Author: Malia Yoshioka

Malia Yoshioka is a freelance food and travel writer from Hawaii, slowly eating her way around the world and currently based in Istanbul. Born and raised in beautiful Upcountry Maui, she created Shoyu Sugar to share her hometown favorites with visitors and kama’aina alike. Consider this your insider guide to the best things to do, see and - most importantly - what to EAT in Hawaii and beyond!
· · · · ·

Things to Do in Honolulu: Spa Day at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

One of the benefits of living near the resorts and hotels of Waikiki is that we’ve got world-class spa facilities available to us when we’re up for a splurge. A great way to treat yourself is to book a spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  The Mandara Spa Experience Check…

· · · · · ·

A Day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

One of the main attractions of Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I grew up in the shadow of another volcano, the dormant Haleakala on Maui, but it was so exciting to see the active volcanoes on the Big Island. These mountains are sacred and…

· · ·

Kama’aina Deal: Polynesian Cultural Center Ohana Club

UPDATE (2024): You can find details of the Ohana Club program which is the current package of discounts available to Hawaii residents. Note that the Ohana club is free to join and you’ll receive lifetime membership for signing up, including various offers and discounts (proof of Hawaii residency required – you’ll need to upload it…

· · ·

Insider Tip: Hawaii Foodies Love Social Media

When I travel, I find myself turning more and more often to social media to help me get recommendations from locals on a town’s hot spots, best dishes, and up and coming chefs. Sites like Yelp and Foodspotting and their companion smartphone apps are extremely valuable for food-lovers and diners in Honolulu have embraced them…