Oahu June 2024

Saturday June 1 2024 - Saturday June 8 2024

Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki

The first dinner of the trip was had at the beautiful Monkeypod. The restaurant sits adjacent to the Waikiki beach inside the Outrigger hotel. The menu was primarily American cuisine with Asian/island influences. Standouts were the gyoza with hot mustard dipping sauce, the Mai-Tai with lilikoi foam, and the steak with wasabi mashed potatoes. The meal was an excellent start to the trip.

Aoki Teppanyaki

Owned by world-famous DJ Steve Aoki and his family, Aoki Teppanyaki is Steve’s take, rebrand, and celebration of his father’s restaurant Benihana.

Don Quijote

This market’s brand and mascot is themed around a penguin-like character. The market sells everything you could think of, from toys, groceries, home goods, and more.

Kiki

Delicious lunch spot in Waikiki specializing in fried-to-order tempura served with rice and sides. A unique dining experience as parts of your order are brought out in different times based on when they are finished frying, maximizing crunchiness.

Kona Coffee

Koko Crater Hike

A humbling hike straight up 1,000+ stairs. After an hour of hiking up high elevation with many, many breaks, you’re rewarded with stunning 360 views of the island.

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

A windy, historical site

Adela’s Country Eatery

A small hole in the wall that has gained notoriety with over 1,000 yelp reviews boasting the great food and friendly service. We called our order ahead of time, and it still took about 45 minutes. The restaurant has unique pastas and desserts.

Ono Seafood

One of the top Poke spots on Oahu, especially after a long hike up Koko head.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

One of the more unique and memorable activities on this trip was snorkeling at the beautiful Hanauma Bay. This beach is picturesque, with a long history that visitors are educated on in the mandatory short video and talk. There is active efforts in preserving the bay and it’s marine life and coral reefs. Reservations are only available 2 days prior, often selling out within minutes.

The Crouching Lion

Pit stop on the way to North Shore

Waiahole Poi Factory

Lanikai Juice

Acai bowls

Kona Brewing

Jenny’s Shrimp

Often mentioned alongside Giovanni’s as people’s choice for top Shrimp trucks on the island. The verdict was that Giovanni’s shrimp topped Jenny’s, with it’s more garlicy and flavorful shrimp.

Rainbow Drive-in

Off The Hook

Poke spot in Manoa. Ranks equal to Ono Seafood for me.

Paalaa Kai Bakery

Known for their snowpuffs, a flakey dessert akin to an eclair-croissant hybrid.

Haleiwa Bowls

Excellent, vibrant acai bowls in North Shore.