We've lived in several parts of Oahu over varying time spans and were lucky enough to return in 2023 and 2025. And, we always appreciate having good friends to keep us up-to-date on island favorites.
FOOD
- Waffle and Berry açaí bowl on a porch in Waikiki: unlimited serve-yourself toppings
- MANDATORY: Leonard’s malasadas, both cinnamon and sugar options
- Masa and Joyce: recommended for authentic Hawaiian food (RIP Onos)
- Helena’s: Will’s favorite Hawaiian food but it's hard to get in
- Matsumoto’s Shave Ice in Haleiwa: get with adzuki beans at least once
- Orchids Restaurant in Waikiki: for a swanky splurge dinner
- L&L BBQ: classic almost-Hawaiian fast-food like chicken katsu musubi and kailua pork with cabbage
- Try haupia, purple sweet potatoes and poi at some point
- Ululani’s shave ice: pickled mango syrup and free Li Hing Mui powder (dried, salted plums: sour and tangy)
- The Pig and The Lady: great cocktails and pho; the bathroom is a shrine to the movie Big Trouble in Little China
- There’s a little Chinese place near N Beretania and Nuuanu that’s really good
- Famous pie spot in Aiea: http://annamillersrestaurant.
com - If you can get in, the NOAA facility cafeteria on Ford Island
- Hank's Haute Dogs
- Nico’s at Pier 3
Laverne’s food truck for Hawaiian food
HIKES AND ADVENTURES
- Makapuu Point hike—easy hike with whale watching
- Kulio’o Ridge hike: Jess’ mom’s top rec, 5 miles with amazing views of both sides of the island and some shade (but tough/deceptively slippery), neighborhood street parking
- Pillbox hikes: go for sunrise if at all possible
- Hike the bird sanctuary on the northwest corner of the island. It's great and can be accessed from the North Shore and the leeward side (Will prefers the leeward side).
- Kayak out to the Mokes (Mokulua islands)
- Lanikai Beach: the best sand, Jess’ mom’s favorite
- Take a towel up to the Nu'uana Pali lookout for the views and enjoyment
Also recommended to us: Lulumaki Falls hike and Manoa Falls hike
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