From local grown coffee to fish fresh from the ocean, Waikiki is a food-enthusiast’s playground. Travel writer Lori A. May shares five local tastes to try on your next visit to Honolulu.
Honolulu Coffee Company
2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu HI 96815
Start your vacation by savoring a local cup of Kona coffee at Honolulu Coffee Company where beans are harvested from the Mauna Loa region of the Big Island. The cafes serve espresso beverages and gourmet foods, but you’ll also want to take some of this local flavor home. Try a bag of Kona Estate beans and Kona Coffee BBQ Rub.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar Waikiki
2570 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu HI 96815
Tiki’s Grill & Bar has a spectacular oceanfront rooftop patio perfect for Happy Hour or watching the sun set along Kuhio Beach Park. Chef Ronnie Nasuti creates farm-to-table Hawaiian-Pacific Island-American fusion cuisine. Try the Hawaiian Ahi Poke or Kalua Pig Quesadilla for light fare to accompany a draft of Kona Big Wave or Longboard Lager.
Pauhana Market Waikiki
234 Beach Walk, Honolulu HI 96815
You’ll find Pauhana Market Waikiki just behind Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. This food truck market has a handful of independent eateries frequented by locals. Grab a shrimp plate lunch at Five Star Shrimp or try the authentic loco moco from Loco Moco Ohana.
Duke’s Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua Ave #116, Honolulu HI 96815
Celebrate legendary Duke Kahanamoku at Duke’s Waikiki where the beachfront patio boasts ocean views with Diamond Head just off on the horizon. Grab a quick drink at the Barefoot Bar or settle in for a relaxing dinner. Start with Coconut Shrimp served with curried frisee and spicy lilikoi sauce, then dig in to island fresh fish or Huli Huli Chicken.
Lappert’s Hawaii
2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu HI 96815
Head to Lappert’s Hawaii for “super premium” ice cream. After one lick, you’ll be hooked. Try a scoop of Caramel Coconut Macadamia Nut or Coconut Pineapple for an island-inspired treat. One of my favorites was Caramel Cashew Turtle Cluster, thanks to the ooey-gooey caramel. While there, be sure to sample their locally grown coffee and fresh-baked cookies.
