Jay & Connie’s guidebook (updated 2022 edition)
Food scene
Our favorite sushi spot - it's located in Prince Waikiki (1st floor). Call to get a reservation. We love the ipad ordering system, and we're huge fans of their ala carte nigiri selections (especially UNI!) They have an awesome variety of sushi. Valet Parking only at the hotel.
11 locals raden deze aan
Katsumidori
100 Holomoana StOur favorite sushi spot - it's located in Prince Waikiki (1st floor). Call to get a reservation. We love the ipad ordering system, and we're huge fans of their ala carte nigiri selections (especially UNI!) They have an awesome variety of sushi. Valet Parking only at the hotel.
Women-owned and opened by an awesome Turkish family. They have amazing lamb dishes and a beautiful outdoor terrace. There's plenty of free self-parking in the area. Our favorite is the lamb shish and the Kunefe (Cheese) dessert!
6 locals raden deze aan
Istanbul Hawaii
1108 Auahi StWomen-owned and opened by an awesome Turkish family. They have amazing lamb dishes and a beautiful outdoor terrace. There's plenty of free self-parking in the area. Our favorite is the lamb shish and the Kunefe (Cheese) dessert!
One of our favorite udon noodles places. Lots of options are the menu, spacious upstairs location (in Royal Hawaiian Center).
TsuruTonTan
2233 Kalakaua AveOne of our favorite udon noodles places. Lots of options are the menu, spacious upstairs location (in Royal Hawaiian Center).
The best prime rib on island! They also have great catch of the day (usually Mahi) and we love their luau crab dip. They do NOT take reservations so we suggest coming at 4 pm when they open and getting on their waitlist. There's a beautiful garden walk if you need to wait to be seated with a gazebo you can take pictures at. They do text you when your table is ready and have friendly service!
114 locals raden deze aan
Haleiwa Joe's Haiku Gardens
46-336 Haiku RdThe best prime rib on island! They also have great catch of the day (usually Mahi) and we love their luau crab dip. They do NOT take reservations so we suggest coming at 4 pm when they open and getting on their waitlist. There's a beautiful garden walk if you need to wait to be seated with a gazebo you can take pictures at. They do text you when your table is ready and have friendly service!
At Ala Moana mall, this is AYCE hot pot! Each person has their individual pot, and they have premium cuts of meat plus seafood and all the best asian noodles and veggies as well! They use the Yelp waitlist system.
SHABUYA
1450 Ala Moana BoulevardAt Ala Moana mall, this is AYCE hot pot! Each person has their individual pot, and they have premium cuts of meat plus seafood and all the best asian noodles and veggies as well! They use the Yelp waitlist system.
Come here to see cute dogs! And eat great pizza and beer. They have a cute outdoor courtyard and all the locals come here!
10 locals raden deze aan
Aloha Beer Company
700 Queen StCome here to see cute dogs! And eat great pizza and beer. They have a cute outdoor courtyard and all the locals come here!
We love this Spanish tapas restaurant. Great selection of shareable plates. We usually get sangria, pizza, crostini, paella and lots of appetizers to share.
13 locals raden deze aan
Rigo Spanish Italian restaurant
885 Kapahulu AveWe love this Spanish tapas restaurant. Great selection of shareable plates. We usually get sangria, pizza, crostini, paella and lots of appetizers to share.
The scones here are the best, hands down. Made fresh, come here early if you can! Beautiful hidden spot with indoor/outdoor dining located in a lush neighborhood forest. It's one-of-a-kind, you won't find anything else like this on island. We always come for breakfast.
12 locals raden deze aan
Waioli Kitchen & Bake shop
2950 Manoa RoadThe scones here are the best, hands down. Made fresh, come here early if you can! Beautiful hidden spot with indoor/outdoor dining located in a lush neighborhood forest. It's one-of-a-kind, you won't find anything else like this on island. We always come for breakfast.
The best purple rice yogurt drink on island. Matcha purple rice is our favorite. Pro tip: Call in your order so you don't have to wait in line. There's a counter and bell service specifically for phone orders!
Cowcow’s Tea
3620 Waialae AvenueThe best purple rice yogurt drink on island. Matcha purple rice is our favorite. Pro tip: Call in your order so you don't have to wait in line. There's a counter and bell service specifically for phone orders!
Sightseeing
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center
1 Arizona Memorial PlGo early!
Still open during Covid. Lots of new tours. Great activity options.
289 locals raden deze aan
Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha HwyStill open during Covid. Lots of new tours. Great activity options.
Gunstock Ranch
56-250 Kamehameha HwyHorseback riding!
Tantalus Lookout Puu Ualakaa State Park
Nutridge StreetGorgeous views here
Only do this hike if you are in shape. But we love the ridge views. There's approximately 1000 steps to the top. It's strenuous but so worth it, it's the best workout to start your day. Heavily recommend going sunrise or sunset to avoid the heat. Otherwise it gets blazing hot during the daylight hours and it's easy to get dehydrated. Must pack water for this.
116 locals raden deze aan
Koko Head Park
Koko Head Park RoadOnly do this hike if you are in shape. But we love the ridge views. There's approximately 1000 steps to the top. It's strenuous but so worth it, it's the best workout to start your day. Heavily recommend going sunrise or sunset to avoid the heat. Otherwise it gets blazing hot during the daylight hours and it's easy to get dehydrated. Must pack water for this.
Local's favorite! We love this farmer's market and go every Saturday 8am-12pm. There's food, lots of local items and an awesome vibe. Our favorite are the Musubis, WallFlour Bakery, the green smoothie truck, and Vermilli clothing booth!
27 locals raden deze aan
Kaka'ako Farmer's Market
919 Ward AveLocal's favorite! We love this farmer's market and go every Saturday 8am-12pm. There's food, lots of local items and an awesome vibe. Our favorite are the Musubis, WallFlour Bakery, the green smoothie truck, and Vermilli clothing booth!
Come for dole whip and take a picture with the cute pineapples that are grown on the property.
179 locals raden deze aan
Dole Plantatie
64-1550 Kamehameha HwyCome for dole whip and take a picture with the cute pineapples that are grown on the property.
One of the world's best beaches. Parking is notoriously difficult though, try to go early or bike/uber over.
70 locals raden deze aan
Lanikai Beach
One of the world's best beaches. Parking is notoriously difficult though, try to go early or bike/uber over.
New reservation system in place now. Beautiful place for snorkeling. Parking is a lot easier here now since they are using a reservation system. There is also a nice ridge hike right next to it if you want to hike and snorkel in one day!
72 locals raden deze aan
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
100 Hanauma Bay RdNew reservation system in place now. Beautiful place for snorkeling. Parking is a lot easier here now since they are using a reservation system. There is also a nice ridge hike right next to it if you want to hike and snorkel in one day!
Nightlife
We don't go out much anymore (due to the pandemic impact on nightlife) but we have heard from friends that breweries and some bars are regaining popularity!
Local's bar, they have a good food menu in addition to drinks! We like the burger and brussel sprouts.
Pitch Sports Bar
685 Auahi StreetLocal's bar, they have a good food menu in addition to drinks! We like the burger and brussel sprouts.
SKY Waikiki
2270 Kalakaua AveRooftop lounge, deck. Nice place to grab drinks.
Great lounge vibe and love the outdoor setting.
10 locals raden deze aan
The Laylow, Autograph Collection
2299 Kūhiō Ave.Great lounge vibe and love the outdoor setting.
Stadsadvies
Boek voordat je gaat
Ocean Joy Cruises
Takes visitors to the west side of the island to find honu, dolphins and sometimes whales! They provide transportation to/from Waikiki area.
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Ohana Surf Project Surfing Lessons
Awesome company to book a surfing lesson with. They provide reef shoes and rashguard with the lesson. Instructors are friendly and knowledgeable and will definitey get you standing on your first lesson! They also take great footage with a Gopro while you are on the water and have photos/video for purchase after.
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Climbworks Keana Farms
Zipline tours in the Laie/Kahuku area! They have a beautiful course and will teach you to go upside down! 3 hour experience and grab a Seven Brother Burger in Kahuku after!