Here are a few recommendations for Oahu for dining, shopping and activities.
DINING
88 Piikoi Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
A
very clean and cute 24 hour coffee shop that has free wifi. Besides
coffee drinks they also serve a light menu ranging from breakfast, lunch
and dinner.
It is located at the bottom of the Hawaiiki condo off Piikoi Street. It is a great hideaway and different from your regular Starbucks.
Parking is limited, so best if you park across the street at the mall.
Parking is limited, so best if you park across the street at the mall.
762 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96813
Very reasonably priced Japanese food and fresh sushi. They also have many
specials
of the day including abalone sashimi and other delicacies including
your everyday tempura, teriyaki, katsu, udon etc… Ask the waiter for daily specials. Good place for to bring kids as they have booths to sit at. It is a popular place, so reservations are recommended.Valet parking in front of the restaurant.
1417 S King St
Honolulu, HI 96814
For
the ultimate Japanese meal or omakase meal which roughly translates to
"it's up to you". There is no menu per se. You eat what the chef prepares. It is quite an experience and all positive, just a bit pricey. Average tab per person
is $150-$250 per person not including drinks. Basically they find the freshest seafood and prepare it in a variety of style, mostly sushi but there’s also lobster, abalone etc… The chef prepares each one a little bit differently, some already has sauce on top, others you can dip with soy sauce. The chef suggest you eat each sushi with one bite. Each of the sushi or sashimi items are prepared individually. Check it out on Yelp first for photos and recommendations because it isn’t for everyone, but if you love authentic Japanese food it is awesome!
1133 N Nimitz Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96817
The place was featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" on Food Network.
Daily specials - fresh fish or seafood that Chef Nico prepares by putting his own spin to it.
Furikake seared ahi is a very popular item. You can get it rare, medium rare etc... Furikake is a mixture of shredded seaweed and sesame, and it comes with rice and side of macaroni salad or you can opt for salad. It is one of the most popular items that they have.
Honolulu, HI 96817
The place was featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" on Food Network.
Daily specials - fresh fish or seafood that Chef Nico prepares by putting his own spin to it.
Furikake seared ahi is a very popular item. You can get it rare, medium rare etc... Furikake is a mixture of shredded seaweed and sesame, and it comes with rice and side of macaroni salad or you can opt for salad. It is one of the most popular items that they have.
However,
I personally think they have the best fish and chips. The fries is
nothing to write home about, but the battered fish is really thick and
juicy and they give you two generous pieces of fish with a side of
tartar sauce. Sooo good!
1286 Kalani Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
They have really good teriyaki garlic chicken. A local hang out spot. You can build your own bento box here.
1225 Hopaka St
Honolulu, HI 96814
Another local favorite is Side Street Inn - its not an inn, but a restaurant. Very popular with the locals. Food that sticks to your ribs. LOL.
You may have seen it on Anthony Bordain's "no reservations" show....but I found out about it years ago. It is near an alley way and off Pi'ikoi. The decor is nothing to rave about. However, people come here for the food. They are famous for their pork chop, ahi poke, yaki soba noodles, and spicy fried chicken (not super spicy) - all are pretty tasty. Also famous is the kim chee fried rice, but I'm not a fan of it. Famous local chefs like Alan Wong or Sam Choy sometimes come in late at night to chill.
You may have seen it on Anthony Bordain's "no reservations" show....but I found out about it years ago. It is near an alley way and off Pi'ikoi. The decor is nothing to rave about. However, people come here for the food. They are famous for their pork chop, ahi poke, yaki soba noodles, and spicy fried chicken (not super spicy) - all are pretty tasty. Also famous is the kim chee fried rice, but I'm not a fan of it. Famous local chefs like Alan Wong or Sam Choy sometimes come in late at night to chill.
Alan Wong and Sam Choy are the local chefs – they both have restaurants on the island. Their cuisine is categorized as fusion. I actually find them a bit over priced for what it is worth. However, Alan Wong has a great place located at Ala Moana mall that is reasonably price called the Pineapple Room located in Macys (I know…very odd location), but it is hidden near the upstairs women’s clothing section.
A perfect location for lunch if you guys end up shopping at Ala Moana mall and want a nice lunch.
ICHIRIKI JAPANESE NABE RESTAURANT
510 Piikoi St.
Honolulu, HI 96814
This is located not too far from Kissaten, and it is a specialized Japanese "hot pot" place. It is a cozy place where if you want some soup and comfort food Japanese style.
You usually pick a broth and then assorted vegetables and meats. I suggest getting their “Pirikara” Spicy Nabe which comes with Chinese Cabbage, Enoki, Shiitake Mushrooms, Tofu, Kuzukiri, Abura Age, Chives, Gobo, Beef or Pork, Scallop, and their homemade Tsukune pork/chicken Meatballs. Served with rice.
You get a pot of hot soup and then you get to cook the meats and vegetables at your leisure.
Lunch if less expensive. It averages out to be $30 per person assuming you order a drink for dinner. If you are a late night owl and you come after 9:30 pm, the price goes down to $11.95.
Leonard's Malasadas
933 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
Malasadas are basically these Portuguese style donuts without a hole. There is an option to have your malasada sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon sugar, and the option to have no filling or to have it filled with chocolate or custard.
These aren't just "another donut" and if you got a sweet tooth, these are a must try. A warm cinnamon sugar malasada hot from the fryer is like melt in your mouth goodness. Mmm...
A
beautiful hotel which I believe use to be one of the princess' summer
residence. Located on the Veranda, the porch area the Moana Surfrider
serves a lovely afternoon tea. A choice of tea, then they serve tea sandwiches, scones, petit fours and you get to enjoy the beautiful view of Waikiki. If that’s to fru fru, then just head down the steps and have a Blue Hawaiian or Mai Tai near the famous huge Banyan tree. Local musicians play in the afternoon.
The
Hale Koa hotel in Waikiki caters to military personnel. I think you
have to be in the service or was a service person in order to make
reservations at this hotel. The nice thing is that with the military
discount this hotel is perfectly situated in Waikiki beach but away from
the hustle and bustle of the main area. It is a short walk from the
Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel.
Their Barefoot Bar is a great place to get a mai tai and enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sunset and enjoy the local musicians who play around sunset. This is a nice place to to have drinks and relax because it is far away enough from the busy crowds of Waikiki. You can actually relax and hear the person next to you without having to yell. In the afternoon they have local musicians who play music.
Their Barefoot Bar is a great place to get a mai tai and enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sunset and enjoy the local musicians who play around sunset. This is a nice place to to have drinks and relax because it is far away enough from the busy crowds of Waikiki. You can actually relax and hear the person next to you without having to yell. In the afternoon they have local musicians who play music.
Boots & Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen
119 Hekili St
Kailua, HI 96734
(808) 263-7929
Very
popular with the tourist and there is often a long wait. Prices are
reasonable and they are famous for their banana pancake and macadamia
nut syrup, however, you will find out that a lot of places serves this
item.
To be honest, I went there and didn't think it was all that great and not worth the 30 minute plus wait, but I thought I would include it since it is a popular spot.
To be honest, I went there and didn't think it was all that great and not worth the 30 minute plus wait, but I thought I would include it since it is a popular spot.
1414 Dillingham Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96817
If you feel like having a good breakfast without the usual tourist crowd, the Original Pancake House off Dillingham is a good option. They have your usual breakfast items along with the local favorites of the macadamia pancakes, Portuguese sausage and if you don't mind waiting 15 minutes or so, they have this item called Dutch Baby which is this light and eggy pancake with lemon and powder sugar. Service is friendly and the prices are reasonable.
Hy's Hawaii
2440 Kuhio Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
If you feel like having fine dining or celebrating a special occassion while you are in Hawaii, Hy's Steakhouse is a popular choice. Service is attentive and the dark wood and dim lighting is perfect for a romantic dinner. Great steaks and seafood options. Desserts are very popular with the table side preparation of cherries jubilee and banana fosters.
Many locations around the island.
Zippy's is another local place that is found around the island. It is their version of Denny’s in a way but with a Hawaiian kick to it. Menu has lots of choices. You can get your "plate lunch" here. Get their "zip pac" to try a little bit of everything. Their chili over rice is tasty - not your spicy type of chili but still good.
Next door to most Zippy's is their bakery called Napoleons. Try their chiffon cake – very light and airy and not too sweet. They come in orange and guava
and maybe another flavor. Another popular item are their apple napple – their version of apple strudel.
Zippy's is another local place that is found around the island. It is their version of Denny’s in a way but with a Hawaiian kick to it. Menu has lots of choices. You can get your "plate lunch" here. Get their "zip pac" to try a little bit of everything. Their chili over rice is tasty - not your spicy type of chili but still good.
Next door to most Zippy's is their bakery called Napoleons. Try their chiffon cake – very light and airy and not too sweet. They come in orange and guava
and maybe another flavor. Another popular item are their apple napple – their version of apple strudel.
SHOPPING!
Ala Moana Shopping Center
An open air shopping center that includes regular stuff like GAP, Macys and Sears to luxury brands, along with some of the local brands you can't find on the Mainland.
A cute store to browse thru if you like a lightweight handbag or luggage is LeSportsac - their themes constantly change. The unique thing about this store and the other ones on Hawaii is that certain prints are only available in Hawaii and Guam, but no where else. For a bargain, go towards the back of the store for sales which are often older themed items, but the quality is the same.
An open air shopping center that includes regular stuff like GAP, Macys and Sears to luxury brands, along with some of the local brands you can't find on the Mainland.
A cute store to browse thru if you like a lightweight handbag or luggage is LeSportsac - their themes constantly change. The unique thing about this store and the other ones on Hawaii is that certain prints are only available in Hawaii and Guam, but no where else. For a bargain, go towards the back of the store for sales which are often older themed items, but the quality is the same.
After
some shopping you may want to enjoy a nice cocktail after a long day of
shopping, head up to the 4th floor of the mall to the Mai Tai Bar.
It is a very open area, there's a nice breeze, and a few plasma tv
showing the latest sports game. I suggest getting a "lava flow" -
basically it is a strawberry daiquiri mixed with a pina colada...a
little strawberry and some coconut. They serve the drink with a pretty
purple orchid. Get a "pupu" platter which is an appetizer plate with a
variety of items. At night, the Mai Tai bar gets packed and is turned
into a club like place.
Near the Mai Tai Bar are California Pizza Kitchen, Bubba Gump Shrimp and Macaroni Grill.
However, you’re at the mall and craving a burger go to the Islands Fine Burgers- located behind the Mai Tai Bar.
If
you plan on bringing home gifts from Hawaii - Hawaiian mac nuts and
kona coffee are of course popular, but also check out the Honolulu Cookie Company (pineapple
shaped shortbread. They provide tons of samples, so you can try them
out before purchasing). There is actually a HonoluluCookie Company
kiosk in the food court and a few more stores down in the main Waikiki
hotel areas.
Another store that’s cool to check out is Shirokiya – located on the Macy’s side of the mall. It’s a two story Japanese store, first floor is mainly jewelry and makeup stuff. Go upstairs, and its a mecca of Japanese bento boxes. There is often food demonstration going on and the food is fresh and tasty. I like to sometimes grab a bento box and have it for lunch. However, trying to find a spot to sit can be challenging at peak hours.
Lin's Hawaiian Snacks
401 Kamake'e St.
Honolulu, HI 96814
Here you will find Hawaiian style snacks which is a medley of Chinese, Japanese and American style snacks located all in one place. From dried fruit, nuts, candies and Hawaiian style candy.
Crack Seed are often cherry, ginger or lemon that has been preserved and are sweet and tangy.
Japanese rice crackers called arare are also very popular.
I think they also sell their stuff at the Aloha Stadium.
Luxury Row
Located on Kalakaua Avenue, it is Hawaii's version of "Rodeo Drive." Here you will find Gucci, YSL, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, etc...
No doubt kinda fun to browse, but nothing you probably haven't seen before at other high end shopping districts. The bonus is that the sales tax in Hawaii is 4% so you save on the sales tax.
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
Also located on Kalakaua Ave, it offers over 100 shops, but some stores are repeated at the Ala Moana mall. If you are in a shopping mode, I suppose it is worth looking as there are some boutiques unique to the area.
Walmart
700 Keeaumoku St
Honolulu, HI 96814
I know, I know, when you think of Hawaii, Walmart is not the place that comes to mind, however, they have the good prices for Hawaiian macadamia nuts, chocolates and coffee. It is also the best place to get your sundries items like suntan lotion, snacks, bottle water and also Hawaiian themed gifts (cups, leis,
calendars, etc...) at reasonable prices unlike the ABC stores.
As a tourist you will no doubt visit one of the many ABC stores located near and around Waikiki area because there is an ABC store on every block or sometimes two stores on one block. They are no doubt convenient, but you also pay a little bit more. So if you have a rental car I suggest stopping by Walmart first to pick up some bottled water, snacks and any beach items (beach mat, towel, floaters) you may need. If however, you end up find yourself going to ABC store, be sure to save your receipts. After spending $50 or $100 you can redeem for gifts.
Costco
525 Alakawa Street
Honolulu, HI
There are a few Costco on the island, but the one on Alakawa Street is probably the most convenient.
Depending if you plan on buying macadamia nuts/candy back, this is THE place to buy it because it is often the least expensive and the choices are great. The first few aisles will you will see mac nuts, Hawaiian candies, Kona coffee that is well packaged and perfect for gift giving. Great place to stock up on gifts to bring back.
Walk around and you will see Hawaiian themed clothing and perhaps the best kept secret is they have a "poke" stand. Poke pronounced "POH-keh" is Hawaiian style ceviche if you will - chopped fish or octopus that is mixed with seaweed, shoyu (soy sauce) or other sauces. My favorite is the "spicy poke" which is this creamy based spicy sauce and tuna pieces. At Costco, you get the best prices for what you get. They sell them by the pound, although I think they do sell by the half pound if you ask. You can ask for a sample before you purchase.
Lin's Lei Shop
1017 Maunakea St # A
Honolulu, HI 96817
Located in Hawaii's Chinatown are tons of flower shop that sells amazing lei's that you can't get on the Mainland. The variety of colors and the types of flowers are just stunning.
These handmade leis make amazing gifts, but you have to time it really well and you have to hand carry them if you plan to bring it back. I would purchase it the day before you go home, and put them in the hotel room's refrigerator and take it as part of your carry on.
You don't have to go to Lin's Lei shop, as there are many to choose from on Maunakea.
If
you’ve never been to Hawaii – one of the more popular spots is the
Polynesian Culture Center. A bit pricey per person, but if this is your
first time to Hawaii it may actually be worth it because it is a place
you get to see the various culture of the different islands and there
are many activities you can participate in.
Hawaiian Swap Meet aka Flea Market
Hawaiian Swap Meet aka Flea Market
The Hawaiian Swap Meet is open Wednesday / Saturday / Sunday from the morning till about 3 pm. Located at the Aloha Stadium, this is a popular place to browse for Hawaiian style clothing, souvenirs, shell necklaces, sometimes unique Hawaiian crafts, snacks and not to mention the 4 T-shirts for $20 deals. However, those t-shirt probably don't last too long as the screen prints are often poorly made.
Kailua Beach
If you want to spend a day on soft sand and beautiful view, definitely check out Kailua Beach which is located on the windward side of Oahu. Unlike the commercialized beaches of Waikiki and hustle and bustle, the natural beauty of Kailua beach is stunning and the sand is so soft. The water is warm and blue. Really picture perfect on an ideal day. You will also notice kayaks who are paddling near the island not too far from the beach.
Hanauma Bay
This is one of the best places to go snorkeling and actually see lots of fish and sometimes turtles. The beach is closed on Tuesday and there is a parking fee as you enter. Also, for tourist there is a mandatory "video" that you have to watch which basically tells you to not step on the coral and to not feed the fish. You can go with tour companies that pick you up to / from the hotel and Hanauma Bay and will also rent you snorkeling gear, but you plan on going by yourself be sure to pack a lunch if you plan on going here as there aren't too many places nearby to purchase food.
North Shore Ehukai Beach
The
waves in North Shore are bigger and you will see some surfers riding
the waves. It is very different from the calmer shores of Waikiki. A
surfers paradise!
66-087 Kamehameha Hwy.
Haleiwa, HI 96712
The
best place to get Hawaiian shave ice near the North Shore is
Matsumoto's. A perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Yes, there's always
a line it seems but locals and tourists come here. I think you can get
vanilla ice cream with your shave ice. It's nice to get something
cool on a warm day - but careful with the sugar rush.
One of the most famous landmarks in Oahu is Diamond Head crater. A morning hike up Diamond Head will give you a panoramic view of Waikiki beach and the surrounding area. Since Hawaii can get humid and hot, I suggest do it early in the morning. There are buses that get you to the bottom of the peak…then you can hike your way up. Bring water with you. And having done the hike, I suggest you wear sneakers instead of flip flops.
International Marketplace
Located in the middle of the Waikiki tourist area is the International Marketplace. They should really rename it to the Korean marketplace because 95% of the vendors are Korean ladies trying to sell you Hawaiian style jewelery who all claim they give you the best price. There are over 100 carts, shops and stand in this open aired shopping area.
Just outside the International Marketplace you will find the people with the parrots and also sidewalk entertainers.
My suggestion is to just walk through it to satisfy your curiosity, but really there isn't anything there you can't get elsewhere for cheaper.
Along with carts filled with gold and bling, there are also stands that sell lots of Hawaiian style clothing and bags. If you find buying some clothes from the vendors don't be shy and feel free to negotiate. At the minimum, most will wave the sales tax if you pay in cash or some will give you 10% off. However, for nicer Hawaiian shirts or dresses go to Macy's men's or woman's department, no doubt you will notice the quality is far superior.
Situated right outside the International Marketplace are street performers and there's always the guy with the parrots.
Waikiki Aquarium
Located at the end of Kalakaua and pass all the hotels is Kapiolani Park and near there is the Waikiki Aquarium. It isn't as amazing as the Monterey Bay Aquarium but still the exhibits are pretty neat and it focuses also on Hawaiian ocean creatures.
Farmer's Market
Located at Kapiolani Community College.
4303 Diamond Head Rd (Parking Lot C)
Saturdays from 7:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Definitely check this out if you have time and you are there on a Saturday. This is a wonderful farmer's market. There is no entrance fee for parking but there are tons of local stands to check out. You can definitely skip breakfast at the hotel and try the various foods that they serve. I forget the name of the stand that I had the best Hawaiian bread french toast. Along with flowers, vegetables, you will see some of the more unique stands such as the one that sells bbq abalone which usually has the longest line.
Have a great time!
Aloha!
