Learn me on Hawaii

[69hondo]

Hey guys we are taking my daughter to Hawaii in the middle of June for a graduation/vacation trip for 7 days.

Looking for any recommendations and places to stay. we will be landing in Honolulu and staying on the island of Oahu.

I definitely want to see Pearl and surrounding historical sights.

What else? Where to hike, what beaches to hit, where to eat anything you think I should know/see.

Thanks Nick

 

[Good Stuff]

Boots N Kimos has the best macadamia nut pancakes. https://yelp.to/UEdCU7VDQob

 

[rivrrts429]

I think you mean you’ll be landing in Honolulu and staying on Oahu lol

Honolulu isn’t that fun but if you’re over on that side of the island the Diamond Head hike is legit.

I always rent a house on North Shore. I just prefer the beaches and snorkeling on that side. You’re going in June so no waves. The ocean will be like a lake. The Polynesian Culture Center is a great experience. Be forewarned that the Mormon’s operate it so no alcohol or caffeine last time I went. The LDS church knows how to run an organization and have done an amazing job with it. The Windward side of the island has some awesome beaches and crazy blue water too.

 

[2Driver]

You’ll be landing in Honolulu and staying on Oahu.

The Mighty MO battle ship tour is cool. Breakfast at Dukes on the beach then rent a long board out front and surf some easy waves. I mean it’s stupid easy right out front of Dukes.
North shore is fun and in June you’ll have some good snorkel spots.

 

[69hondo]

I think you mean you’ll be landing in Honolulu and staying on Oahu lol

You’ll be landing in Honolulu and staying on Oahu.

LMAO, fixed.

 

[Gramps]

if you asked Camela Harris...........Hawaii is a group of small islands surrounded by a big ocean full of water and fish

 

[Ziggy]

@HNL2LHC to the courtesy phone please, @HNL2LHC to the courtesy phone!

 

[2Driver]

if you asked Camela Harris...........Hawaii is a group of small islands surrounded by a big ocean full of water and fish

Hahahhaha

 

[endobear]

Pay the extra money and get the private tour of the Missouri. It was awesome.
Plan to spend most the day there.

We also did the swim with the sharks deal. The one that they drop you in a cage. I WASN'T THRILLED about doing it but ended up having a great time.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I can add to this but it's a basic list we text people when they ask us... It's more of a list of our haunts.
Stay: Marriot/outrigger hotels...any of them are fine.
Beaches: Waimea, Pounders, Baby Makapu'u, Sans Souci aka Kaimana
Beaches with a warning..aka undertow, shore break etc.. Sandy's, Makapu'u... Be aware..and pay attention to warnings/lifeguards. You can EASILY drown at either of these places and it happens a lot with tourists.

If you wish to go offshore fishing PM me and I'll give you a few guys numbers.

Restaurants/Bars/Food

Kaimuki
BREW’d Craft Pub (good pupus & craft beer)
Side street Inn (old school restaurant/ nice dinner)
South shore Grill (great shrimp burritos)
lunch Leonard’s bakery (malasadas)

Waikiki
Barefoot Beach Cafe (by the aquarium) lunch
Duke’s (need reservation - Bar top is faster but limited menus)
Beach house at Moana Surfrider Hotel (lunch/bfast)
Tommy Bahama Restaurant (lunch/dinner)
Okonomiyaki Chibo (Teppenyaki + they make the Japanese pancake)
Lewers Lounge - jazz bar at halekulani hotel (good martinis and vibes). (THIS IS A MUST do...dress nice. Wing Li is an fixture in HI, and still witty at his age. Maggie Herron is an amazing performer, and very personable. She's usually there th-sat)

Honolulu
Charthouse - old Hawaii restaurant with view of harbor - dinner Nico’s Pier - local fresh seafood and bar
Maharani Cafe - Indian (dinner byob)
Aloha Brew Co

Chinatown
Livestock Tavern - hipster bar/restaurant
Manifest - club/bar
Tchin Tchin - fancy bar (unmarked door with stairs next to bar 35) Lucky Belly - Hipster fancy Ramen
J Dolan’s - Irish bar with great pizza (also affiliated with black shamrock pub)
Murphy's downtown Irish restaurant...murph is a cool guy. shuffleboard table in restaurant.

Waipahu
Elena’s - pork adobo fried rice omelette (sooo good)

Kapolei
Monkey pod kitchen - nice restaurant with great cocktails and food

Mililani
Rise and Shine Cafe - breakfast Rajanee Thai - takeout great Thai

Wahiawa
Shige’s Saimin stand - staple old Hawaii simple food Sunny side - breakfast staple

Haleiwa
Paalaa Kai bakery - donuts
Haleiwa Cafe - dinner place where you can get a bottle of wine next door Matsumoto’s Shave ice
Haleiwa Joes - dinner/lunch on the harbor
Haleiwa beach house - pupus and cocktails with good view of beach

Pupukea
Shark’s cove food trucks have great food and tables to watch waves Ted’s bakery - food and good pie slices

Hawaii Kai
Roy’s - dress code fancy restaurant

Fun things
Speak Easy contact
808-892-6966
Honolulu museum of art
(Art after dark - Friday nights music drinks and exhibits)
Bishop Museum Iolani palace

Booze Cruises (check website times)
Holokai catamaran
Na Hoku catamaran
Star of Honolulu - dinner cruise

Kualoa Ranch ATV Horseback riding Jurassic park tour
Polynesian culture center
Hawaiian Brian’s
- pool hall and bars very chill
Haleiwa stand up paddle boarding
Tropical Rush
- free shave ice with rental, go up easy canal with turtles instead of ocean

Hike
Kuliouou upper for a good view.
Don't be one of the people who trespass and try to do stairway...
Pearl city falls

other stuff
Kahuku Superette - OG legit poke...not the bastardized shit
Waikane Store - my buddy Alden owns it. Multiple generation store by Kualoa..stop in and get some chicken for the beach
Kikuya in Kaneohe...dive restaurant but epic local Japanese food

 

[Dirtbag]

I love Oahu....so much fun people watching and lots of cool sights to see.

Havent been in a few years but i think ive been over 10 times.

Hanauma Bay for snorkeling. 1/2 day
Take a full day and make the entire drive around the island. Take H1 south toward sandy beach and all the way up through the north shore. The North Shore is incredible. Hit all the top surf spots to at least say you been there. waves are gonna be nonexistent.
Im actually a fan of the international market place for food. I love the plate lunches in Hawaii
Tons of good restaurants in waikiki
hiking...manoa falls and diamond head. Waimea falls on north shore is cool.
the beaches of waikiki are soso but great for people watching...id much prefer sandy beach in the south and any beach on the north shore.
Turtle bay resort on the north shore is incredible.
Dole plantation on your way back down from north shore one of the days.

just a great place to relax

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Im actually a fan of the international market place for food. I love the plate lunches in Hawaii

International marketplace was revamped a few years ago...now its high end stores, and restaurants.

 

[DaveH]

if you want crowds and big resorts its either Waikiki or anywhere on Kaanaplai Maui.

if you want more laid back and scenic........north shore Kauai (Princeville).....having been to all the islands....Kauai is my fav

 

[Dirtbag]

International marketplace was revamped a few years ago...now its high end stores, and restaurants.

it prolly needed it. maybe another great plate lunch somewhere around

 

[Ace in the Hole]

it prolly needed it. maybe another great plate lunch somewhere around

It’s just another shopping center now...catering to the foreign tourists at the expense of local business.

Alicia’s market...hands down the best you will ever have. It’s on mokauea st near sand island.

 

[2Driver]

If you are going to Pearl get on the NPS site and get tickets now. They only have so many walk up spots available. Also if it gets over a certain wind speed they don’t go out to the AZ memorial. Thats how we ended up going to the Missouri tour, it was too windy to run the boat out to the AZ memorial so we got walk up tickets and got on the bus shuttle to the MO.

Our contact in HI said to book dinner rez's weeks in advance as well. Maybe someone can confirm that.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

If you are going to Pearl get on the NPS site and get tickets now. They only have so many walk up spots available. Also if it gets over a certain wind speed they don’t go out to the AZ memorial. Thats how we ended up going to the Missouri tour, it was too windy to run the boat out to the AZ memorial so we got walk up tickets and got on the bus shuttle to the MO.

Our contact in HI said to book dinner rez's weeks in advance as well. Maybe someone can confirm that.

Safe access just ended..so it should be easing up. Only real issue on that is the Waikiki area and tourist traps...

 

[PRIMO]

ROYAL HAWAIIAN......

 

[Boat 405]

Had a one night trip here last week. Had to do a NAAT covid test before the flight, no big deal.

I flew back to Maui last night, still masks on planes, but no covid test or anything before the flight to get in. All those restrictions have dropped. They want you to wear a mask on the plane and in the airport, and rental car place. I was in Costco, Home Depot and Lowes last night, no mask requirement anywhere. I also had dinner last night in Leilanis in Kaanapali no masks there either. Grocery store no masks.

Seems like most if not all restrictions have dropped. I fly back to mainland tomorrow and it seems pretty back to normal to me.

 

[T frog]

it prolly needed it. maybe another great plate lunch somewhere around

Rainbow drive in for a great plate lunch, not far from Waikiki

Rainbow Drive-In

rainbowdrivein.com

 

[69hondo]

Thanks guys for all the replies. Definitely have some research to do.

 

[LHC Kirby]

Thanks guys for all the replies. Definitely have some research to do.

Right very near to USS AZ is the USS Bowfin - submarine tour.... it is awesome... I wouldn't miss it. All the other advice is great stuff too. I would GET TICKETS IN ADVANCE for USS AZ and check if you can get them for the Bowfin too.

 

[Gelcoater]

Thanks guys for all the replies. Definitely have some research to do.

Learn to like Spam!
You may find it in some dishes and done right is pretty good.
We like to hit the industrial areas for lunch for a cheap meal.
Lots of Ma&Pa type lunch places hidden in there.

Another cheap meal and while I’m not a fan at home, McDonalds.
Regional cuisine like rice bowls and my favorite, the Portuguese sausage McMuffin. You can’t get them in Ca, and probably a good thing for me

The west/Northwest side of Oahu, don’t go to Sunset, or other beaches after dark.
Waiane/Makaha are a bit rough if you’re a white guy.
Trust me here.
North Shore is a more relaxed vibe.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Waiane/Makaha are a bit rough if you’re a white guy.
Trust me here.

It’s fine if you no act like a dumb ass haole...tracks is one of my favorite spots but agreed not tourist friendly for the most part.

OP DO NOT rent a jeep or convertible or leave anything in your rental...theft is off the charts especially for tourists who get targeted. One of my buddies rents Tesla’s out there. You can pm me if you’re interested abs I’ll put you in touch.

 

[Gonefishin5555]

We did a bus tour that included the Az memorial. It was a little rushed so wish we did it on our own. Hanauma Bay you should get tickets in advance also but when we were in line there was a few people who just walked up and they were still allowed in. Diamond head hike go early it gets hot. Dole Plantation I think I would pass on it if I went again. Waimeah falls was a short hike kinda touristy but I would still do it as part of a day on the northshore.

What we didn't get to do was visit the beaches on the west side of the island. If I went back I would probably do that. We did eat and driink at various beach front places on Waikiki, we like the Mai Tai bar at Royal Hawaiian we could get a table overlooking the sand and not too crowded and we always compare other Mai Tais to the ones we had there. For car rental we used the Hui app to rent cars by the hour there was a garage right next to our hotel that had a few to rent you just reserve in the app and go use it.

 

[Mandelon]

Be sure to stop in every ABC store. Always some fun stuff to buy. LOL

 

[HNL2LHC]

I can add to this but it's a basic list we text people when they ask us... It's more of a list of our haunts.
Stay: Marriot/outrigger hotels...any of them are fine.
Beaches: Waimea, Pounders, Baby Makapu'u, Sans Souci aka Kaimana
Beaches with a warning..aka undertow, shore break etc.. Sandy's, Makapu'u... Be aware..and pay attention to warnings/lifeguards. You can EASILY drown at either of these places and it happens a lot with tourists.

If you wish to go offshore fishing PM me and I'll give you a few guys numbers.

Restaurants/Bars/Food

Kaimuki
BREW’d Craft Pub (good pupus & craft beer)
Side street Inn (old school restaurant/ nice dinner)
South shore Grill (great shrimp burritos)
lunch Leonard’s bakery (malasadas)

Waikiki
Barefoot Beach Cafe (by the aquarium) lunch
Duke’s (need reservation - Bar top is faster but limited menus)
Beach house at Moana Surfrider Hotel (lunch/bfast)
Tommy Bahama Restaurant (lunch/dinner)
Okonomiyaki Chibo (Teppenyaki + they make the Japanese pancake)
Lewers Lounge - jazz bar at halekulani hotel (good martinis and vibes). (THIS IS A MUST do...dress nice. Wing Li is an fixture in HI, and still witty at his age. Maggie Herron is an amazing performer, and very personable. She's usually there th-sat)

Honolulu
Charthouse - old Hawaii restaurant with view of harbor - dinner Nico’s Pier - local fresh seafood and bar
Maharani Cafe - Indian (dinner byob)
Aloha Brew Co

Chinatown
Livestock Tavern - hipster bar/restaurant
Manifest - club/bar
Tchin Tchin - fancy bar (unmarked door with stairs next to bar 35) Lucky Belly - Hipster fancy Ramen
J Dolan’s - Irish bar with great pizza (also affiliated with black shamrock pub)
Murphy's downtown Irish restaurant...murph is a cool guy. shuffleboard table in restaurant.

Waipahu
Elena’s - pork adobo fried rice omelette (sooo good)

Kapolei
Monkey pod kitchen - nice restaurant with great cocktails and food

Mililani
Rise and Shine Cafe - breakfast Rajanee Thai - takeout great Thai

Wahiawa
Shige’s Saimin stand - staple old Hawaii simple food Sunny side - breakfast staple

Haleiwa
Paalaa Kai bakery - donuts
Haleiwa Cafe - dinner place where you can get a bottle of wine next door Matsumoto’s Shave ice
Haleiwa Joes - dinner/lunch on the harbor
Haleiwa beach house - pupus and cocktails with good view of beach

Pupukea
Shark’s cove food trucks have great food and tables to watch waves Ted’s bakery - food and good pie slices

Hawaii Kai
Roy’s - dress code fancy restaurant

Fun things
Speak Easy contact
808-892-6966
Honolulu museum of art
(Art after dark - Friday nights music drinks and exhibits)
Bishop Museum Iolani palace

Booze Cruises (check website times)
Holokai catamaran
Na Hoku catamaran
Star of Honolulu - dinner cruise

Kualoa Ranch ATV Horseback riding Jurassic park tour
Polynesian culture center
Hawaiian Brian’s
- pool hall and bars very chill
Haleiwa stand up paddle boarding
Tropical Rush
- free shave ice with rental, go up easy canal with turtles instead of ocean

Hike
Kuliouou upper for a good view.
Don't be one of the people who trespass and try to do stairway...
Pearl city falls

other stuff
Kahuku Superette - OG legit poke...not the bastardized shit
Waikane Store - my buddy Alden owns it. Multiple generation store by Kualoa..stop in and get some chicken for the beach
Kikuya in Kaneohe...dive restaurant but epic local Japanese food

Thanks Joel. Hit most of the good ones. I will try to find time to list more if that is at all possible.

A Kapua Light house hike
Kokohead hike
South shore will be in season. Because full as noted at Makapuu & Sandy’s.
DON”T DO SPITTING CAVES!!!! Not sure if anyone should ever do it
Pali Pukalani hike, Kind of rough if you don’t like heights. Don’t do on windy days.
Kahuku shrimp trucks
Ted’s bakery Sunset beach
Don’t do Matsumoto Shaved Ice. Been done for years.
Do Shimizu on School Street and get the ”Larry”. Share it if needed. Had it a few times with the family. LOL

As far as accommodations…..I just stay at out home in Punchbowl.

 

[Clank123]

All great recommendations above!
As far as places to go not mentioned.
I have a way different view of Hawaii than most, other than those who live there.
Been going over 40 years for business and pleasure(including living in Hawaii Kai for a year).
I am in the beer business, so my typical week when I am there is jumping in the car with a manager or rep and hitting restaurants and bars from 10am till at least 9pm every day(I’m there for a week this month starting the 24th). So over the years there is very few places I haven’t ate or drank in.
I’ll just add a few that are more “family friendly” since you have your daughter with you.
When on Oahu I stay at the Hilton Garden Inn on Kuhio Street. Couple short blocks off the Beach.
Nice hotel, used to have buffet breakfast before Covid, not sure now.
In the evenings, good way to start is to walk to the Moana Surfrider and grab a table to listen to the live music they have. Always classic Hawaiian, always good. Pupu’s are great there as well. Beautiful sunsets as well.
Other places not mentioned.
Leonard’s Bakery for the Malasadas. So good.
Rainbow Drive Inn was mentioned. It’s walking distance.
Marukame Udon on Kuhio. Get there early, the line goes down the block.
Do a happy hour up at Sky Waikiki.
The view is fantastic.
Side Street Inn on Hopaka. Food is fantastic. They were remodeling when Covid hit. This is my first time back since then. Hope they made it!
If you get out to Kailua…hit Cinnamon’s. Guava Chiffon Pancakes…wow! And their Loco Moco is one of the best I’ve had anywhere. It’s all about the gravy!
When you roll out to the North Shore my favorite lunch spot is the Kuhuku Superette. Some of the best Poke’ you’ll ever have. Get an order and drive to Pipeline beach and grab a table. Tough to beat.
After you go to Pearl Harbor, get lunch at the Aiea Bowl. Sounds strange to eat at a bowling alley, but the food is fantastic!
So many great places to go on Oahu! You can’t go wrong!
Enjoy the trip!

 

[69hondo]

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

We are off tomorrow night/early Wednesday. Should be sitting on the beach by noon Wednesday. We got a "wing it" kind of plan. Some things we definitely want to do and see but dont want to be held to a schedule the whole time.

 

[spectra3279]

And end every sentence in yah

 

[Backlash]

We are a couple weeks behind you, so please post some updates if you don't mind. And whether or not there are any BS Covid restrictions in Honolulu.

 

[twocents]

I think you mean you’ll be landing in Honolulu and staying on Oahu lol

Honolulu isn’t that fun but if you’re over on that side of the island the Diamond Head hike is legit.

I always rent a house on North Shore. I just prefer the beaches and snorkeling on that side. You’re going in June so no waves. The ocean will be like a lake. The Polynesian Culture Center is a great experience. Be forewarned that the Mormon’s operate it so no alcohol or caffeine last time I went. The LDS church knows how to run an organization and have done an amazing job with it. The Windward side of the island has some awesome beaches and crazy blue water too.

Good advice here. Our family was there (North Shore, for 9 days last July). If you've not been to the Pearl Harbor tour, that's a must. Also the Diamond Head hike is good. The Polynesian Center is good for most of a day. Treat yourself to Leonard's Bakery in downtown Honolulu (don't let the long lines discourage you). Also, an ATV ride through the Jurassic Park Tour is fun. Consider landing in Honolulu, renting a car, and drive to an AirBnB house at an on the North Shore beach -- it will save you some $$$.

 

[HNL2LHC]

We are a couple weeks behind you, so please post some updates if you don't mind. And whether or not there are any BS Covid restrictions in Honolulu.

No restrictions or mask mandates!!!

 

[TCHB]

Hey guys we are taking my daughter to Hawaii in the middle of June for a graduation/vacation trip for 7 days.

Looking for any recommendations and places to stay. we will be landing in Honolulu and staying on the island of Oahu.

I definitely want to see Pearl and surrounding historical sights.

What else? Where to hike, what beaches to hit, where to eat anything you think I should know/see.

Thanks Nick

I would go there 3 times a year for work. I liked staying right on Waikiki Beach. The beach is nice and lots to do.