WWhen a restaurant is consistently recognized every year for its breakfast, brunch and business lunch, there is a solid formula at play. Tangö Contemporary Café has been perfecting this formula for 18 years and shows no signs of stopping. With Scandinavian classics like Swedish pancakes with berries and fresh cream, braised beef snot and hash tweaked for local palates, Tangö appeals to many with a central location. It appears on our Hale ‘Aina Awards list three times for 2025, so we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the best bites Tango has…
Author: kissnearme
Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan: Cherry Blossom Season Begins Late March in Japan is when things get really pretty. The cherry blossom forecasts start appearing (yes, they have apps for this), and if you time it right, you’ll catch the early blooms without the April madness. Temperatures sit around 10-15°C which is cool enough for a jacket but comfortable for walking around all day. I spent ages tracking blossom predictions for a trip once, and everyone kept saying April was peak season. Turns out late March was perfect, fewer crowds, and the blossoms had this delicate, almost fragile quality that felt…
Last Updated on January 28, 2026 This October, Luna and I made our first trip to South Korea. Traveling to East Asia has been a longtime dream of mine. While JC and I went to India two years ago, I longed to see more of Asia, specifically the far east. The stars seemed to align this year, as I reconnected with an MBA friend of mine who lives in Seoul. I told her of my dream to make a trip to Asia, and we immediately started planning for me to come and visit her in Seoul. I shared my plans…
WWhether you’re looking to get back in shape, refocus, or add some variety to your routines, there are plenty of fitness classes (plus a handful of new studios) and wellness activities on O’ahu to get you moving. SEE ALSO: Your ultimate guide to running, walking, swimming and biking events on O’ahu Photos: Joley Peterson, courtesy Revolt Studio Infrared hot glutes and core Studio Revolt Kailua’s newest fitness studio, Revolt Studio, offers this 50-minute mat class focused on strengthening your core and lifting and toning your lower body. The infrared heat, which goes up to 96 degrees, warms the muscles, increasing…
Our favorite places to stay in Marrakech Royal Mansour – is pure luxury, private riads and invisible service a perfect example of Moroccan opulence. Riad Kheirredine – a magnificent riad where the service makes you feel like part of the family. Riad Palais Sebban – an economical riad offering an authentic Moroccan experience. Then there are the large, luxurious hotels outside the old town if you’re looking for a full-on resort. Both have their place, depending on what you’re looking for. The medina itself is where the magic happens. It’s chaotic, motorbikes weave through the crowds, vendors shout, donkey carts…
OOne of the best ways to exercise is with a friend, whether you have two legs or four. With the slightly cooler temperatures these days, it’s a great time to take your pup for a walk. Dozens of state-run trails allow dogs. For a complete list, go to hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trails and filter by “dog on leash”. You can also download the Outer Space app, which lets you sort dog hikes by proximity or alphabetically. Just because dogs are allowed doesn’t mean they’re having a good time. We’ve combed the list of hikes for those that aren’t too difficult, sunny, or long…
Level 8 Grace Continue The Grace series seems like a natural extension of all of this. It’s aimed at people who want something functional yet stylish, without the exorbitant price tag of some of the fancier brands. I’ve been using the Grace EXT Expandable Carry-on Luggage (the 20-inch model) for a few months now and wanted to share what worked, what didn’t, and if it’s really worth your money. Quick Specs: This is an ABS+PC hardshell suitcase that expands up to 15%, has a front laptop compartment (fits screens up to 15.6 inches), weighs approximately 8.5 pounds, and comes with…
NHawai’i chefs and restaurants are among just over 500 nationwide in the running for the 2026 James Beard Awards. The semifinalists named in a press release this morning by the New York-based James Beard Foundation include four national award nominees and five for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific. Five of the nine are first-time semifinalists at America’s top culinary awards Hawaii’s 2026 semifinalists for the national awards, all firsts except The Local General Store, are: Featured Restaurateur: Peter Merriman—Merriman’s, Monkeypod Kitchen, Moku Kitchen and others, multiple islands Emerging Chef: Bao Tran—ThursdayChinatown SEE ALSO: The owners of Giovedì, the Hale ‘Aina’…
Our favorite places to stay in the Cotswolds Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa – A countryside escape with a Michelin-starred restaurant, an exceptional spa and acres of private parkland. Norton wood – A grand country hotel on the gateway to the Cotswolds, offering historic charm, panoramic countryside views and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.Holford Arms – A relaxed gastropub break with great food, comfortable rooms and great value in a quieter corner of the Cotswolds. What you need to know about staying in the Cotswolds Before you start booking, it helps to understand what you’re working with. The Cotswolds cover a…
WWhether you want to run, walk, swim, or bike, there are tons of outdoor fitness activities happening every month on O’ahu. SEE ALSO: The ultimate guide to hiking on O’ahu Biathlon Magic Island January 24, 2026Where: Ala MoanaRoute: A 5km run around Ala Moana Beach Park and a 1km swim in front of the parkwaikikiswimclub.com, @waikikiswimclub Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Health Hawaii Pacific Health Women’s 10 & 5K Fun Run January 25, 2026Where: WORK / Diamond headRoute: Both the 10K and 5K races start and finish at Kapi’olani Park and take runners through Diamond Head and Kāhala.hawaiipacifichealth.org, @hawaiipacificealth Valentine’s…