OAHU, HAWAII
TAMURA'S FINE WINE & LIQUOR
ATTENTION POKÉ LOVERS!
Tamura's has multiple locations across the island of Oahu. The concept is to look like a regular liquor store from the outside but with just a short walk through to the back is where fresh poké is served. You can mix and match a variety of freshly caught fish made to perfection. Make sure to bring a friend or family member to completely catch them off guard for the best reactions!
Link to website: https://www.tamurasfinewine.com/
GIOVANNI'S SHRIMP TRUCK
Oahu's North Shore is known for extreme activities including skydiving and shark cage diving along with some of the world's best surfing. If you're not in the mood to get your heart rate up, take a detour to Giovanni's where they serve up some of the islands best shrimp coupled with warm rice. This island favorite serves up a few versions of shrimp including spicy and garlic shrimp. In the end, you have to sign the truck as it's a tradition!
Link to website: http://giovannisshrimptruck.com/
BUBBIES HOMEMADE ICE CREAM AND DESSERTS
After a strenuous hike on Diamond Head, it is almost imperative to cool off with a trip to Bubbies in Mariner's Cove. Bubbies is 20-30 minutes east of Honolulu and serves some of the best dessert on the island. I recommend trying the homemade mochi. Mochi is a Japanese dessert comprised of dough wrapped around a certain flavor ice cream. From chocolate, to matcha, to blood orange, you really cannot go wrong!
Link to website: https://bubbiesicecream.com/find-store
SKY WAIKIKI
360 Views and Night Life?
Downtown Honolulu, at night, is vibrant and full of life. The lights are bright and there's no better way to cap off a great dinner out than going to Sky Waikiki. The "space needle", of the city has a top floor with a restaurant and rotating bar. If you decide to sit at the bar, order the baked Alaska as you will not be disappointed. This dessert is surrounded by coconut cream and filled with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream.
Link to website: https://www.skywaikiki.com/
DOLE PLANTATION
Pineapples are a vital part of the Hawaiian economy. In fact, they're the second leading economic export for the state. The Dole Plantation in Wahiawa accounts for 75% of the world's pineapples. The plantation is a fun place to bring friends and family as there a mini train which takes you across the area and a guide explains the ins and outs of everyday operations. When you're done, grab some fresh cane sugar juice and of course fresh dole whip soft serve.
Link to website: https://www.doleplantation.com/
AGU A RAMEN BISTRO
Outside of the Waikiki mall, an Oahu favorite, named Agu, makes authentic ramen for locals and tourists alike. My personal favorite is the pork belly with a hard boiled egg, delicious noodles, mild spice and spring onions.
Link to website: https://www.instagram.com/aguramenbistro/?hl=en
CINNAMONS RESTAURANT KAILUA
Kailua is home to some of the island's best restaurants including Cinnamons. This breakfast powerhouse serves tons of people everyday with Hawaiian staples. I shared two amazing dishes for breakfast. The first was eggs benedict over ube, purple sweet potato, which was accompanied by a generous helping of fried rice. The second dish were some delicious guava pancakes.
Cinnamons will be one of your favorites when visiting Oahu!
Link to website: https://cinnamons808.com/
ISLAND SNOW
Hawaiian shaved ice is a delicacy statewide. The texture is lighter than Italian ice, to the point where it instantly melts in your mouth. In the town of Kailua, Island Snow remains a quality shaved ice location for not only the locals, but also a former President. Yes, President Bararck Obama loves this little shaved ice company tucked away in a strip mall.
Link to website: https://islandsnow.com/
ARVO CAFE
If you're in the mood for some coffee and avocado toast, ARVO will not let you down. This shop sells plants as well as brunch items. There's a fun and relaxing area to sit outside of the restaurant where you can look at relatively new apartment buildings and the bustling nature of Oahu midday. Grab a matcha latte and toast combination and unwind!
Link to website: https://www.arvocafe.com/
HALEIWA JOES SEAFOOD GRILL
Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the downtown Honolulu? Haleiwa Joes offers a peaceful getaway from the city and transports you into a secluded restaurant. Whether its land or sea, any food coming out of this kitchen is sure to make you a happy camper. There's a beautiful extension to the location where you can take pictures under a gazebo with palm trees and a pond in the background. Haleiwa Joes is a terrific spot to celebrate a special occasion.
Link to website: https://www.haleiwajoes.com/
