At Waiola Shave Ice, there’s a comforting sense of nostalgia, even for first-timers. Whether it’s the familiar syrup flavors or the charm of the shop—or both—Waiola Shave Ice remains an endearing classic on Oʻahu. The family-run shop, tucked in Mōʻiliʻili about a 10-minute drive from Waikīkī, has specialized in shave ice since the late 1970s, […]
*This story was originally published on Jan. 26, 2018. When it’s my turn to order at Kaimukī’s Crack Seed Store, I tell Mr. Young, the owner, that I’ll have whatever the guy in front of me had. What the guy had was a strawberry Icee with li hing mui (preserved plum) juice and vanilla
“Ichi…ni…san…sake bomb!” The chant from a young man a table over is followed by a thundering response from his eight friends, who pound on the table and yell back, “Sake bomb!” Shots of sake suspended by chopsticks over half-full glasses of beer shake, then drop into the suds as the 18 sticks that held them
If you love the famous coconut cake from Halekūlani—and trust us, if you’ve ever had it, you’d love it—now you can get it any day of the week without having to dine at the iconic Waikīkī hotel. Halekūlani Bakery, which first opened in 2019, serves artisanal breads, pastries, croissants and, yes, the hotel’s coconut cake
There’s a lot to love about the Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikīkī, from its beachfront Hau Tree restaurant with unobstructed ocean views to the laid-back retro vibe that permeates the boutique hotel. And now there’s one more reason to visit: happy hour. Last month the hotel launched a new pau hana (which roughly translates to
When I visit O‘ahu’s North Shore, I take Kamehameha Highway along the Windward Coast so I can marvel at the rugged ridges of the Ko‘olau Mountains, from Kāne‘ohe to Lā‘ie. During these short road trips, I look forward to catching glimpses of the quaint neighborhoods and small oceanfront establishments along the way, many of them
Oʻahu is home to some of the most well-known restaurants in Hawaiʻi. From beloved bakeries to plate-lunch spots, these places have been influential in shaping the culinary culture throughout the Islands. From malasadas to manapua, you’ll want to try these 13 iconic dishes on Oʻahu. 1. A mega meat plate from Rainbow Drive-In Rainbow Drive-In
Just before sunset, the lānai at Hau Tree restaurant fills with diners clinking glasses of rosé and frozen piña coladas. Each table, tucked beneath hau trees ornamented with wicker globe lanterns, is just steps from the sand. As the sun dips into the Pacific Ocean, a rainbow sherbet-colored sky serves as a backdrop for dinner
It’s the start of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Wood Snake. During the new year festivities, it’s important to gather with loved ones and kick off the festivities with a “reunion dinner” or meal, and one of the most interactive ways is with a fun dim sum lunch. Although you can enjoy
You used miles to book a flight to Oʻahu and snagged a deal on a hotel room. So why pay full price for dinner? If you’re looking to save a few bucks on vacation—and who isn’t?—here are some Oʻahu restaurants with happy hour menus that offer great discounts on food and drinks. Onkee Korean Grill
I quit drinking coffee more than 10 years ago. I was only in high school, but I was consuming copious amounts of the stuff. One afternoon, after a serious bout of jitters, I decided to go cold turkey and drop coffee completely. And I’ve never looked back. I made it through four years of college
Don’t be fooled. The (literally) underground cocktail bar beneath the AC Hotel in Downtown Honolulu was designed to be deceptive. With such a cool story and that polished brass, red velvet prohibition-era interior one may think they have arrived, and you’d be right. But, wait, there’s more. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to access
