Chandler’s Guide to Oahu
Eats
If you make it up to the North Shore, this place is a must! They have three locations; one in Waikiki, one in Shark's Cove North Shore and this one across from Sunset Beach (my fav). They have not only the best vibes and location, but incredible and healthy food and coffee! If you're here in the morning you have to try the almond coconut bullet coffee or the bullet coffee smoothie. The avocado toast is simply amazing and the half monkey half blue dream bowl is my favorite! They even allow you to fill up on free kangen water (amazing health benefits).
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The Sunrise Shack
59-158 Kamehameha HwyIf you make it up to the North Shore, this place is a must! They have three locations; one in Waikiki, one in Shark's Cove North Shore and this one across from Sunset Beach (my fav). They have not only the best vibes and location, but incredible and healthy food and coffee! If you're here in the morning you have to try the almond coconut bullet coffee or the bullet coffee smoothie. The avocado toast is simply amazing and the half monkey half blue dream bowl is my favorite! They even allow you to fill up on free kangen water (amazing health benefits).
Doraku has two locations, I have found that the one in the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki is better. If you're looking for amazing sushi and service this is the place! They have a good happy hour from 4-6. You have to try the garlic teriyaki edamame if you're an edamame lover like me! The hamachi roll and vegan roll are my go to's, but you can't lose on any roll from here. The fish is always fresh. The lychee martini is incredible also. Try the honey toast if you're wanting dessert!
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Doraku
2233 Kalakaua AveDoraku has two locations, I have found that the one in the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki is better. If you're looking for amazing sushi and service this is the place! They have a good happy hour from 4-6. You have to try the garlic teriyaki edamame if you're an edamame lover like me! The hamachi roll and vegan roll are my go to's, but you can't lose on any roll from here. The fish is always fresh. The lychee martini is incredible also. Try the honey toast if you're wanting dessert!
Leahi Health is my go to when I need something quick and healthy! The green monster smoothie is my favorite along with the kale or mock tuna tacos!
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Leahi Health Kaimuki
3441 Waialae AveLeahi Health is my go to when I need something quick and healthy! The green monster smoothie is my favorite along with the kale or mock tuna tacos!
One of my favorite new restaurants! If you're vegan or gluten free then this is a great spot for you! The cocktails are incredible and my food was so good! A must try!
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Istanbul Hawaii
1108 Auahi StOne of my favorite new restaurants! If you're vegan or gluten free then this is a great spot for you! The cocktails are incredible and my food was so good! A must try!
If you're wanting amazing food with quality service look no further. Merriman's is a bit more expensive, but no doubt a local favorite. Their cocktails and food can't be beat.
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Merriman's Honolulu
1108 Auahi StIf you're wanting amazing food with quality service look no further. Merriman's is a bit more expensive, but no doubt a local favorite. Their cocktails and food can't be beat.
South Shore Grill is everyone's favorite for fish tacos! They can't be beat!
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South Shore Grill
3114 Monsarrat AveSouth Shore Grill is everyone's favorite for fish tacos! They can't be beat!
If you're looking for good Thai food look no further. The curries here are the best on the island!
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Thai Issan Cuisine
2929 Kapiolani BlvdIf you're looking for good Thai food look no further. The curries here are the best on the island!
If you want Thai food that also comes along with a fancier environment Not Thai is the best.
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Noi Thai Cuisine
2301 Kalakaua AveIf you want Thai food that also comes along with a fancier environment Not Thai is the best.
Duke's is a must when visiting Oahu! The ambiance here cannot be replicated! I recommend going at sunset for incredible views and they have live music! You have to try a mai tai!
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Duke's Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua AveDuke's is a must when visiting Oahu! The ambiance here cannot be replicated! I recommend going at sunset for incredible views and they have live music! You have to try a mai tai!
A local favorite for when you're craving Indian food! Incredible staff and the environment is super fun! The garlic naan is a must!
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Himalayan Kitchen
1137 11th AveA local favorite for when you're craving Indian food! Incredible staff and the environment is super fun! The garlic naan is a must!
The best place for breakfast, the staff is awesome and food comes out incredibly fast!
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Sweet E's Café
1006 Kapahulu AveThe best place for breakfast, the staff is awesome and food comes out incredibly fast!
One of the most famous spot's on the island for fresh poke!
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Fresh Catch Kaimuki
1113 Kapahulu AveOne of the most famous spot's on the island for fresh poke!
This restaurant is fairly new, but is already a local favorite! Great food and service!
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Rigo Spanish Italian restaurant
885 Kapahulu AveThis restaurant is fairly new, but is already a local favorite! Great food and service!
If you're visiting Oahu you have to try a malasada from Leonard's Bakery! Another favorite is the poi donuts!
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Leonard's Bakery
933 Kapahulu AveIf you're visiting Oahu you have to try a malasada from Leonard's Bakery! Another favorite is the poi donuts!
One of my favorite spots when I'm craving good fish! The portions are huge!
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Paia Fish Market Waikiki
2299 Kūhiō Ave.One of my favorite spots when I'm craving good fish! The portions are huge!
This is a super cool restaurant in Chinatown with amazing food and cocktails! Burmese food!
Rangoon Burmese kitchen
1131 Nuuanu AveThis is a super cool restaurant in Chinatown with amazing food and cocktails! Burmese food!
One of my favorite restaurants! Everything is vegan including the sushi! Sooo good!
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TANE VEGAN IZAKAYA
2065 S Beretania StOne of my favorite restaurants! Everything is vegan including the sushi! Sooo good!
Amazing breakfast spot right at the bottom of the hill, the volcano eggs are the best!
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Koko Head Cafe
1120 12th AveAmazing breakfast spot right at the bottom of the hill, the volcano eggs are the best!
This is one of my favorite restaurants if you ever find yourself on the west side! The best maitai's and live music!
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Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Ko Olina
92-1048 Olani StThis is one of my favorite restaurants if you ever find yourself on the west side! The best maitai's and live music!
Matsumoto Shave Ice
66-111 Kamehameha HwyThe best shaved ice, top with condensed milk!
The best pho on the island if you need something warm on a rainy day! My favorite is the tofu vegetable pho!
Pho Saigon Restaurant
1538 Kapiolani BlvdThe best pho on the island if you need something warm on a rainy day! My favorite is the tofu vegetable pho!
ASUKA
3620 Waialae AveThis place has incredible soup! Hot pot style! Super fun!
Teddy's Bigger Burgers
134 Kapahulu AveMy favorite place for a veggie burger!
KAHALA MKT. by Foodland
4210 Waialae AveThe best grocery store right at the bottom of the hill!
The best food on the North Shore! Locals eat here everyday. Everything is so fresh and the staff works very hard.
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Pupukea Grill
59-680 Kamehameha HwyThe best food on the North Shore! Locals eat here everyday. Everything is so fresh and the staff works very hard.
North Shore Tacos in Pupukea
59-712 Kamehameha HwyGood fish tacos if you're up north for dinner!
The best sushi restaurant on the north shore, fun environment! Most seating is cushions on the ground!
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Banzai Sushi Bar
66-246 Kamehameha HwyThe best sushi restaurant on the north shore, fun environment! Most seating is cushions on the ground!
One of the best places for a good dinner on the north shore! Their "lost at sea" cocktail is to die for!
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Mayas Tapas & Wine
66-250 Kamehameha HwyOne of the best places for a good dinner on the north shore! Their "lost at sea" cocktail is to die for!
The Beet Box Cafe
66-437 Kamehameha HwyOne of my favorite spots up North for breakfast!
Waialua Bakery & Juice Bar
66-200 Kamehameha HwyBest spot up north for a sandwich and smoothie!
One of my favorite food trucks up North in Haleiwa and some of the best Mexican food on the island!
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Surf N Salsa
66521 Kamehameha HwyOne of my favorite food trucks up North in Haleiwa and some of the best Mexican food on the island!
Hale’iwa No7
66-235 Kamehameha HighwayAnother awesome food truck in Haleiwa! The tofu poke bowl is my go to!
The Elephant Truck
59-186 Kamehameha HwyThe pad Thai here is to die for! One of my favs!
A local favorite for coffee and avocado toast! Fun/trendy breakfast spot.
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Arvo Cafe
324 Coral StA local favorite for coffee and avocado toast! Fun/trendy breakfast spot.
A little pricey but amazing cocktails and views!
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DECK. at Queen Kapiolani Hotel | Waikiki / Honolulu | Restaurant / Wedding
150 Kapahulu AveA little pricey but amazing cocktails and views!
Best vegan Thai food on island, they also do not use MSG!
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To Thai For Restuarant
3571 Waialae AveBest vegan Thai food on island, they also do not use MSG!
Mai Tai Bar
1450 Ala Moana BlvdGreat happy hour, fun live local music!
SKY Waikiki
2270 Kalakaua AveFun bar with great views!
RumFire
2255 Kalakaua AveFun bar/night scene!
Tikis Grill & Bar
2570 Kalakaua AveFun bar if you want to go out!
LuLu's Waikiki
2586 Kalakaua AveFun bar if you want to go out!
Maguro-ya
3565 Waialae AveAmazing sushi very close by!
Farm To Barn Cafe & Juicery
66-320 Kamehameha HwyGreat vegan/vegetarian options!
Alejandro's Mexican Food
2831 Kalihi StGood Mexican and margaritas!
Kaka'ako Farmer's Market
919 Ward AveTons of vendors, best farmers market on island!
Sprout Sandwich Shop
1154 Koko Head AveBest sandwiches near by!
If you’re up North you have to check out the new Turtle Bay. Off the Lip is a great spot to have some pupus and a cocktail.
Off The Lip
57-091 Kamehameha HighwayIf you’re up North you have to check out the new Turtle Bay. Off the Lip is a great spot to have some pupus and a cocktail.
The best spot to grab some healthy food after snorkeling and enjoying the day at Shark's Cove on the North Shore.
The Sunrise Shack - Shark's Cove
59-712 Kamehameha HighwayThe best spot to grab some healthy food after snorkeling and enjoying the day at Shark's Cove on the North Shore.
Fun Taco Tuesday Mexican spot in Chinatown. The first Friday of every month is a giant party in Chinatown, if that's your vibe you'll love it!
Encore Saloon
10 N Hotel StFun Taco Tuesday Mexican spot in Chinatown. The first Friday of every month is a giant party in Chinatown, if that's your vibe you'll love it!
Great food if you're in Waikiki or want to go to a nice sit down breakfast!
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Island Vintage Coffee
2301 Kalakaua AveGreat food if you're in Waikiki or want to go to a nice sit down breakfast!
Hikes/Beaches
If you're looking for a killer workout/hike and amazing views! Koko Head is hard, but quick! Takes about an hour round trip.
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Koko Head Park
Koko Head Park RoadIf you're looking for a killer workout/hike and amazing views! Koko Head is hard, but quick! Takes about an hour round trip.
Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike
7381 Kalanianaʻole HwyEasier "hike" with incredible view of Hanauma Bay!
Diamond Head is a fairly easy hike and doesn't take too long, about an hour round trip.
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Ukuphatha i-Diamond Head Crater Hike
KapahuluDiamond Head is a fairly easy hike and doesn't take too long, about an hour round trip.
A great, fairly easy ridge trail hike close to our location! Choose a sunny, dry day!
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Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail
2390 Okoa StA great, fairly easy ridge trail hike close to our location! Choose a sunny, dry day!
Beautiful view of the North Shore at the top! Fairly easy, don't go on a muddy/rainy day!
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ʻEhukai Pillbox Hike
59-178 Ke Nui RdBeautiful view of the North Shore at the top! Fairly easy, don't go on a muddy/rainy day!
Lanikai Pillboxes
Best views of Lanikai and the moks! Very quick hike!
Most popular beach on the North Shore, you can watch the surfers surf Pipeline here on a big swell.
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Ehukai Beach Park
59-337 Ke Nui RdMost popular beach on the North Shore, you can watch the surfers surf Pipeline here on a big swell.
Lanikai Beach
Best beach for small children and beautiful calm water.
My favorite beach! Long drive, but so worth it. Most people don't see this side of the island.
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Makua Beach
My favorite beach! Long drive, but so worth it. Most people don't see this side of the island.
One of the best beaches in my opinion! Beautiful and not too far!
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Makapu'u Beach Park
One of the best beaches in my opinion! Beautiful and not too far!
Best beach on the North Shore in the summer, you can jump off the rock!
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Waimea Bay Beach
Best beach on the North Shore in the summer, you can jump off the rock!
Manoa Falls
37 Manoa RdA very easy and enjoyable hike to a beautiful waterfall!
5 minute walk from Turtle Bay condos, perfect beach for young kids and snorkeling.
Kuilima Cove, Kawela Bay, HI 96731, i-United States
5 minute walk from Turtle Bay condos, perfect beach for young kids and snorkeling.
Isentabeni sase-Polynesian Cultural
55-370 Kamehameha HwyA fun experience for the whole family!
One of the most beautiful sceneries on the island, go horseback riding or take atvs through the hills to experience the magic of Kuala Ranch!
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Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha HwyOne of the most beautiful sceneries on the island, go horseback riding or take atvs through the hills to experience the magic of Kuala Ranch!
One of the largest, most beautiful beaches. Can be crowded, but very peaceful with little to no waves.
Kailua Beach
One of the largest, most beautiful beaches. Can be crowded, but very peaceful with little to no waves.
Hanauma Bay, Hawaii 96825, i-United States
The best place on the island to snorkel!
Have fun playing in the shore-break. This beach is not safe for the whole family.
The waves that break on the beach can be very strong. It's recommended for
adults and stronger swimmers only. Never swim alone. Outdoor showers are
available.
Pounders Beach
Have fun playing in the shore-break. This beach is not safe for the whole family.
The waves that break on the beach can be very strong. It's recommended for
adults and stronger swimmers only. Never swim alone. Outdoor showers are
available.
Wonderful beach and great waves! Showers and bathrooms available across the
street.
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Sunset Beach Park
Wonderful beach and great waves! Showers and bathrooms available across the
street.
Wonderful for snorkeling in the shallows of the protected cove. Be sure to bring your gear and some sandals and water shoes. Do not walk along the outer rocks of the cove. 'Sneaker waves' creep up on visitors and will overtake you and cause severe injuries on the rocks and reef. Showers and bathrooms available.
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Sharks Cove
Wonderful for snorkeling in the shallows of the protected cove. Be sure to bring your gear and some sandals and water shoes. Do not walk along the outer rocks of the cove. 'Sneaker waves' creep up on visitors and will overtake you and cause severe injuries on the rocks and reef. Showers and bathrooms available.
Right across from the bay, you can take beautiful walks and swim in a waterfall. There is a fee for entrance. $9 for children, $17 for adults.
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Ithafa le-Waimea
59-864 Kamehameha HwyRight across from the bay, you can take beautiful walks and swim in a waterfall. There is a fee for entrance. $9 for children, $17 for adults.
Laniakea Beach is better known as Turtle Beach for the many Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles that call this place home and bask in the sun. After parking, be careful crossing the road to the beach.
Laniakea Beach, North Shore, HI 96712, i-United States
Laniakea Beach is better known as Turtle Beach for the many Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles that call this place home and bask in the sun. After parking, be careful crossing the road to the beach.
Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Kuli'ou'ou Valley TrailGreat hike with amazing views of the east side!
City/town information
If you head to the North Shore you'll want to stop in Haleiwa for food and cute shops!
Haleiwa Historic Town
If you head to the North Shore you'll want to stop in Haleiwa for food and cute shops!