Post Diamond Head Hike Eats
Yep, another hike, a popular hike too. Filled with tourists chugging up the path. It’s not a difficult hike, but it can be a hot one. There’s really not too much shade and if there’s no breeze, make sure you have that bottle of water handy. However, when you get to the top it’ll be worth it. You’ll be surrounded by blue water, a view of Wakiki, and of course, the view of the crater. It’s impressive that this was one of many volcanic craters that formed Hawaii. Neat. The hike itself though was monumental enough to make us hungry. Yes. Off to lunch!
We went to Tokatsu Ginza Bairin. Yeah, same as last year. I can’t pass up going to this place again you know. So how about this, I tried something different this time. And the rest of the group pitched in and ordered something other than the prized kurabuto katsu. Okay, maybe it was the $36 price tag and the fact that no one wanted food coma. Great. Besides the food that you can read on later, the place was the same. The menu was all that has changed. A few more special items. I’d like to think their experimenting given all the competition out there on tonkatsu. But don’t worry Ginza, you got a faithful customer. Just keep up that quality.
Tokatsu Ginza Bairin
255 Beach Walk
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 926-8082
Verdict: Yep, I’ll be back.
For the rest of the day, it was more sight-seeing around the eastern coast of Oahu. Something I never did before and something I’d recommend driving through at least once. Great scenery over on the windward side. Kinda reminds me of California’s PCH, but with the bluest blue waters. And if it’s a windy day, there are para-gliders swarming overhead, close to the mountain wall. Don’t worry, they’re experts!
Some door outside the entrance to the Diamond Head crater. Not sure where it leads, but I’m guessing an entrance to the lava monster.
Final set of stairs. You can go the other way if you wanted more of a steady climb. We chose to get it over with quickly. Right up to the top to enjoy the views.
First set of stairs into the bunker located at the top. It leads into a dark tunnel lit up by dim lights. Barely enough to see people in there. Especially the ones coming the other way.
At the top, in the heat, after the climb up, some people just forget to read.
I had upgraded this katsu to the pork loin katsu, not the kurobuta which is amazing if you ever get the chance. But I didn’t want food coma today so this was me splurging for a more tender cut. It didn’t disappoint. Ginza makes a decent curry to bring out this katsu perfection. Now I’m torn between what sauce I like better with katsu. I guess since we’re in Hawaii, it ought to be curry. $23.00USD
What a beautiful dish. My cousin got this and was a fan. Breaded and crisped to perfection. I’ll have to try this next time. $20.00USD
I didn’t get the price for this but I would recommend not getting it. Everything else was deep fried and tasty, so by the time we tried this (which came out with the main meal) it was bland. Not too bad when you dip it in the curry though.
We ordered a batch of 9 for our road trip around Eastern Oahu. It lasted just one exit onto the highway. And don’t let the size of these fool you. Three a person was quite filling. $1.15USD/each
My cousin on how we should be eating Bubbies, by oneself. Or in this case, eaten only by her.