Amy’s guidebook - some must sees as well as local favorites
Food scene
TANE VEGAN IZAKAYA
2065 S Beretania StGreat vegan izakaya located just 5 minutes away.
Most visitors don't enjoy poi, but if you have a sweet tooth try their Sweet Lady of Waiahole, warm kulolo (poi pudding) with haupia (coconut) ice cream. My favorite is the ho'io salad. Ho'io is a fern that some call the Hawaiian asparagus.
42 locals recommend
Waiahole Poi Factory
48-140 Kamehameha HwyMost visitors don't enjoy poi, but if you have a sweet tooth try their Sweet Lady of Waiahole, warm kulolo (poi pudding) with haupia (coconut) ice cream. My favorite is the ho'io salad. Ho'io is a fern that some call the Hawaiian asparagus.
The chef/owner of this restaurant was a Top Chef contender. The food is really good, but be prepared to wait in line.
85 locals recommend
Koko Head Cafe
1120 12th AveThe chef/owner of this restaurant was a Top Chef contender. The food is really good, but be prepared to wait in line.
A local favorite, Paalaa Kai has what some argue as the best brownies on island with snow puffies being another fan favorite.
17 locals recommend
Paalaa Kai Bakery
66-945 Kaukonahua RdA local favorite, Paalaa Kai has what some argue as the best brownies on island with snow puffies being another fan favorite.
Great food at a bowling alley. The owner went to France for culinary school and opened this favorite local eatery. Guy Fieri was just here and was raving about their Oxtail soup. Another local favorite is their pumpkin crunch. It is a bit noisy so please keep that in mind.
13 locals recommend
Aiea Bowl
99-115 Aiea Heights DrGreat food at a bowling alley. The owner went to France for culinary school and opened this favorite local eatery. Guy Fieri was just here and was raving about their Oxtail soup. Another local favorite is their pumpkin crunch. It is a bit noisy so please keep that in mind.
One of the first craft breweries on island. The brewery is in an old surf warehouse that was converted to a casual brewery with on-site brewing. All of the beers have cheeky names and is a favorite local hang out.
31 locals recommend
Honolulu Beerworks
328 Cooke StOne of the first craft breweries on island. The brewery is in an old surf warehouse that was converted to a casual brewery with on-site brewing. All of the beers have cheeky names and is a favorite local hang out.
This is my favorite place to grab breakfast. If you go on the weekends, be ready to wait in line. The food is simple, fresh, and ono.
28 locals recommend
Café Kaila
2919 Kapiolani BlvdThis is my favorite place to grab breakfast. If you go on the weekends, be ready to wait in line. The food is simple, fresh, and ono.
A hidden little gem in Manoa. This coffee house has great pour overs and baked scones. Please check hours as I think they have limited hours of operation due to Covid.
33 locals recommend
Morning Glass Coffee
2955 E Manoa RdA hidden little gem in Manoa. This coffee house has great pour overs and baked scones. Please check hours as I think they have limited hours of operation due to Covid.
Healthy veg restaurant on the North Shore where you may spot a pro-surfer grabbing something to eat. My fav is the healthy plate of food and a vegan cookie.
79 locals recommend
The Beet Box Cafe
66-437 Kamehameha HwyHealthy veg restaurant on the North Shore where you may spot a pro-surfer grabbing something to eat. My fav is the healthy plate of food and a vegan cookie.
Known as the best bar in Honolulu, these barmen have won competitions not only around the country but internationally as well.
12 locals recommend
Bar Leather Apron
745 Fort StKnown as the best bar in Honolulu, these barmen have won competitions not only around the country but internationally as well.
Morimoto’s newest restaurant in Hawaii. I haven’t actually been here, but when my family (who are foodies) came to visit recently they raves about it and said it’s their new favorite restaurant.
6 locals recommend
Momosan Waikiki
2490 Kalakaua AveMorimoto’s newest restaurant in Hawaii. I haven’t actually been here, but when my family (who are foodies) came to visit recently they raves about it and said it’s their new favorite restaurant.
This is a great rooftop bar in Waikiki. The food and drinks are good. They are pricey but you’re paying for the view. The view is beautiful and the vibe is always fun.
100 locals recommend
Tikis Grill & Bar
2570 Kalakaua AveThis is a great rooftop bar in Waikiki. The food and drinks are good. They are pricey but you’re paying for the view. The view is beautiful and the vibe is always fun.
If you haven’t had Burmese food, you should give it a go. Their sister restaurant Rangoon is better for a more formal night out. This place is just a few minutes away and they have my favorite which is the ginger salad.
14 locals recommend
Dagon
2671 S King StIf you haven’t had Burmese food, you should give it a go. Their sister restaurant Rangoon is better for a more formal night out. This place is just a few minutes away and they have my favorite which is the ginger salad.
The last true Tiki bar in Hawaii, this place is vintage and nostalgic. No frills here, but good vibes and live Hawaiian music. Check before you go it may be temporary closed due to Covid.
19 locals recommend
La Mariana Sailing Club
50 Sand Island Access RdThe last true Tiki bar in Hawaii, this place is vintage and nostalgic. No frills here, but good vibes and live Hawaiian music. Check before you go it may be temporary closed due to Covid.
Good Greek food at a chill spot. Order at the counter, grab a seat, and go next door to buy a bottle of wine. This place is byob. Nothing fancy here but this place is a local favorite.
49 locals recommend
Olive Tree Cafe
4614 Kilauea AveGood Greek food at a chill spot. Order at the counter, grab a seat, and go next door to buy a bottle of wine. This place is byob. Nothing fancy here but this place is a local favorite.
Outdoor activities
A great place to snorkel and possibly see sea turtles during the summer months when there is no surf on the north shore.
46 locals recommend
Three Tables Beach
A great place to snorkel and possibly see sea turtles during the summer months when there is no surf on the north shore.
This is one of my favorite hikes. It's pretty short but vertical and you'll get amazing views. If you're a novice hiker, please research it before going.
41 locals recommend
Crouching Lion Inn
51-666 Kamehameha HwyThis is one of my favorite hikes. It's pretty short but vertical and you'll get amazing views. If you're a novice hiker, please research it before going.
A great waterfall hike with a pool to swim in. There’s even a short jump into the pool. This hike can get crowded.
45 locals recommend
Maunawili Falls Trailhead
1201-1209 Kelewina StA great waterfall hike with a pool to swim in. There’s even a short jump into the pool. This hike can get crowded.
A beautiful bay in Hawaii nei. The church on the cliff above this beautiful beach is iconic. During the summer, the bay is calm and a great place to spend the day, swim, and jump off the rock. During the winter, when the North Shore has waves, beware of this dangerous shore break.
389 locals recommend
Waimea Bay Beach
A beautiful bay in Hawaii nei. The church on the cliff above this beautiful beach is iconic. During the summer, the bay is calm and a great place to spend the day, swim, and jump off the rock. During the winter, when the North Shore has waves, beware of this dangerous shore break.
Enjoy super beautiful views while floating up in the sky. Mauka to makai (mountain to ocean) this fun activity is actually very calm and peaceful. It’s definitely an activity where you can slow down and enjoy the moment. If it’s whale season, you may be lucky to see some swimming below you.
Hawaii Paragliding
425-C Maluniu AvenueEnjoy super beautiful views while floating up in the sky. Mauka to makai (mountain to ocean) this fun activity is actually very calm and peaceful. It’s definitely an activity where you can slow down and enjoy the moment. If it’s whale season, you may be lucky to see some swimming below you.
Shark diving with no cage. Do you dare? If you do, this is the place to go. Ocean Ramsey is a marine biologist and her tour takes you off the north shore of Hawaii. Not only is this a dive, but an educational experience where you’ll learn about sharks and their behaviors. This is one of this experiences that you’ll never forget. Check out Ocean Ramsey’s Tedtalk or IG and guarantee you’ll want to check it out.
13 locals recommend
One Ocean Diving
66-105 Haleiwa Beach RoadShark diving with no cage. Do you dare? If you do, this is the place to go. Ocean Ramsey is a marine biologist and her tour takes you off the north shore of Hawaii. Not only is this a dive, but an educational experience where you’ll learn about sharks and their behaviors. This is one of this experiences that you’ll never forget. Check out Ocean Ramsey’s Tedtalk or IG and guarantee you’ll want to check it out.
Neighborhoods
Manoa is an old neighborhood in Hawaii. This condo is located at the perimeter. It has nice schools including the university. If you go into the valley, it rains often and usually has bright beautiful rainbows. You can hike in the back of the valley. I'm not sure if Manoa Falls trail is currently open or not. There's a marketplace with restaurants, a grocery store, theater and even a chocolatier. I encourage you to check out this area (especially the valley) since you're staying here.
Mānoa
Manoa is an old neighborhood in Hawaii. This condo is located at the perimeter. It has nice schools including the university. If you go into the valley, it rains often and usually has bright beautiful rainbows. You can hike in the back of the valley. I'm not sure if Manoa Falls trail is currently open or not. There's a marketplace with restaurants, a grocery store, theater and even a chocolatier. I encourage you to check out this area (especially the valley) since you're staying here.
Kaka'ako is a trendy neighborhood close to Ward Ave. Pow Wow Hawaii has an annual event where artists create murals on the buildings. One of my favorite artists feature is Kamea Hadar. This neighborhood also has new trendy restaurants, craft breweries, yoga, and more.
45 locals recommend
Kaka'ako
Kaka'ako is a trendy neighborhood close to Ward Ave. Pow Wow Hawaii has an annual event where artists create murals on the buildings. One of my favorite artists feature is Kamea Hadar. This neighborhood also has new trendy restaurants, craft breweries, yoga, and more.
This is an up and coming neighborhood that has a lot of restaurants, yoga, and new businesses. It still has a bit of a gritty feel with updates and cool new hip places moving in.
17 locals recommend
Kaimuki
This is an up and coming neighborhood that has a lot of restaurants, yoga, and new businesses. It still has a bit of a gritty feel with updates and cool new hip places moving in.
Kailua is a great and popular neighborhood with everything to offer. Some of the most beautiful beaches are located in Kailua and outrigger canoeing is a popular sport here. There are also great hikes with scenic views. If you’re looking for more city activities than outdoor, Kailua has you covered with restaurants, breweries, and great boutiques. It has more of a mainland feel to me than Hawaii but it’s a must visit.
78 locals recommend
Kailua
Kailua is a great and popular neighborhood with everything to offer. Some of the most beautiful beaches are located in Kailua and outrigger canoeing is a popular sport here. There are also great hikes with scenic views. If you’re looking for more city activities than outdoor, Kailua has you covered with restaurants, breweries, and great boutiques. It has more of a mainland feel to me than Hawaii but it’s a must visit.
Sightseeing
Famous pipeline is one if the most beautiful and dangerous waves in Hawaii. Summertime, the ocean is flat and you can swim in the beautiful blue water and dive down to the underwater caves. During winter, sit on the beach and watch some of the best surfers in the world surf one of the most famous waves.
149 locals recommend
Banzai Pipeline
59-355 Ke Nui RdFamous pipeline is one if the most beautiful and dangerous waves in Hawaii. Summertime, the ocean is flat and you can swim in the beautiful blue water and dive down to the underwater caves. During winter, sit on the beach and watch some of the best surfers in the world surf one of the most famous waves.
Hawaii's Central Park. See iconic Diamond Head crater as you picnic or get in your steps for the day. My favorite is to walk the perimeter and then head across the street towards the beach to have a incognito cocktail (open alcohol isn't allowed so bring a cup or container) and watch the sunset set over the ocean as the sailboats go by (races on Friday). If you're lucky and it's a clear evening, you may be able to catch a green flash.
65 locals recommend
Kapiolani Park Beach
Hawaii's Central Park. See iconic Diamond Head crater as you picnic or get in your steps for the day. My favorite is to walk the perimeter and then head across the street towards the beach to have a incognito cocktail (open alcohol isn't allowed so bring a cup or container) and watch the sunset set over the ocean as the sailboats go by (races on Friday). If you're lucky and it's a clear evening, you may be able to catch a green flash.
I prefer to walk around Diamond Head than the actual hike inside. Inside is a small tunnel with stairs that gets crowded. If you walk around, you’ll go up the cliff where you can catch an amazing sunrise and watch the surfers catch waves. Keep going around and you’ll pass KCC which has a farmers market on the weekend. Beginning and end - you’ll be at Kapio`lani park where you have a beautiful view of this iconic volcano.
250 locals recommend
Diamond Head
I prefer to walk around Diamond Head than the actual hike inside. Inside is a small tunnel with stairs that gets crowded. If you walk around, you’ll go up the cliff where you can catch an amazing sunrise and watch the surfers catch waves. Keep going around and you’ll pass KCC which has a farmers market on the weekend. Beginning and end - you’ll be at Kapio`lani park where you have a beautiful view of this iconic volcano.
Shopping
Sig Zane is a graphic designer from the Big Island and a local favorite for aloha shirts. He finally opened up a shop on Oahu and his nephew runs the store. Go check it out if you’re looking a an aloha shirt that a local would wear. 🌺
Sig Zane is a graphic designer from the Big Island. He is a local favorite for aloha wear. He finally opened a shop downtown on Oahu that his nephew operates. Go check it out if you’re looking for aloha wear that a local would wear. 🌺
15 locals recommend
Sig Zane Designs
122 Kamehameha AveSig Zane is a graphic designer from the Big Island. He is a local favorite for aloha wear. He finally opened a shop downtown on Oahu that his nephew operates. Go check it out if you’re looking for aloha wear that a local would wear. 🌺
Ginger 13 is a local jewelry designer known for her mismatched earrings that became a cult favorite of trendy girls.
Ginger13
22 S Pauahi StGinger 13 is a local jewelry designer known for her mismatched earrings that became a cult favorite of trendy girls.
Made in Hawaii, Roberta Oaks has a modern take on aloha wear. Her updated prints and slim cuts made aloha wear cool again.
Roberta Oaks Hawaii
1152 Nuuanu AveMade in Hawaii, Roberta Oaks has a modern take on aloha wear. Her updated prints and slim cuts made aloha wear cool again.
This place makes the coolest hats in Hawaii. The store is cool but their stock is usually limited because they’re always selling out. Be on the lookout for their drops, these are where you’ll find their most coveted selection.
Fitted
1438 Kona StThis place makes the coolest hats in Hawaii. The store is cool but their stock is usually limited because they’re always selling out. Be on the lookout for their drops, these are where you’ll find their most coveted selection.
City advice
Book before you go
Dining Out
Book reservations before you go out to dinner. There have recently been long waits to get in to restaurants- especially popular dining spots and Waikiki restaurants.
Customs and culture
Driving in Hawaii
Slow down - this aint the mainland! You may see this on locals’ cars if you’re driving around the island. Please do NOT honk, it’s considered very rude in Hawaii. If someone signals to change lanes, please let them in. If someone let’s you merge, throw a shaka 🤙 or a wave. Remember to give aloha and you’ll get aloha back. 🌺
Useful phrases
Mahalo
Thank you
Useful phrases
Ono
Delicious
Useful phrases
Dakine
You may hear people say dakine. Dakine is basically a placeholder for when you can't think of the word, similar to whatchamacallit.
Useful phrases
Pau hana
Stop work. People use this phrase often especially when they refer to having a beer or cocktail after work.
Example: You like go pau hana?
Translations: Do you want to grab a drink after work?
Useful phrases
Brah
Dude
Useful phrases
Howzit?
What's up? How's it going?
Getting around
The Bus
The Bus is currently Honolulu’s only public transportation. You can catch the number 4 right outside on Wilder and it will take you to Kalakaua at the beginning of Waikiki.
Getting around
Biki - Bike Share
We have a great bike share program in Honolulu called Biki. There are two stations in opposite direction from the condo about 2 blocks on Wilder and Punahou as well as Wilder and Metcalf. You can use these to get to Waikiki down Metcalf/McCully St. If you want to head towards downtown, King St has a great designated bike line.