Oahu, Hawaii

One of our favorite destination in the world is Hawaii.  We have family there and it's easy with kids.  Here are some of our favorite destinations based on the island:

OAHU

Places to visit:
1. Waikiki - they don't call it visitor's paradise for nothing.  This is the place to be if you have young kids, want easy access to beaches, shopping and food.  It's very touristy but worth the convenience.  There are lots of hotel choices (Starwood, Marriott, etc.) and restaurant chains.
2. Diamond Head - make sure to bring your hiking or walking shoes!  It's quite the hike but well worth the effort to get a grand view of Oahu.  On Saturdays, there is a fabulous farmer's market at the community college parking lot.
3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - a great place to snorkel and get up close with corrals and sea animals.
4. Polynesian Cultural Center - a wonderful place to learn about the different Polynesian islands and heritage.  It's fun for the entire family and best luau on the island.

Food (in no particular order):
1. Morio's Sushi - best omakase on the island, restaurant is hard to come by
2. Alan Wong (closed) - elegant food for special occasions
3. Side Street Inn - always our last stop as it has all the Hawaiian food you're not meant to eat; deep fried pork, kimchee fried rice, spicy chicken wings, kalua sliders
4. Nanzen GiroGiro - open kitchen with prixe fixe seasonal kaiseki menu.  Wine pairing is only $25.
5. Sushi Izakaya Gaku - izakaya tapas with fresh seasonal sushi
6. Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin - tonkatsu chain from Japan and they serve the real deal.  We've been going here annually for Lani's birthday dinner
7. Orchid's Sunday Brunch - located in the Halekulai Hotel, they serve the best Sunday brunch on the island.  Reservations are hard to come by but it's worth the wait! The diversity of the food is to die for.
8. Hawaiiana Cafe & Sushi: one of recent find located across from Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin in Waikiki.  They have the BEST garlic shrimp - no need to go to North Shore.  
9. Ono's Hawaiian Food - one of the original Hawaiian food restaurant.  The food is at par with Helena's but a lot more to choose from on the menu.
10. Zippy's - kinda like the McDonalds chain of Hawaii.  They serve burgers and fries but on the weekends, you can find Hawaiian food.  Go for the Zip Pack to get a taste of fan favorites.
11. Maguro Brothers - located in the heart of Chinatown, this dive restaurant is the real deal! You can get a maguro don for only $11.50 and Ama-ebi for $3.99/lb.  Update:  there's now a takeout stand in Waikiki as well, located a block from Kehoe.  Only selected rice plates and poke.
12. Marukame Udon - BEST udon I've ever had!! This place is always packed but if you're jetlagged and willing to eat udon for breakfast, go in the morning and there are no lines.   You select the udon, toppings and fresh tempura.  I wanted to eat at this place every day - it was THAT good!
13. Leonard's Bakery - no trip is complete without a trip or two to Leonard's for their fresh (and hot) malasadas (fried doughnuts).  They come with custard kind as well.  
14. Shirakiya food court - located at the Ala Moana mall, this place has plenty of selection with open seating and $1 beer.   Can't beat all the options! 
15. New! Mitch's Sushi Bar - since we can never get into Morio's Sushi, this is a close second in regards to fresh sushi at a reasonable price.  Even Obama comes here!!
16. Tonkatsu Tamafuji - authentic Japanese tonkatsu branch originally from Sapporo Hokkaido.  Best part is the mixed rice and clam miso soup along with the sweet home-made tonkatsu sauce.  A favorite for kids and adults! 

Shaved Ice:
1. Shimazu Store - a recent find from 2016 trip.  BEST shaved ice ever!  The regular size is pretty big and make sure to get the shave ice cup to not spill any.  The ice is same as ice and they have great flavors and toppings!  Worth the drive!
2. Lin's Hawaiian Snacks - you'll be able to find lots of Chinese crack seeds, candy and dried fish snacks.  The shaved ice is typical but within Waikiki driving distance.
3. Aoki's Shaved Ice - located in the North Shore, this place is worth the drive for some amazing shaved ice.  

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