Lifestyle

Team Wong Hawaii Gives Thanks: Holiday Recipe Video & Our Community Contest Results

https://youtube.com/watch?v=cikzRrFt8Ns%3Fsi%3D6zsIU8OivNcGcEES

A Season of Gratitude

As Thanksgiving arrives, our hearts are full of appreciation for everyone who has supported, trusted, and cheered us on this year. Whether we helped you find a new home, shared a laugh at a community event, or connected through our mailers — you’re part of what makes this season so meaningful to us.

We’re grateful not just for the work we do, but for the relationships we’ve built along the way.


Try This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe at Home

Below is the full recipe from our video so you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

  • 1 can (425g) pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp (45g) vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg, room temp
  • 1 tbsp (15g) vanilla extract or bean paste
  • ½ cup (120g) sour cream or greek yogurt
  • 1 ⅔ cup (210g) all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) cinnamon
  • ¾ tsp (3.75g) pumpkin spice
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5 baking loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, crack an egg, add brown and granulated sugar, mix until a smooth paste forms. Add butter and oil. Mix until combined. Add in vanilla. Mix well. Add pumpkin puree and sour cream. Mix until fully combined (1-2 mins).

In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. All purpose flour, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt.

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet batter. Fold in the chocolate chips (reserving some to sprinkle on top). Mix until the batter is just combined (do not over mix).

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf and bake for 70-75 mins or until the toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool, cut and enjoy!


Answers from Team Wong Fun Facts Matching Game 🎉

Team Wong Hawaii Group Photo

Thank you to everyone who participated inour Fun Facts Matching Game! Here are the correct answers. 

Turned orange as a baby from eating too much carrots – Ciena Alagao

All family members start with K – Kainoa “KJ” Harrison

Currently training for a marathon – Shaun Kanoho

Secretly a master cake baker – Michelle Love

Has snowboarded in 3 different countries – Michael Wong

Have seen sunrise from the top of Mt. Fuji – Ray Smith

Believes in eating ice cream for breakfast – Corinda Wong

Congratulations to the Winners


Our Kailua Favorites

We wanted our prizes to highlight what we love most about Kailua – its amazing locally owned businesss that put heart into evereything they do. 

Faria Hawaiʻi (Kailua) — Chef-owned, family-run Pasifika-Portuguese kitchen
Faria is led by chef-owner Kawehi Haug. They are a family-style team that brought Oʻahu its first dedicated Portuguese restaurant in decades. Opened early this year (2025) on Kuʻulei Rd., Faria leans into “Pasifika-Portuguese” flavors and a true family-run service model (parents and hānai cousins pitch in daily), which is exactly why it’s described as soulful, heritage cooking. We’ve dined at Faria a few times now with family and friends, and every visit feels like stepping into a Portuguese grandma’s home — where you’re about to be served a comforting, home-cooked meal made with love. The food is absolutely delicious — from their hearty Portuguese Bean Soup and warm, house-made bread basket to the flavorful Vinha D’alhos and tender Alcatra pot roast. And of course, you can’t leave without trying one of their desserts — they’re all incredible! If you’re searching “best Portuguese food Oʻahu” or “Kailua date-night,” this is the spot.

The Food Company Restaurant & Catering (Enchanted Lake, Kailua)
The Food Company is locally owned by Brenda Tanaka, who has been at the helm for over 30 years (operating since the early 1990s). The Food Company has been one of our go-to spots in Kailua for years — especially when we’re craving true local comfort food. Their portions are generous, their flavors are spot on, and the staff always make you feel like part of the family. Especially Tia who runs the front and remembers everyone’s name. Some of our favorite plates include the mochiko “hotya” chicken, shoyu chicken, and loco moco — all cooked with that unmistakable “local style” taste you can’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a takeout dinner, or catering for a family gathering, The Food Company never disappoints.

Please Come Again Ice Cream (Kailua)
Opened in late 2024, owners Kyle and Josephine (Jo) Wai Lin make small-batch, locally sourced ice cream with playful island flavors (often featuring collaborators like Mānoa Chocolate and local farms). Please Come Again Ice Cream has quickly become one of our favorite sweet stops in Kailua. Every flavor they make feels creative and handcrafted with aloha — from local-inspired classics to fun seasonal creations. We love that they use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and that you can really taste the care that goes into every scoop. It’s the perfect place to cool off after a beach day, grab dessert with family, or just treat yourself to something made right here in Kailua. If you’re Googling “Kailua ice cream” or. “local flavors,” PCA’s seasonal rotations and collabs make it a must-try.


Wrapping up with Gratitude

As we gather around the table this season, we’re reminded that Thanksgiving isn’t just about food — it’s about connection, gratitude, and the people who make life brighter. From our family to yours, we wish you a warm, joyful holiday filled with laughter and love.


Whats Next?

Here are few ways you can stay connected with us this holiday season. 

  1. Schedule a call or appointment – Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just exploring options, we’d love to chat.
  2. Watch more videos – Follow along on social for new recipes, local highlights, and real estate updates.
  3. Join our email list – Be the first to hear about giveaways, events, and upcoming listings!
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