Gina’s guidebook
Food scene
HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY (FOR SUNSET MAI TAIS AND LIVE MUSIC)
House Without A Key is a Waikiki staple that even locals go to when they want to watch the sunset over drinks. This waterfront restaurant at the ritzy Halekulani Hotel is delightfully casual. Plus, the restaurant has exceptional views of Diamondhead and Waikiki Beach
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House Without a Key
2199 Kālia RdHOUSE WITHOUT A KEY (FOR SUNSET MAI TAIS AND LIVE MUSIC)
House Without A Key is a Waikiki staple that even locals go to when they want to watch the sunset over drinks. This waterfront restaurant at the ritzy Halekulani Hotel is delightfully casual. Plus, the restaurant has exceptional views of Diamondhead and Waikiki Beach
HELENA’S HAWAIIAN FOOD (FOR TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN CUISINE)
Though it isn’t fancy, Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a Michelin-starred local haunt that is world-famous for codifying traditional Hawaiian cuisine as we know it. They won a James Beard award in 2000 for outstanding regional cuisine, a distinctive award that designates them as serving truly authentic cuisine of a place.
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Helena's Hawaiian Food
1240 N School StHELENA’S HAWAIIAN FOOD (FOR TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN CUISINE)
Though it isn’t fancy, Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a Michelin-starred local haunt that is world-famous for codifying traditional Hawaiian cuisine as we know it. They won a James Beard award in 2000 for outstanding regional cuisine, a distinctive award that designates them as serving truly authentic cuisine of a place.
ROY’S IN HAWAII KAI (A WATERFRONT STAPLE)
Roy Yamaguchi is one of the OG Hawaiian chefs responsible for putting Hawaiian fusion cuisine on the global culinary map. At the original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai, guests have enjoyed fresh Hawaiian fare in a contemporary setting with stunning views of Maunalua Bay for the last 25 years.
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The Original Roy's in Hawaii Kai
6600 Kalanianaʻole HighwayROY’S IN HAWAII KAI (A WATERFRONT STAPLE)
Roy Yamaguchi is one of the OG Hawaiian chefs responsible for putting Hawaiian fusion cuisine on the global culinary map. At the original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai, guests have enjoyed fresh Hawaiian fare in a contemporary setting with stunning views of Maunalua Bay for the last 25 years.
CINNAMON’S AT THE ‘ILIKAI HOTEL
The Cinnamon’s location at the Ilikai hotel serves what are considered one of the “Top 10 Pancakes in America”. We’re not sure who is responsible for making those lists, but the fact is that the guava chiffon pancakes are incredible.
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THE STREET, a Michael Mina Social House
CINNAMON’S AT THE ‘ILIKAI HOTEL
The Cinnamon’s location at the Ilikai hotel serves what are considered one of the “Top 10 Pancakes in America”. We’re not sure who is responsible for making those lists, but the fact is that the guava chiffon pancakes are incredible.
Smooth and tasty shave ice with TONS of flavors and homemade toppings. There are 2 locations that are within a few minutes drive from Waikiki: Waiola St and Mokihana St. Try it local style with ice cream and mochi balls or azuki beans at the bottom. So ONO!
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Waiola Shave Ice
3113 Mokihana StSmooth and tasty shave ice with TONS of flavors and homemade toppings. There are 2 locations that are within a few minutes drive from Waikiki: Waiola St and Mokihana St. Try it local style with ice cream and mochi balls or azuki beans at the bottom. So ONO!
Sightseeing
This is a fairly easy hike with a big payout. Enjoy a view from the top of the south shore of Oahu.
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Diamond Head Crater Hike
KapahuluThis is a fairly easy hike with a big payout. Enjoy a view from the top of the south shore of Oahu.
This is where the sea turtles live. You’ll can get up close and personal, but you’re not allowed to touch them.
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Laniakea Beach
61-574 Pohaku Loa WayThis is where the sea turtles live. You’ll can get up close and personal, but you’re not allowed to touch them.
Voted #1 Oahu attraction, Polynesian Cultural Center brings to life the spirit of Polynesia through its six Polynesian villages, luau, and evening show.
The PCC encompasses eight simulated tropical villages, in which performers demonstrate various arts and crafts from throughout Polynesia.
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Polylnesian cutlural center
Voted #1 Oahu attraction, Polynesian Cultural Center brings to life the spirit of Polynesia through its six Polynesian villages, luau, and evening show.
The PCC encompasses eight simulated tropical villages, in which performers demonstrate various arts and crafts from throughout Polynesia.
Kualoa is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, as well as a popular tourist attraction and filming location on the windward coast of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. It is about 24 miles from Honolulu, and 32 miles from Haleiwa.
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Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha HwyKualoa is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, as well as a popular tourist attraction and filming location on the windward coast of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. It is about 24 miles from Honolulu, and 32 miles from Haleiwa.
Just a five-mile drive northeast of Downtown Honolulu, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout offers panoramic views of the sheer Koolau cliffs and lush Windward Coast.
Named “Pali” meaning "cliff" in Hawaiian, the Pali Lookout is the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, where in 1795 King Kamehameha I won the struggle that finally united Oahu under his rule. This fierce battle claimed hundreds of soldiers' lives, many of which were forced off of the Pali's sheer cliffs.
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Nu'uanu Pali Aussichtspunkt
Nuuanu Pali DriveJust a five-mile drive northeast of Downtown Honolulu, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout offers panoramic views of the sheer Koolau cliffs and lush Windward Coast.
Named “Pali” meaning "cliff" in Hawaiian, the Pali Lookout is the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, where in 1795 King Kamehameha I won the struggle that finally united Oahu under his rule. This fierce battle claimed hundreds of soldiers' lives, many of which were forced off of the Pali's sheer cliffs.
Today, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs.
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Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice StToday, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs.
Neighborhoods
The laid-back North Shore is a stretch of coast known for big waves and professional surfing contests at Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. In summer (May–Oct), Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District has calm water for snorkeling among colorful coral and fish. Indie galleries, surf shops and Hawaiian plate-lunch spots fill Haleiwa town, while the Dole Plantation runs tours of its pineapple fields and tropical gardens.
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North Shore
The laid-back North Shore is a stretch of coast known for big waves and professional surfing contests at Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. In summer (May–Oct), Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District has calm water for snorkeling among colorful coral and fish. Indie galleries, surf shops and Hawaiian plate-lunch spots fill Haleiwa town, while the Dole Plantation runs tours of its pineapple fields and tropical gardens.
Kaka’ako is a hip area known for its vibrant food scene. Juice bars and casual eateries serving craft beer and Hawaiian farm fare fill the SALT complex, while the Kaka’ako Farmers’ Market sells coconuts and local coffee. Kaka’ako Waterfront Park’s grassy expanses are popular for picnics, and paddleboarders take to the water at Ala Moana Beach Park. The nearby Ala Moana Center has department stores and fashion chains.
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Kakaʻako
Kaka’ako is a hip area known for its vibrant food scene. Juice bars and casual eateries serving craft beer and Hawaiian farm fare fill the SALT complex, while the Kaka’ako Farmers’ Market sells coconuts and local coffee. Kaka’ako Waterfront Park’s grassy expanses are popular for picnics, and paddleboarders take to the water at Ala Moana Beach Park. The nearby Ala Moana Center has department stores and fashion chains.
Shopping
The Ala Moana Center, commonly known simply as Ala Moana, is a large open-air shopping mall in the Ala Moana neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii. Ala Moana is the eleventh largest shopping mall in the United States and the largest open-air shopping center in the world.
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana BlvdOn the island of Oʻahu in the heart of Waikīkī, International Market Place is a retail and dining destination that attract residents and visitors alike.
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International Market Place
2330 Kalakaua AveOn the island of Oʻahu in the heart of Waikīkī, International Market Place is a retail and dining destination that attract residents and visitors alike.
South Shore Market is a part of Ward Village, a shopping and dining area near Ala Moana Shopping Center. You’ll find unique local, national and international boutiques. Some of Hawaii’s favorite restaurants are in Ward Village. A personal favorite…Istanbul. Be sure to make reservations in advance (easy to do on the “Open Table” app).
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South Shore Market
1170 Auahi StSouth Shore Market is a part of Ward Village, a shopping and dining area near Ala Moana Shopping Center. You’ll find unique local, national and international boutiques. Some of Hawaii’s favorite restaurants are in Ward Village. A personal favorite…Istanbul. Be sure to make reservations in advance (easy to do on the “Open Table” app).
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Transportation Choices
Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around and you’ll have your own parking stall. Otherwise there is Uber and Lyft. The Bus or HUI car rental by the hour Car is available and if you’re going a short distance there is a Biki Bike rental station within minutes walking distance from The Royal Aloha.
Nützliche Sätze
Common Hawaiian words used everyday
Mahalo: Thank you Aloha: Hello, goodbye, goodwill. Literal meaning, “The breath of life”. Makai: Towards the mountains. Mauka: Towards the ocean. Holoholo: To go for a walk, ride or to go out and about for pleasure. Pau: Done; finished. Ohana: Family. Kane: Man. Wahine: Woman. Ono: Delicious Hale: House. Aina: Land
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Reef-friendly sunscreen
Hawaii is the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, ushering in a new era of reef safe sunscreen. The new law went into effect January 1, 2021.
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Bring your own reusable shopping bags
All stores on Oahu are required to charge at least 15-cents for a plastic or paper bag.
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Farmer’s Markets
There are many farmer markets in Honolulu to visit. Some of the most popular: KCC Farmer’s Market (Saturdays), Kakaako Farmer’s Market (Saturdays) , Honolulu Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays), King’s Village (M,W, F,Sat).