Oahu sees over 4.7 million visitors annually. Add a topping of uni for the most decadent poke youve ever had. Luckily for us, most tourists don't go to art museums on a beach vacation. If you can swing by during lunch hours, you'll find a four-course menu (small plate, pasta, entre, and dessert) for just 48 euros. Address. Our Executive Chef Drew Parker adds his own creativity to the menu by collaborating with Chef Nico . After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. Ask the owners at Beer Lab for the best small-batch experiments that represent the citrusy flavors you'd expect in an island brew. Thats cred right there. Our local guides help you to make a choice. This way, you can easily bookmark this list for easy reference when traveling around the city. He knows when I hit dessert. Pillbox Hike. Whether youre a local or a tourist, these are the Honolulu restaurants you shouldnt miss. Really great article, so many good recs. Do not miss this spot. The highly respected group is heavily involved in graduate medical education through the University of Hawaii School of Medicine . The 4.5-mile Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is less than 20 minutes from the city and rewards those willing to make the trek with panoramic views of Honolulu, Waimanalo, and Konahuanui, the highest peak . Loco Moco is nothing but a traditional Hawaiian meal consisting of white rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy. And that demi-glace! just perfect. [$$], Splurging on steak dinner for two at Hys approaches the price of a flight to the West Coast, but its worth it for one of Honolulus best blowout meals. omg, it would be so great to go every year. The trail is not for the weak of heart, so make sure to pack plenty of water and good hiking shoes. From an alleyway izakaya serving DIY cotton candy to a takeout-only counter making incredibly fresh poke, here are Waikks best eating experiences off the beaten path. Dukes Waikiki is a local chain that specializes in macadamia-nut crusted ahi tuna, which is surprisingly great. (Theyre excellent.). This is a review for tuscan restaurants in Honolulu, HI: "While this spot is super touristy and feels like its the TGI Fridays or CheeseCake Factory of Waikiki its worthy of the wait. Think wild Irish rabbit, pt, ribeye, and oysters. 1. Though the business now includes five locations, a seat at the counter of the original Liliha on Kuakini Street is still the best move. I recommend making a reservation for brunch on a Sunday around 1 PM. A very sweet "little old lady" customer comes in on a particularly slow day. Today, Helenas is one of Honolulus most prized restaurants. Battle of the Fried Chicken Boxes: Raising Canes vs. EARL, Talk Kaimuk Has Coffee Drinks by Day, Cocktails at Night, Where to Find Mochi and Other Sweet Treats for Girls Day in Honolulu, Why We Eat Mochi and Display Dolls on Girls Day in Hawaii, February 2023: Our Top 3 Most-Viewed Posts About Oahus Food Scene, Photos: 2023 Best Dentists in Hawaii Reception, The Top 5 Whiskey Drinks to Order at ELEVEN, The HDS Tooth Fairy is Coming Back to Kakaako, A Locals Guide to an Oahu Road Trip: Wahiaw to Salt Lake, Spring Fashion Feature: Proud Hawaiian Model Mahina Florence Inspires Murals, 10 Local Ocean-Friendly Restaurants on Oahu to Try Now. Japanese value authenticity, he explained, so in order to build a chain of Aloha Table restaurants in Japan, his friend first needed a flagship in Waikk. Downstairs, Morimotos ramen and sake bar, Momosan, is a lesser-known, cheaper option for a fairly-priced, casual dinner. (E.g., 50% of all food between 5 and 6 PM, last we checked.). At night they operate this tiny takeout counter, where youll find impeccably fresh fish in poke and donburi, with most items under $15. People on all the major islands rent out their homes and condos throughout the year. Hi, Sharks Cove. [$], Its hard to find a more maximalist shave ice than halo halo from Magnolia, a chain from California known for its Filipino flavors. In fact, many people choose to make repeat visits. It is one of two beach parks that allow camping on Molokai, and the swimming can be extremely dangerous unless the ocean is completely flat and calm. A specials menu is pinned to wooden beer caddies plunked down in front of guests, advertising morsels like soft, simmered beef tendon; chewy, almost candied ray; and squid served from beak to forehead (likely the only time youll see forehead on a menu). Nearly 100 feet high and 450 feet deep, Kaneana Cave is said to be the place where the shark man was said to leave his victims until he was ready to eat them. We also love the quotations-bearing Fried Chicken (a play off of traditional Chinese pressed duck) and the gorgeously plated Ahi Poke Nachos. The vibe at Dukes is super casual, so its great for families and those eating on a budget. We recommend getting the excellent short rib or the Misoyaki butterfish as entrees. At lunch and dinner, many tables order kamameshi, iron pots of rice simmered with seafood such as crab or abalone (and in the fall, matsutake mushrooms). (Such is the resort experience in Waikiki!). Try one of the islands best acai bowls or the stellar loco moco. We love the crispy-skinned pork belly, the Brisket Pho French Dip sandwich with clams, and the seasonal King Salmon dish. The beach is an official turtle-breeding site, so the only guaranteed access is through volunteering with a turtle-monitoring program. The regular menu offers more familiar items, from ramen to tonkatsu, as well as imo mochi (potato-based cakes, crisp on the outside and chewy inside), a must for mochi lovers. 3. Usually, I don't eat at malls but this place was off by the parking lot and the long line of locals waiting to get in caught my . Simply put, its one of the tastiest places to eat Asian food on the island. What to Order: Mayan Bowl, Rainbow Country Burrito, Mexicali Blues, Yogi Bowl, Thai Tacos, or any of their fresh, delicious baked goods (gluten-free blueberry donut pictured above). 2. Love Hawaii? Between tourists from the hostel down the street and regulars who phone in their orders, at times its just Arango, empanadas crisping in the air-fryer, and you. Without further ado, here are 13 of the least touristy destinations youll find in Hawaii. The rare black sand beach is located on Kauais relatively undeveloped western shore and will absolutely enchant you. Moku Kitchen highlights Hawaiis Farming and Ranching scene, in yet another notable restaurant in the SALT at Our Kakaaka complex. Find cheap Xian 4 Star hotels with real guest reviews and ratings plus the lowest price guranteed by Trip.com! Both non-essential and business . Your email address will not be published. Uncushioned chairs. From an authentically Italian to a trendy vegetarian or even a traditional English cuisine. Inspired by the rich history of Pier 38, Upstairs at Pier 38 is a place to gather that encompasses locally caught seafood, sourced by the renowned Honolulu Fish Auction, featuring USDA Prime Steak. Made with handcrafted macadamia nut syrup and honey lilikoi (aka yellow passionfruit) foam, its easily the best cocktail on the island. If you love craft beers from light to dark, then this is your place. And most importantly, crispy fries. And the other day, someone called from JTB, a Japanese travel agency, and asked him to come downstairs with cakes for an elderly couple. The food is locally sourced, super fresh, and flavorful. In general, Mud Hen Water is walk-up friendly, as long as youre willing to sit at the bar or a high top. 7 > Aguaribay. The food menu includes an excellent poke bowl as well as Hawaii Island clams steamed in white wine. Thanks for the correction, weve updated the article! He cooked his way through Manhattan, Marthas Vineyard, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands before settling on Oahu, where he found the urban-beachy vibe of Waikk exactly to his liking. My wife and I serendipitously discovered Goma Tei while shopping at the Ala Moana Center. 1. Today, the bar serves some 2,000 Irish coffees per day. Beautifully written. Here, the icy treat includes eight different ingredients, including banana, sweet red bean, jackfruit, and coconut, all topped with a vibrant purple scoop of ube ice cream. !, The answer: Very good! This is a great place to stop for lunch in the busiest part of the city. Waialua Sugar Mill. Its shave ice. We also enjoyed dinner, but I preferred the breakfast. Valid for a consecutive 48-hour period of Hop-On Hop-Off use. That includes cliffs that fall into the ocean below, miles of sandy beaches, and more. My trip may become more food marathon than nature vacay. I'm a home cook, just like you, who particularly loves baking sourdough bread and dishing up modern, gluten-free food. Excellent comfort food and open 24/7. The restaurant is open from 7 AM to 2:30 PM and they dont take reservations. And the constant line of people is there to prove it. They also serve a Wagyu beef burger that is one of the best on Oahu. Its so, so good. Urban St. Augustine Florida View all. Need more affordable options? The restaurant offers a more formal space with just eight counter seats fronting the kitchen. Escaping cold and rain: The Breakfast Club. This has set the table for some really promising culinary innovations. Its banging. Haleiwa is the main town, with one road that takes you along the coast through surf country, the mountains, and ocean. Making Mental Health Cool. Or, opt for the Bag o Biscuits served with fresh honey butter. Required fields are marked *. Thank you! Their menu is feel-good healthy without being boring. Sit in a rocker overlooking the dolphin pool and enjoy a long, leisurely cocktail before dining. Brussels Restaurants. However, this is not usually the case at other Morimoto restaurants.). The desserts like the above-shown frozen lilikoi souffl are also wonderfully inventive. With an engaging staff and a family-friendly atmosphere, this restaurant is perfectly balanced. As a result, both food snobs and even the tackiest tourists love eating here. Not only is Camp Nou the home of Futbol Club Barcelona, one of the world's best and most famous football clubs, it's also the largest stadium in Europe with almost 100,000 . I'm visiting from SF for a week and want to know what to do in Kaui. Im a bit nervous about finding great things to eat and this made me hopeful! They pull up in their car and we pass the cakes through the car window. I'm bouncing off the wall for this one! Perhaps for these reasons, Azure is not very family-friendly. Guests test their dexterity in a variety of Hawaiian games, but the most exciting activity is the hukilau on . Dining at Azure is also a nice opportunity to wander through the Royal Hawaiians iconic property. Many of the areas best hidden restaurants are reminiscent of a different era in Waikks history or a different country entirely. We stayed on Waikiki Beach, and because its the main spot for tourists, I wasnt surprised to see chain restaurant after chain restaurant (think Cheesecake Factory, Benihana, Hard Rock Cafe) around that area. In 2020, for example, Honolulu's violent crime rate was lower than the national rate. No wonder Aloha Table is often booked, with lines snaking down the stairs at times. Been living here for 40 yrs. Related: An Insiders Guide to Oahu, Hawaii (25 Coolest Things to Do). 12 Best Party Resorts In Cuba - Updated 2023. At Christmastime he does this 10 or 15 times a day. (We also love the Brownie Bread at the Halekulani Bakery across the street, but thats a different story for another time. I ordered the Breakfast Congee, a slow simmered rice porridge withsoft poached local egg, greens, crispy bacon, tamari glaze, toasted spices + seeds. . From an authentically Italian to a trendy vegetarian or even a traditional English cuisine. Goofy Cafe & Dine:A strange name, a hidden location, but so worth finding. Traveling Better. Source: Photo by Flickr user Steve Bozak used under CC BY 2.0. Hawaii is on my list so Ill be bookmarking these places <3 xoxo. (You see them all over the North Shore and lining several streets in downtown Honolulu). Thank you for taking the time to write this post. support by foodie digital House Without A Key is a Waikiki staple that even locals go to when they want to watch the sunset over drinks. Amazing. More paper lanterns. A big customer still is Mr. Rodbys wife, OCallaghan says. And it totally hit the spot!4. Ditch the Mai Tai; Try the Beer. 4. Local Gems: The Best Places To Eat In Oahu. Goofy Cafe & Dine: A strange name, a hidden location, but so worth finding. We love the Kiawe Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs and the Ahi Kale Salad. Save. Cotton & Rye. Thank u for the suggestion on our trip to OahuWe will definitely enjoy our trip thereThank u again, Dont let a Hawaiian catch you calling it shaved ice. Monkeypod Kitchen in Ko Olina is another Peter Merriman restaurant great for families, cocktail lovers, and people who want to experience classic farm-to-table and ocean-to-table food on Oahu. 5. They presented him with an album of sortsphotos of them with OCallaghan at his farmers market booth in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. If you're going to the more densely populated islands, steer clear of the major cities.. Of course, you can't really avoid tourists i. Shore Time, Filipino Restaurant Doha, Qatar Close to Souq Waqif.Delicious food at non tourist prices, with many restaurants and shops close. Aloha, you may want to update your article. I have done an eating vacation in Hawaii, in Hilo for a week! Ignoring the orchid garnishes and violently hued Blue Hawaii and Lava Flow cocktails around me, I dig in. Located in upcountry Maui at a high elevation, the forest is a little colder than most of the island, bringing a welcome refuge from Hawaiis typical weather. Take advantage of this opportunity to join a world-class team of providers working top-of-license at the only transplant center in the entire state. 515 N Kuakini St, Honolulu, HI 96817 . I just think that the restaurant will soon become a touristy one. exclusive member of mediavine food. These are the 10 Best, Most Unique Restaurants on Maui. The bad food has also infiltrated the Quarter. Owner Eric De Mendonca, known for his role on Terrace House: Aloha State, serves siphon coffee brewed exclusively from Hawaii-grown beans. 2. The building at 424 Walina St. isnt a storefront; its OCallaghans home office. Fifty years after the first Happy Cake came out of the kitchen at Kemoo Farms in Wahiaw, its OCallaghan who keeps the tradition going. Go to San Lorenzo. Either way, the excellent, hipster fare at Mud Hen Water is worth the hassle. In 2021, for instance, Honolulu had 11 homicides. We built our flagship in Waikk, the website proclaims, to impart the food and culture of the real Hawaii.. 12 Things Hawaii Is Famous For. But even when traveling, I know that 90% of the time there are several choices on every menu that are naturally gluten-free. I researched, made a plan, and ate my way through! Today, there are dozens of Roys around the islands and on the mainland. Theres indoor and outdoor seating at their Waikiki location, and a convenient second location near Matsumotos Shave Ice in Haleiwa, on the North Shore. For the best morning brunch experience, I recommend going here after hiking Koko Crater. Open in Google Maps. Zigu Tommasi Rafal, Rib-eye steak . Yes. The team behind Monkeypod Kitchen and Merrimans (above) have done it again. Accordingly, youll likely see its picture in every thread about the best restaurants in Honolulu. Either way, all of the skillets are popular. Also, around 5:30 PM each night, live ukelele musicians begin playing a long set accompanied by a professional hula dancer, who usually performs just after sunset. (And perfect for photographing.). The good news is that most of the crime in Honolulu is of a non-violent nature. And their enthusiasm hasnt abated since. On an ideal day, youll get a nice trade wind breeze. Additionally, Quimet d'Horta is famous for their large selection of ciabatta sandwiches. But never mind authenticity, Im here for the loco moco ($19). Definitely try the vegetable curry and lasagna to take full advantage of your visit. Alan Wong has permanently closed. Conveniently located in Waikiki, the tourist center of Honolulu. But while the bigger kitchen lets him dish up such specials as arroz con pollo and Cuban-style pulled pork, it doesnt allow for the easy chitchat of his one-man trailer. We recommend sharing one of their pizzas as an appetizer; if youre going to get Hawaiian pizza in Hawaii, this is the place to do it. Go here around 5 or 6 PM for happy hour and live music. Hawaii will officially welcome tourists back on Nov. 1 after asking visitors to stay away for weeks, the state's governor said on Tuesday, according to reports. It's one of the best cities for a girls . She orders Happy Cakes at holiday time, makes sure all her friends get a Happy Cake. In the early mornings, the restaurant serves a traditional Japanese breakfast teishoku (set meal) of broiled fish, rice, pickles, and natto. Great post Amanda! Lanai Island is considered the least touristy of all of the Hawaiian islands, having only a couple of small places to stay when you visit. will keep you full and satisfied all day. (Unfortunately, Waikiki is a difficult place to eat out if you have something like a gluten allergy.). Delicious traditional dishes, a friendly atmsosphere, and very . You go in the gate, and in front of the house theres a table. Menya is located close to Waikk, and it's only a block away from the Ala Moana Center. It is believed that food made with love and passion is the best! Then and now. For dessert, try their famous fluffy coconut cake, another local favorite. Yummm. Though Kahana Bay Beach Park is found off the highway, the remote location on Oahu's northern windward coast makes this a secluded spot perfect for a beach day. Its fairly priced with huge portions. This gorgeous place is one of the. We love this, Kohala Mountain Road, Kohala Mountain Rd, Waimea, HI, USA, Found in the center of Oahu, youll feel as though youve entered the pages of a fairy tale at the picturesque Wahiawa Botanical Garden. This is my favorite restaurant on Oahu that I come to about once a week. (Think of it as Hawaiis answer to Indian saag.) Today, the restaurant is known for its squid luau, a classic Hawaiian dish made from luau leaves, coconut milk, calamari, and butter. It worked: Aloha Tables Japanese website lists about 20 Aloha Tables in Japan, four in South Korea and a slew of other Hawaii-themed restaurants serving malassadas, beer, barbecue and something called Hawaiian-Mexican food. The non-touristy restaurant offers the best handmade kinds of pasta in Newyork. Portions are huge and the flavors are generous and bountiful, reflective of the islands fusion-immigrant culture. Duke's is one of few Waikiki restaurants that sit right on the beach, and worth the visit! Oahu Travel Guide and Activity Book for Kids - Charlotte Payne 2021-05-25 I'm Amanda, founder and creator of Heartbeet Kitchen. The signature burger features Makaweli beef, Big Island wild boar, Portuguese sausage, cheese, tomato, and bacon jam. Piggy Smalls also does local originals like Pacific Rim-inspired chicken and waffles and Truffle Katsu Burgers. From the unique bar program and small plates menu to the chefs counter, Im surprised and delighted at every simple-sounding menu item which belies unique twists and precise technique. The pier was once an important location for whaling ships that came into port during the 19th century, and while the pier isnt original, you will still find people using the pier for fishing and crabbing. thank you so much for this tip and your local insight! We celebrated National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17), with a round up of our top picks for the best hikes on the Island. Youll find the Punchbowl Coffee truck sitting between a rental car parking lot and walk-up apartment building. Giovannis Shrimp Truck: Garlic.Scampi.Shrimp and rice. Validity period starts at first use. The portions here are generous as far as Waikiki goes, but that doesnt mean they skimp on quality. Easily one of the, Kahana Bay Beach Park, 52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717, USA, Weve talked about Mauis brilliant Redwood trail, and the enchanting Bamboo forest, but the gorgeous Makawao Forest offers some incredible hiking on the Kahakapao Trail where you will see wild Koa, young Redwood trees, Raspberry bushes, Eucalyptus varieties, and fragrant Ginger plants. Touristy: Camp Nou. This, McBryde Garden, 4425 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA, You will be surprised to find very few people on this stunning beach, which is the longest white sand beach throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Tender pork belly fired on skewers. As a result, the dress code is pretty lax. I've been to Maui and Oahu, but I'm looking. Rome has a fabulous gay culture that is fun for all types of people. A portion goes to locals living on the Mainland and veterans who remember the cake from when they were stationed at Schofield Barracks. Our Waikk: King Tides, Beach Erosion and Water PollutionCan Waikk Be Saved? Quick and cheap bites: Brindisa. Thanks in advance! While Hawaiis most popular tourist destinations are visited for a reason, sometimes you want to get away from it all. Gorilla in the Cafe has closed. Top 9 Chinese Restaurants In Honolulu, Hawaii. Located in a working-class neighbourhood, Trattoria Alla Rampa is a popular lunch spot for the residents who live in this neighborhood. OPT FOR HALAU HULA VS A LUAU Luaus are one of the most popular things to do in Oahu, but they also can be mega touristy. Helenas Hawaiian Food: As you shouldnt judge a book by its cover, you shouldnt judge a restaurant by it either. Waikiki Beach is the premier surfing site in Oahu that made its debut in 1955. Must-visit restaurant:Louie Bossi. On Sundays, the crop of vendors moves to the Mililani Farmers' Market. Not my style, vacationing or not. But Waikk is still one of the best neighborhoods for eating in Hawaii if you know where to look. The Pig and The Lady has the best Bun Thit Nuong decorated beautifully with grilled pork, shrimps, fresh herbs and salad. We love the Burmese Salad and the creative Pho 75 (the signatures signature pho). With a little digging, I think I found several local restaurants hidden within those blocks (we walked a lot and used our Fitbit for tracking steps), and many of the others on my best places to eat in Oahu list were just a short drive away from where were staying. Be advised, however, that parking in Kaimuki can be tricky. 1. This gorgeous, slow paced area is all about the food trucks and roadside stands. Come as you are even after a day on the beach. Nashville, Tennessee. I sincerely hope all of them survive this crisis. Others offer a uniquely Hawaii experience, offering tastes and ambiance you cant find anywhere else. I miss it too! The half-moon empanadas ($3 each, four for $10) come out crunchy and piping hot. It offers elevated Hawaiian and New American menus in an urban refined atmosphere. You will, of course, oblige them because you're a nice and accommodating person - and, afterwards, you can all get some food at Los Mariscos. Mariposa has a beautiful lanai overlooking Ala Moana Beach inside the Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center. 5. Then, stay for pupus under the stars. Check out more at DukesWaikiki.com. Many of you asked for the Marinated Giant W, 13 years! No frills, working-class and all about the ramen? This is a seasonal thing, so definitely check whether or not this is available when you get there (they come through every summer). Come for sunset around 5:30 PM and be sure to order the signature sticky ribs as an appetizer; the duck caesar salad is also great. 1. Its super popular with locals looking to get elevated New American eats with a view of the harbor. Book discount 4 star hotels in Xian Gaoling District! I can see it now. Suggest for shrimp Guieb cafe either in Kalihi or Wahiawa. Clean, breezy studio overlooking the ocean & Diamond Head. And of course Matsumoto Shaved Ice the BEST! Which Hawaiian island has the most tourists? Whole grilled shishamo fish that, spritzed with lime and dipped in Kewpie, disappears in three bites. My vote is Sam Choy's (on Nimitz).. - Population: 63,063 - Median home value: $334,300 (71% own) - Median rent: $1,325 (29% rent) - Median household income: $104,281. Other menu items include milk tea with coffee jelly and a take on affogato, featuring loads of whipped cream atop a vanilla ice cream pop plunged into coffee. Zigu, which means, eat local in Japanese, advertises its fare as authentic Japanese cuisine inspired by Hawaiis fresh local ingredients., 413 Seaside Ave., (808) 212-9252,zigu.us. , Thank you for the update! The service is reliably good and families love it. 2301 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Piggy Smalls, as the excellent pun entails, is all about good pork. View Website Earn 3X Points. Island Vintage applies the same level of detail to its casual, second-floor wine bar, where guests can serve themselves from 40 bottles in one-, three-, or five-ounce pours. Approach the Russian takoyaki with caution one ball in each order is loaded with a spicy surprise but youll forgive the servers for any trickery when they hand you a tiny cup of sugar to spin your own cotton candy on your way out. If you want an unforgettable (maybe a little forgettable) vacation, head to Nashville. Waikks Heavenly and Goofy Caf & Dine are on the list as well. The location, first: Its down a narrow alley that doesnt promise much. Yuya Yamanaka, previously the sous chef at Clown Bar in Paris, offers a quarterly tasting menu that fuses French techniques with local classic dishes, from poke to poi. Cheap and delicious: Padella. Honolulu Tourism Honolulu Hotels Honolulu Bed and Breakfast Honolulu Vacation Rentals Honolulu Packages Flights to Honolulu Honolulu Restaurants Made with avocado, charred corn, spinach, local goat cheese and served with greens + brown rice.