avenue
Makawao, HI 96768
www.lumeriamaui.com


Maui Coast Hotel
The perfect place for your family in the heart of Kihei, eco-friendly Maui Coast Hotel is situated across from the beach and offers 2 jacuzzis, a patio for sunbathing, poolside bar & grill and convenient fitness center. Guest suites are spacious and each showcase a private lanai.
Maui Coast Hotel
2259 South Kihei Road
Kihei, HI 96753
www.mauicoasthotel.com


Royal Lahaina Resort
A hidden gem moments away from Lahaina, Royal Lahaina Hotel is quiet, picturesque and harkens back to the days of old Hawaii. The property is just at the tail-end of Kaanapali Beach, features 3 pools, a spa and spacious guest rooms with picturesque garden or ocean views.
Royal Lahaina Resort
2780 Kekaa Drive
Lahaina, HI 96761
www.royallahaina.com


Napili Sunset Beachfront
From the crescent-shaped white sandy beaches of Napili, Napili Sunset Beachfront Resort is a front row view of the ocean without the resort prices. Accommodations feature beachfront apartments and studios complete with all the comforts of home in a garden or pool setting.
Napili Sunset Beachfront Resort
46 Hui Drive
Lahaina, HI 96761
www.napilisunset.com

This article was written pre-COVID, thus availability may be limited, check to see if these locations are operating normally and if not, when...

The Top 5 Boutique Hotels on Oahu
By Olena Heu


Oahu has long been a hotspot for visitors. With it’s pristine beaches, lush tropical mountains and broad array of activities there is never a dull moment on the island. Staying in a boutique hotel offers affordable room rates, while often off-the-beaten-path. Here are our top 5 boutique hotels worth staying at on Oahu.


1. Queen Kapiolani Hotel
On the outskirts of Waikiki, this historic hotel overlooks beautiful Kapiolani Park and is adjacent to both the Honolulu Zoo and Kuhio Beach. Recently restored, the hotel was first built in 1967 on royal lands and now offers a cool, chic, surf-friendly vibe while showcasing a splendid pool deck complete with living wall, live entertainment, delicious dining options and craft cocktails.


2. The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club
Conveniently located moments away from Royal Hawaiian Center and the Duty Free T Galleria, The Surfjack Hotel offers an eclectic vibe of both 1960’s vintage and the aloha spirit. The Swim Club onsite showcases specialty movie premiers, pool-focused events, drinks and bites along with unique finds and specialty treats. In the heart of Waikiki this boutique hotel also invites guests to enjoy on-site experiences related to culture, crafts and education.


3. Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
This posh yet sophisticated hotel is secretly perched at the base of world-famous Diamond Head monument. Located directly across the street from Kapiolani Park this gem of a hotel is also steps from the beach, Waikiki Aquarium and some of the most revered surf breaks on the island. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city this hotel also offers wine service and bike rentals to explore the region’s many offerings.


4. Coconut Waikiki Hotel
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the Coconut Waikiki Hotel has all the comforts of home and then some. Guests are invited to relax in the hotel lobby (living room) with drinks and popcorn refreshments, communal tables for playing games, a friendly sandbox for the kids and complimentary daily breakfast. Come play oversized chess, dominoes, checkers or Jenga on-site too!


5. Stay Waikiki
Blink and you’ll miss it, Stay Waikiki is hidden along a side street in Waikiki but boasts the best selection of nearby eateries, shopping and a lively Karaoke Bar on its lobby level. Centered around affordability, the hotel also offers one-bedroom suites with full kitchens for the guest who enjoys crafting their own homemade meals. Enjoy 24-hour coffee and tea service along with beach mats, towels and everything you’ll need to spend a day on the sand. ​

The Best Spots for Saimin on Oahu
By Olena Heu
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Considered a savory, local, comfort food, Saimin is a staple in Hawaiian homes. The freshly cooked noodles sitting in a clear dashi-style broth is the perfect combination to warm the heart and soul. Similar to ramen, but boasting simple ingredients like fish cake, ham, egg and onions, the plantation workers dined on saimin often daily and many locals still eat it today on a regular basis. With the cooler winter months approaching it’s the perfect end to a chilly evening. Heres a look at the best spots for saimin on Oahu.

Shiro’s Saimin Haven
Influenced by the Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese and Filipino foods, Shiro’s serves freshly made noodles and an abundance of other ingredients. They first opened in 1969 and have been serving a large variety of saimin dishes for every appetite. Try the Portuguese, Korean or Filipino Saimin.
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701
91-919 Fort Weaver Rd.
Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Palace Saimin
The menu is simple…Saimin with our without wonton or your choice of udon and bbq beef sticks. They say if you’re going to make something delicious then stick to it and that’s what Palace Saimin does. They don’t fret about food trends or adding anything new to their menu, instead they serve classic saimin in a comfortable setting without any bells or whistles. Sizes are also simple, small ,large or extra large depending on your appetite.
1256 N. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96817

Dillingham Saimin
One of the original saimin stands since the 1950’s Dillingham Saimin has been serving a secret family recipe to hungry eaters for decades. A shrimp broth foundation and option to add shrimp tempura make this simple dish a bit more decadent. They also serve a plethora of musubi and hearty plate lunches.
1425 Dillingham Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96817

Zippy’s
Known statewide for their 24/7 hours and on the go meals, desserts and more… Zippy’s is an island tradition and with that their saimin is world-famous as well. Classic and piping hot or served with wontons too, with more than 2-dozen locations statewide you can quench your saimin thirst from dawn until dusk or anytime in between. The Zip Min is also a must-try, it’s a saimin with wun tun, shrimp, choi sum, fish cake, seaweed, egg, sweet pork and of course noodles. ​