OAHU on Arrival: Wal-Mart,Safeway,Foodland,Longs,Costco – stock up with juice and water. Foodland Farms is like Whole Foods. Avoid beaches the week after a full moon (jellyfish days). Pearl’s Oahu List by Districts shared with Aloha.

Honolulu:

*Ala Moana Shopping Center: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd (Neiman, Nordi, Escada, BCBG, MuiMui, Zara) something for everyone, best mall in the world; visit Shirokiya and new area across Uncle Clay’s HOPA.

*Shirokiya: moved ’16 to ground level, Japanese hot food deli experience, “a mini-tokyo station” fresh sushi, tempura, grilled Miso soy butter fish, garlic chicken hand roll. Fruit and tapioca drinks; try Soba noodle!

*Island Vintage Shaved Ice: 5/46, in front of Bloomingdales 2^nd floor, 9-9pm

*Blue Hawaii Lifestyle: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, St level in the mall (’14 Pearl and Kim’s favorite Acai bowl)

La Gelateria: Italian style frozen desserts: $2/cup, 8-5pm, 819 Cedar St. 808-591-1133, green tea, the local source! Kona, black sesame, li hing pineapple, lichee, green tea.

53 By the Sea: 53 Ahui, 4/592 lush, grand staircase, view Wakiki, surf turf 3$, 808-536-5353, mansion, free valet park, HH for snack, drink, ambience, live music later, wedding site, $100 fix dinner

T’s at 53: the walk-in-only bar at 53 by the Sea, HH 4 to 6:30 p.m. daily, night view of Kewalo Basin and Diamond Head

Mitch’s Fish Market: 4$, Trase’s #1 favorite

Senia: 75 N King St. 808-200-5412, 4.5/105 American, 5:30pm-10pm, park Chinatown municipal lot off Nimitz up Smith St; get bone marrow custard, Highly recommended by Jeannie, Trase, Pauline, top of everyone’s list in 2018!

*Akasaka: 1646 Kona St Ste B & Atkinson, behind Ala Moana shopping center, park in front lot, 11am-2:30pm, 5pm – 12mn, get sashimi platter per Linda and Randy ’16 favorite sushi place!, 4*/334 salmon sashimi, HH special after 9pm 20% off entire menu, great master chef.

*Moku Kitchen: 660 Ala Moana Blvd 88-591-6658, 3:30-5:30pm HH $9 all pizzas, appetizers half off except seafood. Great for groups, large, AC, clean, bustling.

MW Restaurant: 1538 Kapiolani Blvd, 4/752 fix dinner $25pp, HH 2-5pm, great afternoon tea, 4/764, fancier, pacific fusion, yummy, great service, locally sourced, near Ala moana, per Carrie ’16

*Morio’s Sushi Bistro: 1160 King St 6:30-10:30pm 808-596-2288, 4.5/532, ?moved? Omakase includes Lobster sashimi, fresh Uni (too much food, packed soup home, try ala carte next) call reservation way in advance, seat@ 5:30 and 8:30pm.

*Honolulu coffee Co: upper level, love to sit here to enjoy a peaceful high quality coffee or drink or meet up for a snack

*Godiva Chocolate: great frozen frapps, covered strawberries, macaroon and smoothies

*Imanas Tei Restaurant: 2626 S King St, Izakaya, very fresh sushi, best Nebi hot pot, 5pm-11:30, 808-941-2626, 4.5/476, recommended by locals and Trase confirms. Ray, Lulu, Kim ‘18 favorite dinner spot!

*Lilikoi Bakery: 2^nd loc @ old Sam Choy’s site (ok bfast) great bakery, get Taro Donuts, famous coco puffs plain and filled (too sweet). Spacious, BRs, parking, groups, buy baked goods to go, pickup hamburger buns for next BBQ 6/$5.

*City Cafe: 1518 F Makaloa St has Taiwanese shaved ice! 10am-6pm, closed Sun, flan and best taro! (no oatmeal)

Herringbone: Dubbed “Oyster Hour,” HH (oysters on the half shell for $2 each) and yellowtail crudo, to wings and margherita flatbread. In International Market Place, 4 to 6 p.m. daily, 2330 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 797-2435

*Sushi ii: (“sushi ee ee”) 655 Keeaumoku St in Samsung Plaza, park in lot, 4.5/545 3$, 808-942-5350 Omakase about $100, very fresh fish (down from Hi-Blend –one of our favorite acai bowls)

*Sansuci beach: ideal beach, local spot, the new Otani

Halona Beach Coves: 72 Kalanianole Hwy, see whales, jump rocks, downhill hike, movies filmed here like 50 first dates. Park Halona Blowhole lookout, 8699 Hawaii 72, need to hike down on flat rocks down.

Magic Island: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Park and Beach, watch Hilton Hotel fireworks every Frid night, picnic, swim, yoga, bbq, fish, run, photo opportunity, everything here!

 

Kahala / Diamond Head:

*Kahala Mall: neighborhood indoor mall, CPK, Whole Foods, many favorite stores and businesses

*Zippy’s: locals go for Chili, bfast (has cold AC, parking)

*Plumeria Café restaurant @ Kahala Hotel and Resort: our #1 favorite B-fast brunch (when we want to linger), order continental $22 all papaya, parfait, smoked salmon, choc crossaint, juice; order separate Latte (Kona is weak now, french press is OK) corn beef hash is excellent; Daily @ 6:30am. best ambiance and Ocean view! great beach, swim and sitting areas in and outside; (tour of grounds and secret garden 10-11am) Dolphins Quest is great for kids and adults; valet or park in lot 4 hours, best kept secret Public Beach. Wedding gazebo, photos, paddle board, get a beachside table outside.

*Hoku restaurant upstairs, fine dining, ambiance, views, fresh seafood tower platter

Halekulani Veranda: best afternoon tea, “the wedding Hotel”

*CPK –super busy!!! Good for family, BR

*Kahala Beach: 4999 Kahala Ave, a coral beach so need water shoes if swim, tables have shade, run dogs, public BR

Diamond Head Beach Park: safely admire the surf from either street level in between the 3 Diamond Head Lookouts or walk down the paved path near the Diamond Head Lighthouse. Not for swimmers- rough waves, see hang gliders, Surfers, Longboarders, SUP’ers, Windsurfers, and Bodyboarders.

 

Kaimuki: (has the best papaya, try the sunrise red ones)

*Earl Sandwich: 1137 11^th ave 4.5/414 – great tasting turkey sandwich per Doug ‘16, get side cesars salad $3, quality, 10am-4pm; one of top 3 sandwich spots on Oahu.

Sprout Sandwich Shop: tied with Earl’s as best, 4.5/290, 1154 Koko Head Ave, Street parking, fresh options

*Island Brew Coffeehouse: 1137 11^th Ave 6am-6pm 4.5/225 great black brewed coffee, best in area acai bowl, barista coffee, sandwiches. (much prefer atmosphere @ Hawaii kai location)

12th Avenue Grill: 1120 12th Avenue, HH 530pm-6:30pm and special late night menu, 4/516, $30pp supper menu

*Mud Hen Water: 3452 Waialae Ave, local, trendy fusion Hawaiian tapas, innovative, quality food w/Jordan, Cheryl ’17 (Aina) would repeat and bring F+F.

*The Curb Kaimuki: 3538 Waialae Ste 101 6:30am-7:30am 4.5/134 barista coffee, cold brew for iced coffee, new owner

Glazer Coffee: 4/356, top 6 per HA, 2700 South King St. small batch, Seattle, near UH

*Koko Head Café: 1145 C 12^th Ave unique brunch, fusion favors, ok coffee, clean, hip, good AC, mornings 7am-2:30pm, run by top chef finalist Lee-Ann Wong (we watched her win ’18 Mango Festival appetizer)

*Wholesale Unlimited Express: 4210 Waialae ave Ste B103 9am-7pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, 9-7pm M-F, cashew, pistachio, mixed, almond crunch (GMa, Elly) best local snacks

*Tamura’s Liquor Store & Deli: fresh delicious poke to-go picnic, 3496 Waialae Ave, Salmon, snow crab pike; tako kimchee, Wine and Poke market! Several locations including Kaimuki, May recommends, Jeannie “best poke“ 9:30am-9pm; love Tamura’s special style Poke Bowl, winner of Hawaii’s best Poke 7 years in a row ‘16

Salt: 3605 Waialae for Tapas, Small plates, local, near J+J in Kaimuki district, recommended locals

*Town Restaurant: 3435 Waialae Ave good fusion, Italian, American, 808-735-5900 3.5* $$ hand cut pasta, menu changes daily, would repeat and bring F+F, Same owner (Ed Kennedy) of Mud Hen Water and Superette.

*Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery: 3632 Waialae Ave, 7am-9pm, 808-738-8200, park on Center St, R. turn up in lot, 1hr free, love the Cake Bombs- guava-strawberry, good lemon, green tea. ’17 Andrew’s Oahu tip

Via Gelato: 1142 12^th Ave, 4.5/620 11am-11pm, black sesame, earl grey, pistachio, green tea flavors! Looks great.

Tonkatsu Tamafuji: 449 Kapahulu Ave 2$, 5/197, 4-9:30pm, lunch on weekends, fried foods, katsu, clam miso, free parking 1^st Hawaiian bank, #1 Tonkatsu Pork per Cliff Tam (really as good as in Japan), long lines start @ 4:30pm!

*3660 On the Rise: excellent fine dining, fusion food, Ahi katsu is the best here 808-737-1177, 2006 when 1^st opened.

 

Diamond Head:

*ARS Café (Art in latin) 4.5*/43) 6am-4pm, beautiful wood bar, local artist, real barista “Roland“ works every day. Great drip hot coffee black & Americano, cold brew is light, en suite restroom, air conditioning, no wifi, tables, clean, quality.

Pioneer Saloon: 3046 Monsarrat Ave 11am-8pm, plate lunch with Japanese twist, Unagi plate, pork burger katsu

*Diamond Head Market & Grill: market opens 6:30am-9pm. fresh moist blueberry scones per Wanda and Paul. 3158 Monsarrat Ave. 808-732-0077 No latte type drinks, take out window has Bfast @ 6:30am but BBQ lunch starts 11am. ’16 best salad to grab for trip, “Ahi salad or salmon tofu watercress salad with garlic soy dressing are Pearl’s favorites. (BR inside the Coffee Bean and Tea next door so order coffee there).

*South Shore Grill: 3114 Monsarrat Ave 10:30am-9pm, burger, seafood, get Fish or chicken tacos on Taco Tues! $2.50

*Diamond Head Cove Health bar: 3045 Monsarrat ave open 9am- 8pm (can order till 7pm) and 11pm (can order till 10pm) Tu Wed Thur; serve bfast, our past favorite acai bowl -still very good; great smoothies, busy, small lot.

Diamondhead Crater: Hike trail is touristy, but if clear day, nice view of the southern coastline, go 7am early! 560 ft up steep Stairs, lighted tunnel, takes 60 -90 mins up and down, #1 hike on Oahu, rest of hikes all have more risk.

Cromwell Beach: 5 min walk from our house, Left, down

Doris Duke Shangri-La Estate: take tour per Priscilla

3848 Diamond Head Rd: Hutong Courtyard house (coming soon on Utopia Luxury properties)

 

Waikiki:

Aston Waikiki Banyan: 201 Ohua St @Kuhio, Condo Unit T-1 1701 (reserve from Royal Realty)

*Waikiki Beach Walk: Hotels and retail designers. Beach Walk on Lewers St btw Kalakawa and Kalia days open 10am-10pm 41 shops/restaurants, good night walk.

*Tommy Bahama Restaurant: 298 Beachwalk 4.5/311 nice rooftop décor with “beach seating”, $19 burger, 2-5pm happy hour @ bar only, great fish tacos (specials if spend $ in store)

*Kona Coffee Puveyors/ B patisserie: shared space, 4.5*/346 10am-11pm 2330 Kalakaua Ave, top 5 cappuccino ever!

*International Market Place: great shopping, visit the historic redone Tree House, nice sitting areas, water feature for kids, top floor restaurants, (spend $10 anywhere like 2^nd floor supermarket, B Patisserrie, KPC to validate 1 hr free parking)

Micheal Mina’s The Street: 2330 Kālakaua Ave, ground floor of the International Market Place, International Smoke (A. Curry’s restaurant 25% off all food at all 12 food stations, HH 10pm-12mn). The Street Party Pass = dishes from 7 stations/$36.99 or 4 stations/ $24.99, 3 to 6 p.m. & 10 p.m. to midnight daily.

Stripsteak Waikīkī: HH, Happy hour at the International Market Place include duck-fat fries, skirt-steak flatbread

Eating House: Roy Yamaguchi’s @International Market Place, 3$, highly recommended.

 

Honolulu Kalakawa/Kuhio Ave runs along Waikiki beach:

[Prada, Carter, Apple, Forever 21, Coach, International marketplace, Moana Surfrider beach hotel, Royal Hawaiian complex with high end stores; buy here for low taxes=half; Duke statue on beach. Good to walk at night.

Rum Fire: in Wakiki: 2255 Kalakaua Ave, 11:30am-11:30pm, Asian fusion, early tapas dinner, music & view per Rachel Ray 4-7pm enjoy with happy hour, has best ambiance torches, music; ok food.

Liliha Bakery: 580 N Nimitz Hwy, 6am-12mn, 808-537-2488, try taro Poi Mochi donuts, coco puffs?sweet, butter rolls

*Island Vintage Coffee: 2301 Kalakaua Ave, great décor, clean, lines, limited seats, open at 6am-11pm, Acai (good taste, thick made with banana, in the top 5) and Coffee (hot and blends), Brunch and salads. Aileen’s parent’s favorite spot.

Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin 4.5/813 Outrigger Regency Beach walk 255 Beach Walk 808-926-8082 Katsu, donburi, tonkatsu-don, best for pork meat Tonkatsu Ginza bairin, Pork tonkatsu 4.5, Shirley & Ed ‘16

*Cheesecake Factory: 2301 Kalakawa ave, always good, music, wait, value, near the Apple store; appetizer chopped salad, mango smoothie, share or no room for dessert. #1 busiest Cheesecake factory in their system.

*Marukami Restaurant: family favorite! discovered ’12 saw >50 people in line! fast cafeteria style from Japan, 2310 Kuhio/near Seaside, well priced, walkable from the banyan condo, best tasting fresh Udon (Niku- Pearl) made in front of you, add Squid Tempura, inari, delicious spam Musubi. Mon-sun 11am-10pm; Bfast open 7-9am! (now @ Stonestown)

*Hawaiian Crown Plantation: 159 Kailuani in Wakiki, 3^rd tier Acai, cute small popular; 4.5/88 smoothies (ok acai- great toppings) smooth coffee- not strong, cute little café store produce from their farm, close walk to condo 8am-8pm

*Beach House: inside the Moana Surf rider Hotel, plantation white, live music, banyan tree, beach. Beautiful, food is ok-good expensive, eat outside. “Mangos at the Moana July event, chefs compete, $6/sample, open admission.

*Hawaiian Crown Plantation: 159 Kailuani in Wakiki, 3^rd tier Acai, cute small popular; 4.5/88 smoothies look good (ok acai- great toppings) smooth coffee- not strong, cute little café store produce from their farm, close walk from condo 8am-8pm try again?

House without a Key: 2199 Kalia Rd, off Waikiki beach, $$$, sit under the tree, music and early sunset dinner on wakiki.  Best Bfast in area; located in the Haelokilani Hotel, excellent coconut shrimp, cello, band and dancers who love the art. Weddings! 7am-9pm, 808-923-2311, seafood, no reservations,

*Hilton Hawaiian Village: walk or park and walk around, Flamingos, penguins, galleries, beach; Goofy Bfast: across St

*Nobu 2233 Helumoa Rd= “new sushi” fancy desserts 808-237-6999, fancy

*Morimoto’s Waikiki: 808-943-5900 fresh and different sushi presentation, 4$; japanese bfast

Sasabune: expensive sushi, the chef at the bar is strict, eat all they give you and correctly in one bite.  Some really like it. 4$ Cheresa’s favorite.

Hy’s Steak House: one of the best steaks on the island per Sarah B.

La Mer: French, fine dinning, steak, great service, in the Haelokilani, view, pricey, french

BLT: in Trump Tower, best restaurant in 2011; Tower has great deck and dipping pool

*Lewers St: Yard House, Coffee beanery, boutiques! Great street to walk! Lots of Eggs and Things around Trump Tower Hotel and Kalakawa.

*Roy’s Waikiki: Hawaiian fusion Restaurant on cornor, 226 Lewers St. Butterfish, choc soufflé 808-923-7697, 4.5/1,621 three-course, prix fixe sunset pau hana menu (furikake-crusted big-eye ‘ahi tataki on Waimānalo greens, flame-grilled petite filet mignon, garlic shrimp Kaua‘i prawns. Pineapple upside-down cake vanilla ice cream)

Halekulani Hotel: just beautiful, weddings; near Nobu restaurant

*Sura Hawaii or 678 Hawaii Korean BBQ: 1726 Kapiolani Ste 101, Korean, lots quality beef! On flame not charcoal, large chain [but poor sides and kimchi]; Raymond, Lorraine love it, tried ‘15 Randy, Linda. ’18 Open late to 2AM, HH after 10:30pm.

Doraku Kaka’ako: 2 HH 3-6pm and 9pm, had trendy different sushi, 2 restaurants, local favorite on Kapiolani

*Ilikai Bar and Grill: 1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 (Downtown Honolulu)

The Steak Shack: 2161 Kalia Rd #3 on TA, steak on beach, reasonable, tables, chicken yummy, per Anne Terry

*Waikiki Yokocho Gourmet Alley: 4.5/120, 2250 Kalakawa Ave, Japanese, open daily 11am till 12mn, no reservations, casual, freewifi, loc in Waikiki shopping plaza 16 eateries and ramen bar ’17 open, owned by Mau Family

*Matcha Café Maiko: 2310 Kūhīo Ave., #143, (808) 396-8031, 4/307, 11am-9pm, freshly waffle cones, uses matcha organically grown in Harima Garden in Kyoto, high-quality tea, iced lattes, frappes, shave ice, try Maiko Special parfait w/matcha chiffon cake, kanten jelly, water chestnuts, mochi, azuki beans, cornflakes, top matcha soft serve.

*Ocean House Restaurant: in the Moana Hotel, great to walk through, banyan tree plantation style, live music, ambiance great, fine dining.

*Mahina & Sun’s: 412 Lewers St, in the Surf Jack hotel, Ed Kenney’s group same owners as Town. 808-924-5810, 3$ hip & trendy quality Hawaiian, seafood, music, valet parking, recommended by Trase.

Goofy: 1831 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 201 upstairs, 808-943-0077, Bfast all day 7am-11pm daily, no reservations: loco moco, benedict, french toast, across from Hilton Hawaiian Village, hard to park, yet to try.

*Tropical Tribe: 1778 Ala Moana; 4.5/207, the earliest acai bowl available! opens 7am-6pm 808-366-8226, most pure Brazilian style Acai bowl (our #1 Acai bowl in 2018). They also have the Hawaiian style blended acai bowls. hidden location downstairs at corner. If spend $20 can park 30mins free in lot behind.

Hilton Hawaiian Village: every Friday 7:45pm fireworks can be seen all along waikiki and ala moana!

*Island Vintage Coffee: 2301 Kalakaua Ave great ambiance, coffee, salads, sandwiches and great acai bowls!

*Kai Coffee Hawai’i: 2424 Kalakaua Ave #129 4.5/173 in plaza with Hyatt – Justin OK ’17, Ranked top 3 by mag‘17

Places:

Halekulani: 2199 Kalia Rd 808-923-2311, Hotel –so beautiful, La Mer, Orchids, Hau Terrace, House without a key. Offer a great dining sunset cocktail 5pm to 9pm.

Sans Sous Beach = Kaimaiana Beach, Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis, HI: past Waikiki, end of Kapiolani park

Eight Sections of Waikiki Beach:
1)  Duke Kahanamoku Beach – loc near beginning part of Waikiki near Ala Moana channel + harbor by the Hawaiian Hilton Village Resort
2)  Fort DeRussy Beach Park – only upper Waikiki area w/grassy park setting w/ palm trees, shade, and picnic tables.
3)  Gray’s Beach – next to the Halekulani Hotel.  Gray’s By The Sea lodge that once here, mostly gone.
4)  Royal Hawaiian Beach – AKA “Waikiki Beach Center” everything here! catamaran chartered ride, paddle outrigger canoe,  surfing Waikiki Beach waves…
5)  Prince Kuhio Beach – AKA “The Ponds” for two back-to-back concrete walls that stretch about 40 yards into the ocean. Great for kids but it gets very crowded here.
6)  Queen Kapiolani Beach – nice stretch of sand to relax and sunbath on.  Boogie board in the waves along the Waikiki Wall or walking pier and see views of the Waikiki skyline as you look back. Kim and Nena call it “the Walls… you can hear the crashing ocean waves of open water on other side.”
7)  San Souci Beach – off the hotel strip, (Kamaina) extremely kid and family friendly, one of the best spots on the south side of the island to snorkel. A reef located about 50 yards into the ocean that attracts a lot of marine life.
8)  Outrigger Canoe Club Beach – AKA Colony Beach, secluded section, nice spot to enjoy beautiful Hawaiian sunsets.

Kaka’ako district: Ward St.

*Sushi Murayama: 1320 Rycroft St #307, 1^st hr free park then just $2, 808-784-2100, introduced ’16 by Dr. Benton Chun “… $125/person was better than the $500 tried in NY!” get Omakasi (starts @ $75 was good for me), “…memorable, BEST freshest sashimi in my life! ’17, ’18, Saba melted, black neck fish, wagu, shrimp, fresh best uni, large portions” out of the way 3^rd floor destination (dessert is extra). Ryuji M. owner, sushi chef is a great guy & both daughters work.

*Sushi ii: Samsung Plaza 655 Keeaumoku St Ste 109, 96814; 808-942-5350 abalone? very fresh sashimi, same park lot

*HiBlend: heavy toppings delicious acai bowl ’18.

Instapressed Bar: 856 Ilaniwai St 9-3pm, 5/67 juicing, Acai bowls

*South Shore Market: 1170 Auahi St, on the Diamond Head end of Ward Village, Urban Shopping Center, Scratch and Meatery; study, shop, eat, wifi! Big Bad Wolf, Big Island Delights, Cameron Hawaii, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Eden in Love, Fishcake, Flotsam & Co., Holoholo Café & Market, Kealopiko, Manaola Hawai’i, MORI by Art + Flea & Salvage Public. 2018 favorite space to visit and eat at Nalu!

Lucy’s Lab Creamery: 1170 Auhai St, in South Shore Market, 4/383, they have earl grey! (ran out when I was there!) Brioche ice cream sandwich, try coffee donut flavor.

Farmlovers Market @ Kaka’ako, @Ward’s Warehouse in Honolulu: Sat 8am-12noon farmers market

*Farmer’s Market: front of South Shore Market, Pig and Lady once a month, Friday 5-7pm, Alex works all

*Piggy Smalls: 4/108 11-3pm, 5-9:30pm 1200 Ala Moana Blvd in Ward Village 808=777-3588, ’16 get Pearl’s favorite house made pastrami dip sandwich in Pho sauce dip, Doug gets extra noodles with Pho soup.

*Waiola Shaved Ice: almost as good as original location! Lilikoi and coconut with ice cream and condensed milk in bowl

*Haunama Bay: 100 Haunama Bay Rd, Honolulu; snorkel safe shallow waters, colorful fish, crowded weekends, go early as opens 7am, take trolley back up hill! Resident with ID = free. Non-residents $7.50pp in 2015, need to watch conservation movie once/year so no feeding fish, Volcanic crater, curved bay sanctuary. open year-round, except Closed on Tuesdays, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Arrive as early as you can or wait until the crowd trickles out in the mid-afternoon. During summer, the state park opens at 6 am and closes at 7 pm. It closes at 6 pm in winter. Parking fills up as early, costs $1 a vehicle. Parking lot is a short steep 10-minute walk to the beach or tram ride down for $ 1.50? the clearest waters of Oahu’s marine sanctuary (no fishing allowed), natural wonder and the marine life.

 

Kaimuki / Kapahulu Drive: (near the condo “Aston @ the Wakiki Banyan” T1-1701)

*Haili’s Hawaiian foods: off Kapahulu before Leonard’s Bakery 933 Kapahulu Ave (M – Th 5:30am – 9pm; F-Sa 5:30am – 10pm, try local food: Soyu Poke, side rice, Squid Luau, Laulau (good, prefer original place)

*Leonard’s Bakery: 933 Kapahulu Ave @ Charles (M-Th 5:30am-10pm; F-Sa 11pm) Malasadas: original plain =best, cinnamon, or seasonally filled guava, mango, lilliko, pineapple, mac nut; must eat fresh and hot, within 15” best or <4hrs; always get this at least once!

*Sekiya’s Rstaurant & Okazu-Ya Deli: best to get food before 12noon, opens @ 8am, can sit for Saimen noodle soup + eat food from Deli for Bfast, Lunch (our local HIW accidental find, not on any public list) 2746 Kaimuki Ave 808-731-1656 (get Tempura Vegetable, Butterfish – get Belly (best smooth taste), Fillet (bones), not tail (more meat but drier), Inari Cone sushi, Large Namasu (the best cucumber salad). NO for dinner! Huge parking lot.

*Ono Hawaiian: homestyle Lulau traditional Hawaiian food, locals, top laulau!

*Ono Seafood 747 Kapahulu ave 4.5/2,224 9-6pm, closed Sun, Mon in Kaimuki, one picnic table, set back, 2^nd to Tanioka’s, TA #2 in Oahu but we prefer Superb sushi!

*Wailoa Shave Ice: 2135 Wailoa Street, Honolulu (M- Su 7:30 am – 6:30 pm) Shaved Ice= Lillikoi and Lichee; moved across from safeway down 3 blocks, down an alley way, Off Kapahulu, behind the farm.

*Kaimana Farm Café 845 Kapahulu 8 a.m.-4. (closed Tu) across Safeway; Farm fresh, [weak smoothies, coffee, soufflé omelets] clean, try benedicts; [for this style wait for SF].

Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-3855 ; busy, younger, loud, Kristy favorite

*Side Street Inn On Da Strip: 614 Kapahulu, Kaimuki across starbucks, 2^nd location more upscale, valet park$5 or open lot put $2 ticket=2hrs on dash; get Nalo salad! Cesars!, pasta, best garlic chicken, reg fried rice (Jas favorite); poke, ahi sashimi, sashimi clam, brownie peanut butter dessert; reservation before 7pm. 808-739-3939, open late!

*YoonCy Korean BBQ: 888 Kapahulu, box take out only, few seats outside, use BR in Safeway, opens 10:30am-8:30pm Mon-sat, sun at 8:30pm get Kalbi, sides (mac, potato, kimchee, turnip; cucumber x2, choy sum); our #1 favorite since ’15

Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill 559 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-3855 ; busy, Kristy favorite

*Sweet E’s Café: 1006 Kapahulu/ corner, near HWY-1; 4.5*/425; kailua egg benedict, good French toast, clean new location ’16 (2 people -prefer split Bfast, add side eggs, skip english muffin), good starbucks coffee close by! Opens 7am-2pm Family owned nice local friends, valet park $3 wkend stamped. Doug’s favorite for this ares.

*KCC Farmers’ Market: 4303 Diamond Head Rd Honolulu Sat 7:30 AM -11:00am the largest, best farmer’s market on Oahu!, small on Tues 4pm-7pm (get carrots, vegetables, local papaya- tree ripened, BBQ burger line), in the parking lot of Kapiolani community college, Pig and lady: Oxtail or Brisket Pho soup is the best we know. beef dip sandwich, Ahi Kale or mushroom chip tapas (Barbara, Jeannie), Abalone BBQ or stewed (Jerome), roasted corn, fried green tomatoes, maui onion rings, pesto grilled pizza, garlic shrimp, large wild prawns $17/cup, go @7:30am to get best flowers.

Hawaii Kai: Honolulu “Windward Side” upscale homes have deck to boat

*Island Brew Coffeehouse: 377 Keahole St Ste C5 6am-6pm 4.5/343 all types of local coffee, famous for Malabar mocha, Americano, all good. best in-area acai bowl (soft style), mac waffle and lox bagels look great too; awesome view of Kokohead, marine, water sports, has quality, great staff and Best Atmosphere. Open 6am-6pm. drive PAST Costco, in Hawaii Kai Town center on water marina, with huge Long’s and Safeway, turn R into lot.

Koko Head Hike and Kokohead crater.

*Bubbies: 7192 Kalanianaole hwy for local ice cream, mochi ice cream, order sundae = the slice of triple ice cream cake. Open 12pm 808-949-8984, lines.

*Moena Café: Bfast Brunch 4/575 7192 Kalanianaole; pancakes, waffle, kale cesars plain chicken salad (Pearl), loco moco eggs, fried rice; clean AC, 2 doors from Bubbies, BR upstairs (96825 or 14920-men). Skip sandwiches- small.

*Sophie’s Pizza: 7192 Kalanianole Hwy, 4.5/142 2$, delicious toppings, thin crust, across theater, gourmet good quality, Lunch sit in back on marina. Next to Zippy’s.

Roy’s Hawaii Kai: 4.5/622, 3$ 6600 Kalanianole Hwy prix fixe sunset pau hana menu (furikake-crusted big-eye ‘ahi tataki, filet mignon, garlic shrimp Kaua‘i prawns. pineapple upside-down cake with vanilla ice cream)

 

Makapu’u Light house trail: easier trail, 2 miles, paved except at top, see islands of Moloka’I and Maui, 45” walk paved, uphillsland, View: Koolau Mts, Manna (rabbit) Island, Kaohikaipu Island, Mokulua Islands (twin), Mokolii Island.

Makapuu Lookout: gorgeous views of Oahu’s East shore, including Rabbit Island and the Mokulua Islands. ideal for whale watching during the winter months. Military Pillboxes that line the mountain side.

 

Ward Center in Honolulu:

*Crazy Shirt: best outlet for T-shirts when you hit a sale.

*Noa Noa: favorite local dress

*AGU Ramen: 1200 Ala Moana good, Japanese style, Wanda loves (Kim prefers Mensho)

*HiBlend Health bar &Café: 661 Keeaumoku, park validated lot, ste 105A 4.5/397 smoothies, Top quality Acai bowls; Great tasty large green salads, coffee, juice, variety, near Walmart, Costco; opens early 8am-9pm M-F, 9am-9pm Sat Sun, very high quality, style is lighter texture. Pearl’s favorite food in his area! Free parking.

*Side Street Inn Original @ 1225 Hoppaka / Pikoi  off Kapiolani  808-591-0253 for Locals, opens late daily, valet park in alley, fried chicken side style, (no to pork chops), love the fried rice, get Cesars salad. 10” from Ala Moana mall, serves Lunch 10:30am-2pm
Ward’s Center: sat 9am to 12noon farmers market,

*Brue Bar: Kaka’ako, Wedding Café in Ward Warehouse, 1059 Ala Moana Blvd, ranked top 3 in magazine

*Piggy Smalls: 4/108 11-3pm, 5-9:30pm 1200 Ala Moana Blvd in Ward Village 808=777-3588, ’16 get Pearl’s favorite house made pastrami dip sandwich in Pho sauce dip, Doug gets extra noodles with Pho soup.

 

Mo’ili’ili

*Izakaya Torae Torae: 1111 McCully St Honolulu 4.5/416 open until 12mn!  Closed Tues. Loved cold tofu with potato, avocado/seafood salad, light vege tempura, pork belly, nigiri; super nice staff, can take groups. OMG Quality food; Omakase is all sashimi so get 2 for 3 people and add other dishes or too much. very fresh fish for a HH 10pm-12mn (get truffle teri edamame, chirashi, pork, tempura) fresh scallop. they keep a very Cold air conditioning- bring a long sleeved sweatshirt or long pants.
Alan Wong’s = best high end dining: 1857 S King St, Moiili, 808-949-2526, Dr. Baggish, Benton favorite 4.5/1456 5-10pm 1857 S King 808-949-2526 Kalbi ginger onaga coconut dessert

*Sushi Izakaya Gaku: 1329 S. King St. 808-589-1329 park in back; you are in Japan! Take reservations 5-7pm then after 7pm first come first serve, for a special dinner. Excellent quality, hamachi tartar, “garlic seared toro” is amazing most special sushi (Jeanne and Patrick’s favorite and now ours!). try Uni shooter next, seared king salmon. 4.5/672 1329 S King st 808-589-1329 m-sat 5-11pm 4.5/672.

Pint and Jigger –gastropub burgers on foodie’s lists, 1936 S King St. 808-744-9593 4/655 10am-12mn, test the HH 4:30-?best Monte Cristo sandwich

Chef Mavro: 1969 S King/ McCully, 4$, chef from french laundry,

Wagaya: 4.5/162 5:30-9pm 2080 S King St 808-949-0670, more casual AGU

*Waiola: 2135 Waiola St –best shaved ice per Kim & Pearl, we all agree ’16, 4.5*/1100, opens 10am-6:30pm order bowl or large cup:  lichee/coconut, or green tea add condensed milk and ice cream!

 

Nimitz:

*Aloha Tower: take the free elevator ride to the top of the tower.

University:

*Kirin Chinese: 2518 S Beretania; 5-12mn, Toisanese crab restaurant near Longs 808-942-1888

Grandonas Let Them Eat Cupcakes: malasada/crossaint 35 S. Beretania 808-637-7100 ’17 best dessert

*Café Kaila: 2919 Kapiolani, park in Market City shopping ctr 7am-3pm 4*/1000, close to condo, (Pearl’s favorite breakfast spot! Order the “2 egg breakfast”: ham, scramble eggs, switch salad, English muffin; coffee $3.50) Doug – famous waffle w/strawberries

*Champion Malasadas 1926 Beretania St. Mo ili ili make it as order, no line, all locals say go here, 6am-7pm, sun till 4pm; better than Leonards? Denser style, your preference.

 

Aiea:

*Ice Garden’s: 2^nd level mini-mall Aiea Shopping center, (near 99-115 on GPS) 99-080 Kauhale street, Aiea 808 488 5154, local best shaved ice, “like snow”, toppings oatmeal, pudding (flan custard),Taro moochi, (favorites), add ice-cream, local find, cash only (2018 elderly Gma retired, now nephew) (daily 11-5pm, 12-5pm Thur) Taiwanese shaved ice order #5 add oatmeal (taro, moochi Kimberly’s favorite) pudding (a flan). Hole in wall.

*Aloha Stadium Flea Market: “Swap Meet “ 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd, local souveniers, Wed (much smaller) and Sat 8am-3pm, Sun 6:30am -3pm, Sat and Sun=best, most venders, bring a hat/ sun umbrella, $1/person to enter; fresh coconut juice ($3 each, small, hairy brown nut requires large knife, nice lady to the R of “Lin’s” as enter will hack open and go back for the coconut meat (you put in zip lock). skip the “fake shaved ice.” Bring cash, sunscreen.

*The Alley Restaurant Bar and Grill 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive (GPS near 99-99 Aiea, HI) 96701 808-488-6854 3^rd Fl top level in the bowling alley above Ice Garden, (Kim, Pearl like “Tasty chicken”, famous lemon crunch cake -Awesome dessert window, but too sweet). Oxtail soup per Joanne, opens late even on Sun, 7am-9:30pm, Great family Bfast options (but skip coffee) eat here after swap meet! FYI Wed AM $2 bowling.

 

Chinatown: worth a walk through, get Leis!

*Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery 808-531-6688, 1027 Maunakea St in Chinatown.  Macadamian nut/sesame candy, mon-sun 7am-4pm, loc in middle block on L. across Lin’s and Cindy’s Lei’s, btw N.Brittania and Maunakea (get as gifts in past)

*Topped: 66 N Hotel St. park on, 4.5/89 2$, 11am-2pm, 5-9pm; new find 2017, modern, clean presentation, nicest family run, best quality meat but left hungry.

*Lin’s Lei shop: 1017 Maunakea St SuiteA 808-537-4112 tues-sat 7am-8pm, sun, mon holidays 7am-6:30pm, Loretta Le; less busy, double tuberose with flowers -photo well, smell so good, order in Oahu $225 for 5 lei’s, #3 choice.

*Cindy’s Lei and Flower Shop: 877-536-0007, cindysleishoppe.com, buy there or on line and ship, Fed-Ex charges ($50/up to 4 leis, $65 for 8 and $120 for 100 leis in a box) most popular Lei shop, locals #1 spot to order.

Sunflower Café in Chinatown: very fresh good diem sum discovered by Jas, Irene, Helen and Vicky 2010.

Lam’s Kitchen: 1152 Maunakea St. 4.5/131 best ’17 chinese chow fun noodles’17 $

*The Pig & the Lady: 83 North King St Vietnamese fusion. Ranked #1 2017 in Oahu, #3TA, we agree top quality per Lalita and Huidy ’16 [edge of Chinatown] 4/1,316 2$, or go to Piggy Smalls lunch sandwich pastrami! Or booth Sat AM KCC farmer’s market, #1 sandwich on Oahu per Dania and Jana ’16, owner Alex, Get: LFC wings chicken, Octopus, sashimi, pork chop, whole chicken, Pho filet migon, dessert sundae. All excellent flavors! all excellently done, weak service, casual hip space in Chinatown.

Senia: 75 N. King St. 3$ french/American, quality creative, next to Lucky Belly, 4.5/75, 3$ American, charred cabbage, trendy, casual but excellent food, park Marin tower.

Bar 35: Pizza top 6/HA, 35 N. Hotel St. Roman style

*Maunakea Market: Maunakea St. fruits; fresh fish, clams, large prawns – Jerome and Amy shop here to cook @ condo. on N.Hotel St. International food court (Vietnamese, Singaporean, Thai, Philippino food), fresh lychees, rambutan.

*Maunaoa Plaza: discovered arch way entry to “Thang” ice coffee and bubble tea, mango smoothies! Can get without tapioca balls” if adventurous go L down stairs to see an “inner city”, like another country to pass thru.

*Thang II: open stand inside market on L, best Mango smoothie in area +/- boba only $3.5 in ‘16 and strong Vietnamese iced coffee (also go to 2^nd loc, inside)

*open market area: vegetables and fruits, seafood, chinatown store has everything!

Wing Shave Ice & Ice cream: 1145 Maunakea St enter Pauahi St, crazy flavors 4/269,

 

Downtown:

*Don Quijote supermarket:(very local, not one tourist seen here): 801 Kaheka St Honolulu, open 24/7 on a Food strip; near Home bar and grill restaurant. get Pau Pau’s Teriyaki-wasabi macadamian nuts ’16, try matcha mac nuts ’17 per Christina, Stephanie

*Pagoda Floating Restaurant: 1525 Rycroft St. opens 6:30am 808-948-8356, [along ala wai, cross bridge, Kapiolani] or exit Ala moana, R on pikoi, R near strip mall Don Quijote; casual food, groups.

*Ali’I Coffee: open until 2:30pm, 35 S Beretania St. 808-532-7928, Coff-Tails specialty, cold brew, trendy in downtown, lavender tea; the King, Taro latte is yum!

Kai Coffee: downtown, 207 S King St, R-2 808-537-3415, till 5pm, mag ranked top 3

*HI Cravings: 1102 Bishop St. Ste FC 5, downtown, 4.5/29, call pay on phone curb side pick up! 808-589-9875; fruits, cookie dough,

*Brue Bar 119 Merchant St downtown and 1132 Bishop St #1511 Honolulu great coffee first floor building, 3 locations

* Madre Chocolate: chocolatier organic, lightly-processed dry beans from farms throughout the state and around the world in its Honolulu workshop. Try the coconut milk and caramelized ginger or lilikoi (passion fruit)-infused bars, or join a make-your-own-bar class. 2 loc: 8 N. Pauahi St., Honolulu; 20A Kainehe St., Kailua, (808) 377-6440, madrechocolate.com.

Yanagi Sushi @ 762 Kapiolani 597-1525 =long-standing family place, large selection; 4/722, Randy and Linda’s favorite Japanese restaurant.  The best sushi on the island per Jeannie Seo and several others!  Great Toro and hamachi, get reservations. Happy hour special 10:30 to close at 2am, great butterfish and salmon, oyster shooters

*Kamaka Ukelelle Factory 550 South St Honolulu 96813 Tu-Fri 10:30am tour owner; Jake Shimabukuro- custom made.

*Gazen: 2840 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu; Wai-dee’s family favorite; 5-11pm, great happy hour till 6:30pm, gem of Kaimuki area, has booths! AC, clean spacious. Homemade tofu (soymilk broth), (serve fresh wasabi –yum, eat it straight), best anywhere fried fish appetizer, potato mochi earl grey sauce. Park in lot. We repeat this place.

*Home Bar & Grill:1683 Kalakaua Ave, Loud! sports bar, excellent local food! best garlic chicken, tater tot, nacos, kim chee fried rice, Negitoro, wafu steak, best cesar’s, garlic beans 808-942-2237 Shimosaka’s (went twice) then Doug Pearl #1 discovery ’14. ’15: no outside wine, Underage customers must be out by 8pm, card everyone; Large portions but too loud for us to eat unless with a group; real Sports bar, excellent local food! best salads and garlic chicken, edamame, kim chee fried rice.

*Yakitori Hachibei: 20N Hotel St Fl1 808-369-0088 3$ 4.5/52 happy hour 5-6pm $5 dishes; loved every thing, clean fresh food, japanese BBQ technique! happy hour featuring a variety of dishes and drinks for $5 includes yamaimo fries, ‘ahi poke, fried calamari, chicken liver pâté served on baguette slices and fried chicken wings topped with the restaurant’s special yuzu-citrus dressing or Nagoya-style shoyu and pepper. HH 5 to 6 p.m. daily, 20 N. Hotel St., (808) 369-0088

*Lucky Belly: 50 N Hotel St @ cornor 4.5/1,125 $$ Asian fusion, oxtail dumplings, lumpia, pork belly bao, belly and beast ramen bowl, quality food, good soup broth, large portion appetizers, reasonable prices, open late.

 

Kalihi:

*Hawaiian Chip Co: 1928 Republican St, 10-5pm, fresh warehouse, also at Farmers market, add own seasonings here!

Tea Time Taiwan: 1210 Dillingham, 4.5/33 in the shop ctr

Superb Sushi: 1322 N King St. 7:30am-1:30pm, Mon-Sat, 808-737-0051, fresh made´poke!, one table, mostly cater. Poke by pound and bowls, I ask for No salt Poke bowl and add one soy sauce), unagi, inari-Gunny sacks seasoned rice with ginger! Poke and tako. Kevin owner.

*Nisshodo Candy Store – 1095 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu #808-847-1244 (M – F 7 am – 4pm; Sa 7 am – 3pm) sells arare, fresh Mochi, chichi dango.

Hawaiian Pie Co: 508 Waiakamilo Rd 7am-4pm, 9” pie and mini, passion pear, cinnamon rolls

* Helena’s Hawaiian Food: 1240 N. School St. in Kahili Honolulu for Hawaiian food,10am-7:30pm 808-845-8044 Cash only, Tues-Frid only!! No reservations, wait outside, 4.5/1,520, ranked #1 real local food and really reasonable, famous HIW. My favorite Ribs!, delicious squid luau, kalua pork, tripe for Doug, fried butterfish if sharing.

Mitsu-Ken Okazu: 2300 N King, across from New City Nissan, 4*/299, Bfast till 10:30am, closes 1pm, Sun, Mon closed eggs & garlic chicken $6.50, bento box HIW Tu-Sat 5am-1pm, cash only; Kristy, Christina recommend.

*Young’s Fish Market: Hawaiian food option on same block, like Haiea’s, has Squid Luau frozen

*Thang’s french coffee & bubble tea: 1286 Kalani St, 8:30-6:30pm our favorite mango smoothies $4.5, in City Square Mall, better than Chinatown loc, thick!,AC, free parking all over strip mall; lichee coconut, iced coffee, milk tea, taro, papaya, avocado. Shop Costco 7am! Owner’s success story from Vietnam. Try new Sand Island shop!

*Palace Saimin: 1256 N King 11am-11pm old Hawaii, 415-841-9983, benches, HIW, great for plain Saimen 4.5/260 Tu-Sat; since 1946, bring family for noodle fix (skip wonton or bbq stick, super hot mustard!) just noodle and green onion) S = $4.25 XL= $6.25. near Fergusens and Costco.

*Ethel’s Grill: 232 Kalihi St. an institution finally tried 6/17 and now go 2x/week if in Oahu! cash only, 4/293 Mon closed, 6am-2pm, drive middle lane straight down Hwy 63, small parking lot, popular, cleanest HIW, favorite Local food $, per Calvin and Trase. Order—great Loco moco, Tataki sashimi, (Pearl likes specials: salmon Kama, Opah Belly Katsu) Mochiko chicken, $2 burger for kids! Bfast, best miso soup + salad J, definite winner, ask for sweet potato yam instead of rice, [NO: coffee, oxtail soup]

 

Aina Haina behind Kahala, half way to Hawaii Kai, sea life park

Uncle Clay’s shaved ice – worth the trip! (2018 can go to Ala Moana)

 

Kaneohe:

*Zippy’s: Great hash brown egg breakfast, coffee and long john or crispy donut, chili, portugese sausage, sweet bread Bfast, ramen; Napoleon bakery has Haupia cake; cold AC J, parking

*Kenko-Ya: 46-047 KAM Hwy, Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center 4/196, good variety, Best butter fish OMG! Teriyaki chicken, (no to unagi) A find, busy japanese sushi, near Safeway, will repeat.

*Haliewa joe’s: Haiku Gardens, 46-336 Haiku Rd Kaneohe, HI 808-247-6671 Dinner only, 4:30pm-10pm get huge prime rib! (no reservations, so call ahead to make sure how many prime ribs, “med-rare, on med side, only fresh cut”) or get NY steak. open restaurant in a garden (use mosquito repellent), only dinner, split prime rib, get cesars! The Haliewa location restaurant is open both L&D, grilled salmon, fish taco. HH extensive menu 4:30pm-6:25pm get Pupus, Li Hee Mui blended Margarita is delicious. Paradise pie is in top 10 favorites!

Mokolii Island: north end of Kaneohe, off of Kualoa Regional Bay Park, great spot for photos, unique shape (called Chinaman’s Hat) has sea caves and two small beaches, one secluded cove facing the ocean. see the distinctive profile of Kamehameha’s Turtle, Mokapu peninsula.

Ko’olau Mt range: above Kailua Bay, between Kaneohe and ranch, beautiful, sacred power and mana=spirit emanates from cliffs; waterfalls.

*Tropical Farms 49-227 Kamehameha 808-237-1960 variety of macadamian nuts, kona coffee samples, chickens, pricey, easy stop.

*Kualoa Ranch: 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe East side, call and reserve ahead to ride horses and ATV rides; favorite! 9-5pm 808-237-7321 [Jeep tour every 30” 1hr $27/Adult call avail @10am, jungle tour, horse ride-ck in 30” ahead, 2hr ATV – 10% off if resident card @ purchase: we know of falls and injuries, very dirty but the kids go every time! Wanda and Paul like it] Pat’s café, gift store and vacuum beef for sale in refrigerator.

Farm Tours and Zipling at Ranch.

Byodo-In Temple: Cemetery and Botanical Garden 9am-5pm Koi fish, black swans, $3 entry serene; Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is the most beautiful setting to visit.

 

Waiahole: (means water):

*Waiahole Poi Factory: 48-140 Kamehameha Hwy #808-239-2222, 10am-5pm daily, 4.5/198 (#1 or 4, share +extra side Lomi salmon), #2 Squid luau+ Laulau, best lomi salmon, authentic Hawaiian food, HIW hidden gem, sit inside or outside, to-go box, sell logo T-shirts, close to Kaaawa! Lopaka buys fresh hand pounded poi by gallon here, food made traditional way. (1^st stop airport to house)

 

KAAAWA:

Beach House 51-355 Kamehameha Hwy 96730 after you see Kaaawa Beach Park, the last house on the ocean side before gets sandy area again.

[Directions from Aston Banyan Hotel in Waikiki: H1 West (4.3 mi), take Exit #20A Likelike Hwy (#63 North) across Mts  Stay on R to Hwy 83 Kahekili Hwy, up Kamehameha Hwy

 

Hauula: (see tall trees in Mt)

*Hawaiian Monk Seal: (randomly spotted on beach 11.29.16 while looking out).

*Tamura’s: great Poke bowl $7.99 to 10.99 – our favorite Tamura’s special, Hawaiian is spicy; great taste salmon poke and sometimes has Hamachi poke! carry Koloa rum punch from Kauai – served on HA flight. Sit at end of strip picnic tables, locals practice Hula, good meeting spot

 

Laie: Lai-a-e

*Food Land: largest one in area (seniors 5% off Thur, if over 60 years)

*Cackle Fresh Egg farm: get fresh eggs jumbo 20 for $4.45, bananas

PCC Polynesian cultural center: half or full day tourist spot, Samoan Hx show (Alamo magazine: rental car and key, contract, one person free preview one hour) 6-7pm daily in Dec live music free. BYU and McDonalds.

*Farm Table Café: nice stop, tour

 

Kahuku:

*Fumi’s Shrimp truck: 56-777 Kamehameha hwy 10am-7:30pm, Darlene’s favorite!, organized, shrimp ponds all around.

Romi’s Tongan style giant sized shrimp, ?small portion end of the road to North shore, over 30 ponds

*Kahuku Farms Café and Tours: 56-800 Kamehameha Hwy, smoothies, freshest, delicious food, vege Panini, grilled banana bread, across Romi’s shrimp, cleanest port-a-potty.

Climb works Keana Farms: Zipline North shore, 808-200-7910, www.keanafarms.com; Wili

Turtle Bay: resort, golf

North Shore, at Turtle Bay Resort, it’s the Legends of the North Shore Luau, every Friday night. exciting dinner show with special entrees for the kids. tropical drinks at the outdoor. Surfside Hang Ten bar as well as late night entertainment and dancing at the Bay Club. live Hawaiian entertainment in the lobby daily from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Wahiawa:

*Green World Coffee Farm: 71-101 Kamehameha hwy 6am-6:00pm in Wahiawa, small roaster on way to north shore, mocha or cappuccino freeze (was too sweet), needs shot extra, lots of free tea and coffee samples local beans

 

North shore:

Haleiwa: (old Hawaii town) H-1W, H-2, 99 to historic Haleiwa, Marketplace, cute shops, small town. [great day trip, best beaches in summer; watch only the swells in winter, beaches, tide pools, scenery, surf, Rock Jump Molokea, Pupukea, Kahuku]

Laniakea Beach – 61-676 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa 96712 “Turtle beach” “Honu sighting” Giant and baby green sea turtles year round, keep 3 feet away (do not stand like a wall of people or they stop advancing, poor vision), they stay away if strong currents, they feed on green algae, seaweed on the limestone shelves, rocks, Lock your car! watch traffic! Both sides. no sign, use phone GPS. Kim saw lots of colorful fish snorkeling close to beach. Beach with Turtles and docents on guard (ask lucky Paul and Wanda), watch Traffic, secure your car!

*Dole Plantation: stop on the way to North shore, cut Pineapple demo, great pineapple ice, nice stop to shop, maze.

*Haliewa Town: expanded for blocks of shops on both sides, parking behind. Visit old site of Grass Skirt Grill!

*Coffee Gallery in Haleiwa: best Cappuccino Freeze (our favorite! skip starbucks for a dessert drink) Pearl’s favorite cold brew french’16,’17; internet access! lots inside seating tables, plugs along wall. Carry Uncle’s ice cream sandwiches.

*Haleiwa Bowls: ’17 moved, now across road from Haliewa Joes on Kamehameha Hwy, 4.5/245 (2^nd to Beet box), made each fresh in past; 7:30am-6:30pm, Mon-Sun 808-551-9507.

*Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: Off the road near picnic tables, writing on the truck; original famous scampi and garlic rice plate 56-505 Kamehameha Highway location is the best, also has trucks in Kahuku (on your way to north shore side)

*Matsumoto on North Shore: most famous Shaved ice, long lines go fast, fun expanded store. [Large Lilikoi and guava flavors, ice cream & condensed milk top = Kim’s favorite]

*HE>I [He is greater than I]: Christian T-shirt store, 2^nd store across pier 38 in strip mall on Nimitz

*Kuaina: great burgers, sandwiches, grilled veggie (ask to add onion too), (Ward Center location closed 2016)

*The Beet Box: great Acai bowl Rio, tasty avocado toast 4*/111 (one of Pearl’s favorite healthy food spot). Sun 7-4pm, great AC, wifi.

*Celestials Natural Foods: 66-443 Kamehameha Hwy 9-7pm, sun=9-5pm 808-637-6729 local, family run, get bee pollen, refrigerator has hemp granola for acai, coconut strips $2.

*Haleiwa Joe’s: 66-011 Kamehameha Hwy, 11:30-9:30pm, no reservations, dinner starts 5pm, 808-637-8005 sit down restaurant, both Lunch and Dinner at this site, prime rib @ dinner only, nice outside view, get catch of the day, fresh fish from area! 3^rd Friday each month go at 4:30pm, 6pm packed for Hula and Fire show. Joe+ 3 daughters work here daily!

Haleiwa Beach Park: rest, paddle, surf; near St Peter Paul Church Tower and Beach

 

*Kahuku Land Farms Stand: 56-781 Kamehameha local papaya, lichee, coconut, Best Kahuku Corn, fruits, heliconia; went when kids were young (GMa, side road open stands) 808-232-2202, cash only.

*Kahuku Farms: 56-800 Kamehameha Hwy 11am-4pm Mon, wed-Sun, farmer market, smoothies, ice cream sand,

*Banzai Bowls: Doug’s favorite Acai ‘17- a blend, Sorbet style and huge! Very refreshing, 59-186 Kamehameha hwy, sit across beach or at the thin counter @ window, limited seating, fresh made.

*Ted’s Bakery: 59-024 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa 96712, off R Sunset Beach, plates look good, shrimp plate lunch (just drain the oil) includes a dessert! Chocolate Haupia Pie (we pick up a whole pie) or get a whole coconut cake- soft for days, freezes well! NO to cheese cake; Open 7am-8pm Mon-sun; great buns.

*Kahuku Superette in No.shore: make their own soyu for the poke (Trase, local favorite), Kahuku shrimp garlic

*Foodland: across Sunset beach, very popular supermarket! Everyone gets poke there.

*Shark’s Cove: one of the best locations, tide pools, diving, shallow areas, snorkel to see bright fish here like Haunama bay. Locals and families all go here. 59-711 Kamehameha Hwy, great Summer-time only spot beach for the family, cove is protected, in summer 1’ to 3’ surfs, located to the right of the tide pools. Rocks so reef shoes needed! shallow calm water area to snorkel, Snorkel here to see more fish (parrotfish,chubs,jacks…) than Haunama Bay! Because marine sanctuary-no fishing. A local very popular dive (turtles, sharks, nudibranchs, slipper lobster,crab,eels…?orange cup coral) spot. Do NOT go in winter months, water swells 30’ will sweep you against rocks.

Waimea Bay Beach park off Hwy 99 many beaches to stop at along the way. Waimea Bay Beach Park: 61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Clear waters, lots of sand (I always wear water-shoes!) Shade near the rocks. Showers, foot faucets and accessible bathrooms! Locals and adrenaline junkies jump off the famous cliff jump! Baby jump further out requires swim, caution: sand has a quick deep drop and strong waves pull you out.

*Waimea Falls: hike to pools, gardens, costs to enter, have boards for use; clear water 30’ deep, optional: swim shoes for rocks, no beach, relax, favorite place to hike and swim.  (per Jeannie, local serious swimmers go snorkeling to the right, swim a bit far out to the edge of the bay).

*Waimea Falls Farmer’s market: 2pm -7pm Thur afternoon farmer’s market in the best setting (love to make it here): live music, clothing, vegetables, picnic area, monkeypod trees, Great real fruit flavored ice, local honey, Noni balm, great bakery, crepes and pizza.

Turtle Bay: resort, public beach and bathroom, need kayak to see turtles, golf, beach

Flyer Sportfishing: North Shore: fishoahu.com Captain Jared Dow cmsoahu@gmail.com 808-365-2520 or 808-3330701.

 

Waipahu:

*Tanioka’s Seafoods and Catering 94-903 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu; after shopping Waikele, or if going to KoOlina 9am-3pm; on Fri, Sat till 5pm, poke goes fast 808-671-3779 4.5/695, has freshest poke, spicy, limu, shoyu, garlic, fish patty, cone sushi, ocean salad, garlic chicken; best variety to cater a party! No eating area, take to-go, Justin’s favorite.

*Waikele premium shopping outlet mall: 94-790 Lumiania St, stop on way to North shore, opens 9am-9pm, BCBG, Barneys, tommy Bahama #107, Coach….

*Y-Kele Korean BBQ: 94-799 Lumiaina St. go when shop @ Waikele Outlet. local style Korean bbq beef, chicken, combo plate $10.20 for lunch, good sides (banchan: macaroni, pot, pickled veges) not highly rated but good (‘15 discovered “YoonCy” = our favorite casual Korean BBQ)

 

Kailua: straight across Pali Hwy = #61; very nice beach, safest, can paddle; great, clean place to live, pricey homes.

Water sports: Kailua Beach ½ day Surf camp, Waikiki Parasail, Guided Kayak adventure, Jet skiing, Scuba Diving

Beach Park: very safe, wind surf, people paddle out to Mokulua, the smaller of the 2 islands on the left to explore.

A+D jump off point: Alan Davis, Safe beach that young people jump into the water, all locals know this, Kim says not too high.

Ka’iiwa Ridge Trail = Lanikai Pill Boxes: great hike, need shoes, a great view windward coast. one of easier hikes on island also one of most scenic. Concrete guard posts.

Mokulua: 2 islands you can see to the right from the beach, can explore the small island on the left. http://surfnewsnetwork.com/  go to Lanikai Beach: Mokulua Dr Kailua has best white sand, top 10 beaches of world! see two iconic islands named Mokulua off the coast. Mokulua islands are actually seabird sanctuaries, but the larger of the two islands offer a small beach you can kayak against the current and wind to! just as beautiful to look at. best spot to snorkel is in between Mokumanu Drive and Haokea Drive. Parking lot limited, walk to L of life guard and less windy area with shallow baby water area and walk under Hwy to paddle board and see canoe club area right across from Buzz’s.

Pali Hwy: Connects downtown and windward side stop @ Queen Emma summer home and Pali Lookout Nu’uanu =great place to view windward side Kailua to Kaneohe to Kahaluu.

 

*Uahi Island Grill: 33 Aulike St ’16, 808-266-4646 4*/227 11am-9pm get the red curry fish! our favorite (Moved ’16)

*Nalu Health Bar & Cafe: 131 Hekili St #109 9am-6pm daily Acai bowl 24oz “Nalu bowl” Pearl’s #1 favorite, best tasting, neat, highest quality (pure dark, not icy, smoothie style –will melt at end, fresh made to order (n/c substituted blueberries out for papaya) delicious nalo green salads (no to added meat)! wraps look very good (get coffee @ Curb or Morning Brew). [Doug: smoothie switch milk to apple juice] Clean, light, AC, Free wifi internet pass=nalunalu. Help yourself to lemon water behind the refrigerator. My favorite location to hang out! BR for the block is in the back!

*Bee Tea: quality tea and Boba place on St.

*Teddy’s Bigger Burgers: 539 Kailua Rd, 10am-9pm (Doug-local best burger), only wipes- so starbucks to wash hands.

*Whole Foods: 629 Kailua Rd, 7am-10pm, salad bar, all types of high quality prepared food for take out, plenty of sitting areas to meet people.

*Morning Brew: 600 Kailua Rd 808-262-7770, Mon-Sun 6am-6pm, outdoor and upstairs seating, all day Bfast, Brunch, lunch; free wifi, 4/588 local place c/o Trevor, best iced coffee- Pearl’s favorite top 5 black coffee (love peaberry).

*Boots and Kimo: 119 Hekili st. Macadamian nut sauce on banana pancakes per Wanda, Closed Mon 151 Hekili Street, in Kailua (M – F 7:30 am – 2pm; Sa – Su 7:30 am – 2:30) 3.5 stars, good, lines!

*Cinnamon’s Restaurant – 315 Uliniu Street, Kailua (M – Su 7 am – 2pm) park in lot, Christina loves! Guava chiffon pancake, coconut syrup, locomoco, cinnamon roll – homemade, good, but small, crab cake benedict, breakfast, red velvet pancakes-sweet? per Karen

*Over Easy: brunch 418 Kuulei Rd #103 custard french toast, liliko mimosa, kalua pig hash, egg fried rice 4.5/151 Street park or use structure behind McDonalds 808-260-1732, No reservations, quality, homemade everything! innovative brunch; our #1 Brunch 2018, Jen and Nick- owners are there daily.

*Beet Box: 46 Hoolai St, 808-262-5000, 7am-4pm daily, Acai, Smoothies, Vegan, Lunch, 2^nd Cafe

*Buzz’s Original Steak House: 413 Kawailoa Rd. Kailua, 11am-3pm, 4:30-9:30pm, 808-261-4661 great Salad bar (pickled onions!), desserts, Crab Louie @ lunch only Thur (Doug’s favorite), try ribs, scampi (NO to prime rib), across Lanikai beach! Sit outside (ask for chop sticks to eat salad).

Madre Chocolate: chocolatier organic, beans from farms throughout the state and around the world. coconut milk and caramelized ginger or lilikoi (passion fruit)-infused bars, join a make-your-own-bar class. 2 loc: 8 N. Pauahi St., Honolulu; 20A Kainehe St., Kailua, (808) 377-6440, madrechocolate.com.

Manoa Chocolate: popular Breakfast Bar of Hawai‘i chocolate nibs + coffee beans. Factory tours Mon -Sat. 315 Uluniu St., Suite 203, Kailua, (808) 262-6789, manoachocolate.com.

*Kailua Farmer’s Market: 609 Kailua Rd, behind Longs Drugs Thur 5:00pm-7:30pm, fun to visit get greens

 

Waimanilo: awesome beach, strong waves, mixed area, one large homeless camp; most gardens and farms!

Sea Life Park Hawaii: 41-202 Kalanianole Hwy Aquariums, Parks, 9:30-4pm, $5 parking fee, gen admission $40, Alamo magazine get one free admission with rental car keys – restrictions, 808-259-2500. small but great hands-on for kids,  “false killer whale and dolphin hybrid, wolphin. (prefer Kahala’s dolphin quest)

Blow Hole

Kapolei:

*Lagoons at Ko Olina- 3 man made lagoons, calm and quiet; first one has most parking, swim in lagoon #4 92-100. Clean Waipahu Pl: 1^st Lagoon future four seasons hotel, $10 parking fee in the marina, all 4 lagoons have BRs, no life guards.

 

Beaches:

[Beach Checklist: large bag, plastic bags, beach towel, extra towels, sun screen, large brimmed hat, umbrella, long sleeved shirt, extra clothes, undies, clean slippers, hair ties and clip, sunglasses, beach mat, beach chairs, boogie board, sand bucket, reef shoes, fins, safety vest, snorkel gear, hand wipes, travel size shampoo, and body wash, refreshments, water…]

BUY SOME WATER SHOES…must protect your feet in the waters of Waikiki…people step on Sea Urchins! Sites= Ko’olina Beach and Ala Moana Beach Park, Lanikai =good for young kids. Waikiki is SUPER rocky!!! definitely get reef shoes, go to the ihilani hotel, five ko’olina lagoons- manmade so bottoms are nice and sandy–very few rocks. don’t go during jellyfish season, though.

If you want to do a luau, go to paradise cove.

Lanai Look Out: stunning views of the waves and coastline, this lookout is named for one of the islands you can see during a clear morning. If on a clear day you will be able to see Maui, Molokai and even the Big Island

Halona Cove & Blow Hole: This natural water feature is amazing to witness. Seawater is pushed up through a lava tube in the volcanic rock and shoots into the air like a geyser. best viewed during high tide and windy weather.

East Oahu attractions:

Halona Blowhole

Sandy beach

Makapuu beach

Koko crater botanical garden: 90” stroll into crater, 200 acres plants grow dry [follow koko crater stables off Kealahou St to dead end, tril entrance to park, bring water, walking shoes.

Tantalus: drive for aerial views and distance photography of Honolulu, Diamond Head

Pearl Harbour and USS Arizona Memorial – #1 tourist spot

Byodo –in Temple

 

Farmer’s Markets: “get vine ripen Papayas –best taste, sweet” see what is seasonal and fresh!

*KCC: Sat 7:30-11am –huge and fun, Tues 4-7pm – is very small

King’s Village: 131 Kailulani M W F Sat 4-9pm

Hyatt Kalakawa Thur 4-8pm

People’s Stadium Mall, Moiliili Wed 8:15-9:15am

Manoa: 2753 Woodlawn Dr. Tues, Sun 7am-11am

Makiki: Punahou School Thur 4:30pm

Kakaako: Ward Sat 8-12

Honolulu: Ward Wed 4-7pm

Kaiser: Thursday

Fort: Tues Frid 7am-2pm

Kekaulike: M-Sat 9am-5pm Chinatown

Pearlridge: Sat 8-12

Mililani Farmers Market: 25-1200 Meheula Pkwy Sun 8-11am

—Waialua Farmer’s Co-op Market: Wed 4:30-7, Sat 8:30-2pm only produce, 67-106 Kealohanui St. Waialua

*Haleiwa Farmer’s Market: Thur 3pm-7pm in Waimea Falls Valley (moved over), tight parking, in a rainforest, greens, artists, music, bakery, Wicked HI Slush- honey slush, our favorite ice, punch card, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy.

—North Shore: Sat 8-2pm

—BYU: qoFrid 10:30-2pm

Windward: Wed 2:30-7:30, Sun 10am-2pm

Kailua: Thur 5-7:30pm 609 Kailua Rd

 

HIKES:

Mānoa Falls, Diamond Head Crater, Kokohead—O‘ahu’s most popular trails attract crowds for a reason.

1. KULI‘OU‘OU RIDGE TRAIL

Difficulty: **
Length: 5 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Dry

“The easiest of the ridge hikes,” notes hiking guru and author Stuart Ball. This mild trek may not be as bad as its Ko‘olau cousins, but you may have a Koko Crater moment when you reach the stairs at the end. Plant lovers, feast your eyes on the variety of flora, which range from alien ironwoods to uluhe ferns. Reach the summit, and get the same clear east side views, less the Lanipō struggle.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING EAST ON KALANIANA‘OLE HIGHWAY TOWARD HAWAI‘I KAI, TURN LEFT ONTO KULI‘OU‘OU ROAD. PROCEED UNTIL THE ROAD ENDS IN A CUL-DE-SAC WITH A NARROW PAVED PATH AT ITS END—THIS IS THE WAY TO THE TRAILHEAD. NOTE THAT PARKING IS PROHIBITED BY SIGNS IN THE CUL-DE-SAC ITSELF, SO IT’S BEST TO LOOK FOR PARKING ALONG KULI‘OU‘OU STREET.

 

2. MAKAPU‘U RIDGE

Difficulty: ****
Length: 5 miles one way
Wet/Dry: Dry

Forget the Makapu‘u lighthouse—if you want a real hiking expedition, take this coarser path from the lookout all the way to Waimānalo. It starts out steep and gets pretty narrow, but glimpses of Hawai‘i Kai and the Windward Coast await you along the way. Keep an eye out for the Cold War-era missile pad, and don’t forget to get a ride back to the lookout lot—this is a one-way hike.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING NORTH ON KALANIANA‘OLE HIGHWAY FROM HAWAI‘I KAI, PASS THE TURNOFF FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE AND TURN RIGHT INTO THE MAKAPU‘U LOOKOUT PARKING LOT. THE TRAILHEAD IS LOCATED ACROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM THE LOT EXIT.

 

3. WAIMANO RIDGE

Difficulty: ***
Length: 15 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Wet

Yes, it is really that long, but fear not: This is one of the best maintained hikes around. It’s got a wide, level pathway that was originally created by the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps. What’s more, says Ball, “there’s something for everyone,” from explorable plantation-era drainage tunnels to tasty mountain apples and strawberry guava off the trees. Just don’t get too distracted and miss the view of Kahalu‘u at the ridge summit!

DIRECTIONS

TRAVELING WEST ON THE H-1, TAKE EXIT 10 (PEARL CITY/WAIMALU) ONTO MOANALUA ROAD. PROCEED UNTIL MOANALUA ENDS AND TURN RIGHT ONTO WAIMANO HOME ROAD. CONTINUE ON WAIMANO UNTIL YOU REACH THE PARKING AREA ON THE LEFT AND A GUARD SHACK ON THE RIGHT. FOLLOW THE CHAIN LINK FENCE TO THE TRAIL HEAD.

 

4. LANIPŌ​

Difficulty: ****
Length: 7.5 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Wet

Friends may tell you that this one is a walk in the park. Don’t believe them. Once you set out from the trailhead at Maunalani Circle, you’ll have to follow the ridge up, then down, then up, and … well, you get the picture. Don’t count on the elements to give you a break, either. The (narrow) path is muddy after rain and blistering in the sun. The payoff? Stunning views from Waikīkī to Waimānalo with the Ko‘olau range in between.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING EAST ON WAI‘ALAE AVENUE, TAKE A LEFT ONTO WILHELMINA RISE, CONTINUING ALL THE WAY UP THE RIDGE UNTIL THE STREET INTERSECTS SIERRA DRIVE. TURN RIGHT ONTO SIERRA, THEN RIGHT AGAIN WHERE IT INTERSECTS MAUNALANI CIRCLE. CONTINUE ON MAUNALANI—THE ROAD WILL CURVE TO THE LEFT—UNTIL YOU REACH THE MARKED PATH TO THE TRAILHEAD JUST AFTER A DRIVEWAY WITH A SURFBOARD MAILBOX STAND. SIGNS PROHIBIT PARKING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET, BUT NONE ARE POSTED ON THE SIDE YOU ENTER ON.

 

5. MĀNANA TRAIL

Difficulty: ****
Length: 11.6 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Mixed

Build your own adventure by going only as far as you want. Whether you’ve got the gusto to make it to the summit or feel fatigued at the picnic rest site, this route above Pacific Palisades offers some of the best ridge hiking on the entire Ko‘olau range. The most important rule? Stick to the main trail—follow a tributary path, and you may wind up in Waimano Valley.

DIRECTIONS

TRAVELING WEST ON THE H-1, TAKE EXIT 10 (PEARL CITY/WAIMALU) ONTO MOANALUA ROAD. PROCEED UNTIL MOANALUA ENDS AND TURN RIGHT ONTO WAIMANO HOME ROAD. TURN LEFT ON KOMO MAI DRIVE AND FOLLOW THE ROAD UNTIL IT ENDS. THE TRAILHEAD IS REACHABLE THROUGH THE METAL GATE AT THE END OF THE CUL-DE-SAC. HERE TOO, PARKING IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE CUL-DE-SAC, SO BACKTRACK TO THE STREET FOR A SPACE.​

FALLS:

1. LIKEKE FALLS

​Difficulty: **
Length: 4 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Wet

Spice up your next jog on Old Pali Road by taking an old cobblestone path up through a nearby valley to the falls. Be persistent: The sound of running water makes the falls seem closer than they are. At the end is a moderate-sized cascade with plenty of foliage and tree branches around, making it a great spot to hang out—literally.

DIRECTIONS

THE TRAIL TO THE FALLS IS ACCESSIBLE FROM THE OLD PALI ROAD, WHICH IN TURN CAN BE REACHED FROM THE PALI LOOKOUT (SEE DIRECTIONS AND PARKING FOR PALI PUKA). CONTINUE ON OLD PALI ROAD UNTIL YOU REACH A CONCRETE BARRIER AND A SET OF STAIRS. BY THIS POINT, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO HEAR THE RUNNING WATER.

 

2. LĀ‘IE FALLS

Difficulty: ***
Length: 7 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Mixed

Yup, there’s a waterfall up there! Grab a permit from Hawai‘i Reserves at the Lā‘ie Shopping Center and head up a quiet country road to find the trailhead. From grasslands to dense forests, this hike features a variety of biomes on the way to the main attraction. This isn’t the largest waterfall, so aim to go after a good rain, when the pool and cascade should be most impressive.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING NORTH ON HIGHWAY 83 TOWARD LĀ‘IE, PASS THE POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER AND TURN INTO LĀ‘IE SHOPPING CENTER ON THE LEFT. LOOK FOR THE HAWAII RESERVES OFFICE (OPEN 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY) WHICH GRANTS THE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR THIS HIKE. FROM THE CENTER, CONTINUE NORTH ON HIGHWAY 83 AND TURN LEFT INTO NANILOA LOOP. ONCE IN THE ROUNDABOUT, TAKE THE POOHAILI STREET EXIT AND PROCEED TO THE PARKING LOT NEXT TO LĀ‘IE PARK. FROM THERE, YOU WILL NEED TO PROCEED ALONG THE ROAD BY FOOT TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD.

 

3. MAUNAWILI FALLS

Difficulty: ***
Length: 2.6 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Wet

The trail itself may be muddy and uneven, but “the pool and falls are spectacular,” says Ball. Indeed, many take advantage of the swimming hole by diving from the top of the falls or from a ridge even higher up. This windward trail is crowded with locals and tourists at midday and on weekends, so plan to go very early or late and on a weekday. Don’t miss the great Ko‘olau views on the way up. A word of caution: If you’re leery of leptospirosis, this might be one to skip.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING NORTH ON THE PALI HIGHWAY, PROCEED TO THE INTERSECTION WITH KALANIANA‘OLE HIGHWAY, AULOA ROAD AND KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY. TURN RIGHT ONTO AULOA ROAD, THEN RIGHT ON LUNAAI STREET, LEFT ON LUNAHELU STREET, AND FINALLY RIGHT ONTO MAUNAWILI ROAD. PROCEED ON MAUNAWILI UNTIL YOU REACH ITS INTERSECTION WITH KELEWINA STREET. THE TRAILHEAD IS LOCATED AT THIS POINT. PARKING IS SCARCE AT THE TRAILHEAD, SO LOOK FOR A SPOT CLOSER TO THE INTERSECTION OF MAUNAWILI AND ALOHA OLE DRIVE.

 

4. LULUMAHU FALLS

Difficulty: **
Length: 2.5 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Wet

The old ruins, bamboo forest, and 50-foot waterfall make you feel like you’ve leaped right into one of the Indiana Jones movies. Look for the trailhead near where Nu‘uanu Pali Drive reconnects with the Pali Highway, and be sure to follow the trail. If you’ve lost your way, just head upstream. The ruins are the remnants of King Kamehameha III’s summer palace, known formally as Kaniakapupu.

DIRECTIONS

TRAVELING NORTH ON THE PALI HIGHWAY FROM HONOLULU, CONTINUING PAST THE FIRST INTERSECTION WITH NU‘UANU PALI DRIVE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SECOND INTERSECTION WITH NU‘UANU PALI, WHICH IS PRECEDED BY A YELLOW DIAMOND-SHAPED SIGN MARKING THE END OF THE RIGHTMOST LANE OF THE HIGHWAY, PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND ONTO THE GRAVEL PARKING AREA. THE TRAILHEAD IS THROUGH THE BREAK IN THE FENCE.

 

5. KOLOA GULCH

Difficulty: ****
Length: 8 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Wet

Stuart Ball calls this one “somewhat more rugged and wild than other waterfall [hikes].” He’s probably right, judging from the stony stream crossings and the aquatic life around them. Enjoy the verdant valley walls and smaller cascades as you head further into the gulch, eventually reaching the 80-foot-tall Kalo Falls and pool. Pick up a hiking permit from Hawai‘i Reserves at the Lā‘ie Shopping Center but be ready for difficult, tricky going.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING NORTH ON HIGHWAY 83 TOWARD LĀ‘IE, PASS THE POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER AND TURN INTO LĀ‘IE SHOPPING CENTER ON THE LEFT. LOOK FOR THE HAWAII RESERVES OFFICE (OPEN 9 AM TO 5 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY) WHICH GRANTS THE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR THIS HIKE. FROM THE CENTER, HEAD NORTH ON THE HIGHWAY AND PARK IN THE LOT FOR LĀ‘IE BEACH PARK. WALK SOUTH ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL YOU REACH A NARROW PAVED ROAD ON THE RIGHT, ACROSS FROM A LARGE WHITE MANSION AND JUST BEFORE THE 20-MILE MARKER. THE TRAIL BEGINS BEYOND A CHAINED PORTION OF THE ROAD.

HIKES for VIEWS

1. PALI PUKA

Difficulty: **
Length: 1 mile round trip
Wet/Dry: Wet

Want the most gawk for your walk? Instead of heading straight to the Pali Lookout, find the trailhead that begins with a gap in the stone wall in the parking lot. Twenty minutes later, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Windward Coast framed by the puka itself.  Be careful, though—the trail is often just feet from a sheer cliff drop, and there are no guard rails here to keep you safe.

DIRECTIONS

TRAVELING NORTHEAST OUT OF HONOLULU ON THE PALI HIGHWAY, FOLLOW THE SIGNS FOR NU‘UANU PALI STATE PARK (COLLOQUIALLY PALI LOOKOUT). EXIT THE HIGHWAY BY FOLLOWING THE SIGNS JUST BEFORE THE WILSON TUNNEL. AT THE LOOKOUT PARKING LOT, SCAN THE ROCK WALL FRONTING THE BUS STALLS FOR A CRUMBLING DIP WITH SOME BAMBOO ON THE OTHER SIDE. THIS IS THE TRAILHEAD.

2. MOKULĒ‘IA & KUAOKALĀ FIREBREAK ROADS

Difficulty: **
Length: 10.8 miles one way
Wet/Dry: Mixed

The Wai‘anae Range gets hiked less often than its sister mountains. That means more room for sprinting on this wide dirt road. See Wai‘anae on one side and Mokulē‘ia’s shore on the other, or come early for a stunning sunrise. Where to enter? That’s up to you: Intersections with the Keālia Trail and Mokulē‘ia Forest Reserve Access Road mean you can approach from either side of the mountains.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING WEST FROM HALE‘IWA ON FARRINGTON HIGHWAY, PROCEED UNTIL YOU REACH A GREEN METAL GATE ON THE LEFT THAT MARKS MOKULĒ‘IA FOREST RESERVE ACCESS ROAD WITH A GROVE OF COCONUT PALMS JUST OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. THE ROAD IS NOT MARKED BY A STREET SIGN—THE LAST CLEARLY NAMED STREET WILL BE MAHINAAI STREET ON THE RIGHT. THE ACCESS ROAD LEADS TO THE TRAILHEAD, BUT IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE BY BICYCLE OR ON FOOT. AVOID LEAVING VALUABLES IN THE CAR IF YOU PARK ALONG THE HIGHWAY, AS VEHICLE BREAK-INS ARE COMMON.

 

3. KUAOKALĀ–TRAIL

Difficulty | **
Length | 5 miles round trip
Wet/Dry | Dry

Tired of windward views? Try this Wai‘anae ridge for something new. It ends at the same point as Keālia, but the gain is more gradual and (relieved sigh) switchback free. Don’t hold out for the best views until the end—glimpses of both sides of the range are best on the way up. Forks abound, but if you always hang a left, you will survive. The top two necessities for this hike: a four-wheel drive vehicle for getting to the trailhead at Ka‘ena Point Tracking Station and a permit from the state.

DIRECTIONS

TRAVELING WEST ON FARRINGTON HIGHWAY, PASS WAI‘ANAE AND PROCEED UNTIL YOU REACH YOKOHAMA BAY ON THE LEFT AND SATELLITE TRACKING STATION ROAD ON THE RIGHT. CHECK IN WITH YOUR STATE-ISSUED PERMIT AT THE GUARD STATION. CONTINUE ON THE ROAD AND TAKE A RIGHT AT THE STOP SIGN. AFTER PASSING THE SATELLITE STATION, YOU WILL REACH ANOTHER INTERSECTION WITH A DIRT LOT NEARBY. PARK HERE, AND LOOK FOR THE TRAILHEAD NEXT TO AN UNPAVED DIRT ROAD THAT DESCENDS DOWN INTO THE GULCH.

 

4. PU‘U MANAMANA MINI HIKE
5. ‘AIEA LOOP TRAIL

Difficulty: *
Length: 5 miles
Wet/Dry: Wet

Hunting for an ancient hei‘au? Wondering where to find wreckage from a World War II bomber? This trail at the end of ‘Aiea Heights Drive has a variety of sites for history buffs, and the path is suitable for hikers of all abilities. For a more modern vignette, check out the bird’s-eye view of the H3. When you’re finished, pavilions make this the perfect place to picnic, post-hike.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING WEST ON THE H-1 TOWARD ALOHA STADIUM, TAKE THE STADIUM/‘AIEA EXIT ONTO MOANALUA ROAD. TURN RIGHT ON ‘AIEA HEIGHTS DRIVE AND FOLLOW IT UNTIL IT LOOPS AROUND IN KEA‘IWA HEIAU STATE PARK, WHERE THE TRAIL IS LOCATED. PARKING AND FACILITIES SHOULD BE PLENTIFUL HERE.

 

2. KAMANANUI VALLEY ROAD

Difficulty: **
Length: 7 miles round trip
Wet/Dry: Wet

Finding petroglyphs on O‘ahu is hard, but you can check some out on a boulder just off this path in Moanalua Valley. Add in some old carriage bridges and ruins from the former Damon Estate, and you’ve got a great hike made even better by fascinating archaeological sites. Experienced hikers: Motor past the official end of the trail to find the legal(ish) backdoor route to the top of Ha‘ikū Stairs, along with some of the most treacherous ridge hiking on the island.

 

3. JUDD MEMORIAL TRAIL & “JACKASS GINGER” POOL

Difficulty: *
Length: 1.5 miles
Wet/Dry: Wet

This hike’s a quick one, with a sweet swimming hole just past a grove of banyan and mango trees. All were planted by territorial forester Charles S. Judd decades ago. The trailhead is off Nu‘uanu Pali Road near Reservoir No. 2. Apparently, a donkey was tethered there in the early 20th century, surrounded by (you guessed it) a bunch of ginger.

DIRECTIONS

HEADING NORTH ON THE PALI HIGHWAY, TURN RIGHT ONTO NU‘UANU PALI DRIVE. SHORTLY AFTER THE HAIRPIN CURVE, LOOK FOR A CONCRETE BRIDGE AND A SIGN ON THE RIGHT THAT READS “PLEASE KOKUA NO DUMPING” JUST BEFORE IT. THE TRAIL STARTS JUST BEFORE THE BRIDGE. PARKING IS LIMITED, SO CONSIDER OTHER SPACES IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREA BEFORE THE TRAILHEAD.

 

Things to do

South:

• Koko Crater trailhead ( southeast ) 1,000 steps, 1.5 miles, take 30-60 minute to go to top. Destination google: Koko Head District park. Bridge too scare? Path to right to bypass.
• Diamond head ( south) 0.8 miles, 560 steps, approx 45 minutes to top
• Hanuma Bay ( south)100 Hanauma Bay Drive, ueber Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825-2005 * close Tuesday

+1 808-396-4229

North shore : big swell and surf in winter ( do not swim or snorkel in winder , calm in summer.

• Laniakea Beach ( north shore) to see turtle, big swell in winter ,574, 61-574 Pohaku Loa Way, Haleiwa, HI 96712 (808) 464-0840
• Haleiwa beach park 66-167 Haleiwa Rd (808) 768-8980 life guard, turtle, cliff diving
• Shark Cove ( northshore) big swell in winter,/ foodland facross street for groceries, watch sunset ,
• Haleiwa Downtown

• Turtle paddle board, in Haleiwa up the Ana Hulu Stream.

East (Windward side)

• Kailua Beach Park-outrigger canoe tour with Kailua Ocean Adventure to twin island to queens bath, and snorkel. Rent boogie boards, kayak with Kailua Beach adventure safe to paddle to flat island; life guard
• !NO! Crouching Lion Hike – too dangerous

 

Pearl W. Yee, MD Inc. update 8.14.2018 on www.aestheticpearl.com