Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this place offers good food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant takes its name from a huge Hau tree that grows out of Waikiki Beach and shades the beachfront terrace. This is a great place to take in the sunset while enjoying a wide variety of seafood and other well-prepared offerings at moderate prices. Mai Tais here are large and make a great view even better. The Hau Tree has live slack-key guitar music on weekend nights.
This bakery is a local secret that islanders have kept close to their hearts for years. The small diner counter almost always has a line and the food is simple and inexpensive. But ask anyone about the bakery and they will drool at the thought of the cocoa puffs. They are small cream puffs filled with a cocoa pudding and topped with a secret Chantilly frosting that is simply legendary. For under a buck a piece, this is one of the best things about Hawaii, ever. It is open from 6 a.m on Tuesday to 8 p.m on Sunday. Mondays remain closed - Lottie Tagupa
Picture yourself by a pristine beach—away from your busy schedule, enjoying an exotic meal and tropical drinks. That is Plumeria Beach House. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, is a popular tourist resort and the Plumeria Beach House well deservedly shares in that popularity. Start your day with a breakfast of fresh fruits and pancakes, while your meals would consist of salads, sandwiches and pupus. End this perfect meal with a desert cocktail. Come down on a weekend and enjoy a buffet fit for a king. Divided into indoor and outdoor dining area, this place is apt for intimate meetings, laid-back luncheon or a romantic dinner.
"Gyu-Kaku", i.e."Horn of the bull", brings Japan's favourite yakiniku restaurant to Hawaii. The main fare is charcoal Japanese BBQ. This place has taken yakiniku to a new level by combining state-of-the-art charcoal roaster systems with a bountiful menu. The menu is made up of meats, seafood, poultry and vegetables as well as delicious Japanese drinks and desserts. Check out the Black Pepper Shrimp and Black Pepper Calamari. Don't miss the happy hour where Kirin beer is sold for 99 cents.
Most people know this bar for its friendly music and killer sunsets. Sure, it is typically filled with tourists who are staying at the Outrigger Hotel where it is located, but don't let that deter you, you're probably a tourist yourself. This is also the eponymous restaurant of the famed 'surf hero' and prodigal son, Duke Kahanamoku. The music is contemporary Hawaiian and you will always find the ukulele. The food includes fresh fish, burgers, salads, sandwiches and the breakfast buffet has some of the best made-to-order omelets in Waikiki. The atmosphere offers a great beach setting where guests will always find that ubiquitous Hawaiian friendliness, or "Pono" throughout the restaurant. Also, the adjoining bar is a fantastic place to have a drink before heading back to the beach or up to your hotel room if you're staying at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.
This award winning bakery/grill/deli has gathered a lot of interest because of the variety of meals, sandwiches and sweets. Plain and almost sparse from the exterior, the interior starts buzzing at dawn with early risers looking for award winning breakfasts, coffee and more. Lunchtime brings the beach crowd who clamor for the yummy turkey and chutney sandwiches. In the evening, area residents stop in to get out of the heat and eat specials like grilled salmon plates coupled along with great service. - Lottie Tagupa
Being a small store, it can get quite difficult for patrons to spot Ono Seafood, but the hassle is completely worth it. As you enter this place, a whiteboard announcing the menu welcomes you and one knows what to expect. What draws hoards of tourists and locals to this eatery is the most delicious Hawaiian salad, poke that is served here. Though other varieties are offered here, tako and Ahi poke dominate the menu. Guests can also choose their own fillings and the order will be ready in a minute. So go ahead and gorge on this local specialty!
This bakery is a local secret that islanders have kept close to their hearts for years. The small diner counter almost always has a line and the food is simple and inexpensive. But ask anyone about the bakery and they will drool at the thought of the cocoa puffs. They are small cream puffs filled with a cocoa pudding and topped with a secret Chantilly frosting that is simply legendary. For under a buck a piece, this is one of the best things about Hawaii, ever. It is open from 6 a.m on Tuesday to 8 p.m on Sunday. Mondays remain closed - Lottie Tagupa
This plain Waipahu fishmonger has expanded from a simple fish market to one of the best kept island secrets for poke, fresh fish and catering for special occasions. If you're visiting on a Friday afternoon, on a day when the University of Hawaii Warriors are on the gridiron, or during the holiday season, be prepared for a long wait. The parking lot will be overflowing with oversized trucks that are filled with barbecue grills, cases of green bottled beer and coolers all set for partying and tailgating Hawaii style.
Located in one of the older strip malls on the leeward side of Oahu, this small, family-run candy store is an experience in island life. They offer a wide range of yummy treats including generous portions of fluffy shaved ice with an assortment of flavors that range from your simple strawberry to neon-colored toppings including passion orange, lilikoi and more. The shop also has a tempting collection of island treats that range from sweet to salty. Some of the more popular are the senbei, arare, milk candy and more.
This charming breakfast and brunch restaurant perfectly captures the casual and pleasant vibe of Hawaii. The liberal use of blue and white colors in the decor add a serenity to the place and make it more inviting. As you enter Sweet E's Cafe, aroma of freshly prepared waffles and pancakes welcomes you, further whetting your appetite. Its lavish breakfast spread includes items like cinnamon-flecked pancakes, spinach and feta omelette, french toast with blueberries and cream cheese and so forth. If you are in this area, for lunch drop-in here for its tasty salads and sandwiches. For more details, check website.
Established in 2016, Senia, located in downtown Honolulu serves delectable American fare. This American restaurant has a rustic ambiance with red brick walls to complement its delicious fare. They have an open kitchen with a special chef's counter where there is a multi-course tasting menu that is offered. The Pork belly, Poke cracker and the Charred Cabbage are few of the most popular items from their extensive menu. They have a good beverage list to go with the fare. The place also houses a private dining area that is specially built for small events and parties.