HAWAIIAN BARBECUE! A quick

HawaiiStories: Hawaiian Barbecue January 13, 2003 Hawaiian Barbecue Imagine my surprise the other day when I drove past a sign here in the San Francisco bay area. The sign read: GRAND OPENING! HAWAIIAN BARBECUE! A quick u-turn brought me into the shopping plaza parking lot. Sure enough, nestled right there between a SuperCuts and a Radio Shack was a brand-spanking new branch of L & L Drive-Inn . I didn't even know that there were branches of L & L outside of Hawaii. It turns out that this Daly City location is the 13th in California. It's certainly the closest to San Francisco. They call the restaurant L & L Hawaiian Barbecue out here, but it's the exact same place. The restauarant was crowded, and the food was good. Posted by Bill at January 13, 2003 03:04 AM Comments Posted by Sherry on January 13, 2003 06:27 AM : I wish someone would open an L&L here, in central Texas. Island food just is not the same here ---- if it has a pineapple slice on it, it's considered Hawaiian. Gimme a box lunch! Posted by Marilyn on January 13, 2003 06:54 AM : Could you give the address of the L&L Drive inn in Daly City? Always up for a taste of Hawaii on the mainland. I've tried the Ono Hawaiian Grill in Half Moon Bay. The Ono Chicken tasted a bit burnt, Saimin was good, but nothing like Hamura's in Kauai. Posted by Ryan on January 13, 2003 07:18 AM : Too cool! Actually, my father knows the founder and my mother's bank finances them, so I've been following that local success story. I knew they were expanding to the Mainland (as is, I believe, Coco Ichibanya Curry House!), but it's good to read the doors have already opened. And that the place was doing well already! if it has a pineapple slice on it, it's considered Hawaiian Bwah! And if it's fried in shoyu, it's Asian! Here's the list of locations for L&L in Hawaii, California, Nevada... and Washington! The restaurant in Lynnwood, WA opens Jan. 20, in Pico Rivera, CA on Jan. 28, in Sahara Square in Las Vegas, NV in February, and the aforementioned Hayward location in March. Go Eddie Flores! Posted by lemurs on January 13, 2003 08:05 AM : I saw that! The one opening in lynnwood has me excited, although Lynnwood is so far north (almost an hour's drive away) that it's more like a tease than a realization of a dream. I suppose an hour drive beats a 5 hour plane trip though. We could really use one on the south side, however, and if I could get bank financing, I'd open one myself. I know the perfect place. Please do share more information about Coco Ichibanya's expansion. How did you find out about that? Posted by James on January 13, 2003 12:06 PM : Lynnwood, Washington? I will have to call my Dad and tell him to go check it out. But before I send him out to try the Hawaiian cuisine on the mainland, can any one tell me where to find an L&L here in Honolulu? There is still so much I havn't got to experience. And if it tastes burnt, it's cajun. Posted by Albert on January 13, 2003 12:22 PM : Where to find an L&L in Honolulu??!! It's difficult NOT to find one, wherever you look. Ala Moana Shopping Center, the Ward 16 theatre complex ... just for easy starters. p.s. Likelike is better. Posted by Bill on January 13, 2003 05:34 PM : Marilyn, the L&L is on El Camino Real in Daly City. It's in an Albertson's shopping plaza, the one with the Jollibee's. (Are all y'all familiar with Jollibee's, the fast food restauarant from the Philippines? I've only ever seen them in Daly City, but I'm sure there must be other branches out there.) Posted by NemesisVex on January 13, 2003 09:58 PM : Ryan and/or Jen, One of you told me a story about how L&L earned the nickname "salmoneL&L". Guess it had to do with one of their chicken dishes. I remember the L&L's in Puck's Alley. What a dump. My Freshmen 15 was a direct result of my patronage there. Posted by tyd on January 14, 2003 09:27 AM : I was looking at the locations, and noticed the one opening in Lynnwood. Wow.. that's only 2 miles away. I'm excited to give it a try. Posted by Jason Tokuda on January 18, 2003 09:59 PM : It's difficult finding plate lunches here in Oregon. There's on place call Noho's that has some good food, but the average plate lunch is around 10 bucks. Posted by grant on January 21, 2003 11:58 AM : There's quite a bit of local style places to eat in Northern California, and Cali in general. There's a Hawaiian Drive In in Redwood City, CA that is exactly like L&L. I've also been to the one in Daly City. We also frequent Aloha Family Resturant in Milpitas (http://www.alohafamilyrestaurant.com/). For more local food places in the Bay Area check out http://pw1.netcom.com/~halkop/food.html btw...Hukilau (http://www.hukilau.tv) is opening another location in San Jose this weekend, 1/25. Posted by tyd on January 25, 2003 06:37 PM : the Lynnwood L&L drive in opened today... and it was packed. I have a feeling it will be getting alot of good business in this area. =) Posted by Jamaal on February 5, 2003 11:34 PM : Can anyone tell me about any CoCo curry House Ichibanya locations in the states? I heard that they are going to start selling stock. Does anyone have a ticker symbol? Help!!!!!! Posted by Glen Miyashiro on February 7, 2003 12:09 PM : L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is opening a new restaurant in Manchester, Connecticut ! Wonder how they'll do over there? Posted by Jerry on February 26, 2003 03:21 AM : L & L has opened in Lynnwood WA and on friday and saturday nights be prepared to wait in line. I have yet to see it in the month it has been opened not be packed on the weekends. During lunch its not to crowded when I go around 11 after about 11:30 I am not sure what its like. Posted by Marijo Mulcahy on March 1, 2003 06:16 PM : PLEASE CONTACT MY HUSBAND I, WE ARE VERY INTERESTED IN OPENING L AND L IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA. MY DAD IS BUISNESS CONSULTANT IN HONOLULU, JOSEPH HALE , THANKS. Posted by Ryan on March 2, 2003 10:47 PM : Um, Marijo, you can always visit the L&L Drive-Inn website , which features contact information for the company: 931 University Avenue, Suite 202 Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 Phone: (808) 951-9888 Fax: (808) 951-0888 Email: info@hawaiianbarbecue.com Posted by Marty Norfleet on March 11, 2003 08:29 PM : What is the address or phone number of the Jollibees in L.A. California? Posted by Vicki on March 16, 2003 02:03 PM : Imagine *MY* surprise when driving down Broad Street in Manchester, CT and I see a sign for *HAWAIIAN* barbecue! I almost drove off the road! Can't wait until it's opened - we'll probably be regulars! Posted by Jen on March 18, 2003 12:41 PM : I used to wait on Eddie Flores when I worked at Tower. Rude, obnoxious, cheap little man. The L&L on Kapiolani by Ala Moana has kind of a bad reputation, which is unfortunate and kind of unfair. That particular branch was nicknamed "salmonel&l" because my coworker came down with something after eating there. If you need to bribe me, L&L's chicken katsu curry is the best way to do it. Posted by Betty Chew-Sedeno on April 27, 2003 10:33 AM : What is the name of the place in Redwood City and Daily City? We been trying to find a place close to where we live in Fremont, Calif. We really would appreciate it and wouldn't mind drive. Thank you, Betty Posted by Betty Chew-Sedeno on April 27, 2003 10:33 AM : What is the name of the place in Redwood City and Daily City? We been trying to find a place close to where we live in Fremont, Calif. We really would appreciate it and wouldn't mind drive. Thank you, Betty Posted by Betty Chew-Sedeno on April 27, 2003 10:34 AM : What is the name of the place in Redwood City and Daily City? We been trying to find a place close to where we live in Fremont, Calif. We really would appreciate it and wouldn't mind the drive. Thank you, Betty Posted by OSO-ONO on April 28, 2003 09:39 AM : Betty, here's the address of the L&L in Daly City: Mission Plaza Shopping Center 6893 Mission Street Daly City, CA 94014 (650) 756-7188 To find other Bay Area Hawaiian restaurants go here: http://pw1.netcom.com/~halkop/food.html BTW, keep your eye out for our authentic made-from-scratch OSO-ONO malasadas. Very soon you'll be able to purchase them in Bay Area restaurants. Aloha, Wayne Posted by OSO-ONO on April 28, 2003 09:44 AM : OOPS! Betty, forgot to mention Kilohana Grill in San Ramon that opened a few months ago. http://kilohanagrill.com/ Also, L&L will be opening in Hayward in May. Wayne Posted by Gail on June 2, 2003 11:45 AM : Website is down . . . need address for Hayward location! HELP! Posted by Ryan on June 3, 2003 08:31 AM : Gayle, they might have given up the "lldriveinn.com" website address, but they're still up and running at " hawaiianbarbeque.com . Their list of locations has the information you seek... Oliver's Corner's Shopping Center on Hesperian Blvd. Posted by lemurs on June 9, 2003 11:22 AM : And for those of you in the Seattle area that don't want to drive all the way to Lynnwood for L&L there's a new place called "Bobby's Hawaiian Style Restaurant" in the Great Wall Mall (down by Ikea). A bit pricier than most plate lunch places, but it's an actual sit-down restaurant. Posted by JayO on June 12, 2003 06:18 AM : Aloha all! I just tried the brand new L&L in Hayward next to Kaiser Hospital. It's the BOMB! It's just like being back home in the Islands. You also might wanna try "Ono's" in Half Moon Bay. The loco moco is outta dis world brah. Mahalo! Posted by Eunice on June 12, 2003 11:39 AM : The L & L in Hayward is now open. Everything there is ONO. They even have Haupia and Malasadas (catering only). Check it out! Posted by Jaylen on June 13, 2003 12:38 AM : There is a Hawaiian BBQ place in St. Louis, MO. on Olive Street. not the same company but it's a wonderful place. Anytime I get home sick I can go have a plate lunch there. yummy! Posted by Crystal suan on July 3, 2003 08:00 AM : Jollibee is also at the Union Landing in Union City on the corner of Dyer Ave and Smith St off of Hwy 880. Posted by Terry on July 9, 2003 08:04 PM : Hey all! Check out "Hawaiian Walk-in" restaurant in Downtown Oakland, 15th St. between Broadway and Franklin. Owned by Oahu locals. good, cheap, quick and they have POG! Posted by Gary on August 7, 2003 06:40 AM : Aloha, everyone. I'm interested in opening an L&L restaurant in Northern California. But I need more customer input before taking the risk. I've tracked the openings of three L&L Drive-Inns (San Pablo, Hercules, Vallejo). For some reason the L&L website no longer lists the San Pablo location. Does anyone no if it closed down and if so, why? And also, please tell me how the other two are doing. Is the food as good as all the hype or really as good as it is back home (not just as close as it gets for being in California)? Also, do you see a good mix of caucasian customers and not just Hawaiian locals? Good food should attract all cultures. If it truly is that good, I'm all for spreading the aloha and establishing another L&L in northern California. Maybe more than one more if it's really that successful. Your question might be where I might be thinking of opening, but this needs to be a secret. Otherwise, someone else might try to beat me to this location first. Again, aloha everybody and appreciate the input anyone can give. I hope the one I open will be within 20 minutes of you :0) P.S. Can someone also give me information on where some L&Ls in California are getting their malasadas, Laulau, and haupia from. I'm interested in contacting their suppliers. Mahalo, Gary Posted by The Meyers Family on August 7, 2003 04:36 PM : Aloha, my name is Noelle Meyers and my mom was wondering cause she don't know much about and how to use the computer, so I'm sending this in for her. Well, we were all wondering how to get involved like everybody else and any information about the new L&L drive inn in Lynwood. If there is a place to get new Hawaiian recipes and Hawaiian barbecue too. We just found out about this web site and now we want to get involved, so if anyone has any information to share with us on how to get together with everybody on this site much mahalo! Posted by amy on September 17, 2003 12:49 AM : if you open a location in san jose,ca...it will be a sure hit! the hawaiian place we go to is hukilau's downtown sj,but that resturant doesn't serve bbq stuff..just everything else but that!We drive to the l&l's locations in daly city mainly because it's cleaner than the other ones..and it's a bit bigger also..we're waiting for the hayward one to open...but just lettin you know that you do open in san jose...i have no doubt in my mind..it will be a success! Posted by Tom Heison on September 27, 2003 10:39 PM : Do not go to any L&L hawaii,I used to work there for Eddie Flores & Johnson Kam, these are 2 little slicky men. They've bad reputation in the public regarding discrimination by people races when you come to buy their franchise for $500k. In fact, Lynnwood is ran by their daughtr Eva who is a little bitch, always yell people to work & work like a dog. She hated Chinese, Filipino or even White neck. Please try to force them out for business "DO NOT EAT THERE". Best Regards, Tom Heison Posted by wayne kageyama on December 31, 2003 07:11 PM : I read that you will be opening a L&L in Arizona?What part of Arizona are you planning on opening your restaurant?I live in Chandler arizona it is about 20 miles south of Phoenix. Wayne Posted by Jay Lee on January 10, 2004 10:13 PM : Reaction towards Tom Heison's post. I used to work for L&L here in California managing two of their locations. I have a number of things in mind against L&L's practices but I do resent the fact that you called Eva a bitch. I have worked with Eva when they started the Gardena location and worked with her until she left for Lynwood. She is the nicest person and will work the dirtiest of jobs despite the fact that her father co-owns the entire franchising operation. Where did you get the idea that Eva works people like dogs? I distinctly remembered her arguing with one manager about working people like slaves. I've seen her do every job there is to do in the store. She even volunteered to clean the toilet. She has never asked someone to do a job that she isn't willing to do herself. Posted by Sharon on February 11, 2004 03:54 PM : The best L&L I"ve ever had was the one on University, near UH Manoa in Puck's alley. That same skinny chinese/korean guy who's grilling up the meat for the bbq plate on the grill that has never been cleaned and has a nice, thick layer of hardened oil and shoyu sauce. We saw a lot of cockaroaches there! It is the best and always will be. The one in Kahului and Lahaina was terrible. I guess because they are a huge franchise and it seems like it's kind of generic tasting now and missing that onolicious - come back for more grilled flavor. The chicken was very watery and lacking flavor for both places. After that, I never went back to those 'generic' L&Ls. My family feels the same. If you want the real deal, go to the one in Puck's Alley. Hopefully that skinny guy still works there and didn't die from cancer. its da grinds! i'm gonna check out the one in washington and see how it is. we are still excited! University/Puck's Alley 1035 University Avenue, #103 Honolulu, HI 96826 (808) 946-8455 Posted by John on February 11, 2004 10:00 PM : I just went to the website and saw that the one in Oregon isn't listed. I believe it was in Beaverton, just outside of Aloha. What happened? The place was small and cozy, but was still good. Posted by Sharon on February 12, 2004 01:09 AM : Went to the Lynnwood L&L tonight. It was pretty good. My brother got the bbq plate and asked them to 'char' it real good like. They just have a flat fryer and not the grill, but it was still good. It smelled just like I remember! mmmmm The macaroni salad was good too. It was nice to see local people there. Felt like I was on Maui...Weird. Just like in hawaii.... Thumbs up! We will be going there a lot! Posted by JB on February 13, 2004 09:32 AM : When I went to Las Vegas in 2002 to vist other ex-pat kama'aina friends, I TRIPPED OUT to see an L & L (and fell to my feet with happiness and joy!!!). Of course, when I went "home" to get married to my wife in Jan, 2003, I introduced her to the joys of L & L. She and I live in Virginia and we are both CERTAIN that people in the south would LOVE L & L and that the chain could do well. In fact, I made two important discoveries living in Virginia for the past 9 years: 1) "Portagee Sausage" is called Chorizo in the rest of the world (sometimes Linguica) 2) Southern Bar-be-que (Pulled Pork) is awefully close in texture and appearance to Kalua Pig. I think other parts of the country (Other than the obvious areas of the West Coast where many ex-pats have found refuge) will LOVE L & L. I tell you what, if they find a way to freeze-dry and ship the product such that I can nuke it here on the other end, I will BUY!!!!! J- Posted by Terry on March 2, 2004 09:17 AM : I understand the frustration people are finding when looking for the "hawaiianbarbeque.com" website. I tried it too, with no success. I eventually found it by going to GOOGLE.COM and entering 'L&L Drive In, in Hawaii' That should bring up several choices for info on that WONDERFUL place! Hope this helps anyone lost in the search. Posted by Jamaal on April 6, 2004 08:29 PM : Anyone ever eat at Coco's Curry house? I heard there is one in California if you have ANY info let it out. Posted by frank on April 12, 2004 08:53 AM : I heard there is there one opening in NYC? Does anyone have info? Posted by madnamo on May 26, 2004 08:01 PM : The L&L Hawaiian Barbeque Restaurant is NOW OPEN in Elk Grove, Calif., which is about 15 miles south of Sacramento (and a mile from my hale). It's at the corner of Laguna Boulevard and Bruceville Road. Ironically, it is next to the Aloha Sushi restaurant. Talk about an enclave for locals! Posted by Brandon @ L&L Hawaiian Barbecue on May 28, 2004 10:27 AM : Yes! Elk Grove now has an L&L Hawaiian Barbecue ! Their address is as follows: Elk Grove L&L 7419 Laguna Blvd., Ste., #120 Elk Grove, CA 95758 Ph: (916) 478-3768 Fax: (916) 478-3798 Now residents of Elk Grove and our Hawaii "kamaaina" in the area have the opportunity to enjoy great Hawaiian barbecue at reasonable prices! The Elk Grove L&L also caters for parties, great for get togethers and gatherings! Visit our website at www.hawaiianbarbecue.com for more details! Mahalo! Posted by Brandon on May 28, 2004 10:34 AM : L & L at NYC will be at 535 8th Avenue West. Four blocks from Times Square. It will open in September. Posted by David on June 8, 2004 12:32 PM : Ono in Half Moon Bay rocks! My wife and I compare it to Hawaiian Plate Lunch in Lahaina, Maui. The Hawaiian Drive Inn in Redwood City is a dive, but the food is great, too, and the prices aren't bad. I'm going to try out the South San Francisco one tonight, hopefully it's just as good. I wasn't all that impressed with the L&L in Daly City. Their chicken leaves a lot to be desired, altho the mac salad is pretty damn good... Posted by The L&L Fan on June 9, 2004 03:56 PM : More L&L's to come! -Northridge (CA) -Oceanside #2 (CA) -Pasadena (CA) -South Point (CA) -Aurora (CO) -Sahara @ Mission Center (NV) The addresses for these locations are at http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/hawaiian_bbq_loc.html and they also have a listing of the new stores opening up in the future! Go L&L! Posted by 7train on June 14, 2004 02:52 AM : L&L is finally coming to NYC! (and just a 20 minute ride on the IRT from my apt. too..) Please tell me this is not a hoax or urban legend!!!:-) Bowing in gratitude!!! Posted by stephen (aka) Ezzie on July 4, 2004 12:54 AM : Traveled Da world and L&L is the common place here, But my braddas & sistahs I know how it is when you feel like other than a CHEESE BURGAH! You know, stick buttah.block cheese!!die et! These people are trying their best to satisfy all you folks with their skills and hard driven talent bringing comfort to those who miss home. And missing home is a understatement!. Just keep in mind these people came to you! And if you feel the food is not up to par, get an ap. and help out! Or you can always come home to catch some surf and sun. Then go get a REAL PLATE LUNCH:) Posted by mae637 on August 2, 2004 08:28 PM : I'm originally from Northern Cali and now living in Utah. Everytime I go home I HAVE to have some Hawaiian BBQ!!! and Just last week I found that L&L opened here in Provo!!! I was so excited!!! Its just a 10 minute drive. It taste EXACTLY the same and I didn't know it would!! Posted by Linda on September 4, 2004 07:04 AM : The Aurora Co location is open.It's at 14221 E.Cedar Av,UnitC.I just happened upon it.The LauLau was wonderful. Posted by Becca on September 5, 2004 03:38 PM : HELP!! I'm moving to Round Rock, Texas (15 min. north of N. Austin). I need an L & L! Is there an L & L anywhere close? If not, can someone put one there? havn't had teriyake chicken and potato-mac in 7 years. I'm still having withdrawls!! Posted by John Carino on September 9, 2004 11:00 AM : I'm inquiring about the franchise business with l&L BBQ. If you could give me some information about a turn key operation or an established restaurant franchise business for sale. Thank you for your consideration Posted by Lenn on November 5, 2004 09:24 AM : Hey Brah! When we get mo' L&L in Washington? Too damn cold to drive to Lynwood. Tacoma would be ONO! Mahalo & Aloha to everybody still back home. Posted by lehua on November 5, 2004 03:19 PM : HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LIVE IN BAKERSFIELD,CA AND THERE ARE NO GOOD PLACES TO EAT AT LIKE BACK HOME!! I MISS MY CHICKEN KATSU. YUMMY! PLEASE SEND A L&L MY WAY PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by steve liu on November 30, 2004 01:59 PM : Can you let me know the store phoenix and the address? thank you. Posted by eddie on December 22, 2004 01:33 PM : You can check L & L website for the Phoenix address. www.hawaiianbarbecue.com Posted by jimmy on December 23, 2004 02:34 AM : I used to like L&L's when they started to get popular about 10 years ago. Eating their chicken katsu was wonderful back then, but now; I feel that their quality of food overal has degraded somewhat. I'm sure there are other restaurants that serve better tasting plate lunches and/or local food. Maybe we like certain restaurants that serve a particular item, maybe this is the case for L&L's chicken katsu. As for it being called "L&L Hawaiian Barbecue", do they even use a barbecue grill to cook their meats? I mean, they call their foods "barbecued", but in reality their foods are cooked with oil on a flat top grill, not a barbecue grill over a fire(gas or real charcoal bricks). Well, enough with my ranting and the specifics. Long live L&L's chicken katsu! Posted by JayBee on January 7, 2005 03:50 PM : What I wanna know is... how do they get the L&L and Diners Chicken Katsu to taste the way it does. I have been away for 10 years now and have to rely on visist to the west coast or Hawaii to get my plate lunch fix. I miss the "pass out plates." I make chicken Katsu from recipes from hawaii websites (finding the Panko is the trick), but it just doesn't taste like local-style plate lunch. I can make a loco moco that comes close. J Posted by eddie on January 18, 2005 06:41 PM : The secret is the cooking. The deep fryer has to be hot and at the right temperature. It is cheaper to eat at L & L Hawaiian Barbecue. Posted by GAYLORD G. BOWDEN on February 7, 2005 06:12 AM : i am intersted in buying stock in this co. could you let me know if it is availble ,on what exchange or how do i buy it.or let me know when it is avaible. GAYLORD G. BOWDEN HAVE A GOOD DAY Posted by elisia on February 19, 2005 09:55 PM : L & L is a private company. It does not sell stock. This year, L & L will open 50 new locations all over the country. You can check the new locations at www.hawaiianbarbecue.com Posted by Ryan on April 19, 2005 09:54 PM : I dont know if anyone mentioned that there is also a L & L hawaiian barbecue in Pasadena, CA (just close by old town Pasadena on Arroyo ParkWay, Across the street from Houston's). Just some FYI for anyone looking around Glendale, CA area. Posted by Ryan on April 19, 2005 10:00 PM : A little question out of the L&L topic, anyone know any Ono's Hawaiianstyle Kitchen around my area in Los Angeles, CA??? I miss the Lau Lau, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Haupia... Posted by KirkK on April 22, 2005 12:18 PM : Ryan - When we lived in LA, we used to drive to Bruddah's Hawaiian Foods 1033 W. Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247-4957 Phone: (310) 323-9112 It wuz quite a haul since we lived in Hacienda Heights - but they were pretty good. You might try the Great Plate Lunch Connection: http://alohaworld.com/platelunch/ - A good reference for expat Kama'aina's Posted by Mike on April 22, 2005 03:18 PM : Ryan-- you're in luck. An Ono's is about to open on Sunset Blvd., in the new "Sunset at St. Andrews" strip mall across the street from the Home Depot (just east of the 101). Not sure when they're opening, but the sign is up and they're hiring. P.S. The Pasadena location of L&L is great. Small, but clean -- and the food is just like back home. Posted by BARBARA SCHOOLEY on May 1, 2005 01:55 PM : I HEARD THAT YOU WERE OPENING A L$L HAWAIIAN BBQ IN ILLINOIS?? CAN YOU GIVE ME THE ADDRESS & PHONE #.IT WOULD BE APPRECIATIVE.MAHALO BARB Posted by KirkK on May 2, 2005 08:03 AM : L&L in Ill is located at: Champaign Now Open! 402 E. Green Street, #A Champaign, IL 61820 Phone: (217) 328-1888 Here's the URL: http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/locations.html Posted by Anonymous on June 17, 2005 06:47 PM : Not sure if many are checking this thread.... But Chicago has a family owned plate-lunch place opened in Summer '04: Aloha Grill 2534 N Clark www.alohagrillbbq.com Owners are from Hawaii(they talk to everyone!), everyone's pretty nice, and it's not a giant franchise. Oh, yeah - and THE FOOD IS ONO!!! CHOKE PORTIONS, TOO!!! A little less homesick now... I asked if they were going to franchise (farther north would be good), but they're still working on the first one. Anyone else been? -A Posted by katie on June 26, 2005 05:33 AM : How bout happenings in Utah. I am getting married in July and will have my future in-laws here for the wedding in Salt Lake City. They are originally from Maui and we want to have some Ono Hawaiian food for a family dinner. Posted by cat on July 13, 2005 12:56 PM : For those of you who live in Sacramento, L and L is popping all over the place.. Elk Grove, Rooseville, El Camino. I learn about the restaturant in Vallejo and I drove an hour just to eat local food. Posted by Eleanor on August 17, 2005 09:12 PM : Where are you located in the Bay Area-San Francisco area? This site offers nothing about locations. How do you get business? Posted by Dan on August 25, 2005 03:55 PM : Hey everyone, I have a tough question for you. So does anyone know of a place near San Francisco that sells good Malasadas or Cream Puffs? Thanks. Posted by Dylan on September 12, 2005 05:17 AM : L&L is in NYC. I was walking with my wife today when I saw those two letters,"L&L." After a closer look I realized it was an L&L Drive-in, complete with Hawaii reviews posted on the window. Location: Fulton & Gold St. Posted by Khara on September 23, 2005 08:28 PM : That's great Dylan that you saw an L&L In New York. I work at many L&L Locations here in San Diego, California and many of our workers went to New York to help them open. I hope you had a pleasent experience. Posted by ei on October 8, 2005 08:33 PM : L & L San Pablo NOW OPEN! 102-103 San Pablo Town Center San Pablo, CA 94806 Phone: (510) 215-8018 sanpablolnl@yahoo.com Cooked to your specifications, you get your Loco Moco just the way you want it. Short Ribs more your forte? They have that too! Along with hamburgers, fries, rice plates, saimin, chili dogs, and so much more you wont know where to start. Catering is available too. Just ask for Dennis or Delfin and theyll give give you all the information you need Posted by Anna on December 24, 2005 05:52 PM : CoCo's Curry House is the greatest place. I recently enjoyed a plate when I went back home for a month. My niece even work's at one!! I wish they would go beyond Hawaii & open some up here in CA. We have L&L the Hawaiian joint but there curry is actually awful from my experience. But everything else they have on the menu is very good. We go at least once a month. What I wish is for an Okinawan joint to open up with Okinawan food. Posted by Sandra on December 29, 2005 08:21 AM : L&L is open in San Francisco, I've waited so long for this. I live in Pacifica and have enjoyed L&L in Daly City, San Bruno and Pacifica! I do have to say LikeLike is better! not so commercialized. Posted by Missy on January 2, 2006 02:23 PM : L&L is now open in San Jose. I ate there over the holidays, and it was awesome. Great food (just like home) and very friendly staff. Location: Capitol Expressway at Aborn Post a Comment Name: Email Address: URL: Comments: Enter Security Code: Remember info? « Steve Case to resign | The Living Nation » Main Page :: © 2002-2004 HawaiiStories :: E-Mail About Us Join Us Sync Us Syndicate Us Member Profiles The FAQ Contact Us Tenants Members Lost? -- -- -- -- -- Link Us More buttons... What's the best solution for Honolulu's traffic woes? 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Hawaii Cruises,Hawaiian Islands,South Pacific Cruises,Hawaii Cruising Vacations. Welcome to Cruiseweb.com Save Time! Save Money! Call 1-800-377-9383 Book Online ! Search Online ! . Sign Up &Save! Home Free Quote Book Online Search Online Discount Cruises Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations About Cruise Web Group Cruises Business Meetings Incentive Awards Privacy Policy Pricing & Information: 1-800-377-9383 Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrity Cruises Cunard Line Crystal Lines Holland America Line Norwegian Cruise Line Orient Lines Princess Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Royal Caribbean Seabourn Cruise Line Silversea Cruises Windstar Cruises Cruise Destinations: Africa Cruises Alaska Cruises Alaska Cruisetours Antarctica Cruises Asia/Orient Cruises Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Cruises Bermuda Cruises Caribbean Cruises Canada/New England Greek Isles Cruises Hawaii/South Pacific Mediterranean Cruises Mexico Cruises Cruises from New York Northern Europe/Baltic Orlando Cruise Vacations Panama Canal Cruises South America Cruises Hawaii & South Pacific Cruises Steep, rich mountains. Incredible, awe-inspiring volcanoes. Lush, tropical forests. Discover such undersea delights as coral reefs, sunken lava flows, underwater caves and a rainbow of parrot, goat and squirrel fish. The Hawaiian Islands have been the topic of song and dance since the first Tahitians arrived in 1,000 AD. Their beauty is legend. Golden sands, turquoise waters, misty volcanoes. Waterfalls tumble through lush valleys. Orchids and tropical birds brighten the rain forests. Hawaii sample port of call: Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Lahaina, Maui, Kona, Hilo,... Preview a Hawaii vacation with these chosen cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrity Cruises Crystal Cruises Holland America Line Norwegian Cruise Line : 10-Nights from $799*! Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean International Windstar Cruises Pricing & Information? Ourcruise specialists will save you Time and Money! Guaranteed Lowest Price! * - The CruiseWeb guarantees its quoted price will match the cruise line's lowest available priceavailable directly to the public at the time of booking. [* complete details ] Privacy guaranteed: we do not sell or give your information to third parties. Complete the brief form below and a cruise specialist will contact you: First Name * : * Required Fields Last Name * : Email * : Daytime Phone * : Evening Phone * : Optional Fields: Destinations: No Preference Africa/India Alaska Alaska Cruisetours Antarctica Asia/Orient Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Bermuda Canada/New England Caribbean Europe Europe Cruisetours French Polynesia/Tahiti Hawaii/South Pacific Mexico/Mexican Riviera Orient & Asia Panama Canal South America Cruise duration: No Preference 1-7 Night 8-14 Night 15 Night or longer Stateroom Type: No Preference Grand Suite w/ Balcony Suite w/ Balcony Mini Suite w/ Balcony Oceanview Double w/ Balcony Oceanview Stateroom Interior Stateroom Departure Date: Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Year 2004 2005 2006 Comments: Yes, I want to receive free "CruiseDeals!" email special offers fromThe Cruise Web. The Cruise Web (sm) is an Official Travel Agency for the Cruise Industry. Cruise Help: 1-800-377-9383 : Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm (EST) E-mail / Fax: 1-240-487-0154 / Phone: 1-240-487-0155 Address: 8100 Corporate Drive; Suite 300; Landover, MD 20785-2256 |  CRUISEWEB.COM |  Special Offers | Book Online 24/7 | Search Online 24/7 | Free Quote: Lowest Price Guaranteed!* |  © 1995 The Cruise Web, Incorporated

Hawaiian City Garden

Hawaiian Interiorz - Home & Garden Products - Kihei, HI, 96753-7052 - Citysearch BOC Spa & Beauty: Vote for your fave today -- New to Citysearch? Sign In · Help · Jan 25 2006 Home Restaurants & Bars Hotels Shopping Spa & Beauty Movies Events New! Biz Center See More Categories » Search Business name, category, and/or keyword Search by name only Address, city & state, or zip Address, city & state, or zip | Neighborhood Address, city & state, or zip | Airport Address, city & state, or zip | Attraction Select a Maui Neighborhood Select an Maui Airport Select an Maui Attraction My Locations Add/edit locations Recent Locations Clear recent locations Save to My Citysearch Printer Friendly Version Home · Yellow Pages · Home & Garden Products · Furniture Dealers - New · Profile Hawaiian Interiorz 357 Huku LII Pl Ste B107 Kihei, HI 96753-7052 (808) 875-4599 7.9 Overall Popular About our ratings Ratings feedback Website Send to a Friend Own this business? » Enhance or edit your listing See something wrong? » Suggest a correction Things to do nearby: 357 Huku LII Pl Ste B107 Kihei, HI 96753-7052 · Restaurants · Hotels · Bars · Movie Theaters · Department Stores · Shopping Centers & Malls · Grocery Stores · Pharmacies · Florists · Banks Related Searches · Kihei Home & Garden Products · Search anything in Maui · Search Yellow Pages in Maui · Search other Cities · Browse Maui Editorial Lists Driving Directions 1. Enter starting address: Address: City: State: Postal Code: 2. Enter destination address: Address: City: State: Postal Code: Options Display type: Text Turn by turn maps with text Avoid the following: Limited access highways Toll Ferry lanes Find A Different Location Enter Location Address: Address: City: State: Postal Code: About Us | Advertise with Us | Contact Us | Press Center | Site Guide | List Your Business on Citysearch | Become an Affiliate | Job Opportunities | Other Cities | Get a Business Website | Submit an Event | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | About BOC | Maui Yellow Pages Citysearch is a registered trademark of 720619 Ontario Inc. and is used under license (C) 2006 Citysearch.com All rights reserved. partner sites: Evite - Entertainment.com - Gifts.com - TripAdvisor - ServiceMagic - Ticketmaster - Expedia - Hotels.com - Hotwire - HSN - LendingTree - Match.com - RealEstate.com - ReserveAmerica - Zerodegrees - CondoSaver - ClassicVacations - Ballard Designs - Frontgate - Garnet Hill - Smith+Noble - The Territory Ahead - Travel Smith

Waikiki Beaches Beaches ::

Waikiki Beaches :: Kahanamoku Ft DeRussy Grays Royal Moana Kuhio Queens Dig Me :: Honolulu Hotels Activities Help Oahu and Honolulu Travel Guide Your Ad Here Waikiki Beaches Beaches :: Kahanamoku ~ San Souci From the west to east end (Ewa to Diamond Head), these are the beaches of Waikiki. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii . Kahanamoku Beach Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Named for Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized surfing to the rest of the world, this man-made beach and the lagoon were finished in 1956. Location :: In front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Ewa (west) end of Waikiki. Access :: Kalia Rd, then Paoa Pl. Services :: Rest rooms, surf board rentals, beach equipment, food and drink concessions, catamaran cruises. Notes :: The Hilton is also known as the "Rainbow Hilton" because of the rainbow mural covering the makai end of the hotel. It was the opening credits of the TV show "Hawaii Five-0." Fort DeRussy Beach Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Owned by the US military and open to the general public. Location :: In front of Ft. DeRussy and the Hale Koa Hotel. Access :: There's a right-of-way through DeRussy from the street to the beach. Services :: Rest rooms, picnic grounds, food and drink concessions. Notes :: There's no "fort" on the grounds. It's a park-like setting amidst the hotels. There are a few buildings (U.S. Army Museum of Hawai`i) and a military-only R&R hotel. Gray's Beach Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Named for the small inn that stood here in the early 1900's. Read about the writer Earl Biggers and Charlie Chan . Location :: In front of the Halekulani Hotel Access :: Pathway between the Waikiki Parc and the Halekulani hotels. Services :: Rest rooms, surf board rentals, beach equipment, food and drink concessions, outrigger canoe and catamaran cruises. Notes :: Sandy bottom, gentle waves, shallow, good swimming. The Paradise and Number Three's surf breaks are off shore. Royal Moana Beach (Kahaloa and Ulokou Beaches), Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Location :: Between the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel. Access :: Off Kalakaua Avenue. Services :: Branch police station, rest rooms, changing facilities, surf board rentals and lessons, beach equipment, food and drink concessions, catamaran cruises. Notes :: Popular's, Queen's, and Canoes, surf breaks are off shore. Kuhio Beach and Waikiki Beach Center Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Location :: Waikiki Beach Center down to about Kapahulu Avenue. Access :: Kalakaua Avenue. Services :: Rest rooms, concessions, lifeguards, snorkeling, surfing. Notes :: The retaining wall ("Slippery Wall") creates a very gentle swimming area, which is great for kids. City's Waikiki Beach Cam and Kuhio Beach Cam Queen's Surf Beach Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Named after Queen Liliuokalani's beach house which used to stand here. Location :: Between the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. Access :: Kalakaua Avenue. Services :: Rest rooms, showers, barbecue grills, picnic tables. Notes :: A gentle beach. San Souci Beach (Dig Me Beach), Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Nicknamed "dig me" for all the bikinis on display. Location :: Between New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel and the Waikiki Natatorium Access :: Parking lot east of the Natatorium off Kalakaua Avenue. Services :: Beach showers, but changing rooms are at the Natatorium. Notes :: A gentle beach that attracts a lot of families with a coral reef for snorkeling further out, but triathletes often train out beyond the reefs. Writer Robert Louis Stevenson ("Treasure Island") lived here when he was in Hawii. «« previous page Thank you for visiting RoyalElephant and please come back soon. Home :: About us :: Feedback :: Public Relations :: Blog Me! :: Connect © 2001 - 2005 Royal Elephant. All rights reserved. Home On the Lanai blog Hawaii Oahu Honolulu Oahu facts Guides Oahu Guide Honolulu Guide North Shore Guide Waikiki Guide Windward Guide more What to do Waikiki Pearl Harbor Tours Oahu Tours Honolulu Tour Pearl Harbor Tour Waikiki Tour I Waikiki Tour II Windward Tour Beaches Oahu beaches Leeward I Leeward II Leeward III North Shore I North Shore II Waikiki Windward I Windward II Windward III more Aloha Flea Market Charlie Chan Diamond Head Hike Golf Museums Weddings Webcams Maui Big Island Kauai Hotels & Resorts Air cars & cruises Hawaii Guides Hawaii Shop Essentials Hawaiian Malama care Nude beaches Virtual Hawaii Webcams Hawaii Club Forum Free Newsletter Oahu Guides Fodors Honolulu & Waikiki Driving and Discovering Oahu North Shore Chronicles: Big Wave Surfing Frommer's Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu

Hawaiian Cruise

Cruise Ship Profiles Cruise Lines - American Hawaii Cruise Home Photo Gallery Cruise Talk Cruise Search Cruise News Search -- Search CruisePage -- Book a Cruise - CruiseServer - Search Caribbean - Search Alaska - Search Europe - 866.469.4733 Forums Cruise Talk Rail Talk Air Talk Destination Talk Hotel Talk Buy Stuff Evolution of the Ocean Liner Poster Reviews - Ship Reviews - Dream Cruise - Ship of the Month - Reader Reviews - Submit a Review - Millennium Cruise Community - Photo Gallery - Join Cruise Club - Cruise News - Cruise Survey - Cruise Jobs - Special Needs - Maritime Q & A - Sea Stories Industry - New Ship Guide - Former Ships - Port Information - Inspection Scores - Shipyards - Ship Cams - Freighter Travel - Potpourri Shopping - Shirts & Hats - Books - Videos - Reservations - Vacation Specials - Web Deals Contact Us - Reservations - Mail - Feedback - Suggest-a-Site - About Us Travel Resources Reservations Destinations Hotels Air Travel Cruise Travel News/Weather SHIP PROFILE American Hawaii SS Independence TravelPage.com Rating : Submit your review here Operator: American Hawaii Cruises Year Built / Last Refurbished: 1951 / 1994 Length / Tonnage: 682 / 30,900 Number of Cabins / Passengers: 406 / 872 Officers / Crew: American / American Operating Area: Year-round Hawaii Telephone / Fax: Tel 150 2244 / Fax 150 2244 Review by Mark H. Goldberg, TravelServer.net, Cruise Editor Hawaii captures you, soothes and enchants you, she lets you hangloose and envelop yourself in the bright colors of her land andsea. Sail the INDEPENDENCE and it won't be long before you'redecked out in a loud, colorful Hawaiian shirt and enjoying lifethe Old Hawaiian Way. Simply because the State of Hawaii iscomprised of islands, the ideal way to approach them is from thesea and the best way to see them is by this wonderful old cruiseship. Able to produce a maximum of 55,000 shaft horsepower at 150rpms, her steam turbines geared to twin screws are a sight tobehold. When she was new the INDEPENDENCE showed how powerfulthat is when she steamed at just over 26 knots on her trials offCape Cod. By international rules, when new, the INDEPENDENCE was theeleventh largest liner in the world and certainly one of thefastest. The big question was...would anyone care? For spoken intones of a flat declaratory to a shrill protest the cry "No onetravels in an American ship!" was heard in steamship agencies andsmart parties the world over. Experienced travelers and neophytesalike looked upon American ships with a bemused condescension,secure in the "knowledge" that in terms of food and service,those "Yankee" liners just couldn't produce - the foreign linerswere better. American ships had a severe image problem. Yet theAmerican twins INDEPENDENCE and her identical twin CONSTITUTIONsoon proved themselves extraordinarily popular, hostingglittering rosters of notables intent on sailing under the "Starsand Stripes". Movie producers were drawn to them. Cary Grant andDeborah Kerr starred in "An Affair to Remember" costarrinq theCONSTITUTION. After United States Lines stodgily rebuffed Desilustudios, American Export sent plenty of material and film footageof the twin liners to Hollywood. Who among us can ever forgetLucille Ball "landing" by helicopter on the after Bridge Deck ofthe CONSTITUTION? And yes...THIS is the INDEPENDENCE the agent onthe pier mentioned when he told a distraught Lucy that she couldget to Europe on the following sailing... So great was theirpopularity that in 1958 American Export Lines sent both ships formajor overhauls. Fitting additional First Class cabins, theforward ends of their superstructures were massively altered. Forall that, against the ANDREA DORIA and CRISTOFORO COLOMBO andlater the LEONARDO da VINCI and the superliners MICHELANGELO andRAFFAELLO on the "Sunny Southern Route", the American liners justcouldn't compete. The results of a projected trio of 20,000 ton express liners forthe Mediterranean route, these ships began to take shape as farback as 1940 when American Export Lines, Inc. planned for thefuture. It would be YEARS before any such ships were built andwhen they were, there were two, not three. And bucking anAmerican Export Line tradition, the two ships were not givennames beginning with "EX" but were instead named for historicU.S. Navy frigates. Had the intended third sister been built, shewould likely have been named CONSTELLATION. Asking for inputfrom many quarters, it is Gustavo Pulitzer, famed Italianinterior designer who should be given first initial credit formany of the pleasing touches in the ultimate form of theseclassic liners. Noted American industrial designer Henry Dreyfussin collaboration with the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporationdeserves credit as the designers of the INDEPENDENCE and hersister CONSTITUTION. With the help of mail contracts and buildingsubsidies to pay the $25,000,000 each ship cost (that's over $150million each, in TODAY's dollars!) two ships were laid down atBethlehem Steel Company's Quincy, Massachusetts yards at thevery end of the 1940's, the INDEPENDENCE on March 29, 1949, theCONSTITUTION on July 12th. Their plans included many eventualdefense and military needs so safety provisions, fire proofing andrapid convertibility to trooping requirements took first place inthe design of the pair. And the INDEPENDENCE is still a very safeship today! Debuting with a 53 day cruise to the Mediterranean, Red Sea andIndia in 1951, the INDEPENDENCE got into service before theItalian postwar liners came out and captured the cream of theItaly trade. And even had the competition been less, theINDEPENDENCE and CONSTITUTION would have been hard pressed tomeet the enormous costs of operating under the American flageither on their regular Atlantic service or on cruises throughthe Mediterranean or to the Caribbean. By the late 1960s theseAmerican liners were desperate for money and American ExportLines entered into an agreement with Diner's Club/Fugazy to jazzup the twin ships. Only the INDEPENDENCE was actually updated toappeal to a "mod" generation and when she appeared with Harlow'seyes peering out from her halo of a "mod" sunburst on her whitehull, eyes rolled in contempt. Before the ship lover knew it, sheand the CONSTITUTION were gone from our lives. Withdrawn by 1968,the CONSTITUTION went into idleness at Jacksonville, Floridafollowed a few months later by the INDEPENDENCE which was laid upat Baltimore with their fleet mate ATLANTIC. Reports of a sale ofone or both of the sisters to Chandris came to naught. A plan tooperate the INDEPENDENCE on charter by Wall Street Tours, aManhattan based travel company also went nowhere. Should theyfind buyers willing to operate them, they would be but shadows oftheir former selves. The ships were idle for years until 1974 when fabled Chineseshipowner C.Y. Tung came to their rescue. Buying the pair with anobligation to return them to the control of the United Statesgovernment in time of war, he had each ship's twin funnelsrepainted with his signature livery, a red chrysanthemum on buff.Prefacing each ship's name with "OCEANIC", he sent them to HongKong. Some work was found for the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE but nonefor her sister which now rode at anchor in the shadow of VictoriaPeak. For a while in 1975 the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE shuttledbetween Lisbon and Angola carrying refugees, mostly civiliansfleeing Angola to Portugal Lisbon. Then, despite several goodintentions, she was again retired and returned to lay up. When Matson and later Pacific Far East Line went out of thepassenger business leaving the piers at Aloha Tower bereft ofpassenger tonnage save the occasional cruise caller, C.Y. Tungsaw possibilities where others saw problems and investigated thepossibility of operating his beautiful OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE as acruise ship among the Hawaiian Islands. But since Congressthought to protect American ship owners and shipbuilders as earlyas 1886, any ship operating Hawaii cruises would have to haveAmerican registry. American ships sold abroad are ineligible toreturn to U.S. registry except in time of war. Though Americanbuilt, the ship was now registered abroad and THAT could havebeen a big problem for the proposed weekly cruises through theHawaiian islands. Unanimously approved by both the U.S. Senateand House of Representatives in 1979, an Act of Congress broughtthe OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE back under the Stars and Stripes andallowed American Hawaii Cruises to go into business. The pleasanttask of refurbishing the graceful vessel for modern cruisingbegan. Eliminating class distinctions, upgrading cabins on thelower decks and altering the decor to include the soft atmosphereof the Hawaiian Islands, the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE was ready tobegin a new life. Wearing a traditional Hawaiian lei at her stemas she arrived off Honolulu for the first time, she paused offPearl Harbor long enough to drop a wreath in memory of Americanforces killed in the surprise attack there on December 7, 1941. But after that, at least since her maiden sailing on her 7 daycruise circuit of the major islands on June 21, 1980, the gentleHawaii of the tradewinds reigns supreme aboard this wonderfulship. In the meantime American Hawaii Cruises has changed handstwice and the newest owners, who also own the wonderfulMISSISSIPPI QUEEN, AMERICAN QUEEN and DELTA QUEEN decided toupgrade and substantially improve the INDEPENDENCE. In 1994 theship was withdrawn from service and sent to Newport NewsShipbuilding and Drydock Company where she was extensivelyrefitted and prepared to last another forty five years! Conceived to be an example of luxurious modernAmerican living at sea the INDEPENDENCE still offers relaxedelegance in a bright and airy modern decor reflecting the naturalbeauty and colors of Hawaii. The INDEPENDENCE has acres of deck space and both open andcovered promenades. The design of the ship includes a pair ofwings over the old Sea Isle Club, once the First Class pool. Fromthere you have an eaqle's view of the festivities on the afterdecks. It's also a great place to see and not be noticed...Justbeyond the former Sunlane Club, now called the Ohana Lounge isthe big swimming pool and its surrounding lido is the scene ofmany a party. The main public rooms are the semicircularCommodore's Terrace...aft on Kamaa'ina (formerly Promenade) Deckwhere evenings are welcomed with a cocktail and a tune from thetalented pianist. Next is the Hoi Hoi Showplace where sightlinesare mostly good and the efforts of the cruise staff and twoHawaiian dance troupes are shown during nightly shows.Centerpiece of the INDEPENDENCE's public rooms, though, is theKama'aina Lounge...newly thought out and opened up during herrecent refit...so it now extends to the floor to ceiling windowsof the former glass enclosed promenade. Tropical in decor it'sworth a visit if only to write a postcard home...if you can evenremember you had a life before you came to Hawaii. One deck below are the Ohana Lounge and the Ohana Buffet...theformer providing seating for people feasting from the buffet aswell as offering a venue for some late night entertainments. Waydown deep in the ship is a cinema while in spaces once occupiedby Tourist Class public rooms on Maui (formerly A) Deck are thegym and a conference center. There are generally two sittings at dinner, mostbreakfasts and lunches are served in open sittings. Down in the420 seat Hibiscus Dining Room on sailing night there's a buffet.The more intimate 110 seat Orchid Dining Room doesn't operate onSaturday night...it opens for breakfast on Sunday morning. "Aha!"you'll think if you are skeptical of American tonnage - the hotdogs. "There must be something fishy here...Is this an Americanship? This is a sumptuous set up and it looks good," you'llthink. That's what I thought the first time and every time I'vesailed since as I pile on enough shrimp, roast beef and assortedfoodstuffs to choke a pig. A steward brightly garbed in an Alohashirt will escort you to a table and your culinary adventurebegins. For a change I cannot say enough about the food in theINDEPENDENCE. Maybe it's because my expectations were low ormaybe because the food is so good...in fact the food is usuallybetter than good and I'll spill the beans...one feisty old lady,a Mrs. Gottrocks in her own right...and something of a cruiseship reviewer proclaimed the only cruise ship to serve betterfood than she ate on the INDEPENDENCE was the SEA GODDESS I, anaccolade I surely second.... You will eat so well aboard this ship I'd be surprised if you'reable to muster up the curiosity to investigate the midnightsnack. If the lunch buffet doesn't tempt you and the menu in the DiningRoom does, GO...even if you feel less than hunger pangs. Iremember sitting down and thinking "Drat!, foiled again! No HotDogs" - but for simple meals there are great burgers assembled asyou like them, a big sandwich and several choices of hot dishes. Every brochure in the business trumpets the praises of the shin'scuisines so loudly that few can really deliver. American HawaiiCruises has always underplayed its claims to wonderful foodthough the food aboard the INDEPENDENCE is a treat. Somewherebehind the scenes in this American operation must be a Jewish orItalian grandmother demanding that all hands be overfed! Underlining the contemporary American way of living, there was solittle cleavage between First and Cabin class spaces it seemedthat most cabins were interchangeable between the two. And therewas a lot of truth in that for 40% of the 1,003 berths in eachship were interchangeable among classes. Only 205 berths werepermanently graded First Class, 109 always Cabin Class and 258full time Tourist Class. That flexible passenger arrangement gaveAmerican Export Lines tremendous leeway in following marketdemands. Highlight of modern American living were cabinsconvertible to sitting rooms by day. Most cabins are still soequipped and that sofa you use in the afternoon is a verycomfortable bed - because it's not a pull out...the sofa back folds down to reveal a thick comfortable mattress. TheINDEPENDENCE is a one class ship now offering a dazzling 13different varieties of private quarters from tiny Category GBudget Cabins (both inside and outside available) to a CategoryAAA Superior Suite...Category D is the lowest grade for two lowerbeds but for this cruise...your cabin is not where you will wantto be. Take a look at an outside cabin on A deck forward. Decorated withHawaii in mind, it has a Hawaiian name as well as a number. It'sbig enough to sleep four comfortably and the round portholereminds you you are aboard ship. Once you unpack you will bepuzzled by the surfeit of storage space for there are enoughclosets for a dowager and enough drawers for an apothecary. What is small, though, is the shower...but that good Americanplumbing is happily in evidence. American Hawaii Cruises is very"INTO" Hawaii...so much so that one of the most popular employeesaboard ship is the KUMU, the Hawaiian story teller....whose jobit is to tell the visitor as much as possible about Hawaiianlore, customs and culture... Around twilight time on Saturdayevenings, passengers gather in the Hoi Hoi Showplace for aHawaiian Show, one show aboard ship I'm glad I saw. Thisextravaganza of Hawaiian music and hula dancing and memories ofthe "Aloha" that evening will remain with you long after theINDEPENDENCE stops sailing. With the full range of usual cruiseship activities enhanced by some like lei making and ukelelelessons apropos in these parts, it's not hard to imagine how mostpassengers spent their day at sea. I saw some at breakfast in theDining Room where the extraordinary personalities of friendlystaff broke the ice of a first morning at sea. I saw others atthe breakfast buffet while I was on my way to stock up withlogoed souvenirs in the ship's signature shop. But a visit to theNavigation bridge of THIS ship always gets me and I alwaysvisit...even if only for another look at the framed noticeinstructing the officer on watch to take the ship immediately tosea in the event of a nuclear attack. My favorite Hawaiian island is always the one I'm on and I thinkI'd like to keep with the INDEPENDENCE until I have done everyshore excursion the line offers... and at last count there are 56of them. Getting ready to board the INDEPENDENCE I grin like ahyena even before a lei is placed around my neck and I pause forthe obligatory mug shot cruise lines like to sell boardingpassengers. Even before sailing the INDEPENDENCE offers a lot ofthe Hawaii experience but for me one of the best is the moment ofdeparture on this unique American flag ocean liner. Once out ofthe harbor the ship turns to port and is soon off Waikiki. Sunday - It's not far from one island to the next but Sundays are spent at sea and for most of the day from nearly anywhere outon one of her 23,000 feet of open dock space, you can look outand see islands, Kahoolawe, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, depending uponthe circuitous route the Captain chooses to navigate. An activesort, I spent usually spend Sunday afternoons aboard theINDEPENDENCE in a deck chair outside the Surfrider Bar, hardlyable to pause later for some fresh popcorn. When Monday morning comes...be ready for a wonderful time onKauai, the Garden Island. There should be time for a drive out toHanalei Bay. If there is a prettier spot than that end of Kauai,its not on this planet. It's vaguely around the corner from theNa Pali coast, a formation of lushly covered steep cliffsshrouding pretty beaches accessed only by boat orhelicopter.Compelling is the word for the helicopter trip theline offers for a look at those cliffs which rise majesticallyfrom the sea. It's a toss up as to which is lovelier...Kauai orMaui but since the ship arrives at Kahului, Maui on Tuesday foran overnight call, you have plenty of time to check it out anddecide for yourself IF YOU CAN! Maui, so deservedly popular withvacationers, exudes a charm of her own. From the jumbled strandsof spaghetti paved into a road called the Hana highway, a 55 milecourse through landscape inordinately compelling to the majesticIao valley, Maui is a sensual delight. Never mind that AmericanHawaii brings a fabulously rousing Hawaiian show to entertainpassengers here. It's during the Maui call that American Hawaiioffers a shore excursion like no other. Uncommercial in theextreme, it's Tour 32 (at least it USED to be), not a trip forthe queasy or the debile. Leaving the ship's side at 3:30 AM,participants follow a tour leader and bike down the slopes fromthe summit of Mt. Haleakala, 10,000 feet above sea level.MAGNIFICENT! On Thursday the INDEPENDENCE calls at Hilo on the Big Island ofHawaii where you can pick up another rental car and drive it toAkaka Falls, catch another look at Volcano National Park, drivedown the Chain of Craters Road and maybe have lunch in town.(Whatever you do...DON'T bother with the buffet at VolcanoHouse...) To me it is near Hilo, sleepy, rainy little Hilo, wherethe air is gentlest and the breeze softest. Kona on the bright,dry side of this big island is the next port and the INDEPENDENCEanchors there on Friday mornings and the tender gives youflawless views of the ship as it pulls away, runs alongside andcuts across the liner's gently raking bows. Coffee plantations,macadamia nut farms and the Parker ranch are on this side of theBig Island. After the INDEPENDENCE clears Kona on Friday evening, my leiwent into the sea from the after deck. I know that it washedashore and will bring me back...A week in the INDEPENDENCE speedsby like an hour, drawing all to soon to a close. This graciousGRANDE DAME really does turn on its ear for all time must be thatabsurd old saw, "No one travels in an American ship" for here inthe waters of Hawaii the INDEPENDENCE is deservedly popular, anAmerican ship that wins the hearts of most who sails with her. The "who's who" of who has sailed in the INDEPENDENCEor CONSTITUTION at some point in the ship's career really doesread like "Who's Who" for so many names in that book have been onthe ships' passenger lists. It was President Reagan who happilysigned the bill to bring the CONSTITUTION back under Americanregistry. He was familiar with these ships and had been aboardthe INDEPENDENCE for a Governors' conference back in the 1960'swhen he was Governor of California. A framed photograph of himand Mrs. Reagan hangs in the ship's wheelhouse. It is said thatwhen he took the helm the ship veered slightly to the right... People demanding nonstop 24 hour a day loud action accompanied bypulsating bass may not enjoy a cruise in this ship (though I'd besurprised if there is ANYONE who doesn't enjoy a 7 nightINDEPENDENCE cruise). This ship is particularly popular withpeople over 40 who seem to enjoy the sock hop, pajama party andother events calculated to please us aging "boomers" but there isa lot here for everyone - from toddlers to great grandpa!. The first time I set out for Honolulu to takethis ship I hoped for the best and expected the worst. Visions ofplastic cups, paper plates and hot dogs, motel modern style andindifferent American service filled my dream track the nightbefore my first sailing in this ship. Well I needn't haveworried! That cruise was marvelous. Now, after a multi-milliondollar refit and plenty of attention to detail, the ship exudes awarm, friendly Hawaiian air. In a nutshell...this ship and her 7night Hawaii cruise is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS Check out these great deals from TravelPage.com Holland America - Holiday Adventures from $372 per person Description: Take advantage of these great holiday itineraries. Sail with Holland America to an amazing collection of ports in the Caribbean and Mexico. You won't find these fares anywhere else! Celebrity - Caribbean from $330 per person Description: More great Celebrity Caribbean values. Stroll on the velvety sands of a Jamaican beach or wander through an emerald rain forest. Swim with the stingrays or Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters or Grand Cayman. Relax with two days at sea. Cruises depart from Miami. SilverSea - Europe and South America includes $200 Onboard Credit Description: Explore the exotic ports of South America, stroll the streets of the French Riviera, or watch the changing of the seasons in New England. Sailing aboard a Silversea ship is unique and intimate. Its as if you had your own chartered yacht and could sail anywhere you wanted, except we do all the work for you while you laze in our pool, or watch the dolphins play. Crystal - Mexican Riviera and New England from $1,323 per person Description: Choose between extended itineraries to the Mexican Riviera or relaxing fall foliage cruises to Canada and New England. Sail with Crystal Cruises and discover why the difference is Crystal clear. Experience a convenient 7, 11 or 14-day voyage with the luxury Crystal Harmony or Crystal Symphony. NCL - Caribbean and Bahamas extra savings of $100 per person Description: Explore the islands and beaches of the Bahamas with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay. Visit historic Bermuda or experience the changing of the seasons in New England. On your way home, enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Includes Philadelphia and New York departures. Disney World - 6 Days, 5-Nights from $499 Description: Vacations to Walt Disney World Resort are more affordable than ever. Plus, new magical benefits will make staying at Disney Resorts the most relaxing way to do and see everything Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. Check out these great deals. More Vacation & Cruise Specials... Cruise Home Photo Gallery Cruise Talk Cruise Search Cruise News This page, and all contents, are © 1995-2002 by Interactive Travel Guides, Inc. and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved. TravelPage.com is a trademark of Interactive Travel Guides, Inc. Powered by TravelServer Software