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Top 8 Places to Eat Spam in Hawaii

Top 8 Places to Eat Spam in Hawaii

Of all the US’s peculiar food proclivities, Hawaii’s love of Spam might be the strangest.

Like many US food love stories, Spam’s origin is based on historic scarcity.

During WWII, the Hawaiian islands were occupied by tens of thousands of soldiers. Spam, a blend of pork with water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite, had a hefty shelf life and was used as a provision until the end of the war.

Even when the war ended, Spam remained focal in local food culture. Affordable, long-lasting, and easy to cook, Spam became a staple across the islands.

Today, you can eat Spam in Hawaii on the Big Island, Oahu, and Kauai, at chains and mom-and-pop restaurants alike.

And if you’re heading to Honolulu or close by, you absolutely need to try the state’s most iconic dish. Don’t worry, you won’t be eating it from a can.

What does Spam taste like? And how is it prepared?

Spam is usually billed as a salty blend between bologna and ham with a texture of the former. If you’re a fan of processed meats, you’ll love the salty pork flavors. Spam also has a slightly higher sugar content than similar products, which means it caramelizes beautifully with a crusty exterior and tender interior.

Spam can be prepared in just about any way imaginable. In Hawaii, you’ll notice it’s used often in fried rice dishes and as Spam musubi. Musubi is a small oval of rice with fried spam on top and wrapped in seaweed, which stems from Hawaii’s extensive Japanese culinary influences.

That being said, feel free to eat Spam in Hawaii however it calls out to you. I’d probably go for the musubi—it looks really good.

Best places to eat spam in Hawaii

Below, I’m listing out the best places on each island to sample Spam dishes. But know that you can find similar options on menus from island-wide chains like Zippy’s, L&L Barbecue, and McDonald’s.

Where to eat Spam on the Big Island

Café 100 (Hilo)

This famous institution has been around since 1946—meaning they’ve been around since Spam first hit shelves on the Big Island. Enjoy pure Spam fanfare with dishes like the grilled Spam burger or the Loco Moco, a famous dish made of rice, eggs, and topped with hamburger and brown gravy. In this case, the Spam is substituted for the hamburger.

Hilo Town Tavern (Hilo)

Just like Café 100, Hilo Town Tavern specializes in Spam dishes—and they’re usually on sale during the ‘pau hana’ or happy hour. Sample beloved dishes like Spam fries or substitute your burger with a Spam patty.

Iyasume Musubi (Waikiki)

As mentioned above, musubi is a popular way to eat Spam. At Musubi Café Iyasume, you’ll get a master class in this simple dish made from rice, seaweed, and Spam. As a fan of sushi, this would probably be my first stop on the hunt for great Spam, as you can order one musubi to try it out while also sampling other hits from the menu.

Where to eat Spam on Maui

Da Kitchen (Kihei)

Go early if you want a seat at Da Kitchen. This casual eatery is beloved by locals and visitors alike, serving up Hawaiian favorites like teriyaki and katsu. But don’t miss out on the Spam musubi. It’s a crowd favorite.

Tasty Crust (Wailuku)

Tasty Crust specializes in breakfast dishes, especially its famous pancakes. You can order up a traditional Hawaiian breakfast that comes with two large eggs and a portion of meat—including Spam, of course. You can also order Spam as a side dish with another breakfast order.

Star Noodle (Lahaina)

This famous and upscale restaurant is a passion project that focuses on Eastern and local flavors. You can sample unique dishes like star udon, adobo ribs, and—the star of the show—local saimin noodles with Spam. I’d also go for their ‘stars’, which are sort of like musubi and come with crispy pork belly, wagyu, and more.

Where to eat Spam on Kauai

Kountry Kitchen (Kapaa)

This institution has been serving up delicious breakfast plates and lunch meals since 1975. As with many other old-school Hawaiian restaurants, Spam is still featured on the menu. You can create your own omelet with Spam or order it as a side dish. I’m sure the staff have a few spare suggestions if you’re not sure which option to go with.

Mark’s Place (Lihue)

This no-frills restaurant serves up delicious seafood and meat dishes, from hamburger steaks to teriyaki beef. Though you can’t order Spam as a main, you can order Spam musubi as a side.

Inside the US’s Potential New Travel Ban—What Does it Mean for Travelers?

Over the last week, news of a possible travel ban has hit headlines.

The potential ban includes a list of 43 countries divided into three tiers based on potential security threats. All recommendations come from the POTUS cabinet, but the final list hasn’t yet been finalized.

So, what does the travel ban actually mean? And will it have any impact on your upcoming trips when it’s finalized? Let’s dig in.

What is the travel ban?

Here’s the gist of the travel ban: the US wants to limit the number of tourist and student visas in certain countries that may pose a security threat. That means the travel ban would affect non-Americans coming into the country.

The only ‘reverse travel ban’ in which the US doesn’t allow its citizens to visit is placed on North Korea.

Officially, countries end up on the list because ‘vetting and screening information is so deficient’, meaning that the State Department can’t reasonably ensure that any nationals entering the US aren’t a security threat. But some countries have ended up on the list in a roundabout fashion; though its citizens might not pose a threat, the country might still accept nationals from other banned nations.

Currently, State Department regional bureaus are reviewing the list of 43 countries before they will be finalized on Friday, March 21.

Which countries are on the travel ban list?

The travel ban list includes three tiers: ‘red’ countries in which citizens are entirely banned from visiting the US, ‘orange’ countries where citizens are limited from entering, and ‘yellow’ countries that must improve their security policies or face being placed on the orange or red lists.

  • The red list includes Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.
  • The orange list includes Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Turkmenistan.
  • The yellow list includes 22 countries from Africa and the Caribbean, including Angola, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Zimbabwe, and more.

Will the travel ban impact upcoming trips for Americans?

Aside from barring you from entering North Korea, the proposed travel ban won’t have a major impact on American travelers. Instead, it’s likely to complicate travel into the US for citizens with partners, families, and friends who were planning on visiting, immigrating, or accessing higher education in the country.

I’d also like to point out that I’ve traveled to some of the countries listed and know many people who are from the countries facing travel bans. I’ve traveled to Cuba, for example, a country on the red list. I was welcomed by locals and treated fairly by every official I met during my week-long trip.

I also have friends who are Syrian, Iranian, Venezuelan, Russian, Belarussian, and Cameroonian; I doubt any of them would ever pose a national security threat if they chose to visit the US.

My point is this: don’t let the travel ban keep you from exploring the world or supporting foreign travelers who want to explore the US. Remember, the list is based on a country’s ability to screen its citizens thoroughly before they apply for a visa to visit or study in the US, not whether or not a country is safe.

If you’re worried about whether or not a country is safe to visit, check out the Department of State’s travel advisories page. And don’t forget—the US sometimes ends up on travel advisory lists, too. Clumping entire countries into rigid categories isn’t always an accurate reflection of what you’ll experience there when traveling.

How to Explore Sites & Activities from FX’s Shogun in Japan

In 2024, Shogun took American audiences by storm.

The historical drama follows one of the most bloody and intriguing periods in Japanese history: an era of feudal power grabs and political moves, known as the Edo period.

The Japanese-language series is based on the 1975 novel of the same name, which follows a shipwrecked Englishman as he attempts to navigate a complex world under a powerful feudal lord.

Though fictional, Shogun is based on actual feudal practices and traditions from Japan’s iconic period of samurai warriors. Most importantly, the series is set in real locations that you can still experience in Japan today. Even characters, events, and plot twists are closely based on real-life figures from the era.

While most tourists in Japan are focused on the hyper-modern marvels of Tokyo, there’s another world waiting just below the neon lights—one that will transport you to the feudal world of the 1500s as depicted in Shogun.

Want a Shogun guide for your next trip to Japan? Here’s what you can’t miss in terms of famous locations from the series, along with the best samurai-themed activities in Osaka.

Important places from Shogun that you can visit (aside from Osaka)

Best Shogun-themed things to do in Osaka

With a handful of highly rated city tours available, you can get out and explore Osaka at your own pace. Some tours are also tailored toward your specific interests, so be sure to mention your love of Shogun. I recommend starting with the tours listed below.

8 of the Coolest American Music Venues Worth Traveling For

What makes the perfect music venue?

My partner would probably argue that sound quality is top of the list. I’d probably argue that having enough room to dance (and enough bathroom stalls) is more important.

Other friends would probably bring up things like the crowd’s vibe, the performance, the layout and design of the venue, and overall value.

Regardless, we’d all agree on one thing: atmosphere plays a huge role in a successful concert. There should be a feeling of connection between the crowd, the performers, and the space.

Unsurprisingly, some venues are better geared toward promoting that sense of atmosphere and connection.

To bring you the very best in American music venues, I’m kicking off the list with suggestions from Johnny Swim, a breakout country folk duo (Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez) from Los Angeles.

According to Johnny Swim’s latest interview backstage at the Ryman, travel has regularly inspired their music by taking them out of their comfort zone and pushing them toward new creative endeavors.

From busking sessions on Paris’s famous Lover’s Bridge to exploring and performing in India, Johnny Swim knows a thing or two about what makes a great venue and a great travel experience.

According Sudano and Ramirez, the venue should feel ‘alive’.

You’ve probably already heard of their two favorite venues to play at: Red Rocks in Colorado and Cat’s Cradle in North Carolina. (If you haven’t, keep reading.)

Starting with these two larger-than-life venues where Johnny Swim has spellbound thousands of listeners, I’m counting down other can’t-miss American music venues that are worth traveling for.

American music venues worth traveling for

Red Rocks Amphitheater (Morrison, CO)

Red rocks after sunrise (Getty)

If you’ve somehow missed out on arguably the US’s most famous music venue, let me catch you up in one short sentence: a massive amphitheater sits between two massive, red-hued sandstone monoliths and holds close to 10,000 spectators.

While it probably sounds like an imaginative new endeavor, the first construction on Red Rocks was completed back in 1906, which makes this a historic stop, as well.

Even if you’re only passing through, it’s still worth a visit—no wild performances needed.

Cat’s Cradle (Carrboro, NC)

Photo of Cat’s Cradles unassuming exterior circa 2008 (Courtesy of Yelp)

Compared to the grand, godly stage of Red Rocks, Cat’s Cradle looks like little more than a shabby, storied hole in the wall. But let’s not forget what Johnny Swim taught us about great venues: they’re alive.

In other words, you don’t need an over-the-top display at every venue. A passionate crowd in an intimate setting might also do the trick.

Cat’s Cradle can only hold 750 people in its larger room, but it’s hosted some of the greatest names in American music history, from Nirvana to The Smashing Pumpkins to Iggy Pop. Again, no monoliths necessary.

Sphere (Las Vegas, NV)

Sphere At Las Vegas In Nevada United States (Getty)

I can’t decide if I’d have a panic attack or a paradigm shift seeing a live show at the Sphere. In terms of American music venues, it doesn’t get any more modern.

It almost feels like too much of a spectacle with its high-tech video and audio capabilities. (Seriously, it uses something called wave field synthesis, which sounds a little techy for the Phish concerts it’s been hosting.)

Regardless, if I had the chance to see one of my favorite artists perform at the Sphere, I’d pay top dollar to fly and stay in Las Vegas for the big event.

The Bell House (New York City, NY)

View of the back bar, a separate event space in The Bell House (Courtesy of Yelp)

New York City isn’t short on great music venues. Off the top of my head, I’d highly recommend you visit Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn Mirage, and House of Yes.

But the Bell House, located in Gowanus, Brooklyn, has a much cooler and more intimate feel. You can catch concerts, along with theatrical performances and experimental shows. In fact, I highly recommend anyone heading to New York City take a quick look at the lineup when you’re in town.

Meow Wolf (Santa Fe, NM)

The Meow Wolf tourist attraction (Getty)

If you’ve been to Santa Fe before, you’ve likely heard of Meow Wolf. Even if you’ve visited their immersive art museum in the city, you might still have questions.

Meow Wolf is an arts collective that creates unique, layered installations designed to take you on a wild ride of vivid introspection. Their unique spaces also host concerts—and none are quite as famous as Meow Wolf’s concert venue in Santa Fe.

The Caverns (Pelham, TN)

Madeline Edwards performs at The Caverns on April 14, 2024 in Pelham, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

If you like spelunking, you’ll love the caverns. This gorgeous destination is a hotspot for outdoor adventurists and music fans alike.

Just like the name hints, this venue is located underground in a cavern that’s three football fields long. If you’re passing through and there’s no big event scheduled, you can also take a tour during the daytime where you’ll learn about geology, local legends, and history.

Waikiki Shell (Honolulu, HI)

The Waikiki Shell during the 2008 Kokua Festival on April 19, 2008 in Honolulu. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

This unique venue doesn’t look like much from the outside looking in—just a shell-shaped half-dome set in front of a grassy lawn. But do you need much else?

The inner amphitheater seats close to 2,500 spectators, while another 6,000 can gather on the lawn. The magic here is in the lighting. Though the shell doesn’t look too impressive in the daylight, it’s a grand spectacle when lit at night.

The Fabulous Fox (Saint Louis, MO)

Courtesy of the The Fabulous Fox Theatre

Spoiler alert: my high school graduation was inside the Fabulous Fox, so I’m a little biased. That being said, this gorgeous venue dates back to the 1930s, making it one of the most storied American music venues on this list.

Much of its original details have been preserved or restored over time, meaning this stately venue almost feels like walking into a time capsule. There’s a veritable smorgasbord of details for you to fall in love with.

Despite its elegant interior, the Fabulous Fox hosts all types of performances—including techno, rock, and more. 

Boulder By Yourself: 11 Things to Do in Boulder as a Solo Traveler

Only around 30 miles apart, Denver and Boulder are often clumped together as two of Colorado’s largest cities.

As the capital, Denver is much larger and more densely populated. It’s home to shopping malls, museums, fancy resort-hotels, and major league sports teams. Though smaller, Boulder offers a comparable experience in the way of outdoor activities, nightlife, culture, and vibrant social scenes. (Thank its college town ways for that.)

In fact, solo travelers stacking up these two cities might actually prefer to take on Boulder over the big city.

Whether preparing to delve into the Rockies or just looking for a great outdoor adventure, Boulder has everything you need for a comfortable yet exciting stay. Best of all for solo travelers, locals are friendly, whether lending a helping hand or pointing you toward another great attraction.

In fact, if you’re heading to Boulder as a solo traveler, you might find that there’s more to do than originally expected. Ready to take on The People’s Republic of Boulder? Here’s what to do.

Best things to do in Boulder: short list

  • Eat and drink here: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, Blackbelly Market, and Santo
  • Explore these sites: Museum of Boulder & Boulder Farmers Market
  • Join the fun with these activities: Pearl Street Mall, Twenty Ninth Street Mall, and Horseback Riding Lessons
  • Get out into nature here: Chautauqua Trailhead, Flatirons, or join a hiking group

11 things to do in Boulder as a solo traveler

Eat and drink here: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, Blackbelly Market, and Santo

(Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

The most important restaurant to visit in Boulder is the Dushanbe Teahouse, which opened its doors back in 1987. The teahouse was created by hand as a gift from artisans in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan and Boulder’s sister city.

Today, you can order tea while drooling over the gorgeous details that layer the interior. In terms of dining, I suggest checking out Blackbelly Market and Santo.

Blackbelly Market is an upscale American restaurant that has a few surprises in store for you—plus, vegetarian options. Santo is a Tex-Mex establishment whose head chef has roots in Taos. Think: comfort food that hits the mark with every single bite.

Explore these sites: Museum of Boulder & Boulder Farmers Market

Andrés Better, 21, works at the humble fungus tent of the Boulder Farmers Market in Boulder, Colorado (Photo by Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The Museum of Boulder focuses strongly on history. With over 45,000 historical artifacts in its collection, this isn’t your average history museum. Not only can you delve into the city’s long and storied past, but you also have access to state and even national historical information.

If history really isn’t your thing, get more hands-on at the Boulder Farmers Market. I know—farmers’ markets aren’t the flashiest thing to do. However, it’s a great way to get to know the city as a solo traveler, while also putting you into direct contact with locals who can give you suggestions on where to eat next.

Join the fun with these activities: Pearl Street Mall, Twenty Ninth Street Mall, and Horseback Riding Lessons

Pearl Street Mall, Boulder (Getty)

Some solo travelers like to soak up their alone time, while others enjoy connecting with new friends.

For more solitary solo travelers, I suggest heading to the Pearl Street Mall, a massive outdoor promenade with cute boutiques and large chains. There’s also the Twenty Ninth Street Mall, which is smaller but just as adorable.

Lastly, consider scheduling a horseback riding lesson. Boulder is a perfect place to sample more country activities like horseback riding without fully leaving the city behind. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny—equestrianism is pricey, especially in Colorado.

Get out into nature here: Chautauqua Trailhead, Flatirons, or join a tour/hiking group

Trail at dusk in Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Colorado (Getty)

If you’ve got plans to get into the mountains, the best way to do so is via the Chautauqua Trailhead, which is a popular starting point for hikes that lead up into the Flatirons.

The Chautauqua Trail is a 1.2-loop-mile hike that’s perfect for solo travelers who don’t have much (or any) mountaineering experience.

However, I’d probably join a hiking group or another adventure group on Meetup. There’s a hiking trip for everyone, including options based on age, intensity level, location, time of day, and more.

Inside Look at the OTT Features from the World’s Best Airport: Doha Hamad

Every year, Skytrax ranks the world’s best airports, which are based on passenger and customer reviews from the 2023-24 World Airport Survey.

The survey has been around since 1999 when the first airport customer satisfaction surveys were created. The goal of the survey is to rate and assess customer service and facilities at major airports around the world. Today, upwards of 500 international airports are studied and ranked.

In other words, Skytraxx’s final annual rankings are judged by passengers from over 100 countries around the world. It’s a people’s choice award, in other words.

So, which airport came out ahead based on 2023 and 2024’s ratings? (Drumroll, please…)

Skytraxx listed Doha Hamad as the No. 1 international airport of 2025.

(In second place is Singapore Changi, followed by Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Paris CDG, Dubai, Munich, Zurich, and Istanbul.)

Where is Doha Hamad, you might be asking? And what catapulted this airport to the top of the list? Let’s dive into the craziest features and experiences from the world’s best airport.

Welcome to the world’s best airport

Doha Hamad is the main hub of Qatar Airways. Doha is the capital of Qatar; you might remember the city thanks to its recent FIFA World Cup hosting duties.

In 2024, the airport served over 50 million passengers, marking a huge increase from 2023. It’s also a sign that Doha Hamad is gaining popularity from both airlines that are eager to land and passengers who want a layover at the airport.

The big question is—what kinds of features does Doha Hamad have that other heavyweights like Changi and Incheon don’t?

The most OTT features at Doha Hamad International Airport

The Orchard

Massive glass dome and elevated walkway above indoor garden at the Orchard at Doha’s Hamad International Airport (Getty)

One of Doha Hamad’s most popular features is its interior garden, called The Orchard. The gorgeous tropical gardens were directly inspired by the butterfly garden and waterfall at Singapore Changi Airport—but it’s a little more impactful in the Middle East.

You’ll feel like you’re walking through the tropics of Malaysia or Thailand while also having views of the Middle East’s warm-hued desert outside. It’s home to over 25,000 unique plants from around the world, along with 300 trees.

(Ultra) Luxury shopping

People walk past a Louis Vuitton store in Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar (Getty)

Similar to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar has a thing for luxury shopping and duty-free sections. Even at the airport, you can find some of the world’s most opulent brands, from Bulgari to Hermes to Dior to Louis Vuitton.

Notably, there’s also a FIFA store—and I’m sure there are some cool pieces of merchandising from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

An accessible spa—and other ways to unwind

Interior of Hamad International Airport Terminal (Getty)

The Be Relax Shower & Spa lets you unwind at your own pace with two locations. One is focused on basic spa services, such as facials, manis, pedis, and chair massages. The second is more comprehensive, offering shower rentals, table massages, facials, manis, and pedis.

Even if you don’t want to pay for a shower or a spa service, you can head to one of Doha Hamad’s free quiet rooms. They’re lined with comfortable, reclining chairs so that you can rest, read, or simply have a nap without sprawling across a dirty airport floor.

Taking things even further, you can also pay for a sleep ‘n fly lounge. It gives you access to a private room with a bed and a bathroom, including a shower.

Full gym & pool—including a golf simulator

The duty-free hall at the Doha International Airport (Getty)

Doha Hamad International Airport is home to the Oryx Airport Hotel just in case the sleep ‘n fly lounge doesn’t cut it. However, the real magic of the Oryx is its full-scale gym, which passengers can access for a fee.

This state-of-the-art gym includes all the workout equipment necessary for any type of routine. But it’s a lot more than a sterile room with high-tech equipment.

Oryx’s Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre also includes a 25-meter swimming pool that offers panoramic views of the airport. There’s also a squash court and a golf simulator, in case you want to get in some practice.

There’s also a full-service spa that offers high-end treatments like deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy, and more.