Guidebook for Honolulu
Food Scene
A James Beard award winner, this hole-in-the wall serves up some of the best authentic Hawaiian food on the island. Pro Tip: I'm a vegetarian, but I hear the Pipkaula short ribs are amazing!
86 locals recommend
Helena's Hawaiian Food
1240 N School StA James Beard award winner, this hole-in-the wall serves up some of the best authentic Hawaiian food on the island. Pro Tip: I'm a vegetarian, but I hear the Pipkaula short ribs are amazing!
Kamehameha Bakery Inc
1284 Kalani StPoi Donuts/Malasadas. Go early and get a big box.
Mitsu-Ken
2300 N King StHome of the famous garlic chicken bento. They are CASH ONLY.
Smoothie/tea shop that uses fresh fruits and authentic tea to make delicious drinks. Try your drink with boba (chewy tapioca balls).
Shaka Shaka Tea Express
1199 Dillingham BlvdSmoothie/tea shop that uses fresh fruits and authentic tea to make delicious drinks. Try your drink with boba (chewy tapioca balls).
Everyone and their mother goes here to get their Mexican food fix, this side west of LA.
19 locals recommend
Mexico Restaurant
1247 N School StEveryone and their mother goes here to get their Mexican food fix, this side west of LA.
Shimazu Store
330 N School StThe Larry. Shave Ice as big as your head.
Everyone has to eat Zippy's at least once. Chili with rice. Chili chicken mixed plate. Chili Frank. Chili Moco. Just get the chili with something! Vegetarian chili is available too just ask :)
Zippy's Vineyard
59 N Vineyard BlvdEveryone has to eat Zippy's at least once. Chili with rice. Chili chicken mixed plate. Chili Frank. Chili Moco. Just get the chili with something! Vegetarian chili is available too just ask :)
Coco Puffs, no, not the cereal. It's a puff pastry filled with the chocolate cream and topped with buttery macadamia nut chantilly cream frosting.
116 locals recommend
Liliha Bakery
515 N Kuakini StCoco Puffs, no, not the cereal. It's a puff pastry filled with the chocolate cream and topped with buttery macadamia nut chantilly cream frosting.
My all time FAVORITE vegetarian restaurant. If you plan on visiting, park at the post office parking lot located (metered) at 335 Merchant St, Honolulu, HI 96813 and walk 2 blocks to get there.
Water Drop Vegetarian House
801 Alakea StMy all time FAVORITE vegetarian restaurant. If you plan on visiting, park at the post office parking lot located (metered) at 335 Merchant St, Honolulu, HI 96813 and walk 2 blocks to get there.
The best place for a guilt free VEGAN treat. Banán serves up some seriously delicious dessert made from frozen bananas, soft serve style. Usually combined with local ingredients to create unique flavors; they pair this with fresh fruit, coconut shavings, and other yummy toppings. Banán is your hosts' favorite local dessert shop.
19 locals recommend
Banán
1810 University AveThe best place for a guilt free VEGAN treat. Banán serves up some seriously delicious dessert made from frozen bananas, soft serve style. Usually combined with local ingredients to create unique flavors; they pair this with fresh fruit, coconut shavings, and other yummy toppings. Banán is your hosts' favorite local dessert shop.
If Spicy Ahi Poke is your jam, this is the place to be.
18 locals recommend
Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering
94-903 Farrington HwyIf Spicy Ahi Poke is your jam, this is the place to be.
Waiola Shave Ice
3113 Mokihana StOne of the best places to get shave ice!
Arts & Culture
A fun place for a family day, learn how the Hawaiian island chains were formed by seeing a live replica of an active volcano!
361 locals recommend
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice StA fun place for a family day, learn how the Hawaiian island chains were formed by seeing a live replica of an active volcano!
The royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, with the last being Queen Liliʻuokalani.
263 locals recommend
Iolani Palace
364 S King StThe royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, with the last being Queen Liliʻuokalani.
Learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.
Get tickets to take the free boat ride to see the USS Arizona Memorial.
88 locals recommend
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
1 Arizona Memorial PlLearn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.
Get tickets to take the free boat ride to see the USS Arizona Memorial.
Parks & Nature
The lazy man/woman's hike. I take ALL my visiting freinds here to see the view. It is worth the drive up. If you are not into hiking this is your compromise! The view is phenomenal up there.
17 locals recommend
Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside
2760 Round Top DrThe lazy man/woman's hike. I take ALL my visiting freinds here to see the view. It is worth the drive up. If you are not into hiking this is your compromise! The view is phenomenal up there.
1000+ stairs up a steep trail. But if you are up for the challenge this hike takes about 30 - 60 minutes with great rewarding views at the top. Bring water, sunscreen and wear covered shoes. You can also head to Makapu'u, Haunama Bay, Sandy Beach, Waimanalo, etc. afterwards for a full day of outdoor activity. I recommend going early in the morning (arrive at 6AM to hike) to catch the sunrise.
Koko Crater Stairs (Summit)
7430 Kalanianaʻole Hwy1000+ stairs up a steep trail. But if you are up for the challenge this hike takes about 30 - 60 minutes with great rewarding views at the top. Bring water, sunscreen and wear covered shoes. You can also head to Makapu'u, Haunama Bay, Sandy Beach, Waimanalo, etc. afterwards for a full day of outdoor activity. I recommend going early in the morning (arrive at 6AM to hike) to catch the sunrise.
Waimea Bay Beach
Lanikai Pillboxes
Not a tough hike with a rewarding view. Catch the sunrise!
Shopping
Ward 16 Theatres, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, South Shore Marketplace, Core Power Yoga
32 locals recommend
Ward Entertainment Center
1044 Auahi StWard 16 Theatres, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, South Shore Marketplace, Core Power Yoga
World's largest open air shopping mall. Anything you could need you can find here.
829 locals recommend
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana BlvdWorld's largest open air shopping mall. Anything you could need you can find here.
Great brands at a fraction of the cost. Coach, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade to name a few.
167 locals recommend
Waikele Premium Outlets
94-790 Lumiaina StGreat brands at a fraction of the cost. Coach, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade to name a few.
Composed of 18 merchants, South Shore Market embodies and kindles Honolulu's creative scene, while providing local entrepreneurs and shoppers a gathering place.
15 locals recommend
South Shore Market
1170 Auahi StComposed of 18 merchants, South Shore Market embodies and kindles Honolulu's creative scene, while providing local entrepreneurs and shoppers a gathering place.
Spend some time and relax at the new SALT at Our Kaka‘ako.
SALT is a city block driven by passionate chefs, artists and entrepreneurs. From the hottest eateries to one-of-a-kind events, SALT is a local gathering place to eat, shop and have fun.
32 locals recommend
SALT At Our Kakaako
691 Auahi StSpend some time and relax at the new SALT at Our Kaka‘ako.
SALT is a city block driven by passionate chefs, artists and entrepreneurs. From the hottest eateries to one-of-a-kind events, SALT is a local gathering place to eat, shop and have fun.
Sightseeing
Very stereotypical Hawaii. But there is a reason so many people hike Diamond Head. It is absolutely breathtaking up here and worth the short hike up for the iconic tourist picture that everyone has from their trip here.
347 locals recommend
Diamond Head State Monument
Very stereotypical Hawaii. But there is a reason so many people hike Diamond Head. It is absolutely breathtaking up here and worth the short hike up for the iconic tourist picture that everyone has from their trip here.
Essentials
Walgreens
1488 Kapiolani BlvdTimes Supermarket
3221 Waialae AveCostco Wholesale
4589 Kapolei PkwyFoodland Farms
1450 Ala Moana BlvdPerfect place to grab some quick food for the beach. The convenience stores in Hawaii are NOT like those on the mainland... they have real food.
7-Eleven
2646 S King StPerfect place to grab some quick food for the beach. The convenience stores in Hawaii are NOT like those on the mainland... they have real food.
Drinks & Nightlife
Home Bar & Grill
1683 Kalakaua AveThe Tchin Tchin! Bar
39 N Hotel StHip wine bar in Chinatown district.
Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill
559 Kapahulu Ave