Guidebook for Honolulu

Brian
Guidebook for Honolulu

Food Scene

Da Kine Malasadas! So ono! Li-Hing powder even better local flavor.
230 locals recommend
Leonard's Bakery
933 Kapahulu Ave
230 locals recommend
Da 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 locals recommend
Nico's Pier 38
1129 N Nimitz Hwy
77 locals recommend
Da 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 locals recommend
Heavenly Island Lifestyle
342 Seaside Ave
48 locals recommend
Slow Island Style Brunch. Try the Eggs Benedict. Right down the street from the apartment
Best spot for authentic, Hawaii Style Ramen.
62 locals recommend
Lucky Belly
50 N Hotel St
62 locals recommend
Best 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 locals recommend
La Mariana Sailing Club
50 Sand Island Access Rd
19 locals recommend
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.
Best after a paddle out to the mokes or a day lounging at Lanikai Beach. Right next to the Kyak/SUP Rental Shop.
61 locals recommend
Island Snow Hawaii
130 Kailua Rd
61 locals recommend
Best 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 locals recommend
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
66-472 Kamehameha Hwy
156 locals recommend
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.
Ono Traditional Mexican up on the North Shore. You must get the Li-Hing Margaritas! The Ahi nachos are a solid choice.
66 locals recommend
Cholo's Homestyle Mexican
66-250 Kamehameha Hwy
66 locals recommend
Ono 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 locals recommend
Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken
96 S Kamehameha Hwy
12 locals recommend
Great 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 locals recommend
Teddy's Bigger Burgers
134 Kapahulu Ave
107 locals recommend
The 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 locals recommend
Cinnamon's
315 Uluniu St
84 locals recommend
Most amazing brunch on the island! Great after watching sunrise over the mokes!
Spot only sells lemonade, so you know it better be delicious!
Wow Wow Lemonade Oahu
66-526 Kamehameha Hwy
Spot 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 St
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.
Chic restaurant.
34 locals recommend
Buho Cocina y Cantina
2250 Kalakaua Ave
34 locals recommend
Chic 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 locals recommend
Yard House
226 Lewers St
76 locals recommend
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.
Food Trucks, Astro Turf, Picnic Tables... Best spot for cheaper grinds amidst the overpriced tourist catering of Waikiki.
Pau Hana Market
234 Beach Walk
Food 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 Ave
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!
Great Date Spot. Delicious cocktails and an array of local kine pupus.
105 locals recommend
Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill
559 Kapahulu Ave
105 locals recommend
Great 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 locals recommend
Lanikai Juice
66-215 Kamehameha Hwy
6 locals recommend
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.
Ono Grinds Cous! Best Hot Dogs Ever! Not a secret, it's been on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
7 locals recommend
Hanks Haute Dogs
324 Coral St
7 locals recommend
Ono 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 locals recommend
Duke's Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua Ave
311 locals recommend
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."
The place gets pumping loud on Saturday Night. Gents should probably wear pants and shoes here too.
190 locals recommend
SKY Waikiki
2270 Kalakaua Ave
190 locals recommend
The 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 St
Private 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 locals recommend
Mai Tai Bar
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
113 locals recommend
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.
Friday Nights are busiest. Locals and tourists pack the house. Some of the best DJ's on the island have sets here.
190 locals recommend
RumFire
2255 Kalakaua Ave
190 locals recommend
Friday 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 locals recommend
Addiction
1775 Ala Moana Blvd
55 locals recommend
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.
Monday night gets lively as the service industry starts their weekend.
100 locals recommend
LuLu's Waikiki
2586 Kalakaua Ave
100 locals recommend
Monday 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 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Co.
7192 Kalanianole Highway
89 locals recommend
Great spot to have a cold one after hiking koko head and/or snorkeling Hanauma Bay
Great spot for local brew.
37 locals recommend
Waikiki Brewing Company
831 Queen St
37 locals recommend
Great spot for local brew.
Great Brewery, Nice Views of the Harbor, Good Food
19 locals recommend
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
3 Aloha Tower Dr
19 locals recommend
Great 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 locals recommend
Kelley O'Neil's
311 Lewers St
28 locals recommend
If you're out late, your night will end up here, the house band is solid. Never a first stop.
Tuesday get crowded for the $1 dollar drinks.
21 locals recommend
Moose McGillycuddy's
310 Lewers St
21 locals recommend
Tuesday get crowded for the $1 dollar drinks.
The entire UH Student body gets very thirsty on Thursdays.
Tropics Tap House
1019 University Avenue
The 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 locals recommend
The Republik
1349 Kapiolani Blvd
15 locals recommend
Small music venue with a huge variety perform here, from Lil Wayne to Fleet Foxes. Off the beaten tourist path.
Where the locals go out.
23 locals recommend
The District Nightclub
1349 Kapiolani Blvd
23 locals recommend
Where the locals go out.
Hard to find, but great selection for every palate.
9 locals recommend
Amuse Wine Bar
1250 Kapiolani Blvd
9 locals recommend
Hard 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 locals recommend
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
2552 Kalakaua Ave
37 locals recommend
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.

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 locals recommend
Honolulu Museum of Art
900 S Beretania St
252 locals recommend
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
Everything Hawaiian in one great place.
361 locals recommend
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St
361 locals recommend
Everything 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 locals recommend
Paradise Cove Luau
92-1089 Ali'inui Dr
114 locals recommend
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.

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 locals recommend
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center
1 Arizona Memorial Pl
171 locals recommend
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.
Park, and it's quick walk to the this majestic and historic lookout bluff.
168 locals recommend
Nu'uanu Pali Lookout
Nuuanu Pali Drive
168 locals recommend
Park, 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 locals recommend
Mokoliʻi
18 locals recommend
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.
if it's real calm take a leap
Blow Hole Plus Creeck
8699 HI-72
if 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 locals recommend
Makapuʻu Lookout
Kalanianaʻole Highway
66 locals recommend
Favorite 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 locals recommend
Diamond Head Crater Hike
Kapahulu
261 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Koko Head Park
Koko Head Park Road
116 locals recommend
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!
Best spot on the island for snorkeling! Be sure to arrive early so you can get through the mandatory wilderness conservation video.
531 locals recommend
Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaʻole Highway
531 locals recommend
Best 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 locals recommend
Lanikai Beach
276 locals recommend
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 locals recommend
Ka'ena Point
Farrington Hwy
66 locals recommend
Any 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 locals recommend
Waimea Bay Beach
389 locals recommend
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.
It's world famous... Google it.
149 locals recommend
Banzai Pipeline
59-355 Ke Nui Rd
149 locals recommend
It's world famous... Google it.
It's illegal to hike it now since the rockslide, but it's a beauty.
Sacred Falls State Park
53833 Kamehameha Hwy
It'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.
Bring your board or just jump off.
37 locals recommend
China Walls
Hanapepe Place
37 locals recommend
Bring 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 locals recommend
Pillbox Hike
265 Kaelepulu Dr
178 locals recommend
Sunrise 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 locals recommend
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
2055 Kālia Rd
50 locals recommend
Start 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 locals recommend
Magic Island Lagoon
14 locals recommend
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.
Beautiful quiet spot, great for camping
51 locals recommend
Kahana Bay Beach Park
52-222 Kamehameha Hwy
51 locals recommend
Beautiful quiet spot, great for camping
Local body surfing beach. Grab some fins, a lunch tray, and don't break your neck!
133 locals recommend
Sandy Beach
133 locals recommend
Local body surfing beach. Grab some fins, a lunch tray, and don't break your neck!
Beautiful Body Boarding beach.
41 locals recommend
Makapu'u Beach Park
41 locals recommend
Beautiful Body Boarding beach.

Entertainment & Activities

Disney themed ocean front pool and water park. Kids like it.
42 locals recommend
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
92-1185 Ali'inui Dr
42 locals recommend
Disney themed ocean front pool and water park. Kids like it.
What better place is there to jump out of a plane?
36 locals recommend
Skydive Hawaii
68-760 Farrington Hwy
36 locals recommend
What better place is there to jump out of a plane?
Keiki love this place!
28 locals recommend
Wet 'N' Wild Hawaii station
28 locals recommend
Keiki love this place!
Keiki love this place. The rooftop bar gets crowded on Wednesdays.
39 locals recommend
Dave & Buster's
1030 Auahi St
39 locals recommend
Keiki love this place. The rooftop bar gets crowded on Wednesdays.