Guidebook for Honolulu
Food Scene
Da Kine Malasadas! So ono! Li-Hing powder even better local flavor.
230 abantu bendawo batusa
Leonard's Bakery
933 Kapahulu AveDa Kine Malasadas! So ono! Li-Hing powder even better local flavor.
Da Poke is the freshest on island! The Bloody Marys are pretty great too.
77 abantu bendawo batusa
Nico's Pier 38
1129 N Nimitz HwyDa Poke is the freshest on island! The Bloody Marys are pretty great too.
Slow Island Style Brunch. Try the Eggs Benedict. Right down the street from the apartment
48 abantu bendawo batusa
Heavenly Island Lifestyle
342 Seaside AveSlow Island Style Brunch. Try the Eggs Benedict. Right down the street from the apartment
Lucky Belly
50 N Hotel StBest spot for authentic, Hawaii Style Ramen.
Great spot to watch sunset, have their signature "zombie" Mai Thai with the 151 floater, and enjoy the oldest Tiki Bar on Island. The poke pupu platter comes on a boat is great for two people. There is always quaint live music from the resident piano man.
19 abantu bendawo batusa
La Mariana Sailing Club
50 Sand Island Access RdGreat spot to watch sunset, have their signature "zombie" Mai Thai with the 151 floater, and enjoy the oldest Tiki Bar on Island. The poke pupu platter comes on a boat is great for two people. There is always quaint live music from the resident piano man.
Best after a paddle out to the mokes or a day lounging at Lanikai Beach. Right next to the Kyak/SUP Rental Shop.
61 abantu bendawo batusa
Island Snow Hawaii
130 Kailua RdBest after a paddle out to the mokes or a day lounging at Lanikai Beach. Right next to the Kyak/SUP Rental Shop.
Definitely not a secret spot. You can find graffiti on the truck of everyone that's ever been there. Leave a tip in the jar and ask for a sharpie to leave your mark! No refund for the spicy shrimp - take that as a warning. The smoothie truck makes a mean coconut blend that will help cut the heat.
156 abantu bendawo batusa
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
66-472 Kamehameha HwyDefinitely not a secret spot. You can find graffiti on the truck of everyone that's ever been there. Leave a tip in the jar and ask for a sharpie to leave your mark! No refund for the spicy shrimp - take that as a warning. The smoothie truck makes a mean coconut blend that will help cut the heat.
Ono Traditional Mexican up on the North Shore. You must get the Li-Hing Margaritas! The Ahi nachos are a solid choice.
66 abantu bendawo batusa
Cholo's Homestyle Mexican
66-250 Kamehameha HwyOno Traditional Mexican up on the North Shore. You must get the Li-Hing Margaritas! The Ahi nachos are a solid choice.
Great for a lunch break heading up to the country.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken
96 S Kamehameha HwyGreat for a lunch break heading up to the country.
The best burgers on the island. I always go to this spot after a long day on the windward side and fatten up.
107 abantu bendawo batusa
Teddy's Bigger Burgers
134 Kapahulu AveThe best burgers on the island. I always go to this spot after a long day on the windward side and fatten up.
Most amazing brunch on the island! Great after watching sunrise over the mokes!
84 abantu bendawo batusa
Cinnamon's
315 Uluniu StMost amazing brunch on the island! Great after watching sunrise over the mokes!
Wow Wow Lemonade Oahu
66-526 Kamehameha HwySpot only sells lemonade, so you know it better be delicious!
Food trucks park here every night of the week, but the last Friday of every month, they all come out, and it gets packed. The lemonade truck even usually makes an appearance so remember to bring your souvenir cups for discounted refills.
Eat The Street Hawaii
555 South StFood trucks park here every night of the week, but the last Friday of every month, they all come out, and it gets packed. The lemonade truck even usually makes an appearance so remember to bring your souvenir cups for discounted refills.
Buho Cocina y Cantina
2250 Kalakaua AveChic restaurant.
A spot to get seated late into the night or sit at the bar and order one of hundreds of beers on tap and even more selection in bottles.
76 abantu bendawo batusa
Yard House
226 Lewers StA spot to get seated late into the night or sit at the bar and order one of hundreds of beers on tap and even more selection in bottles.
Food Trucks, Astro Turf, Picnic Tables... Best spot for cheaper grinds amidst the overpriced tourist catering of Waikiki.
Pau Hana Market
234 Beach WalkFood Trucks, Astro Turf, Picnic Tables... Best spot for cheaper grinds amidst the overpriced tourist catering of Waikiki.
Quick, easy, carry out steak plates. You can get a mean loco moco here too, or ugprade to the steak and egg scramble if you're feeling bougie. Adjacent stand is the coffee bean, where you can pair it with something fancier than a drip coffee.
HI Steaks
2370 Kūhiō Ave.Quick, easy, carry out steak plates. You can get a mean loco moco here too, or ugprade to the steak and egg scramble if you're feeling bougie. Adjacent stand is the coffee bean, where you can pair it with something fancier than a drip coffee.
Great spot to grab a quick, convenient, delicious coffee and breakfast sandwich while heading out. In a rush? You can even order a couple sandwiches, and chips for that picnic at the beach. Open at 6am If you're in the island colony it doesn't get any easier!
Jagger's Cafe
445 Seaside AveGreat spot to grab a quick, convenient, delicious coffee and breakfast sandwich while heading out. In a rush? You can even order a couple sandwiches, and chips for that picnic at the beach. Open at 6am If you're in the island colony it doesn't get any easier!
Great Date Spot. Delicious cocktails and an array of local kine pupus.
105 abantu bendawo batusa
Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill
559 Kapahulu AveGreat Date Spot. Delicious cocktails and an array of local kine pupus.
Puts Jamba Juice to shame. There are several other locations on the island, this one is right next to work, and I always stop in for the freshest Island Ingredients.
6 abantu bendawo batusa
Lanikai Juice
66-215 Kamehameha HwyPuts Jamba Juice to shame. There are several other locations on the island, this one is right next to work, and I always stop in for the freshest Island Ingredients.
Ono Grinds Cous! Best Hot Dogs Ever! Not a secret, it's been on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Hanks Haute Dogs
324 Coral StOno Grinds Cous! Best Hot Dogs Ever! Not a secret, it's been on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
Drinks & Nightlife
Just like the Buffett song says:
"Men, women, little boys and girls
Gather 'round by the seaside, Beach party tropic style
Diamond head and palm trees, surf riders on the sea
It's the place to be, it's the place to be...
Duke's on Sunday
Duke's on Sunday
Duke's on Sunday."
311 abantu bendawo batusa
Duke's Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua AveJust like the Buffett song says:
"Men, women, little boys and girls
Gather 'round by the seaside, Beach party tropic style
Diamond head and palm trees, surf riders on the sea
It's the place to be, it's the place to be...
Duke's on Sunday
Duke's on Sunday
Duke's on Sunday."
The place gets pumping loud on Saturday Night. Gents should probably wear pants and shoes here too.
190 abantu bendawo batusa
SKY Waikiki
2270 Kalakaua AveThe place gets pumping loud on Saturday Night. Gents should probably wear pants and shoes here too.
Private rooms available to sing the night away. If you want to think you sound better, than order the watermelon soju!
Cafe Duck Butt
901 Kawaiahao StPrivate rooms available to sing the night away. If you want to think you sound better, than order the watermelon soju!
A Local Spot that's also good for a cocktail after shopping in the mall, if that's your thing. Listen to Island 98.5 for when local bands are playing. Taco Tuesdays get crowded.
113 abantu bendawo batusa
Mai Tai Bar
1450 Ala Moana BlvdA Local Spot that's also good for a cocktail after shopping in the mall, if that's your thing. Listen to Island 98.5 for when local bands are playing. Taco Tuesdays get crowded.
Friday Nights are busiest. Locals and tourists pack the house. Some of the best DJ's on the island have sets here.
190 abantu bendawo batusa
RumFire
2255 Kalakaua AveFriday Nights are busiest. Locals and tourists pack the house. Some of the best DJ's on the island have sets here.
Dark Night Club. Loud Sound System, Fancy Lighting.
One of the only spots on the Island where Gents must wear pants and closed toe shoes, hence why I don't go often... If you're not on a list prepare to pay a cover. Hen parties skip the line.
55 abantu bendawo batusa
Addiction
1775 Ala Moana BlvdDark Night Club. Loud Sound System, Fancy Lighting.
One of the only spots on the Island where Gents must wear pants and closed toe shoes, hence why I don't go often... If you're not on a list prepare to pay a cover. Hen parties skip the line.
Monday night gets lively as the service industry starts their weekend.
100 abantu bendawo batusa
LuLu's Waikiki
2586 Kalakaua AveMonday night gets lively as the service industry starts their weekend.
Great spot to have a cold one after hiking koko head and/or snorkeling Hanauma Bay
89 abantu bendawo batusa
Kona Brewing Co.
7192 Kalanianole HighwayGreat spot to have a cold one after hiking koko head and/or snorkeling Hanauma Bay
Waikiki Brewing Company
831 Queen StGreat spot for local brew.
Great Brewery, Nice Views of the Harbor, Good Food
19 abantu bendawo batusa
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
3 Aloha Tower DrGreat Brewery, Nice Views of the Harbor, Good Food
If you're out late, your night will end up here, the house band is solid. Never a first stop.
28 abantu bendawo batusa
Kelley O'Neil's
311 Lewers StIf you're out late, your night will end up here, the house band is solid. Never a first stop.
Moose McGillycuddy's
310 Lewers StTuesday get crowded for the $1 dollar drinks.
Tropics Tap House
1019 University AvenueThe entire UH Student body gets very thirsty on Thursdays.
Small music venue with a huge variety perform here, from Lil Wayne to Fleet Foxes. Off the beaten tourist path.
15 abantu bendawo batusa
The Republik
1349 Kapiolani BlvdSmall music venue with a huge variety perform here, from Lil Wayne to Fleet Foxes. Off the beaten tourist path.
The District Nightclub
1349 Kapiolani BlvdWhere the locals go out.
Amuse Wine Bar
1250 Kapiolani BlvdHard to find, but great selection for every palate.
Getting Around
In the building so you can't go wrong. Ask about free parking in the building since they already house the vehicles there in the garage. Definitely use a travel app like Kyak or CarRentals.com to make your reservation. Hawaii also has it's own unique car rental applications. Check your App store for "Discount Hawaii Car Rental" and find some great deals on 24hr ahead reservations.
37 abantu bendawo batusa
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
2552 Kalakaua AveIn the building so you can't go wrong. Ask about free parking in the building since they already house the vehicles there in the garage. Definitely use a travel app like Kyak or CarRentals.com to make your reservation. Hawaii also has it's own unique car rental applications. Check your App store for "Discount Hawaii Car Rental" and find some great deals on 24hr ahead reservations.
Arts & Culture
The last Friday of every month the Museum keeps it's doors open late for a cocktail scene you don't want to miss, as the courtyards become a veritable who's of Honolulu socialites
252 abantu bendawo batusa
Honolulu Museum of Art
900 S Beretania StThe last Friday of every month the Museum keeps it's doors open late for a cocktail scene you don't want to miss, as the courtyards become a veritable who's of Honolulu socialites
I-Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice StEverything Hawaiian in one great place.
I've been to every Luau on the island, except the one that prohibits alcohol, because who doesn't want to drink at a party, and this one is the best, mostly for the ample sunset photo opportunities in full on matching Hawaiian tourist garb.
They offer complimentary round trip bus transportation from Waikiki out to the west side. Plan this preferably for a weekend because it's a long bus ride in rush hour traffic on Hawaii's one south shore interstate highway. The buses leave at 15:00 (3pm) so plan some morning beach time in Waikiki.
114 abantu bendawo batusa
Paradise Cove Luau
92-1089 Ali'inui DrI've been to every Luau on the island, except the one that prohibits alcohol, because who doesn't want to drink at a party, and this one is the best, mostly for the ample sunset photo opportunities in full on matching Hawaiian tourist garb.
They offer complimentary round trip bus transportation from Waikiki out to the west side. Plan this preferably for a weekend because it's a long bus ride in rush hour traffic on Hawaii's one south shore interstate highway. The buses leave at 15:00 (3pm) so plan some morning beach time in Waikiki.
Sightseeing
You must visit this historic site. My Great Uncle was on the USS Oklahoma and his name is posthumously enshrined amongst the fallen on the Ford Island Memorial. Be sure to offer a moment of silence for all the fallen, and in particular Billy Walsh.
Make sure to arrive early. The shuttles stop running out to the Arizona at 15:00 (3 PM). The National Park Service recommends making a reservation online. I recommend the audio tour. It's narrated by Jaime Lee Curtis. With the headset on, this is can easily be enjoyed as a solitary experience.
From the lobby tour desk, or by searching for Waikiki Shuttles you can find a great deals on round trip transportation to and from Waikiki.
171 abantu bendawo batusa
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center
1 Arizona Memorial PlYou must visit this historic site. My Great Uncle was on the USS Oklahoma and his name is posthumously enshrined amongst the fallen on the Ford Island Memorial. Be sure to offer a moment of silence for all the fallen, and in particular Billy Walsh.
Make sure to arrive early. The shuttles stop running out to the Arizona at 15:00 (3 PM). The National Park Service recommends making a reservation online. I recommend the audio tour. It's narrated by Jaime Lee Curtis. With the headset on, this is can easily be enjoyed as a solitary experience.
From the lobby tour desk, or by searching for Waikiki Shuttles you can find a great deals on round trip transportation to and from Waikiki.
Park, and it's quick walk to the this majestic and historic lookout bluff.
168 abantu bendawo batusa
Ukubuka kweNu'uanu Pali
Nuuanu Pali DrivePark, and it's quick walk to the this majestic and historic lookout bluff.
China-man's Hat. Great spot for a picnic, or just a quick tourist photo, before or after one of the guided tours at Kualoa Ranch.
18 abantu bendawo batusa
Mokoliʻi
China-man's Hat. Great spot for a picnic, or just a quick tourist photo, before or after one of the guided tours at Kualoa Ranch.
Blow Hole Plus Creeck
8699 HI-72if it's real calm take a leap
Favorite spot for photos. Park and walk over to the look out, or hike to the light house.
66 abantu bendawo batusa
Makapu'u Lookout
Kalanianaʻole HighwayFavorite spot for photos. Park and walk over to the look out, or hike to the light house.
Parks & Nature
Less of a hike and more a paved walk with lots of stairs. The view might not be higher than the one from your lanai but at least it faces the other way and you can even peer out towards Koko Head and all of Hawaii Kai.
If you don't drive into the crater, you can access one of the unpaved, unmarked paths ascending the crater ridge. That way you can watch sunset and not have your car towed.
261 abantu bendawo batusa
Ukuphatha i-Diamond Head Crater Hike
KapahuluLess of a hike and more a paved walk with lots of stairs. The view might not be higher than the one from your lanai but at least it faces the other way and you can even peer out towards Koko Head and all of Hawaii Kai.
If you don't drive into the crater, you can access one of the unpaved, unmarked paths ascending the crater ridge. That way you can watch sunset and not have your car towed.
If you reach the top in under twenty minutes without your heart beating out of your chest you are in good shape! Tony's sister has gotten up in 13 minutes only wipe off her brow and do it again. Viva Miss Olympia!
116 abantu bendawo batusa
Koko Head Park
Koko Head Park RoadIf you reach the top in under twenty minutes without your heart beating out of your chest you are in good shape! Tony's sister has gotten up in 13 minutes only wipe off her brow and do it again. Viva Miss Olympia!
Best spot on the island for snorkeling! Be sure to arrive early so you can get through the mandatory wilderness conservation video.
531 abantu bendawo batusa
Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaʻole HighwayBest spot on the island for snorkeling! Be sure to arrive early so you can get through the mandatory wilderness conservation video.
Kaneohe Sand Bar is accessible only by boat, so you better make friends with some locals and beg your way out there, or crowd yourself onto a less pleasant tour boat. However you get yourself out into the middle of the bay, it's a MUST SEE! I've been to 50+ countries and this is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. Watch the weather closely and this will be the day of your vacation.
Ahu‘olaka Island
Kaneohe Sand Bar is accessible only by boat, so you better make friends with some locals and beg your way out there, or crowd yourself onto a less pleasant tour boat. However you get yourself out into the middle of the bay, it's a MUST SEE! I've been to 50+ countries and this is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. Watch the weather closely and this will be the day of your vacation.
Watch out for the Obamas. Watching sunrise here over the mokes is awesome. Don't believe me? Google it. Local shops rent kyaks and SUPs for a fun day paddle out to the mokes. Have a picnic and enjoy a different view of the island. Or just swim out there, the local watermen do.
276 abantu bendawo batusa
Lanikai Beach
Watch out for the Obamas. Watching sunrise here over the mokes is awesome. Don't believe me? Google it. Local shops rent kyaks and SUPs for a fun day paddle out to the mokes. Have a picnic and enjoy a different view of the island. Or just swim out there, the local watermen do.
Any west side sunset is a good sunset but a Kaena Point Sunset is the best on the Island!
66 abantu bendawo batusa
Ka'ena Point
Farrington HwyAny west side sunset is a good sunset but a Kaena Point Sunset is the best on the Island!
Best Beach to post up for a long summer day, or catch some Monster Winter Swells. If you aren't busy capturing some awesome photographs of the surfers off the point, you'll be sure to capture some iconic images of your loved ones at the jump rocks.
389 abantu bendawo batusa
Waimea Bay Beach
Best Beach to post up for a long summer day, or catch some Monster Winter Swells. If you aren't busy capturing some awesome photographs of the surfers off the point, you'll be sure to capture some iconic images of your loved ones at the jump rocks.
Banzai Pipeline
59-355 Ke Nui RdIt's world famous... Google it.
Sacred Falls State Park
53833 Kamehameha HwyIt's illegal to hike it now since the rockslide, but it's a beauty.
Another illegal hike, but it still holds a spot among the top ten hikes in the world.
Haiku Stairs - stairway to heaven
Another illegal hike, but it still holds a spot among the top ten hikes in the world.
Amawall aseChina
Hanapepe PlaceBring your board or just jump off.
Sunrise over the mokes is breath taking from this vantage point. This is where you will capture some of the most iconic Hawaiian photographs.
178 abantu bendawo batusa
Pillbox Hike
265 Kaelepulu DrSunrise over the mokes is breath taking from this vantage point. This is where you will capture some of the most iconic Hawaiian photographs.
Start your run around the lagoon here, or hop in a game of pick up volley ball.
50 abantu bendawo batusa
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
2055 Kālia RdStart your run around the lagoon here, or hop in a game of pick up volley ball.
Commence your Triathlon Training Now. Sunrise over Diamond is beautiful from here. On Fridays and Sundays this is a great spot to watch the fireworks which go off just after sunset. Def bring the keiki.
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Magic Island Lagoon
Commence your Triathlon Training Now. Sunrise over Diamond is beautiful from here. On Fridays and Sundays this is a great spot to watch the fireworks which go off just after sunset. Def bring the keiki.
Kahana Bay Beach Park
52-222 Kamehameha HwyBeautiful quiet spot, great for camping
Local body surfing beach. Grab some fins, a lunch tray, and don't break your neck!
133 abantu bendawo batusa
Sandy Beach
Local body surfing beach. Grab some fins, a lunch tray, and don't break your neck!
Makapu'u Beach Park
Beautiful Body Boarding beach.
Entertainment & Activities
Disney themed ocean front pool and water park. Kids like it.
42 abantu bendawo batusa
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
92-1185 Ali'inui DrDisney themed ocean front pool and water park. Kids like it.
Skydive Hawaii
68-760 Farrington HwyWhat better place is there to jump out of a plane?
Wet 'N' Wild Hawaii station
Keiki love this place!
Keiki love this place. The rooftop bar gets crowded on Wednesdays.
39 abantu bendawo batusa
Dave & Buster's
1030 Auahi StKeiki love this place. The rooftop bar gets crowded on Wednesdays.