Honolulu Itineraries

Spring into fun in Honolulu

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:59:47 -0400

From April to June, Honolulu enjoys local life during the tourist respite.

Bite into a luscious mango, sample a treat made with an unexpected local staple, hit the seasonally pleasant trails, and celebrate Hawaiian culture in spring and early summer. It’s the time of year when all of Honolulu enjoys local life in between the peak winter and summer tourist seasons. The winter rains are moderate (although refreshing afternoon showers are still common) and the already idyllic weather becomes even better just before the hotter and drier summer months set in.

Hit the trails

While you can hike much of Oahu year-round, winter rains turn many trails into challenging treks through mud all winter long. By May, drier conditions bring Honolulu’s outdoor enthusiasts (which is almost everyone) out onto the paths through the lush forests of the sheer volcanic peaks that form the city’s dramatic backdrop.

Among the many options are these two favorites: the Manoa Falls Trail, which passes through a thick forest of bamboo and guava trees (be on the lookout for ripening fruit) to a 150ft waterfall. There’s also the nearby Judd Trail, which offers numerous waterfalls and natural pools that are ideal for a cooling dip.

Revel in spring produce

Hawaii’s tropical climate means that many popular fruits and vegetables are in season virtually year-round.

Peruse the sprawling Honolulu Farmers’ Market, starting late in the afternoon every Wednesday, for seasonal treats and surprises. Strawberries peak in April, while May brings mangos, melons, and lychees. Also, be sure to look out for dozens of exotic types of bananas that are available only in spring and are never found in supermarkets on the US mainland. The market is held in the hip Kaka’ako neighborhood.

Catch live music in Honolulu

One of the most-beloved local performers from the mainland, Smokey Robinson recently performed a long-delayed concert at the Waikiki Shell. With views that include Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, the open-air venue in Queen Kapi’olani Park offers regular seating and a vast lawn, where you can spread out on a blanket and watch a concert.

This was one of the first major concerts in Hawaii after two years of pandemic restrictions. Check www.waikikiamp.com for upcoming shows and buy your tickets through Ticketmaster.

Ham it up!

Say “Spam” in Hawaii and islanders won’t think of unwelcome missives clogging up their inbox. Visitors to Honolulu are often astonished at the size of the Spam section in local supermarkets.

For a week in late April (April 22 to May 1), all things Spam will be celebrated at the Waikiki Spam Jam. Although the canned meat and its myriad of fusions are already enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, the festival sees Honolulu chefs and restaurants create even more Spam-inspired dishes. Festivities include free tastings, live music, and special dishes on menus all across Waikiki.

Celebrate Hawaiian culture on Lei Day

What the rest of the world celebrates as May Day is celebrated as Lei Day in Hawaii.

On 1 May almost every year since 1927, Honolulu and the rest of the state honor Hawaiian culture with a festival, live entertainment, and events such as exhibitions and shows. Activities are centered in the verdant expanse of waterfront Queen Kapi’olani Park, immediately south of Waikiki.

As you’d expect from the name, there are contests centered on lei-making, displaying spectacular examples of this iconic flower garland, which hangs from the neck and signifies greeting, friendship, and love. A court of princesses (an honorary designation for revered members of the community) presides over music and dance, including hula demonstrations. In 2022, 1 May falls on Sunday, which should give the festivities extra oomph.

Honor Hawaii’s first king

Kamehameha I became the first ruler of all the Hawaiian Islands after he brought years of warfare to an end in 1810 and unified what became the Hawaiian Kingdom, which lasted for much of the 19^th century. He remains revered in Honolulu and across the state today, and his status has only grown with the resurgence of indigenous culture across the islands.

Every year in June, the annual gala lei-draping ceremony at the King Kamehameha statue at Ali’iōlani Hale takes place at the historic government building in downtown Honolulu. The lavish 30-foot lei is a sight to behold, as it’s sized to fully fit the 18-foot bronze statue of Kamehameha. The air is filled with the scent of thousands of plumeria blossoms, and the beloved Royal Hawaiian Band plays throughout the event.

The festivities continue the following day with the spectacle of the King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade. Running from downtown Honolulu, through Waikiki, and on to Queen Kapi’olani Park, it’s an amazing display of color and music.

The information provided herein is sponsored by Diners Club International®. It is intended for informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Content on this website may contain information from third parties and/or links to third-party websites. Diners Club International bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of this information.

Honolulu: been there, done that

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:32:39 -0500

Discover Honolulu’s best sights and sounds, plus some fascinating lesser-known gems.

Lyrical Hawaiian culture, breathtaking views, and fascinating neighborhoods are just a few of Honolulu’s charms. And then there are the beaches, which truly define the unique beauty of this city on the Pacific.

SWEEPING VIEWS OF HONOLULU

Marvel at the view from Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside Park

The best view in Honolulu is free. In the hills behind the city, what was once a macadamia nut farm is now Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside Park (2760 Round Top Drive). The Tantalus Lookout boasts grand views stretching from Diamond Head in the east, across Waikiki, and downtown to Pearl Harbor in the west.

Insider tip: Away from the view, the park’s one-mile-long ‘Ualaka’a Loop Trail circles through lush rainforest. Wear shoes or sandals that can handle wet paths and mud.

Gaze out from the Aloha Tower

The Aloha Tower (1 Aloha Tower Drive), the soaring symbol of Honolulu, has welcomed people arriving in Oʻahu since 1926. Be sure to visit the tower’s observation deck for 360-degree views of downtown, the port, nearby beaches, Waikiki, and more. Small displays recall a simpler time when large ocean liners brought visitors from the mainland and the world beyond.

Insider tip: Walk up Bishop Street, the commercial and historic heart of Honolulu, located opposite Aloha Tower. The massive 1929 Alexander & Baldwin Building (822 Bishop Street) is an imposing example of the wealth generated during the plantation era.

GET IN TUNE WITH HAWAIIAN CULTURE

Hum along with the Royal Hawaiian Band

America’s only truly royal orchestra dates back to 1836 when it was founded by King Kamehameha III. The 40-member Royal Hawaiian Band performs a wide range of work, including world music, symphonic masterpieces, and Broadway classics. However, it’s the band’s moving renditions of island songs that make their performances unmissable. Catch their free concerts most Fridays at noon on the grounds of ʻIolani Palace (364 S King Street) and Sundays at 2pm in Waikiki’s Kapiʻolani Regional Park (3840 Paki Avenue).

Insider tip: Keep something dry to dab your eyes for the band’s heartfelt rendition of ‘Aloha ‘Oe,’ which is the closing number for every concert. This emotional song was written in 1878 by Princess Lili‘uokalani, who later became Hawaii’s last queen before being overthrown in 1893.

Witness traditional torch-lighting and hula

One of the best introductions to the songs, dances and ceremonies of Hawaii can be savored three times a week at free performances at Kuhio Beach (off Kalakaua Avenue) in Waikiki. After a dramatic and ceremonial lighting of torches, top musicians and dancers demonstrate the lyrical melodies and movements that define local culture.

Insider tip: The torches get lit at sundown, so come early and enjoy the free warm-up show put on by the setting sun.

HIT THE BEACH

Spread out on Fort DeRussy Beach

Just west of the main Waikiki strip of resorts, Fort DeRussy Beach (2055 Kalia Road), is a wide expanse of sand that’s one of Honolulu’s best beaches, backed by a vast lawn shaded by green palm trees. Add in the sheltered waters of the blue Pacific and it’s the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Insider tip: Honolulu’s ABC Stores (including the one near Fort DeRussy Beach at 2005 Kalia Road) sell everything from sunscreen and sand pails to all kinds of food and drink.

Bodysurf at Queen’s Surf Beach

The waves are inviting and never intimidating at Queen’s Surf Beach, a family-friendly strip of sand just southeast of the main Waikiki resorts. Reliable waves make this a great spot to perfect your surfing skills. The beach is right next to the uncrowded Kapiʻolani Regional Park (3840 Paki Ave.), which boasts huge and shady ancient banyan trees.

Insider tip: One of Honolulu’s best waterfront cafes is right on Queen’s Surf Beach. Barefoot Beach Café (2699 Kalakaua Avenue) serves upscale breakfast and lunch at tables by the sand. Don’t miss the live Hawaiian music at sunset Friday and Saturday.

COLORFUL NEIGHBORHOODS

Explore Honolulu’s past in Chinatown

Dating to the 19th century, Chinatown was once lined with shops run by traders selling global goods arriving at the nearby harbor. Today, the district features an endlessly interesting mix of galleries, boutiques, open-air markets, and more. It’s easily Honolulu’s most walkable neighborhood and, while strolling through its narrow and historic streets, it’s easy to lose your sense of time.

Insider tip: Walk along the leafy River Street Pedestrian Mall, where neighborhood residents practice tai chi and engage in tough matches of mah-jongg.

Get creative in Kakaʻako

Just east of downtown Honolulu, the up-and-coming neighborhood of Kakaʻako can easily absorb your day with its designer shops, breweries, and eateries. This former industrial area has been recently transformed into a creative center where old buildings have been restored, reimagined, and given a new life. Start your walk at the corner of Auahi and Coral Streets and see what you discover.

Insider tip: Take an afternoon break at Pioneer Saloon (675 Auahi Street)—a saloon in name only as none of the drinks are stronger than coconut water. Hawaiian plate lunches and snacks get a dash of upscale flair here. Sit outside or in the casual, art-filled interior.

Best for... activities in Waikiki

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:33:37 -0500

Whether you’re surfing, snorkelling, or seeking out secret beaches, we recommend the hotels for your next island adventure.

While every corner of Oʻahu invites exploration—whether you’re scoping out reefs beneath the surf or climbing its highest peaks for 360-degree views—Waikiki’s charm lies in its rich cultural history. While its pristine waves had set the stage for modern surfing, the beachfront location now draws visitors from around the globe with its tropical-edged luxury and pulsing nightlife.

We recommend seven resorts and hotels where the only thing more impressive than the ocean views is the sheer number of activities at your doorstep.

Every day is a beach day at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa

For those in search of a golden tan, this resort’s location on Waikiki Beach means you’re never too far from an afternoon in the sun and a refreshing dip in the ocean. If you’re looking for an afternoon of shopping, check out the nearby Kalakaua Avenue, while the Ho’okela Hawaiian Cultural Center is a great place to learn about Hawaiian history or take a hula dance class. Meanwhile, the twin-towered resort houses some of the largest guest rooms in town, which ensure refreshing downtime.

Insider tip: Kalakaua Avenue is a shopper's haven, with its high-end boutiques, shopping centres, and local shops where you can search for traditional Hawaiian treasures.

2424 Kalakaua Avenue; hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/hawaii/hyatt-regency-waikiki-beach-resort-and-spa/hnlrw

Unwind lagoon-side at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Reflecting the laid-back appeal of beach vacations, Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is a prime spot for several water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding. Set next to the lagoon and within walking distance of the surfer-friendly waves at Ala Moana, the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers the perfect setting for a relaxing oceanside getaway.

Insider tip: Spend a day immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture with lei-making and hula lessons hosted on the village green.

2005 Kālia Road; hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

Go from boogie board to boogie nights at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Next to the beach and popular for its central Waikiki location, the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is close enough to the sea that you’ll hear the waves from your room. With several outdoor activities like surf lessons, yoga on the beach, or renting a sailboat, you can easily make the most of O‘ahu’s mild temperatures. And when you're not out and about, enjoy a meal set to a backdrop of surfers catching waves at the iconic Duke’s Waikiki.

Insider tip: The resort is home to the hugely popular Blue Note Hawaii jazz bar, a a great place to go if you’re searching for a buzzing atmosphere and live music.

2335 Kalakaua Avenue; outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaii/oahu/outrigger-waikiki-beach-resort

From beach to zoo at Hotel Renew

With only 72 rooms, this hotel offers an intimate experience that’s hard to come by among the crowded resorts of Waikiki. Favoring contemporary sophistication over tropical themes, this upscale spot is a haven for those looking to unwind. Located near Kuhio Beach, you can easily grab a surfboard and take to the waves, or take a break from the water with a stroll through the nearby Kapi‘olani Regional Park.

Insider tip: The second-oldest public park in Hawaii, Kapi‘olani Regional Park offers plenty of things to do, with soccer fields, tennis courts, and picnic grounds. It’s also home to the island’s zoo and aquarium.

129 Paoakalani Avenue; hotelrenew.com

Island adventures at Aston Waikiki Beach Tower

When you’re not enjoying the ocean views from your room, Aston Waikiki Beach Tower’s central location puts you in the perfect spot for an island adventure. The expansive list of experiences O‘ahu include climbing to the top of volcanic craters, wandering through botanical gardens, and searching for the ideal snorkelling spot. Meanwhile, the promise of surf lessons and poolside lounging will ensure you’ll always find your way home.

Insider tip: If water sports and far-flung adventures aren’t your cup of tea, play a round of golf on one of the island’s 40 courses.

2470 Kalakaua Avenue; astonwaikikibeach.com

Enjoy a seaside stay at Ilikai Hotel & Luxury

Recently refurbished—without losing touch with its Hawaiian roots—the Ilikai Hotel provides the perfect base to set out and explore the city’s sights, sounds, and surfing spots. You’ll also enjoy access to several water activities like swimming, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding—with the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at your doorstep.

Insider tip: Culture plays a big role at this historical hotel, with a traditional torch-lighting ceremony setting the tone for Waikiki’s vibrant nightlife.

1777 Ala Moana Boulevard; ilikaihotel.com/explore

Sleep in the shadow of a volcanic crater at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Located towards the end of Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki Beach Marriott is tucked out of the way while still giving you easy access to popular surf spots, nightclubs, and restaurants. In the spirit of adventure, begin your day with a sunrise hike up nearby Diamond Head crater, and return to the resort’s one-acre Queensbreak amenity deck—featuring a restaurant and two pools—for some downtime.

Insider tip: For the best panoramic views of O‘ahu, hike up to the summit of the Diamond Head crater, a popular activity among travelers and locals alike.

2552 Kalakaua Avenue; marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnlmc-waikiki-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa

Christmas in Honolulu

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:35:24 -0500

Christmas in paradise

For a city with considerably more sunshine than snow in December, Honolulu’s Christmas celebrations are a popular ritual.

A tropical shirt, a short skirt, and flip-flops are all appropriate wear for the holidays in Honolulu. What sets the season apart locally, however, is the way Christmas traditions have not just been embraced but transformed by island culture. Take Christmas trees, which are transformed with garlands of hibiscus, plumeria, and bougainvillea, or bursting with beautiful flowers and orchids.

The local holiday style extends far beyond ornaments, with special events popping up across Honolulu. One of the best is Honolulu City Lights. As the city’s official celebration, the festivities are based right at the Honolulu Hale (530 S King Street). Out front is a huge Christmas tree, a 50ft-tall Norfolk pine grown in Hawaii. Each year the decorations change, but they’re always bursting with color, and the official ornaments quickly become collectors’ items.

Aloha Santa

Perched on a fountain near the tree, you’ll find a 21ft-tall statue called ‘Shaka Santa’, which shows him giving the famous two-fingered shaka sign—a Hawaiian greeting of friendship, comradery, and solidarity. At Santa’s side is the equally sizable Tutu Mele (the local name for Mrs. Claus) with a red hibiscus in her hair.

At night, the tree comes alive in a rainbow of colors, while food vendors sell island treats like Spam musubi, a much-loved sushi snack combining local and Japanese cuisine. You can also enjoy free concerts by top local performers and nighttime parades filled with festive floats covered in lights.

Christmas on the water

Elsewhere in Honolulu, don’t miss the ‘Festival of Lights’ Christmas boat parade at the Hawaii Kai Marina (near the 7036 Kalanianaʻole Highway), featuring dozens of decorated and brilliantly illuminated boats bobbing along the channels of this waterfront community. It’s a brilliant spectacle and another local Christmas tradition you can enjoy while sporting beachwear.

Elsewhere in Honolulu, look for other beautiful decorations and special events, like lavish displays in the lobbies and grounds at the The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki. And if you’re on O‘ahu for New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy the biggest fireworks display of the year at the Waikiki waterfront.

Insider tip: Christmas is a popular time to visit Hawaii, so if you’re hoping for a special December 25 meal at a much-loved beachfront restaurant like Duke Waikiki (2335 Kalakaua Avenue), book your table as soon as possible.

Festive picnic spots

On Christmas Day, many families traditionally head to the beach for a big picnic. Here are three beaches located away from the familiar sands of Waikiki where you can enjoy the local holiday atmosphere.

Ala Moana Regional Park

Right across from the famous shopping center of the same name, this park features nearly a mile of golden sand next to a row of iconic palm trees. Huge groups of extended families come here for all-day feasts, highlighted by swims in the surf.

1201 Ala Moana Boulevard

Kapiolani Beach Park

Just south of Waikiki and easily walkable, the highlight here is the huge banyan trees shading the grass along the beach. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the ocean view with merry groups around you.

Kalakaua Avenue

Pu‘uloa Beach Park

Just west of Honolulu’s airport and the entrance to Pearl Harbor, this park features a beautiful swimming spot away from the crowds. Exchange a gift with someone special and forget you’re on one of the most popular islands in the world.

91-027 Fort Weaver Road

Hit the beach in Honolulu

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:36:17 -0500

The Hawaiian capital’s finest beach hotels have become symbols of O‘ahu’s reputation as a prime vacation spot, thanks to their positions right at the ocean.

The thought of vacationing in Honolulu prompts dreams of stepping straight from your lanai (porch) onto the beach. In fact, you often need to stand on tiptoe to catch a glimpse of the surf beyond rows of condos. These beachfront icons of Waikiki and the Gold Coast are safe bets, however, with ideal positions near the tideline and busy programs of water-based activities.

Lounge like Sinatra at The Kahala Hotel & Resort

This resort sits along the coast from Waikiki on the sands of Kāhala Beach, between a coral reef and the Wai’alae Country Club golf courses. A favorite getaway for American presidents and Hollywood celebrities alike, the former Kahala Hilton beautified its 800ft stretch of beach, adding more than 100 coconut palms and 18,000 yards of fine sand. Two manmade peninsulas protect the beach and shallows, and you can explore the bay by kayak or surfboard, or spot dolphins in the resort’s seawater lagoon.

Insider tip: For breathtaking views of the ocean, book your stay at one of the 1,250sq-ft-plus signature suites.

5000 Kahala Avenue, Waialae-Kahala; kahalaresort.com

Watch the surf from the Sheraton Waikiki

Running between Waikiki Beach and tiny Grays Beach, Sheraton’s boardwalk is an iconic coastal setting for the tower of 1,636 rooms and suites. Dine with an ocean view and a breezy Hawaiian ambiance in the open-air Pacific Rim-themed restaurant, RumFire, or enjoy cocktails and bites at the Edge of Waikiki pool bar.

Insider tip: The program of cultural activities includes classes for ukulele, lei-making, and hula dancing.

2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki; marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnlws-sheraton-waikiki

Feel Honolulu’s relaxed spirit at Kaimana Beach Hotel

Overlooked by the volcano crater of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi), the Kaimana mixes a creative spirit with its heritage of Hawaii’s 20^th-century heyday, when the beach was known as Sans Souci (“without a care”). The Honolulu lifestyle fills this Gold Coast classic, from the penthouse suite with a wraparound lanai, to the morning yoga, fitness, and SUP sessions.

Insider tip: Hike to the summit of Diamond Head from the crater floor, via the switchbacks, staircase and illuminated tunnel that once formed part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system.

2863 Kalakaua Avenue, Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis; kaimana.com

Gaze at gliding masts from Prince Waikiki

You’ll enjoy a serene view at this travel magazine favorite on the corner of the Ala Wai yacht harbor and canal, overlooking Magic Island. On the other side of the hotel’s two towers is Kahanamoku Beach, along with a saltwater infinity pool and the Naio Bliss spa. Choose between rooms with ocean or harbor outlooks, or upgrade to a 1,000sq-ft-plus suite with sweeping views down the coast.

Insider tip: Check the ‘activities and events’ page for a calendar of upcoming entertainment to plan your trip around, from live Hawaiian music at Hinana Bar to pop-up markets.

100 Holomoana Street, Waikiki; princewaikiki.com

Explore O‘ahu culture at the Halekulani

Halekulani’s rooms and suites on Waikiki Beach enjoy views of Diamond Head and the dazzling blue bay—where you can start your day with a complimentary surf or SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) introduction. Many of the guest rooms were upgraded before the hotel’s reopening in October 2021, with the installation of new wood panels, textured wall coverings, and expertly crafted furniture. The oval pool in front of the beach is a knockout, with a spectacular mosaic of the hotel’s logo—the Cattleya orchid—made up of 1.2 million glass tiles.

Insider tip: Facilities include fully accessible rooms and suites, seven restaurants and bars, a contemporary Hawaiian art collection, and complimentary access to Honolulu’s cultural institutions.

2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki; halekulani.com

Surf’s up: Hawaii’s five most famous spots

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:38:22 -0500

When people think of Hawaii, it’s safe to say that surfing will come to mind immediately. This sport is a way of life here and there’s a wave to be surfed every day of the year.

In spring and summer, the town beaches around Honolulu are great for beginner and intermediate surfers looking to improve their skills. Meanwhile, autumn and winter months see the world’s best surfers paddle into some of the most dangerous waves in the world. While most of the breaks are best left to the experienced locals and traveling professionals, it’s well worth the drive from Honolulu to witness the death-defying conditions. We’ve selected five surf spots that you won’t want to miss.

NORTH SHORE

Waimea Bay

In summer months, Waimea Bay is a perfect spot to sunbathe and take a dip in the calm, cool waters. While floating in the shallows, it’s hard to believe the bay turns into one of the island’s most formidable surf spots when the Pacific’s winter waves hammer the North Shore.

Overall, it’s a proving ground for the world’s bravest surfers, who flock to the beach when the green light is given for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surf competition. When the conditions are right, hundreds of locals watch die-hard surfers rushing down the waves.

Banzai Pipeline

Perhaps the most popular surf break on the planet, chances are high that you’ve seen images of this location on T-shirts, posters, and movies. Coming alive between October and March, 20ft waves frequently slam onto a shallow section of the sharp reef—making it one of the most dangerous spots on the North Shore.

It’s by far the most intense surf spot you could imagine and is best viewed from the safety of ‘Ehukai Beach, where you can sit back and admire the work of local legends like John John Florence and Jamie O’Brien.

Sunset Beach

A surf spot that’s feared as much as it’s revered, this regional classic is another huge test for the world’s bravest surfers. Unlike the waves at Waimea, which break in a consistent spot, Sunset Beach is renowned for its shifting peaks, which means anyone in the water can quickly find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The waves were first ridden in 1939 by local legends Lorrin Harrison, Gene Smith, and John Kelly, who took to the water on finless boards, which gives surfers very little control. Today, as safety has become more important, you’ll always see jet-ski rescue teams patrolling the water during the harsh winter months.

SOUTH SHORE

Canoes

The most beginner-friendly spot close to Honolulu offers gently rolling waves during the summer and steeper, barreling waves during the winter. As the name suggests, it’s popular with all types of watercraft, and you can regularly find yourself sharing the waves with kayaks, SUPs, and canoes.

The view back towards the mountain-framed city is one of the best aspects of surfing here, along with the good vibes from locals and travelling surfers—compared to many places on the island, the crowd here embraces surfers of all skill levels.

Ala Moana Bowls

Things are more competitive at Moana Bowls, where it’s always busy and has a local crew who manage to snag most of the waves. If you’re a confident surfer, it’s worth biding your time to pick off the stray waves to experience the power of this hollow barrel that drains the water off the reef as you ride.

While many local surf spots have been compromised by coastal developments and sea walls, this break was created by the extension of Magic Island. Before this, there was a famous peak known as Garbage Hole nearby, featured in the iconic surf movie, The Endless Summer.

The taste of... Honolulu

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:40:54 -0500

Offering flavors of the Pacific Rim, Honolulu is one of the world’s great dining cities.

Influenced by cuisines from around the world, the range and quality of food in Honolulu is superb, especially if you like the flavors of the Pacific Rim. And don’t miss out on homegrown classics that are loved by locals and travelers alike.

A taste of the islands

The plate lunch is a local staple that draws on traditions from the plantation era, when workers lined up for lunch with plates that were filled with an ever-changing variety of dishes.

Today, plate lunches are sold from food trucks, simple storefronts, and diners. The one essential ingredient is choice. Two or three mains, like kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or grilled fish, are served with rice, poi, or sweet potatoes. Add a scoop or two of macaroni salad and the plate is complete.

Locals debate endlessly over where to find the best plate lunches. One popular spot is Highway Inn Kakaʻako (680 Ala Moana Boulevard), which brings careful preparation and artful presentation to this Hawaiian staple. This is the place to try harder-to-find specialties like pipikaula—long-simmered beef that’s meltingly tender.

Then again, you might like to grab lunch right on the beach. If so, Waikiki’s Barefoot Beach Café (2699 Kalakaua Avenue) at Queen’s Surf Beach is the place to be. Besides all the classic choices, they make their own version of the local favorite loco moco, which is a burger patty smothered in gravy with an egg and white rice. They also have shaved ice, flavored with any number of different syrups, including mango and blue raspberry.

At night, join countless others who’ve rated a meal at Roy’s Waikiki (226 Lewers Street) as one of the best of their lives. Start with a superb mai tai and then see what famous chef Roy Yamaguchi’s team has on the menu for the night. Fresh fish encrusted with local macadamia nuts or the beef short ribs are always good bets.

Insider tip: If a scoop of white rice isn’t your thing, ask for ‘double mac’, which is two savory scoops of macaroni salad.

Five must-try dishes

Fresh seafood, pork, starchy staples, and fresh fruit are the basic elements of Hawaiian dishes. Beyond poi, there are few authentic Hawaiian dishes that aren’t influenced by other cuisines, especially those of Asia.

Kalua pork: This traditional dish is made from a pig that has been buried and cooked under hot stones. The result is tender and delicious. But given the dish’s popularity, most local versions are roasted in the oven and seasoned with smoky flavorings.

Poi: A staple food with a sacred heritage, poi is made from taro root that’s been pounded into a purplish paste and sometimes fermented as well. It’s an essential part of local meals, treated with reverence by native Hawaiians. The best versions are homemade, but you can also find good poi in many restaurants.

Spam: A legacy of wartime supplies, the canned pork shoulder is served with rice and eggs at breakfast. For lunch, Spam musabi—slabs of Spam stacked on white rice and wrapped in Japanese nori seaweed—is sold pretty much everywhere. Should you wander into a Honolulu supermarket, check out the size of the Spam section.

Poke: Now sold worldwide, this very Hawaiian meal usually starts with raw ahi (yellowfin tuna) and then several Asian ingredients are added, like green onions, nuts, and sesame oil, among others.

Crack seed: Look for displays of this popular snack near the registers at ABC Stores and every other convenience store in Hawaii. With roots in China, crack seed starts with dried fruit like plums, and then combined with salty, sweet, and sour flavors.

A taste of many cultures

Most local favorites are the result of influences from around the Pacific Rim and beyond. And that also goes for non-Hawaiian restaurants. Honolulu is an excellent place for an Asian meal, and the range of options is extraordinary.

Aside from domestic travelers, most Hawaiian tourists come from Japan, and that’s reflected in the variety of Japanese restaurants around Honolulu. Stay long enough and you’ll find nearly every style of Japanese cuisine. In fact, you can find many styles under one roof at the popular Shirokiya Japan Village Walk (1450 Ala Moana Boulevard), where there are more than 50 different food stalls. Take a stroll through the busy aisles and you’ll feel like you’re on a culinary tour of the Japanese islands.

In Waikiki, you can find crispy pork tonkatsu at the intimate Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro (255 Beach Walk). The name reflects the two different types of cuisine: tonkatsu on one side and yoshoku on the other—the latter being the name for Western-influenced foods in Japan.

If you’re in the mood for a simple and traditional noodle dish, check out Marugame Udon Waikiki (2310 Kuhio Avenue). This faithful reproduction of a timeless Japanese noodle house serves fresh udon noodles that are rolled out, cut, and boiled right in front of you.

Finally, if you just want a good steak, Hy’s Steak House (2440 Kuhio Avenue) is an unmissable spot in Waikiki, near Ala Wai Golf Course. The absolute best cuts of beef are grilled in a glass-enclosed kitchen next to an elegant dining room.

Insider tip: No matter what cuisine you’re enjoying, know that the following fish are among the freshest in Honolulu: ahi (yellowfin tuna), onaga (longtail red snapper), aku (skipjack tuna), ono (wahoo), and mahimahi.