Archive for the Dining & Drinks category
February 29th, 2008 by susan j
Chinatown photo uploaded by
Give Hawaii’s proximity to Asia, it’s no surprise that Honolulu has a thriving Chinatown. But it didn’t used to be that way. According to this , Honolulu’s Chinatown is a newly revitalized wonderland of art museums and galleries, restaurants serving live eel and pigs’ heads, night clubs pulsating with a hip, international crowd. Thanks to the local arts community and preservationists, this 20-block area now boasts more 50 restaurants and a market with vendors hawking jewelry, exotic fruits, and more.
Interested in exploring Chinatown for yourself? Check out the Hawaii Heritage Center and Chinatown Walking Tour with the Go Oahu Card.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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February 27th, 2008 by jamie a
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Anthony Bourdrain, the bad boy of the culinary world, has just filmed an episode of “No Reservations,” his hit show from the Travel Channel, in Hawaii!
, the episode will air on March 3, much to the delight and perhaps dismay of Hawaiian residents. Bourdain is known for seeking out the most unique local cuisine he can find, from the fanciest of bistros to the cheapest of street vendors. He’s eaten everything from foie gras at The French Laundry to a still-beating cobra heart in Vietnam. He’s respected for his honesty and his own culinary talent, but is also known for his scathing reviews.
Let’s just hope that he finds something to love about the cuisine of the Hawaiian islands…and, let’s be honest, how could he not?
If you’ve got a favorite Hawaiian dish to recommend, let us know in the comments!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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Go Oahu Card.
January 21st, 2008 by susan j
Romantic walk along the beach in Hawaii Photo uploaded by
TheHoneymoon.com lists Hawaii as one of its top romantic destinations for 2008. For all you love birds celebrating Valentine’s Day Hawaiian-style, we’ve put together a list of things to do on the island of Oahu this February 14.
For starters, there’s a Valentine’s Day Moonlight Cruise aboard the Navatek. The Pupu Menu includes bacon-wrapped scallions, shrimp kebobs, chocolate fondue, and more. Oahu Cityguide also lists 10 Romantic Restaurants for the big day.
Another option is the Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony being offered by the Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki. This ceremony is inspired by an ancient Hawaiian custom called Ho-ao Pa’a, which binds man and woman together in a lasting union. This event is free to guests staying at the two hotels, and sign-ups begin on January 14.
Wherever your travels take you this February, we hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with love and affection!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re visiting family or vacationing in Oahu over the holidays, here’s a list of attractions that will be open on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The is open for breakfast, lunch, or evening cruises, complete with delicious food, a full bar, all in their plush, fully-equipped cabin.
At , you can see amazing performances by dolphins, sea lions, and penguins right before your eyes.
provides a first-hand perspective on Hawaii’s military history from the Polynesians and Hawaiian royalty to WWII through Vietnam. Gain a better perspective on the history of Hawaii and its role in wartime.
You could also take a tour on the or the to see the north shore of the island. After your tour, rent a kayak or snorkel gear from for even more exploring!
, home of the world’s largest maze and Hawaii’s original “pineapple experience,” will be closed on Christmas, but will reopen for New Year’s Day.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 27th, 2007 by jamie a
Singapore Noodles
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To follow up on our “Cheap Eats in Oahu (Local Edition),” here’s our post for all the international cuisine to be found in Oahu. From Vietnamese to Italian and wonderful desserts, there’s something for all foodies on this list!
At , you can get a “simple and healthy” meal in authentic Chinese style. To begin your meal, start off with some tofu pot stickers or black bean clams, which are both local favorites. The choices here include some of the classic favorites like Singapore noodles and walnut shrimp, but they also offer many eclectic selections on the menu as well as plenty of vegetarian options.
For some homestyle Italian fare, is known for having the best and most affordable cuisine in Oahu. Enjoy some delicious chef specialties like red pepper calamari, a caprese salad, or a white clam pizza. With most dishes between $10-15, you’ll fill yourself up and still have money to spend on more souvenirs!
Join the family at where you can enjoy traditional Greek fare like gyros, lamb kebabs, moussaka, and dolmades. The main dishes even come with Greek salad, pita bread, and rice. With plenty of choices for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, it’s a great place to go when there’s different preferences to consider.
For dessert, you have two great sweet spots to choose from! At , you can join the locals and enjoy scones, pastries, cakes, cookies, and tortes that are baked right on the premises.
If pie’s your thing, you can enjoy a slice of the famous two layer chocolate coconut pie at , which is known as the place for pies on the island.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 26th, 2007 by jamie a
Lunch at Pier 38
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If you’re a traveler on a budget who wants to get the most out of your Hawaiian experience, these local favorites for cheap eats are perfect for your trip! For part one of our two part ‘cheap eats,’ this post’s focus is on local cuisine that will introduce your palate to plenty of new tastes.
For breakfast…
Check out for a hearty breakfast before sightseeing. You get three larger-than-a-dinner-plate cakes with toppings like pineapple, banana, walnuts, and chocolate. Also be sure to try some Kona coffee to start off your day!
, voted the “Champion of Breakfast” by the Honolulu Advertiser, fulfills all your Hawaiian food dreams. Choose from mahi-mahi eggs Benedict, guava chiffon pancakes, or Carsie’s crab cakes and eggs. The names of the dishes alone should persuade any foodie to stop at Cinnamon’s!
For lunch…
With local fisherman, residents, and downtown workers making up the clientele, you know that is the real deal. Enjoy dishes like urikake pan seared ahi with ginger garlic cilantro sauce or a fried calamari salad on nalo greens with sweet chili dressing. You can even eat on the patio or overlooking the fishing boats for a lovely outdoor meal.
For more fresh seafood options, check out . The decor is fun and welcoming and the specials literally depend on what the fishermen bring in for the day, so the menu is ever-changing. There’s a crab, bacon, and avocado sandwich as well as Uncle’s fresh ahi belly which are staples on the menu as well as local favorites.
For a feel-good snack…
After hiking around Diamond Head or a day at the beach, stop in to to refuel! Try an acai bowl, which is essentially a smoothie in a bowl topped with acai fruit, mixed berries, banana, strawberries, and granola and topped with honey. Featured on both the Discovery Channel and Rachael Ray, Health Bar is the perfect treat on a hot day.
For dinner…
Check out the for ahi, mahi, or ono fish burgers with signature spicy sesame mayo for just $5.95. You even have the choice to dine inside or on the veranda in the lush tropical air. There’s also Teriyaki chicken and delightfully sweet pulled-pork sandwiches if you’re not up for seafood.
Have a great evening with the family at the . Enjoy a delicious variety of tapas on their small plates dinner menu all inspired by the owner’s trips to Europe. He noticed that “…they have a wonderful lifestyle of enjoying their meals in a casual environment, eating healthy, eating a variety of food priced right, and maybe having a little wine with it. They’re very smart.” The Kalapawai Cafe is his Hawaiian interpretation of these ideas.
For cocktails…
At , enjoy one of the favorite traditions of the original Halekulani with entertainment under the Kiawe tree. With Hawaiian music and hula nightly, you can sip their famous mai tais as you experience the breathtaking views.
Check back soon to learn more about international cuisine in Oahu!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 14th, 2007 by shannon b
In the interest of helping our fellow travelers better plan their trips to Hawaii, we’ve started a new feature called “Ask a Travel Expert.” In our first installment, Kim asks about finding gluten-free food in Oahu. If you have a travel question you’d like to read about on this blog, then leave a comment below and we’ll do our very best to answer it!
Q: Where can you get gluten free food on the island of Oahu? We are staying at the Hilton Alana Doubletree hotel.
A: After poking around a bit on the web and making a few phone calls to area restaurants and stores, I have found a bit of information for you and all Celiac travelers looking for places to dine in Oahu.
Gluten-Free Breakfast/Mid-Day Snack
is an all vegetarian natural foods store with four locations on the island of Oahu. You’ll love their gluten-free breads, cereals, nondairy milk substitutes, hummus, fresh nut butters, and Lara bars. Every food item in the store is clearly labeled with every single ingredient so there is no fear of cross-contamination. Also, the South Kings Street location is just 1.5 miles from your hotel. This may be the perfect stop to fill up on gluten-free treats for your climb up Diamond Head or picnic at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
Gluten-Free Lunch
goes beyond most restaurants by offering a which has selections such as Tropical Tilapia and St. Barts Citrus Chicken as well as many sandwiches and burgers which are Gluten-Free sans bun. Also, it’s located conveniently in Waikiki Beach about a mile from your hotel!
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Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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Go Oahu Card.
November 6th, 2007 by jamie a
photo uploaded by miss rogue
While enjoying your vacation in paradise, be sure and treat yourself to a few of Hawaii’s famous tropical drinks! Served in coconuts, pineapples, or wooden glasses shaped like Tiki heads, they’ll give you a taste of paradise.
While you’re in Waikiki Beach, be sure and try a Blue Hawaii, invented by Harry Yee on the island in 1957. A mix of blue curacao, rum, and vodka, served straight up or on the rocks, this libation is served at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach and Resort. The Tropical Itch, another favorite invented by Yee, is made of rum, passion orange juice and orange curacao.
Ironically, the Mai Tai, thought of as a signature drink of the islands, was invented in California. Due to its lush tropical ingredients, it’s still an islander’s favorite. Donn Beach created the drink in the 30s or 40s , using a concoction of light and dark rum, orange and lime juices, and orange curacao.
Forbes’ Traveler recently published a feature on the Hawaiian islands and the hottest drinks and bartenders around. Check out the article for great ideas on the right bar for you and your preferences.
To ensure enjoyment of some delicious drinks, tropical, exotic ingredients are a must! Anything with pineapple, coconut, freshly squeezed orange juice, or passion fruit is sure to give you a taste of paradise. As they say on the islands, okole maluna!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 22nd, 2007 by susan j
Photo of ahi tuni uploaded by .
Many of Hawaii’s local delicacies are influenced by Asian cuisine. In case visitors aren’t familiar with some of the more exotic menu items, put together a food glossary to demystify dining on the islands. .
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 15th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by avlxyz
Given Hawaii’s proximity to Japan, it’s no surprise that Oahu is near to overflowing with delicious sushi restaurants. Here are a few recommendations for your trip to Oahu:
- Irifune at 563 Kapahula Avenue in Honolulu offers reasonably priced sushi in an offbeat, eclectic environment. They do not serve alcohol, but you are welcome to BYOB.
- Yoshitsune Restaurant at 2586 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu attracts tourists and locals alike, particularly for their mouthwatering Unagi. It’s also down the street from the Waikiki Trolley.
- at 1417 South King Street in Honolulu prides itself on using the best seasonal fresh fish to capture the flavors and colors of Japan’s 300 year old sushi tradition. Its sister restaurant in Los Angeles was voted LA’s best sushi restaurant by Los Angeles magazine in 1997.
- Tokkuri-tei at 808 Sheridan Street in Honolulu is a local favorite for its authentic sushi menu and extensive selection of sake. Menu highlights include the salmon nigiri and hamachi kama.
- Wasabi Bistro at 1006 Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu offers an upscale dining experience with excellent service and an authentic Japanese flair.
- Yanagi Sushi at 762 Kapiolani Blvd. (Cooke St.) in Honolulu serves up innovative takes on the traditional sashimi and rolls. Locals love the dynamite, which is a succulent seafood creation on a clam shell with onions, mushrooms, and minced clams. Kanpai!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
