Our good buddy Kale, recently returned from what I’ve heard to be and have seen many pics of an amazing trip to Hawaii. While keeping it simple on the beaches he was able to seek out some of Hawaii’s stellar food and drink locations. ~ Cheers
Hawaii
(Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu)
H.K.’s
(Honolulu)
H.K.’s is exactly what I’m looking for when I travel. It’s inexpensive, busy, and full of locals. From the outside it just looks like your standard, everyday, run of the mill take away joint. It exudes all the usual characteristics, a couple picnic tables, chalkboard menu, plastic forks, etc. But no, oh no my friends. Given a closer look you’ll see that it is so much more. The menu consists of a few American classics and a handful of local favorites. However, I was told to throw all that out the window and just order off their daily specials menu. I promise you, I was not steered in the wrong direction. I suggest going on a Friday to grab the Hawaiian Plate. It comes with a banana leaf wrapped, steamed and stuffed full with a delightfully fatty mound of chunky pork bits, a clear noodle soup and a bowl of fresh poi. In a word… awesome!!! It was the perfect place to start off my trip. True local food eaten, prepared, and enjoyed by locals. I was just lucky enough to stumble upon it and now you are lucky enough to know about it too.
Sansei
(Waikiki)
This spot is located in the 3rd floor of the Marriot right on Waikiki Beach. It’s a hip sushi joint with an impressive late night happy hour. The Happy Hour starts at 10:30 pm sharp and is seated on a first come, first served basis so be sure to get there early. It includes great drink specials, half off all sushi and apps, and a rocking karaoke scene. Definitely a great place to bring a date or go with a big group. Cheap, good eats in a lively and social atmosphere. Highly recommended!!!
Genius Lounge
(Waikiki)
Genius Lounge is a laid back indoor/outdoor sake bar and pupu place. (Pupu is Hawaiian for small bites and appetizers.) It’s located on Lewers street just off the main Waikiki Beach scene. It’s defiantly a “locals only” kind of a spot but I was lucky enough to be traveling with some. It’s small but not tight and has an intimate feel that provides an ideal setting for good drink and conversation. Being that I’m a wine lover I particularly enjoyed my visit. I’m a big fan of wine flights and taking the time to compare different varietals or vineyards side by side. Genius Lounge takes this idea and applies it to sake. They offer a wide variety of Saki flights from the novice level up to connoisseur status. The menu also has one of the most extensive sake selections I’ve ever come across. Defiantly worth checking out if you’re looking for a laid back and chill evening.
Hallo Tree
(Waikiki)
This place is truly an awesome find. It’s nestled right on the corner of a quiet beach and all the seating if covered by a huge hallo tree. The ambience alone is worth the visit. The food however will have you coming back. I had the salmon benedict, which came with seared salmon, sautéed spinach and leaks, bacon, and a dill hollandaise that has me drooling just thinking about it again. Don’t worry about it. Don’t wait. If you’re on the island of Oahu just get in your car, hop in a taxi, catch a wave if you have to. Just make sure to go to the Hallo Tree and have brunch. You deserve it.
M. Matsumoto Grocery Store
(North Shore)
If you have ever been to Hawaii then you know about shave ice. And that’s not a spelling miscue. It’s not called shaved ice as it is on the main land. It’s pronounced shave ice and don’t get it wrong either or you’ll just look like another howlie. If your gunna get it don’t waste your time getting it any place else. This spot is the original and still where you need to go. Don’t mind the line. That means it’s good!!! What I found most interesting about this place is how they serve it. The traditional way is with vanilla ice cream on bottom, black beans in the middle, and flavored shave ice on top. Such a unique flavor and texture combo left skeptical at first. That is until I tried it. It’s the bee’s knees ladies and gentlemen. As the expression goes don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. This is all that goodness in a nutshell.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
(North Shore)
Most people know about the famous shrimp trucks on the North Shore of Oahu. Well Giovanni’s is the godfather of this popularity. This is a perfect example of how simple street food if prepared correctly can be some of the best eats that you can find. It looks like a beat up, car jacked, graffiti painted hunk of junk pulled to the side of the road. But I kid you not. Hands down, the BEST shrimp I’ve ever eaten!!! It’s prepared simply and artfully with garlic, lemon, and love. I’ll tell ya. Even if you don’t surf and aren’t looking to catch that killer swell you still need to make the North Shore a destination on your trip just because of this place.
Island Manapua Factory
(Manoa)
This place is a true diamond in the rough. Located just a block or two from the University of Hawaii’s Oahu campus it really is tucked away and a little hard to find. In fact, my goggle maps could barely locate it. It’s one of those places you really have to hear about because there definitely won’t be any advertising for it. In the kitchen twisting up yummy authentic dim sum dishes are two very nice and very old Chinese ladies. Their signature item as their name would suggest are their manapuas. These pork stuffed steamed balls of dough will knock your socks off. I actually had to go back and order seconds after I got my paws into these babies. Do yourself a favor and drop by if you’re in the neighborhood. I guarantee your taste buds will thank you for it.
