I finally ate at JR Rockers. It was so fast. We went with a group of 5 at Noon on a Monday. I ordered the Rockadilla (a cheese quesadilla with onions). Within 10 minutes we had our food. It was a great, quick meal in a fun atmoshphere. I can’t wait to try out all the restaurants on Joint Base! and next time I’ll take pictures đ
On Monday October 8, we said bye to one of our bloggers. Melissa is no longer with MWR Marketing. Good Luck at your new job…look for a new blogger in the next month! Thanks for reading.
By: Helen Ko
As the clock reached Noon, my stomach was yelling for some sustenance. Since Fatburger had recently opened their doors at Pearl Harbor, we decided to try out the popular mainland burger chain– the first Fatburger restaurant on the island. The crowd was heavy, but no long lines in sight.
Our menu included: Turkey Burger, Vanilla Milkshake and a Grilled Chicken Sandwich. They were both moist and juicy and boasts alot of flavor. Go in and try their burgers today. They are located in the Liberty Center at Beeman’s, the old Burger King location.
Artifact at the Hawaii Heritage Center
With Hawaiiâs unique cultural diversity right in your back yard, it is easy to discover different parts of the island from neighborhood to neighborhood. ITT offers a variety of local tours — the Chinatown Food and Historic Tour being one of them. On this walking tour discover the intriguing history of Honoluluâs Chinatown as you sample Chinese treats along the way. This unique walking tour explores historical buildings, open markets, Chinese-style bakeries and more.
I went on this tour for the first time in August and learned a lot about Chinatown that I didn’t already know. This tour is offered once a month and departs from the Hickam ITT office.  A quick 15-minute bus ride and we ended up in the heart of downtown Honolulu where we begin your adventure. The first stop was the Hawaii Heritage Center. We discovered artifacts and exhibits that trace back to the early days of Chinese ancestry in Hawaii. After looking around we were given a 30-minute brief of the Chinatown history before we met up with your guide and departed on the walking tour.
Enjoying char siu pork, a Chinese barbecued pork, at one of the many restaurants on the tour.
Not every tour is alike, but generally the sites youâll see include:
A worker at Char Hung Sut Manapua Factory making fresh manapua.
After all the walking, we ended the day with a delicious and traditional Dim Sum lunch at Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant. Youâll be able to eat many of the traditional Chinese dishes, such as char siu manapua, fried rice, beef and broccoli with cake noodle, sweet and sour pork, and much more!
The next available tour will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8:45 a.m. â 1:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children, which includes a round-trip shuttle from Hickam ITT, guided tour and Dim Sum lunch.
For more information call 448-2295 or any of our ITT offices or visit www.greatlifehawaii.com.
By: Helen Ko
After our thrilling experience from the Women’s Surfing class, I was eager to try out a different water adventure offered through Outdoor Recreation. Stand Up Paddle boarding has been gaining popularity on the mainland and here on the islands, so it was an easy decision for Emily and I.
Having just learned to stand up on a surfboard, standing and balancing on the board came fairly easy for us this time around. Our two instructors greeted us with a welcoming smile and started our class with the basics on the sand — from standing, properly holding and using the paddle, and how to maneuver yourself on the board.
After the quick brief, we headed into the water for a lesson on balancing and paddling in shallow waters. Everyone in the class caught on quickly so we eagerly strapped ourselves onto our boards and paddled out into the deep waters. With one instructor up front and one in the back to help guide those who couldn’t quite keep up with everyone in the class, like myself, it gave me a sense of relief that the instructors were there to assist you.
One of my challenges with SUP was paddling in a straight path, but balancing was something that I was able to catch on quick.
This is a one-hour class that takes you to Honeymoon Beach and back. This is something I would try again with friends who haven’t tried it. Perhaps after little practice in the near future, stand up paddleboarding will come to be a relaxing sport as people say it is. And with low gear rental fees at the Hickam Beach Shack, you can rent a SUP board all day at a minimal cost to perfect this water sport. If you’re interested in this great activity, call ODR a call at 449-5215 to book the class!
By: Emily McNulty
I woke up incredibly excited knowing I was going to tour Oahu and see all the spots IÂ hadnât yet been able to visit. Our first stop was the Diamond Head Lookout and Crater. Rodger, our tour guide, narrated from Hickam all the way there, by pointing out buildings and roads and giving us history of the base itself and Hawaii in general.
Diamond Head Crater…I can’t wait to climb it!
We stopped at the lookout to take some pictures and Rodger told us about the British soldiers who thought the calcite sparkled like diamonds, and that is how Diamond Head came to be named.
As the tour continued Rodger gave us more facts/history and quizzed us on random subjects. Hanauma Bay was next; itâs a gorgeous spot for snorkeling, laying out and more. Hanauma Bay is free to military and Hawaii residents. Â The Halona blowhole was our next stop, sadly the waves were small and we only saw the water through the lava tube once or twice.
Ryan and I climbed down here and it was gorgeous!
After a very tasty lunch at the Hawaii Kai Golf Course (included in the tour price), we arrived at the Makapuâu Lookout. Rodger explained about the rocks that had been stacked up over the wall. He said that he knows of a man who is very set on keeping the area a sacred ground. The view of sandy beach and the ocean was breathtaking.
It was beautiful! My husband and did the hike and loved it. I want to again after seeing this view.
Next we drove to the Kaneohe area to visit the Pali Lookout. This is the one I had been most looking forward too. The view is insane. You can see Kaneohe, the Marine Corps Base, the mountains and even the ocean in the far distance. And the wind is very intense, its something everyone who visits or lives in Hawaii needs to experience.
I loved that you could see the MCBH and the ocean and mountains!
The tour also included visiting Punchbowl National Cemetery, King Kamehameha statute and the Kahala Neighborhood. If you want to view the island and not have to worry about driving yourself, sign up for the Oahu Highlightâs Tour and sit back and relax as Rodger tells you about Oahu. I had a blast and I absolutely recommend it!
By: Melissa Heintz
The hula is an integral part of the Hawaiian culture and dates back to the ancient times. This type of dance is a form of storytelling. Many who have watched a hula performance notice the graceful hand movements, swaying hips and smiles on the faces of the dancers that seem so effortless. But before the performance comes the hard work and training that a hula dancer endures to bring that performance to life.
If youâre new to Hawaii and looking for a unique and cultural work out, Hula Fitness at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Fitness Center is a great place to start. This class is held every Monday morning from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. and teaches you basic hula dance moves with fitness moves incorporated into the routine, such as lunges and squats. Youâll also explore the art of Tahitian dancing, with fast hip movements that work your core. The class is 30 minutes of conditioning and 30 minutes of dance lesson, where youâll learn and practice a full-length hula.
I arrived at the class somewhat knowing what to expect. I have experience in a lot of styles of dance. I started ballet when I was three, took jazz and hip-hop throughout high school and was a part of my college dance team. The first time I danced hula and Tahitian was in my freshman year of college, when I participated in the Hawaii Clubâs annual luau, so I already knew the basic hula steps. You donât need to know this before taking the class. The steps are fairly simple to pick up, but my background in dance definitely made following along quite easy.
Here are some things that you can expect when arriving to this class.
‘Uli ‘ulis, a vibrant colored feather gourd rattle used in Hawaiian hula.
A hula dancer wearing a pareo and using puili sticks to enhance the rhythm of Hawaiian hula.
There were only women in this class, even though itâs open to all. Most of the ladies were regulars and they were so welcoming and friendly to myself and another newcomer. It truly shows the aloha spirit and âohana, meaning âfamilyâ in Hawaiian.
Our instructor was Frieda Chandler, but most of the students know her by her Hawaiian name, Kealohalani. She has danced hula since she was 2 ½ years old! She is also a certified group exercise instructor and fitness specialist for MWR, so she knew a lot about fitness as well as the art of hula dancing. Some students came up with their own Hawaiian name. My parents gave me the middle name Leilani, meaning “heavenly lei” or “royal child”. What Hawaiian name would you choose?
I showed up to the class with none of the materials listed above, but I was able to enjoy it nonetheless. The hula drills incorporated a lot of squats (my least favorite workout!) and abs. Also, holding your arms up for the entire length of a song really works your arms. The next day, I definitely felt it in my glutes, triceps and shoulders. Without these muscles being conditioned, you may be concentrating on the strain instead of dancing from the heart.
At the end of the conditioning, Kealohalani showed us the moves to the song âWhite Sandy Beachâ by Israel âIZâ Kamakawiwoâole. This song talks about his love for the island and the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. After the first few times going over the moves, she told us to stop concentrating so hard on the hand and footwork and to feel the song and dance from the heart. That is what hula is all about. It was the perfect way to end the class.
Classes cost $3 per class or you can buy a booklet of 10 tickets for $25. The price is inexpensive compared to other companies that charge for dance classes. Overall, I would recommend this class to those who are new to the island since this is an easy way to get familiarized with the dance and culture of Hawaii. There are not many group exercise classes that can give you a work out while you learn something thatâs both historic and cultural to the people of the islands.
First time ever surfing and I stood up! It was awesome!
By: Emily McNulty
When my husband told me we were set to PCS to Hawaii in December. I was beyond excited! Growing up in Southwest VA means all four seasons including super cold/harsh winters, mild springs, cool falls and HOT summers.
I instantly had two goals that I wanted to accomplish in our three years at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay.
1. Learn to surf
2. Get on Wheel of Fortune
Now the first goal I got too semi accomplish about two weeks ago. Helen (my co-worker and fellow blogger on we live great life Hawaii) and I took the Womenâs Only Surf Class at Hickam Marina through MWR Outdoor Recreation.
I was terrified but beyond excited. I didnât want to eat anything because my stomach was upset. My husband convinced me that surfing was going to be hard and I would need the energy and nourishment.
We arrived at 9 a.m. and met Les our instructor. He told us all about the history of surfing and all about the boards. I couldnât listen and kept thinking âI hope he doesnât ask questions after because all I can remember is what some of the parts of the boards are called.â
I loved the next part because every time you see a movie or show this is how they do it! They practice on land on the surfboard, practice paddling and pulling up to a standing position. I felt super goofy but was ready to practice in the bay.
I jumped in, attached the board to my ankle via the leash and paddled. I could paddle no problem, since I started swimming at the age of three. Then he showed us how to turn the surfboard around. Then it was time to paddle and try to pull up into a standing position. I could not master it and was started to worry that I wasnât going to catch a wave.
After several attempts that ended in me wiping out hardcore, we decided it was time to head out into the âLevel 1â area, which Les explained was for beginners.
The boat ride was fun; we got to see ships from RIMPAC, planes flying above us and the gorgeous mountains. Once we arrived it was time to jump off the boat, attach boards to our ankles and start paddling into the surf. A huge wave hit us and Helenâs surfboard flew into my upper arm (had a big bruise for almost tw weeksâŚlol only me)
Les stayed with us and helped by pushing our board to get momentum. I was not doing very well every time I got close to standing I wiped out. Then I had a couple waves in a row where I stood for 5-10 seconds and I was crazy excited. We surfed for a while then paddled back to the boat. Helen was exhausted and stayed in the boat.
I went back out and caught a couple more waves until my arms and legs felt like jelly. Paddling back to the boat a second time was brutal. Les had to keep pushing the board to help me.
When all was said and done, I came away with the bruise on my shoulder and killer rash burn on my arms, elbows, thighs, knees and toesâŚI highly recommend long sleeve rash guard and long board shortsâŚbut I also am super excited to try again!
By: Melissa Heintz
My first time rock climbing and I reached the top!
Some people may think that scaling walls is something that can only be achieved after being bitten by a radioactive spider. However, if youâve always wanted to take your Spider-man dreams to new heights, thereâs still hope!
I recently participated in the Indoor Rock Climbing activity with the Liberty Program. For those of you who arenât familiar with Liberty, it is a Navy program that is provided to active duty single sailors and geographic bachelors to keep them entertained while they are in port. The Navy uses the term âlibertyâ to describe the free time you have after work hours. Here at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, that privilege is extended to single active duty Airmen. Most of the activities are free or low-cost, which is a great way to get out and explore the island since so many attractions on Oâahu can cost a pretty penny. Plus, they provide free transportation to the events from the Liberty Centers, so you donât have to worry about gas or parking.
We ended up at Volcanic Rock Gym in Waipio where the owner and professional rock climber, Justin Ridgeley, got me settled in with the basics. I showed up in regular athletic clothes, and he suggests coming in something comfortable that you can move in. Jeans are probably not the best thing to wear. You can also wear your own shoes or rent rock climbing shoes (they give you better grip on the wall). I opted for the rock climbing shoes. They are meant to fig snugly, but my toes started to hurt after a while so I donât recommend wearing them for a long time.
There are different types of walls you can climb. They have a large top-out boulder with a generous roof overhang, as well as traversing walls and crack climbing. They also have a full bouldering cave and tunnel, with everything inside being totally climbable. These are climbable without a harness. Thatâs definitely Spider-man level! They also have a straight vertical rock wall, called a top-rope route, with a harness to keep you secure when you climb to the top. Since it was my first time climbing, I didnât want to take my chances without a harness, so I opted for this wall. Justin was belaying me so that if I fell, I wouldnât fall very far.
With his help I started following the optional paths, marked by colored tape, to the top. At the base, I felt confident in where I was placing my hands and feet. But the higher I climbed, the more adrenaline I felt. One wrong move could send me falling, but my goal was to make it to the top! With a little coaching and encouragement from Justin, he told me where to place my feet and which rocks to reach for, and before I knew it, I hit the top! The fun part was letting go and belaying back to the ground.
Thereâs something exhilarating about clinging to a rock wall while youâre 30 feet in the air. Every move you make is carefully calculated as one wrong move can send you plummeting to the ground (with your harness for safety of course!). I was so excited to reach the top and wanted to keep climbing. A new hobby perhaps? I can definitely see it happening. This is probably not the last of my rock climbing adventures!
Thanks for visiting our blog!
Our goal is to keep our readers informed of activities to do in Hawaii and events happening on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) available through Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) â from surfing and hiking to shopping and food, weâll participate in all things fun and exciting to share with our readers. By living âGreat Life Hawaiiâ, we hope to share our personal experiences with you to help you learn, grow and participate in everything we do!
Our contributors include Emily McNulty, Helen Ko and Melissa Heintz, who work in the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam MWR Marketing department as Publicists. For more information on the programs we participate in, click here to visit our main website.
Happy reading!
We Live Great Life Hawaii 
