Trip Overview
We spent a little over a month in Oʻahu, staying in Waikīkī and working remotely while exploring as much of the island as we could on the weekends and after business hours.
This trip was a mix of beaches, snorkeling, activities, fitness classes, shows, sightseeing, and A LOT of food. We revisited some places we loved from our first trip to Oʻahu, but also tried plenty of new things.
Here’s everything we did, what we thought was worth it, what wasn’t, and what I’d do differently next time, broken into the following sections:
- Airbnb accommodation
- Transportation
- Activities
- Food & Drinks
Our last trip to Hawai’i (Oahu) was in October of 2023; you can read about that trip on my blog here.
Accommodation
Airbnb in Waikīkī, Honolulu
The 2-bedroom apartment was a spacious gem. It was necessary to have two bedrooms since we were working remotely, and the desk with monitor setup in the second bedroom was very useful.
Each room has a window AC that you can run for up to 4 hours at a time. This is a building specification because of leaking issues with the AC units, rather than a rule specific to this apartment. The windows also let in the breeze, so we were able to get some natural airflow.
The power went out three separate times during our stay in the building, and the water was shut off twice. One of the water shutoffs came with prior notification from the building. We also had a one-off electrical issue in the apartment, but the host dealt with it promptly.
There are SO many helpful amenities throughout the apartment, basically every kitchen gadget you could need, beach chairs, and even a little book library. The beds are comfortable, the living room has a good-sized TV, and the couch even turns into a bed.
The building never got too busy, and we never waited more than a minute or two for an elevator. There are two elevators, which definitely helped.
Parking in Waikīkī is always a challenge. There is almost never available free parking along Ala Wai Boulevard (the specified available free parking for this area), but honestly, there isn’t much free parking available anywhere in Waikīkī. The two visitor parking spaces for 30 minutes were very useful for pick-ups and drop-offs, especially when we had a rental car.
The location was easy to find and quiet, especially since it’s toward the back end of Waikīkī. It’s still close to everything, with bus stops, the beach, and an ABC Store all within an easy walk.
For the price, I thought this was a really good value compared with other options in Waikīkī. We paid about $924/week for our stay of over a month, and having two bedrooms, a dedicated workspace, a full kitchen, a washer/dryer, beach chairs, and a convenient location made it feel like we were getting a lot more space and functionality than we would have gotten from a typical hotel room for the same type of stay.
Transportation
🚶 Walking
My take: If you’re staying in Waikīkī, walk as much as you possibly can.
Waikīkī is very walkable, more so than most other cities in the US, because it’s only 15–20 blocks long and ~6 blocks wide. Most of the restaurants, shopping, beach areas, ABC Stores, hotels, and attractions are close enough that driving is honestly more trouble than it’s worth. You’re going to spend more time dealing with traffic, one-way streets, and finding somewhere to park than you would have spent just walking. However, if you have a bus pass, there are a lot of options to hop on and off a bus in the Waikīkī area to cut your walking time down.
🚌 DaBus / TheBus
My take: TheBus is actually pretty good if you aren’t in a hurry.
TheBus can get you WAY farther than many tourists realize. It’s useful for getting around Honolulu and Waikīkī and can even get you to places like the North Shore, which we did one day.
The biggest downside is the amount of time it can take, plus the waiting for the bus. On some routes, the time in between buses can stretch to 30 minutes, even just outside Waikīkī.
⚠️ TheBus warning
Don’t plan your itinerary like you’re driving.
A 30-minute drive does not mean it’s going to be a 30-minute bus ride. You may have to walk to the stop, wait for the bus, make transfers, and then walk again once you get off.
My hot take: If you’re staying for a week and have plenty of time, absolutely use TheBus. If you’re trying to cram 12 North Shore stops into one day, rent a car.
🚌 Tour Bus
Tour buses are the middle ground between TheBus and renting a car.
You give up some flexibility, but someone else gets to deal with the driving, parking, and figuring out where everything is. Many tours pick up directly in Waikīkī and take you to places that would otherwise require a rental car.
This is especially appealing for a North Shore/circle island day when you want to see a bunch of things but don’t want to spend the day driving. We did this once on our trip this time, and I would do it again next time.
The downside is that you’re on someone else’s schedule. If you fall in love with a beach or want to spend two hours somewhere, too bad because the bus will be leaving.
🚗 Rental Car
My take: Don’t automatically rent a car for your entire Oʻahu vacation.
This is probably my biggest transportation recommendation.
If you’re staying in Waikīkī, you absolutely do not need a car sitting there all week (especially for the price of parking at some hotels or the lack of available street parking). You can walk around Waikīkī, take TheBus, use tours, or grab an Uber when necessary.
Then rent a car for the specific days you actually need one. We rented a car for our last week and parked near the Ala Moana Mall each night (not convenient, but quite a bit cheaper than parking near our Airbnb).
My take: Rent the smallest, easiest-to-park car you can get away with. You don’t need a giant SUV to explore Oʻahu. On our last trip to Hawai’i, our car barely fit around the corners of the parking garage, and having to park in the tiny spot we were allotted was so much of a hassle that we elected to take Ubers where we would normally drive, just to avoid spending 10 minutes parking our car in the apartment’s spot each time.
My transportation strategy if you’re staying in Waikīkī:
🚶 Walk for Waikīkī
🚌 TheBus for inexpensive transportation around Honolulu
🚌 Tour bus for a big sightseeing day
🚗 Rent a car only for the days you’re leaving Honolulu
🅿️ Research parking before driving somewhere
🔒 Never leave valuables visible in the car
💰 Add parking to your rental-car budget and account for the time and anxiety it might take to find safe parking
Activities
The Odyssey at the Regal Dole Cannery (IMAX and RPX)
Address: 735 B Iwilei Rd, Honolulu, HI
We went to see The Odyssey at the Regal Dole Cannery IMAX, and there were some really cool little movie artifacts upstairs outside the theater that were fun to look at. The glass made getting good pictures of them difficult because of all the reflections.
The theater itself was okay. The seats don’t recline, which is definitely something to know if you’re going to be sitting through a really long movie like The Odyssey.
One nice thing about the location is that there is a bus stop just across the street, so you don’t necessarily need a car to get here.
Moana at the Consolidated Ward Theatres
Spider-Man: Brand New Day at the Consolidated Ward Theatres
One Night Only at the Consolidated Ward Theatres
We preferred the theatre near the Ala Moana better. It was in better shape than the Kahala location. Both theatres were not very busy when we went.
Sunset Mindful Yoga
I signed up through ClassPass, and several sunset yoga classes were available in the same general area for just a few credits each. Multiple groups of people gather in this area, so be sure you’re in the right one!
Thankfully, the coordinates provided through ClassPass led me to the precise location, which was very helpful and made it much easier to figure out where I was supposed to go.
The yoga itself was nice and easy, with a mindful moment during sunset and a good cool-down at the end. It was a nice way to slow down, enjoy the sunset, and finish the day.
Mat Pilates at the Waikīkī Community Center
This was harder than I expected for a community class! The class is during the day and takes place in a nicely large room upstairs, with the doors open. There are two small fans, but it can get warm with little breeze in the middle of the room.
There is equipment available for you to use, including mats, balls, and weights, so you don’t need to bring your own.
Leave your shoes at the door and get ready for an hour of accessible Pilates that will challenge you!
I really liked that this felt like a community class but still gave me a legit workout. Definitely don’t assume that because it’s at a community center, it’s going to be easy!
Very affordable, and I was able to sign up through ClassPass.
Samadhi Hawai’i — Hoop 1
Address: 330 Cooke St, Honolulu, HI
I took a Hoop 1 class at Samadhi Hawai’i, and the first thing to know is that finding the entrance is confusing. I used previous reviews to find it, which said the entrance was through the bike shop, and that was indeed correct. Go through the bike shop; straight back behind the front desk are the stairs (the doorway on the left). There isn’t much signage, so I’m glad I had looked this up beforehand.
Unfortunately, there was also an issue getting OUT. After class, the bike shop was closed, and we were locked in. I had to wait for someone to come down and unlock the door for everyone.
The instructor was highly skilled and strong. The first half of the class felt more like a contortion class, while the second half was more catered to the level of students in the class.
Even though it was a Level 1 class, the more beginner students got more instructor time to work on conditioning and several moves, while the more advanced students were given a few stretch-goal moves to work on.
If you aren’t comfortable with your level, your own abilities, or your own confidence with asking for modifications, I wouldn’t recommend this class. It definitely wasn’t a class where the instructor was going to go easy on you.
However, if you’re someone who needs a push from the instructor to get your butt in the air, then this would definitely be the class for you.
Samadhi’s own description of Hoop 1 emphasizes building strength and technique, with students progressing through mounts, straddles, pullovers, inversions, and static positions, so the strength-focused nature of the class definitely fits what they’re trying to teach.
Overall, I liked the class and thought the instructor was very skilled, but I would probably recommend it more to someone who already has some aerial experience and is comfortable figuring out how to adapt movements to their own body.
Still & Moving Center — Aloha Friday Hula Basics
Still & Moving Center — Aerial Yoga
Address: 1024 Queen St, Honolulu, HI 96814
I took both an aerial yoga class (3 times) and a hula class here, and really enjoyed both. The instructors were very knowledgeable and the classes were well taught, with both making really good use of the space.
The Barefoot Ballroom is upstairs, and as the name suggests, this is a shoes-off facility. The lobby downstairs is welcoming and has two restrooms, along with another room used for classes. The upstairs Barefoot Ballroom is where I took both of my class types.
I was a little curious about the ceiling height for aerial yoga since it is a regular-height ceiling rather than a tall studio, but it ended up not being an issue at all for the class. Everything was set up well and we had plenty of room to move.
I also love that they offer virtual classes, so you can even take hula classes from home. That is such a fun option if you want to learn something Hawaiian while you are away from the islands.
Overall, a welcoming studio with great instructors and a nice variety of classes. I would definitely take another class here if I am back in Honolulu.
The Music of Michael Giacchino
Venue: Neal S. Blaisdell Center
Location: Honolulu, HI
I attended a live concert at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center and sat toward the back of the venue. Even from that distance, the sound quality was surprisingly crisp and clean. The audio felt a little far away because of the seating location, but I was impressed that it still came through clearly.
The seats were comfortable enough, though nothing particularly memorable. Ticket prices were higher than I expected, especially considering the concert was not very full, but one great perk is that they offer a student discount, which can make attending events much more affordable if you’re young!
The best part was the person introducing the pieces — he really got into character!
Stand-Up Comedy of Natalie Cuomo at the Republik
We had some weird interactions with the security at the door. He didn’t say much but got aggressive when we didn’t do what he wanted, even though he didn’t actually say what he wanted. He acted like it was a top-secret venue and we were interlopers.
The sound system was loud and scratchy, and it was SO loud in the first few rows that I needed earplugs. They charge $2/pair and only take cash.
The front two rows were dingy, dirty couches that security wouldn’t let us sit in since our tickets were for the next few sets of rows. But then, near starting time, they let people move up and sit on the couches in a free-for-all, even though those people hadn’t paid for those seats either.
The chairs were temporary chairs that were so close together that you were rubbing elbows, shoulders, and hips with the person next to you, even though many chairs were empty. It didn’t feel intimate; it felt like a money grab.
As for Natalie Cuomo, I thought the show was pretty hit-or-miss. Some of the comedy was funny, but overall I wasn’t blown away. There were definitely people in the audience who seemed to enjoy the jokes, so I think she’s probably one of those comedians who is going to be very hit-or-miss depending on your sense of humor.
Unfortunately, the venue experience didn’t help. Between the strange security, uncomfortable seating, and painfully loud/scratchy sound system, I wouldn’t be in a hurry to see another show at The Republik.
Waimea Valley
Location: Haleiwa, HI
Waimea Valley was a nice, easy stop on our North Shore day. There is a small entrance fee, and from the visitor center it is about a 15-minute walk to the falls. The path is paved and only slightly uphill, so it is a pretty easy walk even if you are not looking to do a serious hike.
There are bathrooms, food options, and souvenirs before you start your walk, which makes it a convenient place to spend a little time and rest before/after.
At the falls, there is a small sitting area and you can rent equipment and life jackets. There are even two small changing booths if you want to get in the water.
The swimming area looked pretty crowded when we visited, and getting down to the water requires carefully climbing over some rocks. I would definitely recommend wearing appropriate footwear if you plan to swim.
Overall, it is an easy and scenic walk to a beautiful waterfall, but I would go in expecting the swimming area to be busy.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Location: Haleiwa, HI
The parking situation here is absolutely insane. People were stuck in stopped traffic just trying to circle the parking lot and find a spot. Traffic was backed up around the entrance because there were simply too many cars trying to get in. If you are coming by car, be prepared for a frustrating parking situation in the parking lot, parking on the street and walking the narrow shoulder, or arriving super early or via bus. The good news is that there is a bus stop fairly close to the beach.
Once you actually get to the beach, it is beautiful. The beach is open and spacious with nice swimming, and there are changing areas and restrooms nearby. There are also a few benches on the grass farther back from the water near the hill, which are nice if you want to sit in the shade or take a break from the beach.
Hawai’i Glass Bottom Boats
Address: 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
We booked the 4PM to 5 PM time through a Groupon, and our boat was almost completely full. The previous boat had fewer than 10 people, so if you have flexibility, I would probably try to get on one of the less crowded boats.
We only saw a few fish, so unfortunately the glass-bottom portion wasn’t very exciting for us. I wouldn’t go into this expecting to see tons of marine life. Obviously, what you see is going to depend on the day and conditions, but our trip was pretty quiet.
That said, it was a really nice, relaxing hour out on the water. The guide was very friendly and made the experience enjoyable even though we didn’t see much underneath the boat.
Would I do it again specifically to see fish? Probably not. But if you want an easy, relaxing boat ride and don’t want to get in the water, it’s a nice way to spend an hour without breaking the bank.
Atlantis Submarines Waikiki
Address: 150 Paoa Pl, Honolulu, HI 96815
Winner of the trip for BEST ACTIVITY! This was such a cool experience and definitely one of the most unique things we did in Hawai’i this time around.
You take a boat out from Waikiki to the submarine and then climb down into the submarine and go underwater. We went more than 100 feet below the surface.
And honestly, it was just SO COOL to be sitting in a submarine under the ocean. I’ve snorkeled and scuba dived before, but this felt completely different. You’re actually looking out the windows and watching fish swim by while you’re moving along near the ocean floor. We even got to see the artificial reefs and sunken airplanes and ships that have become homes for marine life.
The guide was really friendly and pointed out things to look for as we moved along. He also had many, many puns.
I also really liked this because you don’t have to get in the water. You get the underwater experience without snorkeling, scuba diving, getting covered in sunscreen, or worrying about what you’re going to do with your stuff while you’re swimming. It felt safe and comfortable and easy.
Shark’s Cove
Location: Haleiwa, HI
I did not expect to like this place so much! We were worried about parking in the afternoon but got lucky with a street parking spot really close by.
There were SO. SO. MANY. FISH! There is a nice little cove to snorkel in and then the outside of the cove area for more adventurous snorkeling.
Definitely bring your snorkel gear because there were fish EVERYWHERE. It felt magical to snorkel over a school of hundreds of fish. Also bring water shoes or some kind of foot protection because there are rocks pretty much everywhere, and getting in and out of the water can be awkward.
I would absolutely come back here. I went in expecting this to be a quick stop and ended up really loving it!
Hanauma Bay Transportation Package with Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventure
Hanauma Bay was our absolute favorite and a must-do when we first visited Oʻahu three years ago, but this time around I wouldn’t put it at the very top of the list. It is still beautiful and definitely worth considering if you really enjoy snorkeling, but there are a few things that make it more of an intentional outing than a spontaneous beach stop.
First, you have to plan ahead for tickets. Nonresident reservations open two days before your visit at 7 AM Hawai’i time, and the earlier times can go very quickly. You really need to be ready to book right when they open if you want a good morning reservation.
Parking is another headache. The lot is limited, and having a reservation does not guarantee you a parking spot. It can fill up early, so if you are driving, going in the morning is definitely the better option. There is a bus, but it is less convenient and does not run as frequently, so transportation takes some planning too.
The other option is the “tours,” but they feel overpriced for what they are, and even though we booked the morning option, we weren’t in the bay until after 8 AM (multiple groups were let in before us, and it felt like our bus was pushed to the back).
The bay itself is gorgeous, and being there early is also better for snorkeling. The reef is shallow, and visibility is generally better earlier in the day before the water gets stirred up by all the snorkelers.
This time, though, it seemed like there were fewer fish and less reef than I remembered from our first visit. The water was also so shallow over the reef in some areas that I felt pretty anxious snorkeling above/near it. It would be very easy to accidentally touch the coral, which you absolutely don’t want to do. The preserve specifically asks visitors to stay off the reef and use sandy areas if they need to stand or rest.
It also gets crowded FAST. Even around 9 AM, it felt like there were a lot of people packed into the preserve. The visitor limits help protect the area, but it can still feel like there are simply too many people trying to snorkel the same sections of reef at once.
Polynesian Cultural Center — Circle Island Tour, Private Tour & Luau
We wanted to put together a somewhat unusual combination at the Polynesian Cultural Center, including the Circle Island Tour, the luau, and a private tour of the islands. We had to call to book because we couldn’t add the Circle Island Tour transportation to an online reservation.
The Circle Island Tour was super great, but definitely made for an early start to a very long day! If you don’t have much time on Oʻahu or don’t plan to rent a car, I think this is a great way to see more of the island and visit some beautiful places that you might otherwise miss. You get to sit back and let someone else handle the driving while still seeing quite a bit.
We did have some confusion with our private islands tour. The PCC initially put us into a semi-private tour by accident, so we had to go back and ask about the private tour we had actually booked. Our guide also started out a little less enthusiastic than some of the other private guides we saw, but she gradually warmed up and got more and more engaging as the afternoon went on.
I really liked some of the perks of the private tour. You get first- or second-row reserved seats for the shows, and your guide takes you around the different areas so you don’t have to figure out the schedule or plan everything yourself. You could easily spend multiple days exploring the different areas and activities at the PCC, but we only had an afternoon, so the private tour helped us make the most of the time we had.
The luau had a lot of food options, although quite a few of them were too salty for my taste. The virgin Mai Tai served in a pineapple was fun, but I thought it tasted more artificial than some of the fresh pineapple smoothies we’ve had elsewhere in Hawai’i. The taro buns they give you when you first sit down were actually my favorite part of the meal.
The luau show itself was nice, but not mind-blowing. It was entertaining and gave us a good taste of the Polynesian cultural performances, but it wasn’t my favorite luau we’ve experienced. The entire luau is much more casual and relaxed than others.
One thing to keep in mind is that tickets are not inexpensive. If you want to do several of the experiences, especially the tours, private guide, and luau, you can easily end up spending hundreds of dollars per person. There are a lot of options, but the costs can add up very quickly.
Dole Plantation
Location: Wahiawa, HI
Dole Plantation can get crowded, especially when the tour buses start dropping off groups of tourists, but there is a lot to see and browse here.
The store has an amazing variety of merchandise and souvenirs, including plenty of pineapple-themed items. They also have some activities that we didn’t have time to try, including the maze, so there is definitely enough here to keep you busy for a while.
The little corn stand outside can be hit or miss with the service, but the corn itself is quite delicious and makes for a great snack while you’re walking around.
And of course, the Dole Whip is 100% worth the trip by itself. It is so good and absolutely one of the things I would come back for. The fresh pineapples are also something special. They have a slightly different flavor than pineapples I’ve had elsewhere, almost like they are fermented but not quite. They are incredibly sweet and delicious.
They also have some exclusive snacks and treats, although you’ll find some of the same products at ABC Stores around the island. We tried the pineapple chili, which was really good, as well as the Kālua pork quesadilla from the little cafe in the back.
ʻAuana Cirque Show
Such a fun and entertaining show! I loved the combination of circus skills, music, dancing, and Hawaiian influences. There was a really good variety throughout the performance, so it kept things interesting from start to finish.
The aerial elements were definitely a highlight for me, and I loved seeing the different performers bring their own skills and personalities to the show. It felt like a fun mix of traditional Hawaiian inspiration and modern circus performance.
We chose seats near the back corner and actually loved the view. You could see the entire stage really well from there, and I think being a little farther back gave us a great perspective on the larger group numbers and aerial performances. I don’t think you necessarily need the most expensive seats to have a good experience here.
Moff Cat Café
Such a cute cat cafe and one of the cleanest ones I’ve been to. There was absolutely no cat smell, and the whole place felt very clean and well maintained. The cats also seemed happy and well cared for when we visited, and the staff were friendly and helpful.
The biggest draw for me was the variety of cats. They have a lot of breeds that you don’t normally get to see in person, including some exotic and rare breeds. There were around 20 cats, and it was fun seeing all the different personalities and breeds (though, as cats are wont to do, they were mostly sleeping in the afternoon when I went).
The cats were friendly and so were the staff. You can also buy treats if you want to encourage the cats to come over and say hello. The price is okay for the experience, especially if you’re a cat person.
Food & Dining
🍦 Desserts, Ice Cream & Shaved Ice
Il Gelato Hawai’i — 4/5 stars
Gelato, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
2229F Kuhio Ave, Waikiki, HI 96815
We stopped by Il Gelato when they were less busy (the line can go out the door if multiple families stop at the same time and the inside of the shop is rather small). We sampled a few flavors: ube, Kona coffee, chocolate, haupia, and cheesecake cookies and cream.
The gelato itself was incredibly smooth and creamy, with a rich texture that is so soft and almost melty. They have a nice variety of classic flavors alongside Hawaiian-inspired options. Price was $8.25 for 2 scoops and an additional $1.50 for a cone.
The ube and haupia were great choices if you’re looking for something uniquely Hawaiian, while the Kona coffee had a nice coffee flavor without being overpowering. The chocolate was rich and satisfying for chocolate lovers, and the cheesecake was creamy with just the right amount of tanginess. I wouldn’t mind trying out more of their flavors or making an affogato out of their Kona or chocolate.
Premium Matcha Cafe Maiko — 5/5 stars
Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Shaved Ice
Waikiki, Honolulu
We tried the matcha vanilla swirl and the ube, and both were absolutely delicious. The ice cream was creamy, flavorful, and the swirl itself was beautiful. It is definitely the kind of dessert that is as fun to look at as it is to eat.
After trying the ice cream, I am now curious to come back and try their regular matcha drinks as well. If their matcha flavor in the ice cream is any indication, I have high hopes.
One small note: be careful with the spoons! They were surprisingly sharp, so eat carefully or consider getting a cone instead.
Sweet As — 5/5 stars
Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
62-620 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Such a cute little open-air ice cream shop on the North Shore. There is a fun mural in front of the shop that makes it easy to spot and adds to the whole laid-back North Shore feel.
I loved that they prepare the ice cream when you order, mixing the fruit in fresh rather than just scooping a premade flavor. It tasted incredibly fresh, fruity, and flavorful.
The lilikoi was my favorite. It had that perfect tartness balanced with the creamy ice cream, and it was so refreshing.
Snow Bing Waikiki — 4/5 stars
Shaved Ice
1958 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cute little spot for Korean shaved ice, Il Gelato, or a drink and a nice break from the heat. The matcha was quite good, and this place was nearly empty, so it felt like a true respite from Waikiki when we stopped in.
Liliha Bakery — 4/5 stars
Bakeries, Breakfast & Brunch, Diners
2330 Kalakaua Ave, Fl 3, Honolulu, HI 96815
I had a mixed experience at Liliha Bakery. My first visit to the bakery counter was disappointing. The workers were not very welcoming, and they served another customer before me instead of following the ticket system. On my second visit, they were using the ticket system properly, so hopefully the first experience was just a one-time issue. The Poi donuts are gorgeous and delicious, worth trying. The cream puffs tasted like they were a day old.
The restaurant side was a much better experience. The service was friendlier, and the food was enjoyable. The table rolls are absolutely ono and definitely worth trying.
I ordered the loco moco, which was good but a bit too salty for my taste. The mushroom chicken, however, was excellent and ended up being my favorite dish.
Overall, I would recommend visiting for the restaurant experience and the baked goods, but be prepared that the bakery counter service may be hit or miss depending on when you go.
Leonard’s Bakery — 4/5 stars
Bakeries, Desserts, Donuts
933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
This place is for sure overhyped. The malasadas themselves are VERY good. Hot, fresh, crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and the sugar coating is perfect.
But the filled ones? Big letdown. The filling tasted like prepackaged pastry filling to me rather than something fresh and homemade. I tried the filled malasadas expecting them to be the best part, but I would much rather have the plain malasada. We were not impressed with the butter mochi, either.
I wouldn’t bother waiting in a long line, but if there’s no wait — grab an original.
☕ Coffee, Tea & Cafes
Banyan Breeze — 3/5 stars
Coffee & Tea, Cafes
201 Ohua Ave, Ste 102, Honolulu, HI 96815
We stopped by Banyan Coffee mid-morning and ordered a matcha with vanilla lavender (at the barista’s recommendation), a Kona latte, and an ube cheesecake.
Unfortunately, the drinks were not great. The Kona latte was so sweet that it overwhelmed the coffee flavor, and the matcha was both gritty and overly sweet. The ube cheesecake was also disappointing, as it had noticeable chunks of unmixed cream cheese throughout.
The bright spot was the service. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, welcoming, and served us with genuine smiles, which made for a pleasant experience despite the drinks.
One helpful tip: the coffee shop is located inside the hotel. You can enter through the lobby and head down the hallway to the right, or access it directly from the parking area.
Overall, while the customer service was excellent, we wouldn’t return for the coffee or desserts.
Kai Coffee — 3/5 stars
Creperies, Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch
2490 Kalakaua Ave, Ste 131, Alohilani Resort, Honolulu, HI 96815
After hearing so many great things about Kai Coffee, I was excited to give it a try. While I enjoyed my visit, I personally don’t think it quite lived up to the hype.
This place was busy! The line was nearly to the door and it was not moving very fast (on Hawaiian time).
I ordered the Kai Latte, and it was pleasant, but I found it a bit sweeter than I prefer and wished the coffee flavor came through more. I’ve had a few mac nut lattes elsewhere on the island that I enjoyed more because they had a richer coffee taste and a better balance of flavors.
Overall, it’s a solid coffee shop, but between the wait, the price, and the drink itself, it wasn’t a standout for me. With so many great coffee spots on Oʻahu, I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to return, though I can certainly see why it appeals to others.
Ride and Grind Cafe — 4/5 stars
Breakfast & Brunch, Coffee & Tea, Food Stands
1958 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96813
Stopped by for their macadamia nut latte and really enjoyed it. The flavor was smooth, nutty, and had a nice balance between the sweetness of the mac nut and the coffee.
A great little coffee stop if you are looking for a Hawaiian-inspired latte option. I would definitely come back to try more of their menu.
Kona Coffee Purveyors
Bakeries, Coffee Roasteries, Cafes
Kuhio Mall Entrance, 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
This place is almost always busy. We arrived before they even opened and still ended up waiting about 30 minutes in line. That said, the coffee was some of the best I had on the island, so I can understand why there is always a crowd.
I highly recommend the affogato. It was absolutely delicious and definitely one of my favorite coffee drinks we had in Hawai’i.
The pastries were also worth the wait. There were so many different options that I honestly couldn’t decide what to get. I definitely want to come back and try more, because it feels like it would take multiple visits to make it through the whole pastry case.
A couple of tips if you visit: if you just want to buy their bagged coffee, you can skip the main line. If you want the fresh coffee and pastries, the line can sometimes be shorter in the afternoon.
Hala Tree Cafe — 5/5 stars
Coffee & Tea, Bakeries, Breakfast & Brunch
2380 Kūhiō Ave, Entrance on Kānekapōlei St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Tucked in off a main street in Waikiki, inside the Lilia, so it feels a little removed from the craziness outside. There wasn’t a long line when we went, which made this a nice quick stop. The cafe itself is cute and modern, and the pastry case had some really beautifully presented snacks.
The calamansi Aerocano was not recommended to me, but I decided to try it anyway and I’m SO glad I did. It was one of the more unusual coffee drinks I’ve tried recently and was really, really, surprisingly delicious! Definitely one of those drinks that sounds questionable until you actually try it.
The coconut chia pudding looked beautiful, but unfortunately it had an odd fishy flavor to me. The fruit on top was good, though, so that was a bit of a mixed experience.
Miranda’s Farms Café — 4/5 stars
93-7136 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Naalehu, HI 96772
Got the matcha latte, which was sweet and milky but unfortunately not very matcha-y. It was more like a sweet milk drink with a little matcha flavor than a strong matcha latte you might expect.
The service was exceptional, though. The cashier was so friendly and genuinely pleasant to order from, which really made the experience better. Sometimes great service can make a simple stop feel so much nicer!
Happy Lemon — 5/5 stars
Bubble Tea
1000 Auahi St, Ste i124, Honolulu, HI 96814
It’s a cute, casual place to grab a drink and hang out for a bit. They don’t have a lot of seating, but when we went it wasn’t busy. They even have a swing chair!
Service was quick and pleasant.
This location has soft serve ice cream, and it was AMAZING! It had a slight salted cheese flavor (like their salted cheese bubble tea), which made it a more unique taste.
🍜 Japanese & Asian
Marugame Udon — 5/5 stars
Japanese, Noodles, Soup
2310 Kuhio Ave, Ste 124, Honolulu, HI 96815
Marugame Udon absolutely lives up to the hype, but timing is everything. If you can, visit during the day when there is little to no line. In the evening, it is not unusual to see the line 40 or more people deep. If you are just grabbing food to go, there is also a separate takeout order window that lets you skip the main line.
The udon is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. I tried several dishes, and while the tonkotsu was not my favorite, everything else we had was excellent.
Be sure to save room for the tempura and fried sides because they are just as good as the noodles. My favorites were the potato, sweet potato, and cheese tempura. I am already looking forward to coming back to sample more of the menu.
EbiNomi — 4/5 stars
Asian Fusion, Hawaiian, Seafood
2310 Kūhiō Ave, Courtyard 138, Honolulu, HI 96815
This is a cute little spot tucked into the courtyard behind Marugame Udon, so it is easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. It is a small, casual place with mostly outdoor seating, which gives it a nice laid-back feel.
We tried the garlic shrimp, the potato shrimp, and the coconut shrimp. The potato shrimp was actually our favorite. It was really flavorful and something I would definitely order again. The garlic shrimp were good, but I was expecting a lot more garlic flavor based on the name. They weren’t nearly as garlicky as I hoped they would be. The coconut shrimp were sooo good, especially for someone who isn’t so keen on shrimp.
I also liked that the shrimp come peeled, so you get all the shrimp flavor without having to deal with shells and messy hands.
Tonkatsu Tamafuji — 5/5 stars
449 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
We somehow snagged a last-minute reservation for the next day, but reservations are definitely the way to go here. They release reservations about a month in advance, and I highly recommend booking if you’re able to as soon as you can.
Even with a reservation, there was still a wait. We arrived around 6:45 PM for our 7 PM reservation and they had already stopped accepting walk-ins. We were seated around 7:10 PM, so definitely expect some extra waiting even with a reservation.
Once we were seated, though, the food was absolutely worth it. We had the chicken katsu, sizzling miso, minced pork, shrimp and chicken, and a katsu sandwich to go. The chicken katsu was AMAZING and easily the best katsu we had on the island. The sizzling miso was also amazing, and the shrimp and chicken was great. The minced pork was probably our least favorite, but still decent. And the katsu sandwich we took to go was amazing as well.
I also really enjoyed the sesame at the table. You grind it yourself and then mix in the sauce, so you get that fresh sesame flavor right before eating. It was a fun little part of the meal and made the whole experience feel more interactive.
The only real downside was how cramped the table for two felt once all the dishes, side dishes, sauces, and everything else arrived. There is a lot going on at the table, so there isn’t much room to spare.
My only real complaint was actually how they handle the waiting area. The space is tiny and was absolutely packed with people waiting to be called. They told us to wait inside, but there was plenty of room outside where people could have waited instead. It would have made the tiny indoor area much less crowded and easier for everyone.
Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro — 3/5 stars
Japanese, Diners, Bars
255 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815
Would go back: Yes
Order: wagyu
The food here was REALLY good, but we had a pretty weird experience with the service.
We were first in line and had a reservation, yet we were seated in the back corner near the restrooms.
The service just felt off throughout the meal. They brought out the complementary cabbage to the other two tables, but didn’t offer it to us until we were nearly finished with our entrees. Then, when we were ready to order dessert, they gave us the check. We felt like we were being shooed out of the restaurant even though it wasn’t like we were lingering over a finished meal.
The FOOD, though, was fantastic. The wagyu was absolutely amazing. The tonkatsu was very good, and I can see why so many people describe it as tender, juicy and perfectly crispy.
I’m torn on this one. The food was excellent and the wagyu was a standout, but the service made the overall experience much less enjoyable than it should have been.
Maguro Brothers Hawai’i — 5/5 stars
Japanese, Poke, Seafood
Maunakea Market Foodcourt, 1120 Maunakea St, Honolulu, HI 96817
This place is a small, casual, takeout-style spot rather than a sit-down restaurant, and it gets busy quickly.
The sashimi and poke are the kind of thing where you don’t need a ton of sauce or toppings because the fish speaks for itself. The tuna, salmon and hamachi had a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The downside is that the popularity means you should expect a line, especially around opening. Some people recommend arriving 15 to 20 minutes early, while others say the line can get significantly longer once they open.
I think this is a better choice if you’re specifically looking for really good raw fish rather than a traditional poke shop with tons of mix-ins.
The pricing can also feel a little high depending on what you order, but for that quality it’s worth it.
Mitsuwa Marketplace — 5/5 stars
International Grocery, Japanese, Sushi Bars
2330 Kalākaua Ave #250, Honolulu, HI 96815
This is basically a little piece of Japan tucked inside International Market Place on the second floor. It is smaller than the Mitsuwa locations on the mainland, but there is a LOT packed into this space. You have Japanese snacks, drinks, groceries, beauty products, prepared foods, sushi, sashimi, bento, musubi, and a little food court in the back.
I really liked wandering around and seeing all the Japanese snacks and random things I don’t normally see in Hawai’i. The prepared food section is especially convenient if you want something quick to take back to your hotel or to the beach. They have a good variety of bento, sushi, musubi, onigiri, and other grab-and-go foods.
There are also several food vendors in the back, so you can actually come here specifically to eat rather than just grocery shop. The food court has ramen and other Japanese options, and there is seating where you can eat your purchases.
🍔 Burgers, Fast Food & Comfort Food
JOJA — 5/5 stars
Burgers
919 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
We arrived about 30 minutes before opening, and after the doors opened, it was another 30-minute wait before our food was ready. Whether that is worth it is up to you, but I can definitely see why this place has such a following.
The smash burger was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. The patties had a great crust, the burger was packed with flavor, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The ratio of burger meat to bun was perfect (double patties). Though it may not be as crispy as some would like, I thought it was perfect! The flavor profile (without truffle sauce) was also very good — not too salty, cheese not overpowering, bun not too buttery. The bun also didn’t get soggy and we waited 10-15 minutes to eat it at the park nearby since seating is less than ideal and available in the market. Burger was still piping hot 15 minutes later.
If you order the truffle sauce, I’d recommend getting it on the side or skipping it altogether. I found it a bit overpowering, and I preferred the burger without it. The truffle fries, on the other hand, were excellent and were noticeably better than the regular fries.
One final tip: grab plenty of napkins. This is a deliciously messy burger, and you’ll definitely need them.
Overall, if you’re willing to wait, Joja serves one of the best smash burgers in Honolulu and is worth trying at least once.
Buns Gone Wong — 4/5 stars
Burgers
444 Kānekapōlei St, Waikiki
I was excited to try Buns Gone Wong because I love a good smash burger, and this one definitely delivered. The burger had that crispy, browned crust you want from a smash burger, with a nice toasted bun and plenty of flavor.
It is a small, casual spot that feels more like a quick burger stop than somewhere you are going to hang out for a long meal, mostly because it’s just two guys and a temp grill on the back porch of a little hole-in-the-wall bar.
Zippy’s Kahala — 4/5 stars
4134 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
So many options. Too many options.
We liked almost everything we got. Nothing was necessarily mind-blowing, but it was all solid and satisfying. The chili was better than your average chili. The sushi was not good (would definitely pass next time).
This is a very classic Hawaiian diner experience with a huge menu, lots of comfort food options, and some fun dessert choices too.
The Kahala location has lots of seating, which was a nice change from some of the smaller and more crowded places we visited around Oahu. It felt like a good place to come when you want something casual, filling, and don’t want to fight for a table.
McDonald’s — 3/5 stars
Burgers, Fast Food, Coffee & Tea
2476 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
If you’re stopping by this McDonald’s, I’d definitely recommend ordering ahead through the app if you can. They tend to be on the slower side, and it gets busy surprisingly quickly.
I tried one of the local breakfast specialties with Spam, Portuguese sausage, egg, and rice. It was a solid, satisfying meal and easily enough to share between two people if you’re just looking for a quick breakfast or snack. We also snagged the hot and crisp Haupia pie.
While the breakfast plate is a fun local menu item to try, it wasn’t anything particularly memorable or something I’d go out of my way for. Still, if you’ve never had one of Hawaiʻi’s McDonald’s local offerings, you should definitely go for the Haupia pie at least once!
🍕 Pizza
Canio’s Pizza — 4/5 stars
Pizza
2556 Lemon Rd, Urban Honolulu, HI 96815
Canio’s Pizza serves larger-than-average slices, so while they are a bit on the pricey side, they are also substantial enough to share. We ended up cutting our slices in half, and they made a great snack for two.
When we visited, there were four slice options available: cheese, pepperoni, white, and a meat pizza with onions. The flavors were all enjoyable, although a couple of the slices were a little saltier than I would have preferred.
One thing I really appreciated was the crust. It had a nice texture, and the pizza was not overly greasy, which made it much more enjoyable than your typical grab-and-go slice.
J. Dolan’s — 4/5 stars
Pizza, Irish Pub
1147 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Decent pizza and a fun little hole-in-the-wall spot. The pizza was definitely oily, but it didn’t actually taste greasy, which I appreciated. One of the meats we tried tasted a little off and wasn’t something I’d order again, but overall the pizza was good.
The atmosphere feels like a classic neighborhood bar where the bartender knows all the regulars. It has that casual, lived-in feel that makes it a fun place to grab a slice and hang out.
🐟 Seafood, Poke & Hawaiian
Da Bald Guy — 5/5 stars
Food Trucks, Breakfast & Brunch, Comfort Food
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
The fresh fried poke is outstanding and a new take on poke. We were able to catch some favorites when they set up at the local Waikīkī market, but we also drove all the way to the food truck several times to eat the menu. I highly recommend their furikake-crusted salmon.
Morning Catch – Oahu Market — 5/5 stars
Poke, Seafood
145 N King St #12, Honolulu, HI 96817
Even when the line isn’t long, don’t expect this to be a quick stop. We waited about 10 minutes just to order, and then it took another 30 minutes before they even started prepping our order.
There are only about 4 tiny tables, so this is definitely better as a takeout stop unless you get lucky and find a spot. I would plan to take your poke somewhere else to eat.
The good news is that the poke is very, very good. The fish was fresh and flavorful and definitely made the ridiculous wait easier to forgive.
Just don’t come here hungry and expecting a quick meal. Order ahead if you can and get it to go.
Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering — 5/5 stars
Seafood, Caterers, Wedding Planning
94-903 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu, HI 96797
This place is basically sensory overload in the best way. You walk in (after waiting outside in line) and there are so many things to look at and choose from that I completely understand why people say to know what you want before you get to the front of the line (and the line wraps completely around the tiny little space inside).
It’s part seafood market, part plate lunch spot, and they have SO many things besides poke. There are musubi, bentos, fried chicken, fish patties, shrimp, sushi, noodles, and all kinds of other local goodies. The line can look intimidating, but it moves pretty quickly.
The poke is obviously one of the big reasons people come here, and there are a ton of varieties to choose from. The spicy ahi and crunchy garlic ahi are especially popular, and the mochiko chicken gets a lot of love too. We did like the mochiko chicken a lot!
This is definitely a grab-it-and-go kind of place rather than somewhere to sit and eat. I can see why locals make this a regular stop because you could come here several times and still have plenty of things to try.
My favorite turned out to be the poi mochi!
Nico’s Pier 38 — 5/5 stars
1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
This place feels like a great stop if you want fresh local seafood without the fuss of a fancy restaurant. It’s right on the water at Pier 38, so there’s a nice harbor atmosphere and plenty of seating. There’s also parking!
The menu has a good variety of seafood and Hawaiian-style dishes, and they also have a fish market if you want to take some of the fresh stuff home. The fish of the day options are a fun way to try something local.
The restaurant has a casual, counter-service kind of feel, so don’t come expecting a fancy sit-down experience. It’s more of a grab your food and find a table situation, which I actually think works well for the location. You get quality entrees quickly!
We loved the furikake-crusted tuna fish, the garlic shrimp and the mochiko chicken.
Tamura’s Market Hau’ula — 3/5 stars
Grocery
54-316 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717
The grocery section had a fishy, old smell when we visited, which wasn’t the best first impression. On the positive side, both the grocery cashier and the cashier at the poke counter were very nice and friendly.
We tried the poke, but it wasn’t a favorite. Most of it was too salty for us, and the rice was really disappointing. It was mushy and just didn’t have a good texture.
The hamachi was the best of what we tried and was the one I would order again. Overall, though, I would probably skip getting poke here in the future. There are too many other places with better poke and better rice.
Waiahole Poi Factory — 3/5 stars
Hawaiian, Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
46-056 Kamehameha Hwy, Kāneʻohe, HI 96744
This location is inside Windward Mall, and you have to navigate through the mall to the food court area to find it, so it took us a minute to figure out where we were going.
Unfortunately, the lomi lomi salmon and kālua pork were both so salty that we couldn’t eat them. The poi was decent and had good texture.
The Sweet Lady of Waiahole ice cream was definitely my favorite thing we tried.
Haleiwa Beach House — 5/5 stars
Seafood, Hawaiian, Bars
62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Really enjoyed the food here. We went before dinner service, so the menu was limited to appetizers, but honestly, that didn’t bother us because everything we ordered was very, very good.
The flavors felt much more elevated than I expected from a beachside restaurant. Everything tasted thoughtfully prepared, and it genuinely felt like there was a real chef working in the kitchen rather than just standard bar food.
The service was excellent and very attentive, and the indoor-outdoor seating ambience with the ocean across the street was amazing.
Even with the limited menu, I would happily come back to try the dinner offerings. Definitely a great spot to stop if you’re in Haleiwa and looking for something a little more elevated.
Monkeypod Kitchen — 5/5 stars
Tacos, Pizza, Cocktail Bars
2169 Kālia Rd Unit 111, Honolulu, HI 96815
We came during happy hour and had about a 10-minute wait for a table, even though we arrived right at the start of happy hour. Honestly, the wait was completely worth it.
We ordered the Ube Rey, Mai Tai, taro ravioli, Kālua pork pizza, Hamakua mushroom pizza, and coconut cream pie. There were so many things we wanted to try that it was hard to narrow it down!
The pizzas were definitely the standout. The first pizza was so good that after finishing it, we immediately decided we had to order another one just to try a different flavor. Both the Kālua pork and Hamakua mushroom pizzas were packed with flavor, and I loved the combinations. The menu does a great job of taking familiar ingredients and putting them together in ways that feel a little different and unique without being weird.
The taro ravioli was another favorite. Everything we tried had really good flavor and felt thoughtfully put together. Our server was also quite personable and fun, and the view is fantastic! You get to see both Diamond Head and the water (you might even get some ocean waves sprinkling the air with spray if you’re near the window).
The happy hour pricing is also fantastic, especially for the quality and portion sizes. It makes it much easier to order a bunch of different things and share, which is exactly what I recommend doing here.
El Encanto Food Truck — 5/5 stars
Salvadoran, Mexican, Food Trucks
93-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI 96772
The food truck setup is casual and easy with just two long picnic benches to eat at (shaded) right next to the truck. You can get drinks at the cafe nearby.
The esquites was just like I remembered from the street in Mexico! So delicious and creamy and flavorful.
Barefoot Beach Cafe — 4/5 stars
Breakfast & Brunch, Seafood, Vegan
2699 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
The menu looked really interesting, but once I saw the whole pineapples, there was no way I was ordering anything else.
For $15, you get a fresh pineapple halfway hollowed out and filled with a delicious smoothie. While the smoothie itself isn’t a huge portion, it was one of the best I’ve ever had. It was refreshing, perfectly whipped, incredibly flavorful, and exactly what you want on a warm Waikīkī day.
The best part? The pineapple itself! It was perfectly ripe, sweet, and juicy. I took the leftover pineapple “cup” back to our Airbnb, cut it up, and ended up with plenty of delicious pineapple to enjoy the next day. It honestly felt like getting two treats in one.
At $15, it may seem pricey at first, but I’d absolutely order it again because it was that good. My biggest recommendation: don’t throw away the pineapple! Take it with you and salvage as much of the fruit as possible. Even your garbage will smell nice for days.
🍌 Bakeries & Other Treats
Makua Banana Bread — 5/5 stars
Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Cafes
62-620 Kamehameha Hwy Unit G, Haleiwa, HI 96712
A great little roadside stop if you’re driving by or walking through the area. We grabbed the OG banana bread, and it was dense, fresh, and soooo good, especially with a little butter on top.
It’s an easy grab-and-go treat, and definitely worth stopping for if you see it. Simple, fresh, and delicious!
Rachel Author Barnard 