Frolic Contributor Melissa Chang

Open House Pick of the Week: Diamond Head

Hidden gem on the slopes of Diamond Head

Party pics: Quiksilver’s Eddie Aikau 30th Annual Paina

The 30th annual Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau invitational surf competition starts today on Oahu’s north shore — or at least, the waiting for wave conditions to make the contest.The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is a one-day big…

Day trip from Tokyo: Obuse

Another nice day trip (or two) would be to the tiny town of Obuse, just outside of Nagano. It’s cute. It’s quiet. It’s known for sake. What else do you need? In all seriousness, the town is noted because the famous…

Party pics: ChefZone

Y. Hata & Co. has been making strides in the foodservice industry in recent years. To celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2013, they did a huge renovation of their Sand Island facility to create a more vibrant environment to work and shop.…

Day trip from Tokyo: Niigata

Although the big city is fun, it’s nice to get away and see what kinds of rural escapes are nearby. One of those spots is Niigata, an area north of Tokyo. We caught the JR Express (just a couple of…

Nostalgic J-Pop at Yoyogi Milk Hall

Remember Hiromi Go? I had a couple of very OMG moments on this trip, one of them being at our visit to a spot called Yoyogi Milk Hall. I don’t know why it’s called a Milk Hall — although there…

Open House Pick of the Week: This Punchbowl Property Offers Stunning City Views

Versatile Makiki townhouse feels like a large home.

Ramen kaiseki dinner in Tokyo

Ross Mihara (left) and Genei Wagan’s Hideki Irie.This Japan trip was different in that I met up with a lot of Hawaii ex-pats who now call this destination, home. One of them is Ross Mihara, whom you may remember as a…

Wandering Tokyo, part 2

Shopping for uni at Tsukiji. No trip to Tokyo is complete without a visit to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. In fact, if you’re headed there soon, it’s a must, because…

Wandering Tokyo, part 1

My childhood friend Melissa Wong Kamakawiwoole now lives in Japan, and she came all the way out from Kakegawa to hang out with me in the big city. Since we only had a couple of days, we did some whirlwind touring…

Aloha Tokyo! A night out with Hawaii friends

It’s always fun to meet up with a friend or two from Hawaii, living in a destination you visit. You get to hear about how they live and work, and eat food that is very local to the area —…

Aloha Tokyo!

Chihiro and Sean Shinshiro at Sean’s Kitchen. If you follow me on social media, you’ve already seen shots of my trip to Tokyo. Why am I here, anyway? My classmate, Deb Aoki, always takes fantastic trips and finds the quirkiest…

A taste of Big Island Candies

(Sponsored) Everyone knows about Big Island Candies’ chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies, given as gifts or passed around the office. But the Hilo-based company actually creates a lot of other plain and chocolate-dipped confections. On Oahu, you can find a good range…

Open House Pick of the Week: Kaimukī

Brand new home is ideal for extended families.

Open House Pick of the Week: Stunning Views From the Largest Living Room in Maunalani Heights

Classic architecture with updated luxury.

Discovering Hilo’s gravy burger

If you’re From the Big Island (FBI), you’re either reading this in disgust because I’m so late to the party, or getting a hankering for one of your favorite meals (or snacks, depending on how much you eat). Yes, I…

Something new: Pinwheel Hawaii

Stephanie Nomura with her ice cream sandwiches at Fresh Cafe. Who doesn’t love ice cream sandwiches? Two Punahou grads, Angela Shiraki and Stephanie Nomura, have kicked up our childhood favorite a notch with some unique flavors at their new company,…

Hawaii: In Real Life ~ Buffett Fest preview

Jimmy Buffett’s Beachcomber Burger, using as many local ingredients as possible. As you know, Jimmy Buffett’s at the Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort recently went through some changes — and actually, since I first blogged about it, the menu has…

Party pics: iichiko Bar FRUITS launch party

iichiko kicked off its month-long launch of its Bar FRUITS YUZU and UME line at The Modern Monday night, serving the spirit in various fruity cocktails to show its versatility. During November, you can try the new flavors at various…

O‘ahu

Our Top 5: Manapua

Editor's note: Libby's and Char Hut Sut have closed. Oh, how times have changed. Several years ago, I did a piece for Metromix Honolulu on my top 10 manapua spots, and to my surprise, people out there have some very…

Hawaii: In Real Life ~ Hungry Ear Records

After 35 years in Kailua, Hungry Ear records moved to metro Honolulu and had its grand opening this weekend. I had never been to the original store, although it is well known with people my age and has a loyal…

Hawaii Fashion Month launch soiree

Hawaii Fashion Month 2014 officially got underway Saturday evening, with a VIP soiree at the IBM Building that kicked off the month-long series of events and celebrated the launch of the Hawaii Fashion Exchange (HFX). Presented by HIFI, Ward Village…

Party pics: Buho Cantina’s rooftop masquerade

Buho Cantina celebrated its first Halloween with a rooftop masquerade party, high above the massive crowds in Waikiki. In addition to a costume contest hosted by KreyZ Oshiro, the venue featured music by DJ Osnizzle, Pacquimania and Super CW. Buho rooftop…

Open House Pick of the Week: Live in One of the Most Coveted Neighborhoods in Hawai‘i Kai

Here’s your chance to live in one of the nicest neighborhoods in East Honolulu.

Something new: Man Ichi

Honolulu has its share of ramen restaurants, but a new one opens today where another once stood. Ramen Man-Ichi, part of a company that has about 22 shops throughout Asia, has opened on Kona Street next to Ailana Shave Ice…

What to do When You’ve Bought or Rented a Haunted House

A local supernatural expert gives some tips for dealing with a haunted home in Hawai‘i.

Healthy-licious cooking with Kahala Nui

When you talk about cooking healthy — especially for seniors — it doesn’t usually conjure up thoughts of tasty food. But for at least the last four years, the Kahala Nui Senior Living Community has challenged Kapiolani Community College (KCC)…

Party pics: Summit Fest kickoff

Hawaii’s first Summit Fest — a weekend celebration of arts, culture and ideas — kicked off last night on the rooftop of the IBM Building on Ala Moana Boulevard. Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception with a “post modern luau” created by Christina…

Preview: Summit Fest’s post-modern luau

The inaugural Summit Fest — a celebration of fashion, music, culinary arts, and ideas — happens this weekend. Presented by Summit Magazine and Ward Village, the three-day event highlights Hawaii as an innovation hub with networking events and speakers that will…

Melissa Chang

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