I recently took a little trip to Oahu, Hawaii with John (specifically to Waikiki). We have been going there often since we got together and missed going last year due to the pandemic. It was amazing to be back! We really didn’t do much except for eat, drink and enjoy the beach. After the crazy intense year that just passed it was so nice to just decompress and not worry about a thing. One thing I will say about Waikiki is that if you aren’t taking advantage of all the food there you are missing out!!! Of all the places the Hawaiian islands has to offer, Waikiki is my favorite for eating and drinking. So much amazing Japanese food but also just great variety. If you want to know where to eat, drink and visit while in Waikiki then keep on reading.

Coffee:

Kona: This place has the best pastries (no really …. so fresh, so yummy) and the best coffee in my opinion. Definitely go as early as you can because there is always a line in the morning. #worthit

Island Vintage: This place comes in close second to Kona. They have great coffee and açaí bowls! The only downfall is the service is slower than Kona so if I go, I go early before a lot of people arrive.

Smoothies, healthy bowls and fruity snacks:

Sunrise Shack is inside the Outrigger Hotel and is my favorite spot for a smoothie. I’m personally a fan of their  Sunrise smoothie. They also have a very Insta-worthy wall that is adorable for a quick snapshot while you wait for your smoothie. Don’t miss this spot. Honestly the best and cutest little shop.

BANAN Beach Shack . This little spot is a fun stop! I din’t try their smoothies (although I bet they are delish) but I did try their pineapple bowl creation that is basically dairy free banana yogurt with a bunch of fruit on top filled inside half a pineapple– it’ called the “Pineapple Yacht”. It’s fun, photo worthy and just a great mid day treat. They also carry CBD joints for those of you who are looking for that!

Donuts

Holey Grail is a MUST STOP if you are a donut lover like me. They have freshly baked donuts in really unique flavors. What I love is that they are a good small size, made on the spot and they also have caffeinated drink pairings to go with your donuts. Since they’re made fresh, be sure to eat them right when you get them- there’s nothing like a hot, fresh donut.

Musubi

Iyasume Musubi is the best place to get Spam Musubi.  Such a typical Hawaiian snack. If you aren’t familiar, Spam Musubi is basically a slice of grilled Spam sandwiched either in between or on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with seaweed. This spot has your typical spam musubi, chicken katsu musubi, musubi with egg and avocado  (which I loved for a light breakfast snack).

 Drinks

Skull and Crown is a super trendy hipster tiki bar. It’s not walking distance to the Waikiki hotels so it’s not as convenient, but definitely a great place is you want to switch it up and have a really great craft drink. You guys know I’m a fan of those! Check their instagram here

Hideout – This cute rooftop space inside the Laylow hoteldoes food and drinks. It’s a nice call environment with live music.

Katsu

Tamafuji + Ginza Barin . Both of these spots are amazing for the best Katsu in Waikiki. One is walking distance from hotel the other is a bit more of a treck. This food is heavy (IMO) so I recommend doing an earlier dinner so you can walk it off around town after the dinner. I promise though, it is DELICIOUS and you shouldn’t miss it. Due to covid, a lot of places are fully booked weeks in advance so if you plan on going definitely call ahead of time and make some reservations.

Oceanside dinner

Dukes Dukes is just a classic spot. They have all the typical stuff like poke, macadamia nut fish, Mai tais, Hula Pie and they  also have relaxing live music. It can get pretty crowded so keep that in mind.

Udon

Marakame always has a line out the door.  You can’t make reservations so you have to wait in line. It’s definitely worth the hype, but I don’t know if it’s worth the wait. Then again, I just don’t like waiting in lines.  I’m adding this to the list because it’s a classic. They make fresh noodles and they are absolutely delicious. John and I got lucky and walked by one day when there was no line and ventured in.  Who knows? Maybe you will have the same luck and if you do, definitely walk in and try it out!

Healthy meals

Heavenly.  If you are Craving an Avocado Toast, a Vegan meal or just want to eat clean then try this spot out. I like going for breakfast but they serve lunch as well. It’s a bit pricey in my opinion but what isn’t in Waikiki? It’s all locally sourced and super fresh. Check their Instagram here. 

Convenience store

Dukes Lane. There are  days where making a reservation and going out to dinner is just too much. Whenever we were feeling lazy we would just go to Dukes Lane food court / market to pick up a few things and call it a night. They have surprisingly good fresh salads (I loved the Caesar), yogurts, sushi, snacks, drinks (dalgona coffee anyone?) and more.

Skating

Ala Wai Blvd + Ala Moana Beach Park. You didn’t think I would leave this out did you?? Of course I took my skates with me! I found skating from the hotel (Shoreline) all the way to Ala Moana beach park starting at Ala Wai Blvd and back was a good cardio sesh and Ala Moana park is GORGEOUS. If you want just a quick one though, you could head to Ala Wai Blvd which is a great easy path on its own. For beginners, just know that the Ala Wai Blvd path has a canal on one side so less experienced skaters may be scared to roll into the water. Just a little disclaimer. Also, the earlier the better because it gets hot (duh).