Guidebook for Honolulu
Food Scene
Great for takeout! Our favorites include seafood cake noodle and honey walnut shrimp.
Aina Haina Chop Suey
820 W Hind DrGreat for takeout! Our favorites include seafood cake noodle and honey walnut shrimp.
Ignore the lack of fanciness...this place has the best plate lunch on the island! Plan to grab it and take it with you to the beach.
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North Shore Grinds
1429 10th AveIgnore the lack of fanciness...this place has the best plate lunch on the island! Plan to grab it and take it with you to the beach.
Grab some excellent Shave Ice here. They make their own syrups and they are amazing! Each lunch at North Shore Grinds next store and finish it off here, or eat some Shave Ice here while you wait for their delicious Pork Belly.
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Your Kitchen
1423 10th AveGrab some excellent Shave Ice here. They make their own syrups and they are amazing! Each lunch at North Shore Grinds next store and finish it off here, or eat some Shave Ice here while you wait for their delicious Pork Belly.
This is our favorite restaurant to celebrate big life events. From birthdays to anniversaries we always have a reservation at Alan Wong's. It is worth the splurge. Remember to make a reservation ahead of time. My favorite is the Lobster Lasagna. It isn't always on the menu, but if you ask for it they can usually whip it up for you.
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Alan Wong's Honolulu
1857 S King StThis is our favorite restaurant to celebrate big life events. From birthdays to anniversaries we always have a reservation at Alan Wong's. It is worth the splurge. Remember to make a reservation ahead of time. My favorite is the Lobster Lasagna. It isn't always on the menu, but if you ask for it they can usually whip it up for you.
Located right up the street in the ‘Āna Haina Shopping Center, this is a great place for some fresh Pho. Eat in or grab it and take it back to your unit to enjoy.
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Mama Pho
820 W Hind DrLocated right up the street in the ‘Āna Haina Shopping Center, this is a great place for some fresh Pho. Eat in or grab it and take it back to your unit to enjoy.
This is a great homestyle breakfast/brunch restaurant located right in the ‘Āina Haina Shopping Center. We recommend getting there early if you're eating on the weekends because it can get busy and there are no reservations.
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Jack's Restaurant
820 W Hind DrThis is a great homestyle breakfast/brunch restaurant located right in the ‘Āina Haina Shopping Center. We recommend getting there early if you're eating on the weekends because it can get busy and there are no reservations.
Try some mouth watering Red Velvet Pancakes and Macadamia Nut Cinnamon Rolls. For larger groups you can make reservations in advance, otherwise expect a wait, especially on weekends. It will be worth every minute of it, trust me! When you're finished, head Kailua Beach Park for excellent views and great access to the water.
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Cinnamon's
315 Uluniu StTry some mouth watering Red Velvet Pancakes and Macadamia Nut Cinnamon Rolls. For larger groups you can make reservations in advance, otherwise expect a wait, especially on weekends. It will be worth every minute of it, trust me! When you're finished, head Kailua Beach Park for excellent views and great access to the water.
If you've never have a malasada, or even if you have, you better stop here and grab a piping hot one at Pipeline Bakeshop. We think these are the best on the island (even better than Leonard's Bakery). In addition you can pair it with freshly made ice cream if you stop by in the afternoon or evening. Be sure to watch their hours. They aren't usually open on Monday or Tuesday.
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Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery
3632 Waialae AveIf you've never have a malasada, or even if you have, you better stop here and grab a piping hot one at Pipeline Bakeshop. We think these are the best on the island (even better than Leonard's Bakery). In addition you can pair it with freshly made ice cream if you stop by in the afternoon or evening. Be sure to watch their hours. They aren't usually open on Monday or Tuesday.
While it is all the way on the other side of the island, a trip to Makahiki at the Aulani Disney Resort is worth it if you have little ones that love disney. Their character brunch is well worth the splurge so the kids can experience the disney characters Hawai‘i style. After you eat, consider hanging out in the lagoons for the day. The beaches are beautiful and there are public restrooms and showers scattered between lagoons. Try to find parking in the small public lots located between the resorts to avoid paying hefty parking fees. You can easily walk down to the beach from any of the parking lots and follow the walkway to the Aulani property.
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Makahiki
92 Ali'inui DrWhile it is all the way on the other side of the island, a trip to Makahiki at the Aulani Disney Resort is worth it if you have little ones that love disney. Their character brunch is well worth the splurge so the kids can experience the disney characters Hawai‘i style. After you eat, consider hanging out in the lagoons for the day. The beaches are beautiful and there are public restrooms and showers scattered between lagoons. Try to find parking in the small public lots located between the resorts to avoid paying hefty parking fees. You can easily walk down to the beach from any of the parking lots and follow the walkway to the Aulani property.
This food truck may not look amazing, but the food is. If you love shrimp, you gotta stop here and grab a bite while you're on the North Shore.
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Giovanni's Aloha Shrimp
56-505 Kamehameha HwyThis food truck may not look amazing, but the food is. If you love shrimp, you gotta stop here and grab a bite while you're on the North Shore.
Parks & Nature
Great hike for those that have children or don't want anything to strenuous. It is a rainforest, so pack bug spray and check the weather before you go. If they're expecting extensive rain, consider waiting a day or two. Also, be prepared for mud (a change of shoes is a must!)...did I mention it is a rainforest?
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Na Ala Hele: Manoa Falls Trail
Na Ala Hele: Manoa Falls TrailGreat hike for those that have children or don't want anything to strenuous. It is a rainforest, so pack bug spray and check the weather before you go. If they're expecting extensive rain, consider waiting a day or two. Also, be prepared for mud (a change of shoes is a must!)...did I mention it is a rainforest?
This is a simple hike, great for families or those needing to push a stroller. The views are lovely and in the winter you're likely to see some whales. If you're up early, consider going for sunrise. It can be windy on that side of the island, so be prepared. Also, we always recommend going early. Parking fills up quickly at certain times of year and it can get hot mid-day.
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Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse TrailThis is a simple hike, great for families or those needing to push a stroller. The views are lovely and in the winter you're likely to see some whales. If you're up early, consider going for sunrise. It can be windy on that side of the island, so be prepared. Also, we always recommend going early. Parking fills up quickly at certain times of year and it can get hot mid-day.
We love this beach! Lots of parking, shaded areas with trees if you need them and an expansive beach. This is a shore break beach, great for boogie boarding and body surfing. Avoid this beach on excessively windy days, but otherwise, you'll love it!
Waimānalo Bay State Recreation Park
41-1062 Kalanianaʻole HwyWe love this beach! Lots of parking, shaded areas with trees if you need them and an expansive beach. This is a shore break beach, great for boogie boarding and body surfing. Avoid this beach on excessively windy days, but otherwise, you'll love it!
This trail is a bit on the longer side, but has stunning views along the way and especially at the top. It can get muddy if it rains, so check the weather before going and avoid it if there has been heavy rain recently. You will need to tell the guard at the entrance to the neighborhood that you are headed for the trail. They will give you a special parking pass to place in your vehicle to allow you to park at the top of the neighborhood to access the trailhead.
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Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail
2390 Okoa StThis trail is a bit on the longer side, but has stunning views along the way and especially at the top. It can get muddy if it rains, so check the weather before going and avoid it if there has been heavy rain recently. You will need to tell the guard at the entrance to the neighborhood that you are headed for the trail. They will give you a special parking pass to place in your vehicle to allow you to park at the top of the neighborhood to access the trailhead.
This trail is on the longer side, but offers stunning views as you near the top. Note that when you start the trail it forks. Staying to one side will send you up the ridge trail and the other will send you on a trail through the valley floor. Both are interesting, but very different. The ridge trail is not suggested if it is raining or if there has been heavy rain recently as it can get quite muddy.
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Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Kuli'ou'ou Valley TrailThis trail is on the longer side, but offers stunning views as you near the top. Note that when you start the trail it forks. Staying to one side will send you up the ridge trail and the other will send you on a trail through the valley floor. Both are interesting, but very different. The ridge trail is not suggested if it is raining or if there has been heavy rain recently as it can get quite muddy.
This is a nice calm beach with minimal to no waves. Great for swimming or just laying around and enjoying the views. If you walk down the beach a short walk east you will find the Kahala Hotel. You are allowed to utilize their beach since all beaches in Hawai‘i are public access or even walk onto their grounds to see the dolphins.
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Kāhala Beach
This is a nice calm beach with minimal to no waves. Great for swimming or just laying around and enjoying the views. If you walk down the beach a short walk east you will find the Kahala Hotel. You are allowed to utilize their beach since all beaches in Hawai‘i are public access or even walk onto their grounds to see the dolphins.
While this is a beach, the reason you'll want to stop is to see the turtles lounging on the beach or swimming in the water nearby, not so much to go for a swim or work on your tan. There are usually volunteers on hand to give you information about the turtles and tell you where they've been spotting them for the day. Watch for traffic congestion in the area and be cautious of cars as you're crossing the street. There is no formal parking lot so you'll have to park alongside the road and walk to the beach.
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Turtle Beach
While this is a beach, the reason you'll want to stop is to see the turtles lounging on the beach or swimming in the water nearby, not so much to go for a swim or work on your tan. There are usually volunteers on hand to give you information about the turtles and tell you where they've been spotting them for the day. Watch for traffic congestion in the area and be cautious of cars as you're crossing the street. There is no formal parking lot so you'll have to park alongside the road and walk to the beach.
This is a great snorkel spot for beginners. You can rent gear right next to the beach for a reasonable price. It is protected enough that even when the waves are big, you can safely swim in the cove, but expect the sand to be a bit more churned up then normal if that is the case. The beach itself is great for relaxing. You access the cove from the Turtle Bay Resort parking lot, but parking is free, don't worry.
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Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
57-35 Kuilima DrThis is a great snorkel spot for beginners. You can rent gear right next to the beach for a reasonable price. It is protected enough that even when the waves are big, you can safely swim in the cove, but expect the sand to be a bit more churned up then normal if that is the case. The beach itself is great for relaxing. You access the cove from the Turtle Bay Resort parking lot, but parking is free, don't worry.
This is a very well-known snorkeling spot. Parking can be a challenge, so going early is a good idea. Once the lot is full you will need to park in the nearby neighborhood and walk up the hill to the entrance or park at the park and ride in Hawai‘i Kai and take the bus, which may be the safe option. Check ahead of time because they are closed on certain days of the week to prevent stressing out the marine life.
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Hanauma Bay náttúruverndarsvæði
100 Hanauma Bay RdThis is a very well-known snorkeling spot. Parking can be a challenge, so going early is a good idea. Once the lot is full you will need to park in the nearby neighborhood and walk up the hill to the entrance or park at the park and ride in Hawai‘i Kai and take the bus, which may be the safe option. Check ahead of time because they are closed on certain days of the week to prevent stressing out the marine life.
Arts & Culture
Visits to tour Doris Duke's Shangri La are coordinated by the Honolulu Museum of Art. It is a unique home known to be a center for Islamic Art and Architecture located in the upscale neighborhood, Kahala.
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Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
4055 Pāpū CirVisits to tour Doris Duke's Shangri La are coordinated by the Honolulu Museum of Art. It is a unique home known to be a center for Islamic Art and Architecture located in the upscale neighborhood, Kahala.
Enjoy a variety of exhibits on Hawaiian history and culture, in addition to traveling exhibits and even a planetarium. The Bishop Museum is good for both adults and kids.
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Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice StEnjoy a variety of exhibits on Hawaiian history and culture, in addition to traveling exhibits and even a planetarium. The Bishop Museum is good for both adults and kids.
If you enjoy art, this is the place for you. They have a variety of rotating exhibits and even art located outside of the building and in the surrounding blocks.
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Honolulu Museum of Art
900 S Beretania StIf you enjoy art, this is the place for you. They have a variety of rotating exhibits and even art located outside of the building and in the surrounding blocks.
If you would like to purchase art created by local artists, this is a great place to shop. The gallery is filled with art from a variety of local artists in a broad range of prices, so you're sure to find something to fit your budget.
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Island Treasures
602 Kailua RdIf you would like to purchase art created by local artists, this is a great place to shop. The gallery is filled with art from a variety of local artists in a broad range of prices, so you're sure to find something to fit your budget.
The Polynesian Cultural Center provides a unique opportunity to learn about the cultures of the various pacific islands. They have an excellent evening show. In addition, the luau just prior to the show offer some decent food and a little entertainment. While the luau itself isn't the best on the island in my opinion, the evening show offers some excellent dancing and an amazing fire knife performance.
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Polylnesian cutlural center
The Polynesian Cultural Center provides a unique opportunity to learn about the cultures of the various pacific islands. They have an excellent evening show. In addition, the luau just prior to the show offer some decent food and a little entertainment. While the luau itself isn't the best on the island in my opinion, the evening show offers some excellent dancing and an amazing fire knife performance.
Shopping
This small mall contains a Macys, Whole Foods, California Pizza Kitchen and a variety of smaller boutiques and restaurants.
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Kahala Mall
4211 Waialae AveThis small mall contains a Macys, Whole Foods, California Pizza Kitchen and a variety of smaller boutiques and restaurants.
If you love shopping, this is your place. You can easily get lost in this mall for days. It is HUGE! Major anchor stores include Macys, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. If you can't find what you're looking for at Ala Moana, I'm not sure it exists. They even have daily hula performances on the main stage in the center of the mall. If you're hungry while you're shopping, check out the Shirokiya Village Walk. With $1 beers and a huge variety of food available, there should be something to keep everyone happy.
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Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana BlvdIf you love shopping, this is your place. You can easily get lost in this mall for days. It is HUGE! Major anchor stores include Macys, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. If you can't find what you're looking for at Ala Moana, I'm not sure it exists. They even have daily hula performances on the main stage in the center of the mall. If you're hungry while you're shopping, check out the Shirokiya Village Walk. With $1 beers and a huge variety of food available, there should be something to keep everyone happy.
The Waikele Premium Outlets are popular with both visitors and locals. It has a great variety of outlet stores, include my favorite, Kate Spade.
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Waikele Premium Outlets
94-790 Lumiaina StThe Waikele Premium Outlets are popular with both visitors and locals. It has a great variety of outlet stores, include my favorite, Kate Spade.
Sightseeing
Visit the residence of the last monarchs of Hawai‘i and the only royal palace in the United States.
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Iolani Palace
364 S King StVisit the residence of the last monarchs of Hawai‘i and the only royal palace in the United States.
Essentials
This is the closest grocery store to the unit. They offer a lot of fresh produce grown locally in Hawai‘i. Generally it is one of the more expensive grocery stores, with the exception of Whole Foods.
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Foodland Farms Aina Haina
820 W Hind DrThis is the closest grocery store to the unit. They offer a lot of fresh produce grown locally in Hawai‘i. Generally it is one of the more expensive grocery stores, with the exception of Whole Foods.
This is the second closest grocery store, which sometimes has better prices than Foodland Farms, but isn't always as convenient to get to.
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Times Supermarket
3221 Waialae AveThis is the second closest grocery store, which sometimes has better prices than Foodland Farms, but isn't always as convenient to get to.
Longs is the closets pharmacy to the unit and a good drug/convenience store. The will have all the over-the-counter medications you need, along with basic groceries and household good.
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Longs Drugs Pharmacy
3221 Waialae AveLongs is the closets pharmacy to the unit and a good drug/convenience store. The will have all the over-the-counter medications you need, along with basic groceries and household good.
I only trust Hakuyosha with my dry cleaning needs. They are not always the cheapest, but they have always done a good job.
Hakuyosha Dry Cleaners
377 Keahole StI only trust Hakuyosha with my dry cleaning needs. They are not always the cheapest, but they have always done a good job.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a great brewery that even serves some decent food. Located in the up and coming Kaka‘ako neighborhood you will find a variety of interesting restaurants and boutiques scattered throughout the area.
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Honolulu Beerworks
328 Cooke StThis is a great brewery that even serves some decent food. Located in the up and coming Kaka‘ako neighborhood you will find a variety of interesting restaurants and boutiques scattered throughout the area.