What’s up world?! One thing the cousins and I love to do when we get together is enjoy good food; and even better through SUPPORTING LOCAL! Food is more than nourishment that our body needs. In Hawai’i it means so much more; it also symbolizes love. When local families gather, potlucks are the norm not only so the host doesn’t bear all the weight of feeding a party of 30+ but more of quantity and variety that makes everyone happy to gather, catch up and appreciate all day long. Sometimes family come before midday and leave late into the night. If they don’t want to drive home, they can stay over til’ the morning!
Since moving back home I’ve been hosting NYE and my cousin Resah hosts Thanksgiving. Christmas is usually when we celebrate separately with our own little familes, but food, fun and laughter has been a long running tradition. It all started with our Family Queen, Nana Sally (my mom’s mom). I kid you not when I say her 4ft 6in self used to play with 6-8 cards when we had family Bingo nights! She took the game so seriously and we loved just laughing and winning a bunch of coins piled on the middle of the table. There was always an abundance of food, laughter and great company with our ohana and to this day we still try to carry on the tradition! The rule that everyone knows by now is that NO ONE can go home until Haze wins once!! 🤣 🤣 Sore loser but it’s all in fun… NOT! 😜 I’m the same person who eventually banned Scrabble at my house back in Texas because I ALWAYS wanted to win. 🥴
I digress ha ha…
The most successful restaurants on the island recognize that taste and hospitality reigns! I have to mention that one of my faves is Irie Jerk. They have a Marine Corps Base location, one in downtown and a food truck as well. I go weekly or sometimes more if I have cravings😃, and I love their juices too! The owners and staff are great and the food is onolicious! I love spicy food and that it is!! Show your support and check them out! SHOUT OUT TO KADEEN, MADDIE & STAFF! Thanks for feeding me and all that island hospitality. 💗 😉
In Texas, I was most loyal to one restaurant in particular that had great live music, food and island hospitality. My favorite was in Arlington, Texas where I went to college and eventually bought a home. I enjoyed it so much that I celebrated my birthday there twice lol. Shout out to Jamaica Gates!
My blog will feature local restaurants and eateries I’ll bring attention to and for my readers to enjoy and support. Stay tuned for more to come!
ALOHA and XO!!
Sunkissed Haze
Pics: Irie Jerk Restaurant food & staff (Owners on featured image)
Last two pics: Celebrating birthdays at JA Gates with General Mgr
sunkissedhaze.com 
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