Moanalua Gardens Picnic

Moanalua Gardens is known for two things. Big tree, biggest tree ever aka the Hitachi Tree and home to one of King Kamehameha's properties. Im fact, his cottage that was built in 1850's is still present there. With that said, you cannot help but walk a little bit taller here whether you are a Japanese tourist stopping by merely to get a photo with the famous "Hitachi Tree" or you are a local seeking relaxation, or a little spiritual enlightenment with a basket full of goodies..

 Let me explain...The Hitachi Tree is one particular monkeypod tree, the biggest one out of all of them, that's been making a whopping $400,000 a year since the 70's being trademarked as the Electronics company's success symbol. Apparently, the park was going to be closed down and destroyed, until Hitachi made the offer, so thank Hitachi, a little Hawaiian history preserved, and the island's biggest tree still lives. Since I grew up in Japan I am quite familiar and fond of the Hitachi Tree commercials and branding, playing in between my favorite shows. It was definitely a little nostalgic to be so close to it let alone get to touch it. The tree is reportedly 130 years old and boasts a spirit of wisdom and success. From the moment you step into the gardens, you can't help the force that draws you into the tree.

 If you do not know this background, you might be a little overwhelmed with the amount of tour buses stopping by every 15 minutes. Regardless, it's such a beautiful and serene spot..perfect for naps, studying for finals, and picnicking while letting your little ones run free. I saw some people with fishing poles, so I am guessing there's a little river stream that you can fish at as well.

 Just 15 minutes away from Waikiki and extremely easy to get too, this is one of the Hawaii's best kept secret, unless of course you happen to be on a Japanese tour bus. Here is the link to the Hitachi Commercial I grew up watching..

Keiki Swap Meet/ Children's Discovery Center

Hello, we are back we are back! A new project I am working on is inspiring me more than EVER to blog Phe and Me, and going to the Keiki Swap meet this weekend was just the perfect re-beginning. Phe is now definitely a toddler and not a baby =( Scrolling through old posts made me teary just thinking about how FAST children grow. However, I have to say, instead of waking up 2 times a night now I get a full nights sleep, I'm no longer cleaning out his mouth with soap in order to get germs out but just DIRTY WORDS, and no longer wondering if his bold head will ever have a party, now it's raging blonde. Oh how quickly the melodious "maaa maaa gooo goo gaaah gaahs" turned into a cacophony of "NO's! Chocolaaaate, and Yo Gabba Gabba Now!" I do miss the days where my husband and I could go to a nice dinner and he would just suck on his feet, now he eats a full course meal and doesn't forget to tip either. All in all, EVERY moment has been such an unforgettable memory that gets replaced with an even more special milestone and we are NEVER short of laughs. One thing gets easier and another gets harder..I guess that's life with a child and life in general, and before you know he will have his license and never come home.

 Well atleast until then I have made a promise to enjoy every moment being a kid with my lil kid who is no longer a baby and can do fun things like shop at Keiki Swap meets and go to the Discovery Center! We all had so much fun this weekend...but it's not all fun, it's economical as well. Keiki Swap Meet at Kakaako was organized by some genius at the Discovery Center who decided to teach kids an early lesson in entrepreneurship and economy. Why not throw a swap meet with kids leftovers with kids vending their stores? Of course their parents help, but what a great way to come up with extra coin for Christmas and a lesson in monetary value not to mention getting a glimpse of the grim reality which is depreciating assests... I heard kids say "But my converse were $20!!!" Sorry sweetheart, they're $5 after you wear them for 2 years..Ironically a priceless lesson learned...pun intended. Not to rub salt in this kids wound but you can also show up very late to the Swap Meet and score 3 pairs of converse for $4 like Phe and I did. Amazing bargains and great vibes. We loved EVERY moment of being there. Other bargains included, drum set for $2, table chair pinic set for a $1, brand new toy story coloring set for $3 and Prince of Bel-Air DVD all Season set for $2.

 Then the real fun started when we entered the Discovery Center right next door to Kakaako Park..This place was like getting spit into a dream that have dreams upon and above dreams.  Literally like being in a Dallas Clayton book.  Kids are invited to be anything they want and can even produce their own theater show with lights and costumes. Bus Driver, Waiters, Firefighters, Bank Tellers, and Car Mechanics, and pretty much all the friendly faces of profession that make up the community can be you for the day. There are 3 levels of fun, and the top floor consists of little tiny villages from different countries. There's a rainforest exhibition and dinosaur ones too. Discovery Center also hosts parties and has a cute little affordable cafe for when your little one gets hungry. Don't snooze or you lose though, as their hours are 9am-1pm Tues through Fri and 10am-3pm weekends and closed Mondays.