Looking for unique gift ideas? Here are some lost-cost “locavore” treats made locally on Maui. Most are available for about $10-$20.
Category Archives: food
Best Places to Eat in Honolulu
What are the best places to eat in Honolulu?
Lucky you, Honolulu is such a fun food town with multiple ethnic influences melting into one tasty bowl. Here is a list of my favorite places to eat in Honolulu:
Traditional Japanese
Akasaka — Across from the convention center; great for lunch; They serve raw and cooked food. The broiled misoyaki butterfish and spicy tuna hand rolls are favorites; Review at http://www.yelp.com/biz/akasaka-honolulu . Make a reservation.
Modern Japanese
Doraku Sushi — Royal Hawaii Shopping Center (if there’s a wait, do NOT eat at the super overpriced place across the hall); Great for dinner with a group; Hip vibe with a creative menu; http://www.dorakusushi.com/ . Make a res.
Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
Mariposa — Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Shopping Center; Ask to sit on the lanai; Killer ocean views; Also good for a nice lunch or dinner with a group; Website at http://www.neimanmarcushawaii.com/restaurant.aspx . Make a res.
Lunch
Siam Garden Cafe — It’s the best Thai food you’ll eat outside of Thailand. I almost cried when I thought they’d closed in August, but they were just cleaning the place; Great for lunch and groups; Kid friendly; Website at http://www.siamgardencafe.com/ . No need res.
There is also a dizzying variety of quick, inexpensive places to eat within walking distance of the Hawaii convention center located in the food court of the Ala Moana Shopping Center (Street level) –http://www.alamoanacenter.com/diningdirec.htm . I like the Korean and Japanese grills, but you’ll find it all there fast.
Whatever you decide, you can always get take out and then eat it across the street at Ala Moana Beach Park while taking in sunset.
Dinner
Duc’s Bistro — Chinatown; great for a group, food is served family style; Lamb chops are not to be missed; French Vietnamese; http://www.ducsbistro.com/ducbistro/MENU.html . No need res, unless it’s a group of 6 or more.
Super fancy dinners to impress (or seal the deal, in order of my preference)
Halekulani La Mer — http://www.halekulani.com/dining/la_mer/
Alan Wong’s on King St — http://www.alanwongs.com/
Chef Mavro’s — http://www.chefmavro.com/
Michelle’s — http://www.yelp.com/biz/michels-at-the-colony-surf-honolulu
Happy eating!!!
Good places for Hawaiian food and fresh fish in Honolulu
Question from a reader about food in Honolulu:
Thank you as well for the burger joint recommendations. My husband will be pleased to know he won’t have to eat fish all the time. Do you know any good places for Hawaiian food, other than a luau?
Our vacation hotel has a kitchenette so I can cook some of our meals. Is there a good farmer’s market on the island or where is the best place to get groceries, especially fresh fish?
(Ono fish)
MY REPLY:
For traditional Hawaiian food, try these places that serve “plate lunches”:
HELENA’S HAWAIIAN FOOD (Winner of a James Beard award)
1240 North School Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
(Honolulu / Kalihi Area)
Tel. (808) 845-8044
HAILI’S HAWAIIAN FOODS
Ward Farmers Market
1020 Auahi Street,Honolulu, HI 96817
(Honolulu / Ala Moana Area)
Tel. (808) 593-8019
For a modern fusion of Hawaiian with other culinary styles, ALAN WONG’S on S. King St is a must-do. He is a famous chef and cooked last summer for the Congressional picnic luau at the White House. The fish you find on his menu will be the freshest and to die for.
I recommend trying “ono” (a medium-firm white fish) if Wong has it. BTW, “ono” in Hawaiian means really good, so the fish matches its name. If Wong has poi on the menu, you’ll want to try his version, too.
Something relatively new food tours of some great “hole-in-the-wall” places. I’ve never done it, but I’ve heard it’s fun. Something to consider.
For produce shopping, there are farmer’s market at Ward Center and Chinatown (more exotic veggies at cheapest prices; also fun to walk around).
To buy the freshest fish, try:
UNCLE’S FISH MARKET
1135 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, 96817
Ph: 808-275-0063
GARDEN & VALLEY ISLE SEAFOOD MARKET
22 Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu 96817
Tel: (808) 524-4847
You might also want to pick up a copy of Honolulu Magazine (usually on bookstore news stands, or check out their website). They are utterly devoted to food and will have many good recommendations.
No matter what, there is so much good local food around and just about every type of Asian food imaginable that you almost can’t go wrong — unless, of course, you get stuck in some tourist trap. But you’ll be able to spot those. Classic signs are nautically-themed decor, plastic leis, lots of old white people and Mainland chains.