Overrated or Underrated Hawaii: Zippy's, Diamond Head Hike, Shave Ice and More

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙 Just wanted to try something new with this type of video. It will be a running series that is a little more casual than my usual content. 😁

[@Threewolfs-]

Like it 🤙🏼. Sad to hear about the Mall, left before the redo, use to like going on weekends after the flea market at Aloha 😦. Only went Waikiki when bored and watch all the Japanese tourists walking around in there “Gilligan” hats and cameras 😜, never went Beach there, like Ala Moana park/beach better 🤙🏼, more local, less crowded, families picnic, much much better. Made me sit hear this morning and remember, sad and happy, miss home, been 25+ years, always planning to go back but life always has different plans, have daughters (🥰🤩❤️grown) and now granddaughter (🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️) one day, just scared changed to much and will break my heart to see. All ready heard how much Leeward side (home) has changed, all built up 😟. Watch on KZbin and actually cry, see the change and cry. Any way Mahalo Brother, keep going and much Aloha to you and your young family 🤙🏼🌈❤️🇺🇸🤠

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

* Zippy's = UNDER-rated! * Diamond Head Hike = UNDER-rated and HAAAARD because I did it in flip flops only. * Shave Ice = OVER-rated. Just ice with sugar syrup on it, yuck, sorry. * Ala Moana = UNDER-rated in 2015. I loved that Japanese Village Walk whose shops are now defunct, sob! I hear that it is not local anymore, which is sad. * Acai Bowls = WAAAAY OVER-rated! I like savoury foods and meals. * Malasadas = UNDER-rated. I love 'em! I bus 'em out and share. * Waikiki = I LOOOOVE it. I think it is appropriately rated. I like L.A. by the beach and Waikiki is just that. * 7-11 is WAAAAY OVER-rated, anywhere probably except in Japan. Its food is a bit tacky. * Lei stands = are pretty and I should buy one there sometime. Not sure if they are over or under-rated. You need a quick lei, last minute? Ha, ha, sorry but that sounded like this: "You need a quick lay, last minute?" I know, don't say it.

[@gls1123]

I like the pictures you chose, found myself pausing the videos or going back to take another look at the picture. I'd like to see the picture while you're talking about the subject. I love your videos, thanks for making them!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the suggestion. I'll try to add that in future episodes.

[@cristycastro6615]

Zippy’s, Matsumoto Shave Ice and Malasadas!!❤️🤙❤️( My kids grew up with ) Thanks for sharing and Aloha!!🌺🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Dylandesuu]

I'm a volunteer docent at Diamond Head State Monument so typically once a week I hike to the top of the trail and talk with guests, as well as make sure people don't go off the trail and over to the pill box and helicopter pad. The general consensus from people I talk to is that yes, the hike is overrated lol. But it's still a convenient way to get at least one hike in while you're visiting that's easy to get to since it's so close to Waikiki.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's still a nice hike. I just wish parking was a little better. Gotta park in the neighborhood and walk up.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Zippy’s will always be special for us. When my wife, then girlfriend, needed to get on my insurance we had to do a civil union. The notary met us to sign the docs at the only logical place in town. She had the chili and I had fried chicken, the classics.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. Great Zippy's story 🤙

[@michaellatta]

Lenard’s custard filled malasadas are the best. We pick up a box on our drive from the airport every time.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

I love Zippy's! Uwajimaya, here in Seattle, sells frozen chilis from Zippy's. They are fantastic!

[@Lopezflies888]

I'm not really a zippy's fan I like the variety but I got a hamburger there and I thought the McDonald's hamburger taste better LOL I definitely enjoyed my turkey dinner for Thanksgiving from zippy's as well as their pumpkin pie

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@Lopezflies888 To each their own, huh?

[@Lopezflies888]

@@SuiGenerisAbbie yeah I like Uwajimaya in Seattle the Chinatown is really clean there . Zippys frozen food is sold at most local stores here in HI too.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Lol. I used to work at Uwajimaya in Beaverton. 😆

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@HelloFromHawaii That is so neat! 🤙 I love Uwajimaya, and to browse around it! 🤙

[@pokerstar2004]

Zippy's was the first place I had Saimin in Hawaii. So good.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

So good!

[@dennistani1986]

Chris, nice video, keep up the great work!!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Appreciate it!

[@RikigaiHawaii]

This can easily be a series, great vid as always 🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Appreciate it!

[@daniellethompson8928]

@@HelloFromHawaii Agree to the series idea! So many people say “YOU MUST DO THIS IN OAHU” but then I’m like… that was lame OR omg that was way cooler than expected. Surfing in Hawaii, sailing, grocery store poke, Kona coffee, etc…

[@Danadiva]

Definitely agree with Ala Moana Mall as for Food Court mainly...get our food and go across to the beach park and eat is usually what we do.

[@robertleslie2467]

My family loves Zippy's but I'm the oddball and like to be liking Rainbow way better. Can't beat the mix plate no rice and 2 scoops mac salad. Mahalo!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Aussie_Drew84]

Can you make a current weather/storm video?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It would have been fun, but so much rain. 😁

[@TheJProducti0ns]

I loved this video! More please !

[@jackass123491]

I pretty much agree with you. Zippy's is a classic. And I don't eat meat which means when I go there I get to eat the vegetarian chilli. If I go to Ala Moana Shopping Center I'll find ways to enjoy myself but it's obvious that it's not for local people anymore. I occasionally enjoy a staycation in Waikiki but it's definitely more for the tourists. Hiked Diamond Head when I was a kid but haven't done it since. I love malasadas but all that sugar falling on me is annoying. I'd say I like 7-11 in Hawai'i is better than the ones on the mainland. And I grew up right next to one so I was there pretty much every day as a kid. As for shave ice, always the best snack when your driving around the island on a hot day. I was raised on rainbow flavor but now my favorite is lilikoi.

[@patrickrichardson4765]

You need to try the lei shops on Maunakea Street in downtown. We often go to Lin's Lei shop. They even ship to the Mainland, but it can get pretty pricey unless you buy a lot.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I like Lin's. Just the parking is tough. 🤙

[@ryanguzek361]

I need to know the name of the shave ice machine

[@ronw8628]

just use a wooden hand plane like they use to before machines.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😁

[@HelloFromHawaii]

You can search online. The expensive ones are nice, but there are still some cheaper ones that make "okay" shave ice.

[@hori166]

Ala Moana: corporate Amerika schlock takover. Why? "Follow the money!" I remember Lyn's Delicatessen with the BEST hot pastrami, Iida's on the corner mauka for Japanese knick-knacks, Vim and Vigor for HUGE tuna salad and sprouts sandwiches, Pete's Model Craft, the "good old" Shirokiya, crack seed store. BTW are the pill boxes still on Diamond Head?

[@ronw8628]

Jon's had the best mini beef stew bowl (rectangular shape). Shirokiya had an enclave seating section upstairs for store bought food.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I believe the structures are still on there (and hikers are still climbing on top) 😄

[@sandramorey2529]

We've been visiting for over 50 years and over the years, we've done just about everything. We don't go to Zippys much, tho when friends are around, we do. We hiked Diamond Head once and I, too find once enough. I used to run through Kapiolani Park to circle Diamond head every day when visiting. We love Waiola Shave Ice, but most are two gritty & the flavors taste phony. We are so sad about what has been done to Waikiki. We still love what it was, but since they turned it into Rodeo Drive & took out all that was genuine and good there, we haven't been back. We do still love that a 10 minute walk takes us to Kapiolani Paka where we enjoy a snorkel w/o the crowds. We do enjoy the Waikiki Aquarium & the Honolulu Zoo once in a while. What we love the most is the Hawaiian Music scene, which has deteriorated over the years, but we will still go to Dukes at 4pm Fridays to catch Maunalua and we watch for anything in the newspaper.

[@JYAN2852]

Agree with the crater hike. Too many people and not really a hike. We drive already 60-70% the way up to park. Great scenic views though. Best part is the stairs at the top

[@harveyh3696]

01:00 Local comfort food that's consistent throughout the chain.

[@jonnuanez7183]

The Diamond Head hike actually helped me with some acrophobic and claustrophobic fears. It's narrow in that tunnel. Plus it is WAY up there, once you get to the top. But then you realize you did it and lived. Plus the view...*sigh* And I love the Hawaii 7-11s.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's great that it helped you overcome those phobias 🤙

[@ChrisCannon007]

Zippy’s, Waiola Shave Ice, and Malasadas!! Love your videos!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you like them!

[@FIRED13]

Aloha! Where exactly are the airport lei stands? I don't remember seeing them when I passed thru in July

[@HelloFromHawaii]

The lei stands are kind of in the center when you are driving around the terminals. I don't think people can walk there (or it's pretty inconvenient to get there by foot).

[@schangaz]

Uncle Clays House of Aloha (Shave Ice) in Aina Haina! Sooo good

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@kawaiisev]

One of your best video ever :D

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@badtuna73]

I still love Zippys. Every time I go back home, the first place we hit is Zippys.

[@kennoma7998]

Zip Pak for sure! Any chance you can do a vlog on recommended books (history, novel....) by local writers in the future? Tanks.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great topic. I enjoy reading, but I'm not that well read in local lit. But I'll add it to my list of possible future videos. 🤙

[@makulewahine]

I actually saw an article about how good the food was in the Hawaii 7-11's. Didn't get there this time but I did discover Tamura's liquor store with the poke bar in the back. I ate a whole pound of poke one day!!! I feel the same way about malasadas. BEst when hot. I was disappointed with L &L and won't try them again but...Zippy's is still a thing.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

L&L is hit or miss. Some are better than others.

[@makulewahine]

@@HelloFromHawaii totally agree.

[@sherw6456]

Ok, Big Island chiming in here... 7-11...? So, I'm in Pahoa. I wanna risk my life, I go to the Pahoa 7-11. For realz, that place is scary-sketch as xxxx. Nope, nope, *nope!* Malasadas? I no can eat them any more (too much sugar in general, not just powdered) but when I could, and the folk I know who do? Punalu'u Bake Shop's malasadas in Na'alehu are soooooo yummy...and no choke mess of powdered sugar. Just yummy goodness in manymany flavors. Waaaay too many tourists however; by the busload. But it is what it is. And like others have said? Your channel? Def underrated! :-D

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for chiming in 🤙

[@ronw8628]

zip pack ala Zippy's is da GOAT. malasadas is an unusual situation ..... so overrated but people still buy them by the billions. has to be ate while still warm from the deep fryer. When still get steam released with a bite.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Zip Pac! 😆

[@Shadbraw]

I agreed with everything you said except malasadas. Those things are a piece of fried heaven in my opinion.

[@kamitra]

I like the shave ice truck in Waikele. Zippys I think is default when you're not sure what everyone wants, but the flavor profile is hit or miss with people. Some love it immediately while others hate it. If you grew up with it you can probably handle no problem. Here's an interesting thing I figured out over time: tourists ask for where the local steakhouse is and we just send them off to the nearest fancy restaurant. Tourists ask which is the best sushi restaurant and fistfights break out lol

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. Sushi restaurant fights 😆

[@robertdubois2685]

You should have added Don Quijote, L&L BBQ and McDonalds (just for the special pies).

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the suggestions

[@little5bee]

"Hello From Hawaii" You Tube channel: UNDERRATED.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@BillLinAZ]

What I really enjoy about the mall (as a tourist) is free parking if you don't mind the walk to Waikiki.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@mistyautumn]

I think your videos is definitely under rated 😛

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I appreciate that! 🤙

[@syedtaqi6122]

Great assessment, I pretty much agree with you. Diamond head is definitely overrated; malasada is somewhere in between, depends who you ask, the tourists love it, there is always a long line and the parking is definitely is an issue there; Ala Moana mall is for the tourists, but if you don’t want to spend a ton in the shops on Kalakaua, then Ala Moana is a better deal, the food court has expanded at the mall and has more options; Waikiki is for people who like the night life & don’t mind the noise, definitely don’t recommend if you are coming to Hawaii to seek some solitude or nice and quiet time by the beach, the beaches tend to get really crowded, it’s fun if you have kids.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Good point about Waikiki being fun with kids. I can see that. Also, super convenient.

[@sandramorey2529]

Walk down to the park. Lovely, uncrowded beach & lawn and a snack bar. Our at least once a trip includes a morning walk, a snorkel at said beach area, stash our beach stuff at the Aquarium and after, go for lunch at the snack bar/restaurant. A perfect morning/afternoon in Waikiki. I'm salivating with good memories.

[@HMC2133]

What about ABC store? Also, i havent seen lei stand at the airport. Do they still have them during Covid? I had to go to Target to buy lei-- surprised how expexpensive they were.

[@Lopezflies888]

I think ABC store specific to Waikiki

[@Lopezflies888]

Buy the lei in Chinatown they're super cheap there

[@HelloFromHawaii]

The lei stands have their own section. You'll see the signs as you drive around. ABC store is okay, but I'm not sure they have the variety in leis that other places have.

[@brendamakana3604]

Ahh man…… malasadas are the best. You can’t find them on the mainland and it’s one of my best childhood memories. Remembering we were so excited to get a bag of malasadas and making a big sugar mess it’s all part of the experience. The dough is one of a kind. Love a zip pack too :)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@little5bee]

Did the Diamond Head hike at age 64...not too bad until the stairs at the end.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, the stairs are tough. Depends on which way you go near the top. Left or right?

[@mkkaneta]

I am originally from Oahu but live on Mainland. Malasadas are the best, messy or not. Back then there was only plain malasadas. I remember when the pile drivers endlessly pounded in the foundation pillars for the Ala Moana Shopping center. It used to be a great place for locals. Christmas shopping and Keiki land were fun. I don’t recognize it now. It’s feel like a tourist trap now. Spam musubi was not that big a deal back then. There was no Ramen, only Saimin. We hung out at Manoa Grill and read comics at Nancy’s Barbershop in Manoa. (both long gone) It seemed a better time. Shave Ice is an everlasting treat for locals. It was not as fancy back then but just as good.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Hard to imagine Ala Moana Shopping Center being built. Swamp land?

[@mkkaneta]

@@HelloFromHawaii I was pretty young but it was a Duck Pond and swampy,

[@stevecheung4750]

For Zippy's, it is better to go into the dine-in section instead of the takeout. The dine in has its own kitchen with gas stoves. The takeout food is prepared on a big electrical grill. The problem is if you order food at the shift change, 1 pm or 9 pm, the cook is in a hurry to leave. Most likely he is cooking food on one side of the grill while cleaning up the other side of the grill simultaneously.

[@peterykw6562]

I love zippys and rainbow when I am in Hawaii. I know there are more authentic local food places but zippys and rainbow have never disappointed me.

[@traditionalgirl3943]

I enjoyed the show! 👍😀

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Ironmonk036]

0:50 Sorry man, but Zippy's by far was the worst place to eat in Hawaii due to a 9-piece of chicken being all thighs! I was completely shocked when I first went there back in 2015. All the other places in this video are awesome to eat at.

[@Cruisingfoodies]

Ok I love the acai bowls from shaka bowl especially the li hing mango! But not ever bowl is created equal lol

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙 Never tried, but will look out for it.

[@stevecheung4750]

Staying in Waikiki on Halloween is a lot of fun. Last time (before pandemic) throngs of Japanese young tourists dressed up as bunny girls. That night Waikiki is sleepless.

[@Lopezflies888]

I need to grow up I'm sitting here laughing all by myself imagining that you're pretending to talk to someone but actually you're just talking to the camera but seriously I think I agree with you on every single one of them especially ala Moana. I was gone for some time and I used to hang out there all the time and 05, 06, and 07 and I came back in 2020 and the mall is 100% different I didn't know where anything was and it looks so superficial and I felt so very sad

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@sandysol9241]

You forgot to mention chilli frank at zippys! Best go to wen you miss local food 😋🤙🏽

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@paularam6735]

Did great with just a monologue. You write well and deliver well too but may I suggest getting out of Honolulu. Go to Maui and/or the big Island and do a bit of video coz Lahaina is unique with the olde wooden boardwalks and the whaling industry. Do a mono under the Banyan Tree.?? its also free Everybody does the Arizona/Missoura thing and U havent even mentioned that.

[@FIRED13]

Malasadas - the guava Leonard's are to DIE FOR !!!!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😆

[@kithg]

Your vids always make me smile. I lived on the windward side for one winter, but I loved it in many ways - not the rain! I think there are Zippys people and L&L people and rarely the twain meet? Just a feeling I got. I love malasadas, anywhere, any time. Can't get them where I am now. I'm with you on Diamond Head, once is enough. I never saw Ala Moana in the old days, but now it seems mostly to be designers I can't afford, so I'm with you there, too. Don't know about 7/11 or the lei stands, though. I will eat a shave ice any time, too, but not all brands, some of which are very over-rated. Stay dry!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Interesting insight. I'm definitely Zippy's and L&L, but I can see that. It's either one or the other.

[@sandramorey2529]

The lei stands are really wonderful. I used to frequent them on every return trip from Hawaii to home. Now since 9/11 I can't do that anymore. Sad.

[@reneecollin8825]

👠 hello from Virginia,and what a nice distraction from working a hospital frontline! Thxs. As a visitor (former airline employee), I loved visiting Hawaii 🌸 here's my list. OVERRATED = Shaved ice - it's just ice and the sweetest, most diabetic concotion ever! and the International Market Place. It's pretty, but I miss the old dirty version, and the pro- "Locals" stance! I get it but calm down. UNDERRATED = the Scenery & Weather!! Hawaii is just beautiful!! We're expecting a cold snap here - starting tomorrow night. It's going down to 26degrees !! so I hope everyone there appreciates the fantastic weather! and HNL airport! I love the Lei stands, and the open air design! People complain about it, but I really enjoy it! It's nostalgic 😊🌸 Good video!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing and working in the frontlines during this time. 🤙

[@SS-fw7wp]

Diamond Head, Waikiki in general is heaven to us..we live in the main land, every other year is Oahu our friends at Sheraton are like family waiting to see each other every time we visit. We try to always buy items made in Hawaii. We go to classes they have for us tourists and make our own lea’s for free. All the other place’s and eating items are our tradition. Simply put we love Oahu.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@tracyalan7201]

I didn't do the Diamond Head Hike until middle adult and its sort of interesting looking at Waikiki from that angle at least for picture taking with a good camera. Now, my good friend's mother who was in her 60-70's was thrilled that she managed to make the trek up and down, that her son had to scour Waikiki a T-shirt proclaiming that she made it. It was challenging the long rail less stairs and long corridor with few lamps and going into stairwell pitch dark. I'm glad I did the trek before cataracts and corrective surgery. Zippy's is borderline. Prices are high now, back at school time, more affordable but its biggest, is open for late night eating after with friends to eat and talk story. Ala Moana, agree on it as it changed over the years, but still has places to eat for adults grown out of Zippys. Malasadas, get them without sugar but only best hot, otherwise, get Andagi's. 7-11, I heard Waikiki has interesting food options. Lei stands, definitely agree. Shave Ice - yup, like Matsumoto's but also enjoy the Japanese versions of Shaved Ice with condensed milk as its just as tasty.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Andagi! Miss those 😆

[@np100]

I was young when we climbed the inside of Diamond Head with flashlights. I loved it and the history behind it, but you can get better views from other areas.

[@sjsupa]

I don't know what malasadas you eat. The one I had in Punalu'u Bake Shop (big island) is not messy at all. Nothing falls out from it. The one with Mango filling was the best.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Leonard's

[@sjsupa]

@@HelloFromHawaii OK。I stopped by it when I was in Waikiki 2 weeks ago. The line was too long so we skipped it. We waited till we got to Big island to try malasadas for the 1st time. My whole family was not disappointed. My wife does not like fried stuff, so she tried the red bean burn and was hooked. We liked Punaluu Bake shop so much that we drove 2 hours to there again 2 days later. Unfortunately, the line was long that day and they ran out of malasadas. But my wife was happy because she was able to grabbed 6 pieces of red bean burn before it ran out.

[@marquezfamily2378]

Never had Zippy's till I moved to Oahu from Big Island for college back in 06. I remember all the advertisements on the TV about there fried chicken and chili. I mean it's OK but it's overated in my books. Like you said it's a great place to eat late night with friends. I call it our dennys of hawaii. Same with L & L it's OK but once you try one you pretty much tried them all. Sometimes going outside our own local norms can be fun like playing tourist. I mean we can't always eat rice with everything lol. Once in a while have to try different things. Keep up with the content my bradah🤙.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Yes, the Denny's of Hawaii.

[@alyssadiceflipper5201]

Def agree with you on Aulani. We stayed next door and it was pure insanity over there! Too crowded and the rooms were ok...Ko'olina was much nicer.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's a nice area. Gotta wait for the kama'aina discounts though.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Hiking up Diamondhead was HAAARD. But, then again, I did it in flip-flops, so ...

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, gotta wear shoes 😁

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@HelloFromHawaii LoL, I knooooow, right? I was sore for a few days afterward, I have to say.

[@alum18]

I love the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, but staying at the Banyan is the best of both worlds. Zippy's, yum for certain things. I did Diamond as a late adult and it is always fun. Yes, malasadas are so messy, but so good! Ala Moana for the food court when everyone wants something different. Definitely miss Shirokiya's. Shave ice is an always. Yes... there is do much to Oahu.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, agree about Shirokiya. Miss it.

[@Lopezflies888]

Those who don't already know buy your leis in Chinatown then head for the airport 👍

[@HelloFromHawaii]

But the parking! 😁

[@dancingkay2604]

My mom and dad and family use to always say Zippys is great, it’s ok. It’s been a long time since we went to Hawaii...miss it so much

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Hope you get a chance to visit soon.

[@coachm8004]

Ate at Zippys in Maui 2 days ago, had the chicken katsu, it was 4 out of 10 stars, ok if hungry but you can find other places that taste much better

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, not so great.

[@BTLwithTony]

I am also a Zippystan!!!! No doubt one of the best restaurants in Hawaii, like Hawaii's In and Out Burger, with a much bigger menu.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@joeboutin7994]

First experience of shave ice today. "OVER RATED" . Of course, refreshing with good sweet taste. Basically water(iced) / and sugar. Once the "ice machine " is paid , high profit for the owners. In northen America, kind of similar product called "slush" half the price or lower, and same feeling. Conclusion : overrated. You will like it, if you like to spend $ on average product. Up side, it's made from "natural sugar can", but how can we know.

[@SunnyIlha]

Cannot eat jus only one saimin at Zippys. Gotta get two.

[@robertmoritsugu4658]

We're still waiting on Zippy's to break ground here in Las Vegas....COVID put everything to a halt. Though personally, I only went for the chicken, zip pac, and chili.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, that should be good for Vegas. Hopefully they can build it quickly.

[@ronw8628]

a lot of Zippys have a separate indoor restaurant section with reasonable prices. At least they not franchises.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I miss the dine-in section that is separate from the restaurant area. Super chill and casual.

[@michiko5825]

Agree on Zippy’s.

[@rayage777]

That's not a good reason to hate on malasada's. That would mean tacos or big hamburgers are over rated. What about the lei stands in Chinatown, can't beat those lei stands that's been in Hawaii forever.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Those dishes are also a little messy. Chinatown leis are great, but tough parking.

[@sandrahintz2617]

Love ❤️

[@spang9782]

Zippys is....just OK. Convenience is probably their best feature. Overpriced for the amount you get. I only like the chicken. Chili is incredibly awful; not sure why people love it. Unfortunately because of COVID, a lot of mom and pop places are shutting down and Zippys and the big boys like McDonalds may be all we are going to have left.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Lots of places have closed, but I also think it's a changing of the times. Those old places are retiring and hopefully there will be new local favorites to take their place.

[@rhondaspeelman1014]

The 7-11 near me is sketchy 😆

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😮

[@Threewolfs-]

Zippy’s & Rainbow 🤙🏼❤️🤙🏼🌈❤️🤠

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@alohaitsmeli]

Frost city tho....

[@StyleshStorm]

There are many things I miss about Hawaii now that I live in Texas but Zippy's isn't one of them. Was very basic but in a not charming way.

[@donspirz4199]

Well being a local and living here for over 55 years I agree that the Diamond Head hike is overrated. It’s more of a tourist type thing and I really don’t need a view of the ocean or Waikiki(I live here), nope not for me. I still go to Zippy's(overrated)because there are some good plates and zip packs but it’s not the same as before, prices are too high and portions are way too small, if L&L can give you twice the amount or more at the same price, well I see it can’t all be because of inflation. L&L is the bomb and Zippy's are for the times when I want to relax and reminisce about the old times and talk story (sorry Zippy's but one layer of chili beans in my hot dog and chili plate isn’t enough to feed my dog). And the hassle to get a senior discount card is a joke with Zippy’s. Why can’t you show an ID? They want you to pay (20 bucks each year for only a 10% discount) for a discount senior card and you have to wait for it to come in the mail? Nope L&L all the way! Don’t like the fancy places, just stay with the simple places like L&L, Zippy's, Rainbows and others. Ala Moana Shopping Center (overrated) was a hangout for me back in the days (1970’s). My mother worked at Iida’s for over 35 years over there so I seen the gradual transformation to more of a tourist place. I absolutely don’t go there anymore and I don’t miss that Shopping Center at all, they ruin it for the Locals. I went there 1 time to get my Covid shot at Longs upstairs and that was the only time in over 20 years, I left right after I got my shot. Well the shave ice (hard to rate this one) is a local staple here in Hawaii, can’t think going without one! OK the Malasada is way overrated unless you like making a mess where you eat? I take a Zippy's glazed donut over a malasada and if the malasada gets cold, more worst and it don’t taste as good as a fresh one. Can’t handle all of the sugar crystals, almost eating sweet fine sand for Kailua Beach? Sorry I pass on the malasadas even though most of my family eats them. Waikiki is like Ala Moana Shopping Center (overrated), I avoid it like the plague. Too crowded and I just don’t feel as relaxed as I did hanging out there back in the late 60’s. Too many weird things going around if you look hard enough. 7-11(underrated) its the bomb for a fast fix on a snack, a little pricy but you don’t go there all the time. Go to a well-lit one at night, very good selection for almost any type of snack you want to get you over the munches. The lei stands are a hard one for me to decide on, don’t buy too many leis buy I do like seeing all those lei stands at the airport!.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing! Too bad it's so hard to get the senior discount at Zippy's.

[@crpond3699]

Zippy's... Korean BBQ 😁😍👍🏻yum!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Oh yes!

[@chrystland]

Zippy’s has the best fried chicken and chili. And I TOTALLY feel the same way on the malasadas.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad I'm not the only one who feels that way.

[@zzkeokizz]

I’ve climbed Diamond Head twice.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Zippys is first stop after getting off airplane, then beach. L&L not too bad either.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I used to get L&L from the airport on the way home. Regular Loco moco, all rice 😆

[@stevecheung4750]

Makapuu Light House Trail is more enjoyable than Diamond Head Trail. Last weekend we were there and watched humpback whales jumping out of water.

[@toshioikene8200]

My only disagreement is the Malasada, I like custard malasada without sugar. It's like a sweet sour flavor without all the sugar. But when I'm in the mood for malasada, brah, any kine is good so long as fresh(warm/hot). Cold Malasada, not so good. 8)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Agree. Cold malasada is not good.

[@flyinlow6692]

Zippy's? That is like when everything else is closed & or there's no other option. I remember when the one on S. King across from Times was the only location. It was actually good then. Just like Rainbow Drive in, it used to be really good back in the day.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, "Open Late" 😁

[@juanmiguel8574]

Ala Moana. All those damn condos around it now. Boo!

[@pkodani72]

You can get Malasadas without sugar. Just ask for NO sugar LOL

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Didn't know that 😆

[@Pixics]

Hawaii 7-11 probably has better food that the 7-11 in california.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Probably, but the 7-11 in Japan is ono

[@Critique808]

Me: malasadas + 15 minutes = rubber lol

[@letsexchangecansandbadadvi4245]

Most Zippys had a full Bakery!!

[@Lopezflies888]

Yeah that that bakery I definitely have to stay away from or I will get fat really easy

[@letsexchangecansandbadadvi4245]

@@Lopezflies888 i live in Aina Haina

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Napoleon Bakery is so good. Love the pumpkin pie.

[@letsexchangecansandbadadvi4245]

@@HelloFromHawaii Napoleon Bakery is really GREAT!! Cakes, pies , etc..they didnt miss a beat..they had it all!!!

[@paularam6735]

Got one. Why dont you do an 'essay' on the original Hawaii'ns. I grew up in Aotearoa (AKA New Zealand) and played football (with no ball) with the Maoris. Visting Hawaii, I felt really sorry for the native Polynesians. They are losing their culture to Americanisms and becoming too urbanised. Eating the wrong foods an some are getting too overweight. The Maori can sing but I have never learnt if the Hawaiians can.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great suggestion. I'll have to see what I can come up with on this topic.

[@paularam6735]

With me seeing the Polynesians with my own eyes and in contrast with the Māori and chuck in the American influence I did not care for what I observed. Most “natives” affected by the “yankee” land grab fared badly in the mainland. The Māori went to war in New Zealand, neither won!!

[@JohnnyCashBack5X]

If anything, Rainbow is overrated. Their mixed plate is huge for what you pay, but I didn't enjoy the food there like I did at other places. I feel like they sacrificed their quality for quantity.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Rainbow Drive Inn?

[@JohnnyCashBack5X]

@@HelloFromHawaii Yeah, I meant Rainbow Drive Inn. For whatever reason, I never enjoyed their food as much as I did with the food from Sugoi or Kahai Street Kitchen.

[@patrickrichardson4765]

Ok - if you think "Malasadas" are overrated I am thinking you might need to give up your "local" status! Always part of our first stop when we fly home. My dad indoctrinated my kids. So first it's Hawaiian food, then beach and then Leonard's! Broke da mouth. The malasadas never make it out of the parking lot.

[@ronw8628]

..... and how many malasada stores are there on Oahu island?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😁

[@LettuceJuice]

Underrated and overrated beaches!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great suggestion

[@AtTheHeartOfItALL]

zippys is over rated; my gf had pieces of glass in her food during COVID from the Waipio location.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😮

[@nujxad]

Malasadas over rated?.? Aaa cmon. You’re finding anything like that in the mainland

[@HelloFromHawaii]

There must be something like that at a country fair, right?

[@nujxad]

@@HelloFromHawaii I haven't found anything. On the east coast though. Malasadas are amazing.

[@liliaalesan8201]

Zippys are OVERATED AND OVERPRICED. Food nothing special to talk about. But the cakes are good. Save your money and support your other local small business restaurants!

[@Longe]

Zippy's so OVERRATED! I have not eaten there in at least 5 years & would never eat there again, if I have my say. The food is so plain. Local, plate lunch places mo bettah! I've lived in the aina 39 years & doubt I have eaten at Zippy's 10 times.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

No Zip Pac? 😂

[@Longe]

@@HelloFromHawaii None. Boddah you? 🤣

[@divedudeocean9927]

dude u say the word "Like" wayyyyyy to much. good video though bro

[@shaka-surf]

Zippy's is overrated for sure.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Why do you think so?