Destination Guide: Oahu

Alan Wong's

1857 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826 808-949-2526

Description: ALA MOANA. A beautiful, pale room, accented with gleaming wood and sprinkled with flowers and artwork, welcomes guests to this exceptional place. The exhibition kitchen makes the most of fresh, regional ingredients, crafting such delicacies as kiawe wood-grilled mahimahi, ginger-crusted onaga, and roast duck prepared three ways. You'll also find grilled beef and lamb chops, along with "da bag," a foil packet of seafood, kalua pork, and vegetables that's dramatically deflated tableside. If you make it to dessert, don't miss the sorbets or crème brûlées, infused with tropical fruits.
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Ali`i Luau

55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, HI 96762 808-293-3333

Description: LAIE. On Oahu's windward coast, the Polynesian Cultural Center recreates a microcosm of Polynesia, preserving the culture of its many peoples. Its associated luau offers guests opportunity to explore the various traditions, ceremonies, and pastimes and to enjoy a sumptuous buffet as well. Entertainments and audience participation are featured, and folks are regaled by attractions of all sorts. A terrific experience for everyone who attends the extended event. A shuttle to the location from Honolulu is available for a fee.
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Anna Miller's

98-115 Kaonohi St, Pearlridge Center, Honolulu, HI 96701 808-487-2421

Description: PEARL CITY. At Anna's, you'll find breakfasts so good they're available 24 hours a day. Celebrated for its delicious, affordable fare, the eatery serves up everything from steak and eggs to waffles and chicken fried steak. A vast array of omelets is available, stuffed full of good things, and the pancakes draw constant raves from loyal customers. If you're around at other times, try their hot entrees or burgers, and don't make the mistake of leaving without trying a slice of fresh fruit pie.
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Chai's Island Bistro

1 Aloha Tower Dr, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-585-0011

Description: DOWNTOWN. Offering both indoor dining and outdoor dining amid lush greenery, this much-loved place makes regulars of all its guests. The cuisine springs from Thai traditions but expands greatly, thanks to Hawaiian ingredients and the chef's boundless innovation. For example, you'll find crispy soft-shell crabs with chili-miso beurre blanc, oven-roasted breast of rabbit with plum wine demiglace, and Asian-style osso bucco. There's also lamb, beef, pork, duck, and fresh fish of all persuasions. Dishes are visually gorgeous as well, and island musicians provide highlights during the evening.
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Chef Mavro

1969 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826 808-944-4714

Description: MOILIILI. Some of the island's most accomplished cuisine is served at this small, intimate restaurant. Under the masterful command of Chef Mavro, French technique pairs with Hawaiian ingredients to create culinary magic. Dishes include Maitake Mushroom Indochine sautéed with green papaya, mushroom broth, sumida watercress galangal and kaffir lime and Keahole Lobster Paella with roasted red bell peppers, green olives, fried cilantro, lobster, chorizo, and saffron puff rice. Prix fixe menus with three, four, and six courses are terrific values and can be coupled with wine selections as well. Give yourself over to this expensive, incomparable experience.
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Germaine's Luau

91119 Olai St, Waianae, HI 96792 808-949-6626

Description: WAIANAE. Island hospitality reigns supreme at this popular luau. On a private beach located a half-hour from Honolulu, guests are regaled with song, dance, and performance beneath tranquil skies. Time-honored ceremonies accompany the event, from unearthing the roast pig to processing in authentic costume. An amazing buffet of pork, poi, seafood, and other dishes ensures that you're sated, and bottomless drinks are abundant. You'll also have the opportunity to dance with performers. The shuttle ride from town is included in the experience.
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Haleiwa Joe's

66-0011 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-637-8005

Description: NORTH SHORE. Take in the North Shore's relaxed lifestyle at this fantastic eatery. Kick back on the lanai, take in the incredible island scenery, and revel in the moment. While you do, make sure to sample terrific seafood and steak entrees. Prime rib is always popular, and coconut shrimp maintain a faithful following as well. You'll also find grilled fish, fresh soups and salads, and tempting desserts. In the bar, a wonderful selection of appetizers makes for great nibbling.
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Helena's Hawaiian Food

1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-845-8044

Description: KALIHI. Honest, authentic, simply-prepared Hawaiian food is what you'll discover at this fine eatery, a throwback to former days. It boasts island cuisine par excellence, created with love and prepared in the old way. Such attention isn't lost on eager diners, who clamor for kalua pig, pipikaula shortribs, poke (raw seafood salad), and fried fish. There's no designer decor, but no one cares when they dig into these comfort foods, which come à la carte or as part of a set menu. Eat your fill, and revel in the experience. Just don't forget to finish up with a dish of silky haupia (coconut pudding).
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Jameson's by the Sea

62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-637-6272

Description: HALEIWA. A North Shore mainstay, Jameson's ably accommodates visitors and local folks with its array of seafood dishes and its waterside location. Downstairs, a casual ambience prevails, thanks to the restaurant's lunchtime fare and comfortable deck. The specialty here is sandwiches, salads, and soups. Upstairs, dinner is served in fancier digs. Steaks and other dishes are available, but you'd do well to indulge in fresh seafood, whether it be sauteed mahi mahi, poached opakapaka, or shrimp prepared a number of ways.
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Kakaako Kitchen

1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Ward Centre, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-596-7488

Description: DOWNTOWN. Patrons of this popular place are constantly delighted by fair prices and fantastic food. Gourmet but accessible, the cuisine has a certain Hawaiian flair, thanks to Asian seasonings and the abundance of fresh fish and vegetables. In fact, it's a bit difficult to characterize the food ­ just know that it's good! Savory breakfasts start the day off perfectly, and plate lunches are a frequent request for lunch and dinner. And just so you don't worry: Desserts are available, and the bread pudding is absolute magic!
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Like Like Drive Inn

745 Keeaumoku St, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-941-2515

Description: ALA MOANA. Family-friendly and accommodating, Like Like is ideal for groups, those with children, and folks who want a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of tasty food. You'll find a host of main courses, salads, and sandwiches, and breakfast is available all day long. A few local specialties are worth sampling as well, including chicken katsu and the broth-and-noodle soup known as saimin. Make sure to check out the daily specials before you order.
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Lucy's Grill 'N Bar

33 Aulike St, Kailua, HI 96734 808-230-8188

Description: KAILUA. This bustling, festive place always enjoys a crowd of patrons, thanks in large part to its savory, inventive fare. The menu has a local feel, courtesy of plenty of seafood, an Asian influence, and fresh regional ingredients. Kiawe-roasted oysters are a delight, and baby back ribs benefit from a tangy, addictive glaze. Braised lamb shanks also satisfy, and broiled chicken is succulent and tender. Other options to consider include pizzas, pastas, and fresh fish. A perfect hangout.
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Mariposa

1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Ala Moana Center, Neiman Marcus, 3rd fl, Honolulu, HI 96816 808-951-3420

Description: ALA MOANA. As you would expect of a restaurant set in Neiman Marcus, Mariposa boasts incredible ­ albeit pricey ­ cuisine. The lovely establishment affords wonderful ocean views, granting diners a visual treat to accompany their culinary ones. The cuisine is a mix of Neiman's Texas roots and its Honolulu locale, featuring everything from spiced prawns to ribs, lamb, fresh fish, and steaks. Flavors are bold and tantalizing, ideal mid-shopping spree or for a leisurely dinner. (A private elevator extends restaurant hours after the department store closes.)
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Matsumoto Shave Ice

66 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-637-4827

Description: NORTH SHORE. Famous for its snow cones, this family-owned business has been around for decades and is legendary on the North Shore. Tourists and locals regularly flock to the establishment for an icy, refreshing treat, gussied up with a variety of homemade syrups and flavorings. Among the options you can choose are passionfruit, raspberry, lychee, pineapple, coconut, and strawberry. To mix it up a bit, you can also combine flavors or even tuck a scoop of ice cream (or sweet adzuki beans) beneath the ice. Perfect for a hot day, even with the lines that often form.
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Pagoda Hotel's Floating Restaurant

1525 Rycroft St, Pagoda Hotel, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-941-6611

Description: DOWNTOWN. This circular restaurant lies in the midst of Japanese gardens and water features, which add a pastoral feel to the establishment. Plus, the landscaping plies diners with lovely views as they browse the brunch buffet, searching out their favorite dishes. Classic breakfast fare makes a welcome appearance, but you'll also find stations with fresh seafood, prime rib, hot entrees, salads, sushi, and desserts. The all-you-can-eat event makes for a perfect Sunday morning, especially since it allows for napping all afternoon.
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Paradise Cove Luau

92-1089 Aliinui Dr, Hwy 1, exit at Ko Olina, Kapolei, HI 96707 808-842-5911

Description: KAPOLEI. A seaside location capitalizes on incredible sunsets at this established luau. When guests arrive, they're treated to a display of crafts and games on the grounds and are then invited to watch traditional ceremonies. Following is the unveiling of the pig and a delectable buffet with all sorts of appetizing fare, including native island dishes. Finally, performances of song and dance add a festive note and provide a rounded experience of Hawaiian culture. A shuttle to the locale is included.
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Pineapple Room

1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Macy's, 3rd fl, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-945-6573

Description: DOWNTOWN. This airy, department-store restaurant is much more than just a stop-off eatery. Instead, its lovely decor and talented kitchen regale diners with a host of Hawaiian fare. Fresh seafood, including nori-wrapped salmon, chilled lobster, and crab cakes, taps into the ocean's bounty; it's supplemented by steaks, wood-fired pizzas (topped with kalua pork, wild mushrooms, and exotic cheeses), and paella. Breakfast is also a wonderful jaunt into island cuisine, and lunch offers savory sandwiches and hot entrees, too. For a quick bite, pick up a rich pastry and a cup of aromatic coffee.
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Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch & Crab

580 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817 808-545-7979

Description: IWILEI. Housed in a former warehouse, complete with a grounded cabin cruiser, this fun family restaurant has a reputation for large portions and terrific local cuisine. Seafood can be found throughout the menu, in crab claws, Maine lobster, paella, shrimp, steamed shellfish, and Dungeness crab. Sam's fried version of poke (raw seafood salad) is a must-try as well. Additional options include chicken, ribs, and steak. House microbrews can also be had; enjoy one while you wait for a table at the popular place. Open all day.
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Side Street Inn

1225 Hopaka St, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-591-0253

Description: ALA MOANA. Although Side Street has the look and feel of a bar, you might be surprised by the quality of its cuisine. Tuck in to a hearty lunch of tender ribs, spicy pork chops, seared tuna, or perhaps just fried rice or garlic edamame if you're looking for a lighter option. Chefs from Hawaii's top restaurants have been spotted lunching here, so pull up a chair, take in a game on one of the TVs, and enjoy exceptional, low-key eats.
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Zippy's

1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Ala Moana Center, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-973-0870

Description: ALA MOANA. It's fast food ­ Hawaiian-style! And it's ono! These convenient eateries satisfy local folks with a focus on regional cuisine, including chili and saimin. Plate lunches make for good eating and feature everything from lamb curry to kalua pig to tripe stew. You'll also find shoyu chicken, sweet-and-sour spareribs, and roast turkey to tempt your tastebuds. Fantastic desserts and pastries are reason in themselves for a trip!
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