Second rate in Second City

For the past 10 years or so, I've listened to developers and planners talk about how Kapolei could be the epicenter of business and entertainment for Oahu. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against Kapolei, but there really isn't much of a comparison.

Un-Ka-mmonly good pizza

Ka is an easy, pleasant gem of a place to get a drink or pau hana bite after doing some shopping at Borders, Rainbowtique, Noa Noa or you name it.

Blast from the past

Now that I'm well entrenched in my 30s, it can be difficult at times to face the jarring realization that those of us who can remember Bell Biv DeVoe, Z.Cavaricci pants and Wonderphone aren't the freshest flowers in the bunch anymore.

A gem of a menu

A pau hana-time pit stop can provide a chance to decompress before going home, or it can a first stop en route to a concert or movie. For residents of Mililani, Ruby Tuesday Mililani is equally suited to coming or going. The restaurant has been a neighborhood landmark since it opened.

Past is present

I wish I could remember a lot more from my childhood. Most of it was spent in Mililani, and as the neighborhood has changed, many memories have vanished. I know I visited Waldo's Great Flying Pizza Co. on numerous occasions as a youngster.

Genius uncorked

The happy-hour drink specials at the Genius Lounge are great, but the biggest thrill about this buzzworthy hangout is the location itself. Genius is the kind of place that makes you think, "Why didn't I know about this already?" And then, "How soon can I come back?"

Art of the 'craft'

It was a pretty odd sight, watching a ragtag bunch of people milling about just before 5:30 p.m. last week in an alley off Koko Head Avenue in Kaimuki.

Nightlife in Waipio

Living in central Oahu is great. I love that it gets cool at night, that the schools in the area are solid and that the neighborhoods are mostly clean and well kept. But I've always thought that the Mililani/Waipio area lacks options for drinks and/or late night food.

Striking a balance

Sometimes you're looking for a happy hour spot that's more classy than trashy -- a place where you can bring your team from work to decompress with pupu and drinks without having to worry about pau hana regulars getting too happy with their buckets of beer and complimentary karaoke.

Renovations boost Honolulu hideaway

Ichiriki Loft has just completed renovations to increase its food service capabilities, but the key attractions of the second-floor hideaway remain intact.