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Restaurants & Food

Waikiki

Tsuro Ton Tan

Delicious udon (thick noodle) bowls, sushi, and Japanese comfort foods. Reasonable prices. I am hooked on the sizzling sukiyaki (a brothless udon bowl), but all the udon offerings are winners. Happy Hour discounts 11:30–5:30, plus weekday lunch “set” specials.

Appetito Craft Pizza and Wine Bar

The best pizza on Oahu. Think of it as a gourmet pizza shop with a Japanese chef and good service. The Funghi pizza is fantastic and there are several unique pizza offerings along with standard fare like salami and margherita. You can also get other entrees like ribeye steak and grilled salmon. Make a reservation.

Quick Bite on the Run
For a local style quick bite, visit a 7-Eleven. Get a spam musubi from the hot box at the counter. Locals stay away from the overpriced ABC Stores – especially their dry and flavorless musubi offerings!

Other classic Waikiki options
Doraku Sushi
100 Sails
House Without a Key
Katsumidori Sushi
Earl’s Kitchen

Town

Olay’s Thai-Lao (Chinatown)

Charming courtyard dining with the best Thai food I have found on island. The green papaya salad packs some heat, especially the Lao style. They have all the Thai noodle and curry dishes you are accustomed to seeing. Plus, you are going find some dishes you have not seen before on the mainland U.S. because of the Lao side of the menu. Did I mention the charming courtyard? Make a reservation.

Pig & the Lady (Kaimuki)

Solid Vietnamese and American fusion. Lunchtime offerings and prices are stellar. Though you could be seated next to movie stars or a K-Pop idol at dinner. Phó and pasta (not noodles!) and the best banh xeo (sizzling pancakes) outside of central Saí Gon.

Country

Adela’s Country Eatery (Kanehoe)

Adela’s noodles are unique to Hawaii and made from local staples such a ube, moringa, and breadfruit. She pairs the noodles with toppings such macadamia crust fish or smoked brisket. Take out only. Call ahead about 30-40 minutes before you pick it up. Enjoy the noodle dishes at a nearby beach or the stunning picnic location in Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. Hands down my top recommended, local-style eatery.

He’eia Pier General Store and Deli (Kaneohe)

Solid food at dockside general store. Plate lunches, ahi burgers, furikake fries, and the best loco moco on Oahu. Friendly service though parking is limited.

Haleiwa Joes (Kaneohe)

Standard seafood offerings. The Haiku Gardens location is special due to its epic view of the Ko’olau Mountains from their back lanai. Make a reservation an hour before sunset if possible. Pricey.

Seven Brothers Burgers (Kahuku)

This Kahuku location is the mecca for burgers on Oahu. There are three other burger shops from these seven surfing braddahs around the North Shore. The Kahuku Sugar Mill location is is the original. Also, this spot is surrounded by food trucks, including the famous Giovanni’s Garlic Shrimp Truck.

Breakfast/Brunch

Waffle & Berry (Waikiki)

Looking for a memorable breakfast in Waikiki? This mom & pop serves up everything from acaí bowls and tropical fruits to signature waffles. Lighter fare is available, but most dishes are beach-coma worthy. Regularly recognized among the best restaurants in Hawaii—and the United States.

Koko Head Cafe (Kaimuki)

Busy local brunch spot with East-meets-West style brunch offerings from Chef Lee Anne Wong. Menu items include cheddar furikake biscuits and a revolving procession of loaded skillet dish specials. Located in the heart of the restaurant district in the eclectic Kaimuki neighborhood.

Kona Coffee Purveyors (Waikiki)

Best coffee on Waikiki. Offering 100% Kona coffee (Hawaii’s world renown beans) and first-rate pastries. Busier than Starbucks but more efficient at handling lines (and there will be a line after 730am).

Hikes

Manoa Falls

Relatively easy, scenic jungle hike to a waterfall. There can be a lot of mud if you step off the path and there are always mosquitoes. Great option for a rainy day!

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

The best sunrise hike other than the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. The trail features a gentle climb on an asphalt path with fantastic views of the Windward Coast of Oahu. On clear days you can see the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Maui.

Pink Pillbox Hike (Pu’u Ohulu)

This hike can be brutal in mid-day. Absolutely no shade and it is not a gentle uphill climb to the pillboxes. An excellent late afternoon/sunset hike with stunning views of Leeward Coast of Oahu.

Koko Crater Stairs

Short, extremely difficult hike! Sunset views from the top of Kohelepelepe (Koko Crater) are breathtaking. Intense workout for seasoned hikers and fitness enthusiasts. Can be challenging for those afraid of heights.

(Note: This hike is not called Koko Head Stairs- though visitors, newcomers, and many websites refer to it by that name.)

Shopping & Souvenirs

Bailey’s Antiques & Aloha Shirts

Get your aloha shirt here – not at the ABC store or a tourist trap on Kalakaua Avenue. Featuring new and gently used aloha shirts from the classic brands like Kahana Bay, Reyn Spooner, and Iolani. They also have plenty of kitsch styles. Worth a visit and just a few blocks from the Rainbow Drive-In and Leonard’s Bakery.

Uniqlo at Ala Moana Mall

World-famous/world-wide Japanese clothing chain – the Hawaii location features dozens of local brands on well-designed and inexpensive t-shirts. Hawaiian Airlines, Lion Coffee, Zippys, Leonard’s Bakery, The Bus, and more are available. These are the best shirts for the kids you left at home with Grandma!