Things to do in Hawaii
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Big Island Day Trip: Volcanoes National Park from Oahu
15 hours (Departs Oahu, Hawaii)
by Viator
Take a Big Island volcano tour from Oahu on a day trip to Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park. The recent eruptions of Kilauea Volcano have captured the world's…Not LP reviewed
- All things to do
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Pineapple Grill
- Maui, USA
- Restaurants › Fusion
Hot and fresh off the grill, this smart place is edging out the competition with its innovative fusion fare. Tantalize the tastebuds with the likes of lobster-coconut bisque and Maui-coffee roasted duck breast. A well-matched wine list and a grand hilltop view make this a prime dining choice. Come before 18:00 to take advantage of the three-course ($32) sunset dinner specials.
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'Aliomanu Beach
Secluded 'Aliomanu Beach is another spot frequented primarily by locals, who pole- and throw-net fish and gather limu (seaweed). It's a mile-long stretch of beach; you can get to the prettier north end by turning onto 'Aliomanu Rd (second), just past the 15-mile marker on Kuhio Hwy. Turn left onto Kalalea View Dr, go 0.5 miles and turn right at the beach access sign.
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Waimea Brewing Company
- Kaua'i, USA
- Restaurants › Pub
It resembles a suburban mall joint but the open-air plantation building and swaying coconut trees are pleasant and the island-inspired pub food is tasty. Two creative uses of 'ahi poke: a seared poke wrap and a sushi roll filled with poke and flash-fried. As for the US's westernmost microbrewery's beers, aficionados find them only passable.
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Honokowai Okazuya
Takeout takes on class at this Japanese-style plate-lunch eatery that knows how to whip up heavenly sauces. The house-special mahimahi (a mild white-fleshed fish) lemon caper sauté is a sure bet, or go Japanese with the chicken katsu don poached in a sweet soy sauce and served on rice. A narrow strip of stools lines the wall if you want to chow down on the spot.
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3660 On the Rise
Of the top-end Hawaii regional restaurants, 3660 will woo diners skeptical of white tablecloths. The dishes are sensible without being flamboyant and include familiar surf-and-turf ingredients that are either seared or pan-cooked. But the result is far from country-club fare thanks to the thoughtful additions of Hawaiian flavors. The restaurant is between 12th and 13th Aves.
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Tokkuri Tei
Bring your sense of adventure to this cozy izakaya (Japanese bar serving small plates) with upbeat versions of sushi standards. The decor is Japanese lanterns and bookcases store customers' favorite bottles of drink. Try the house poke (made with fish roe), grilled shiso maki (shiso leaf and pork) or soft-shell crab drizzled with a sweet chili vinaigrette.
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Shokudo Japanese
This contemporary Japanese restaurant serves up fine cuisine at reasonable prices. The menu focuses on small plates, allowing you to try unusual tastes, such as mochi cheese gratin and the more traditional noodle and sushi options. Not to be missed is ishiyaki, a hot-stone cooking style that's served on a sizzling plate - the unagi (eel) rice is a winner.
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Kilauea Iki Crater
The overlook provides an awesome view of the mile-wide Kilauea Iki Crater, and the hike across its hardened surface is the park's most popular. One good strategy for visiting this often crowded, but scenic portion of Crater Rim Dr is to park at the Kilauea Iki Overlook and walk the Crater Rim Trail to Thurston Lava Tube and back; it's about a mile all told and easy as pie.
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Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka Space Center
Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka Space Center pays tribute to the Big Island native who perished in the 1986 Challenger space-shuttle disaster. The little museum sits between the departure and arrival buildings and features exhibits and educational films about space and astronauts. Items on display include a moon rock, a NASA space suit and scale models of spacecraft.
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Ching's Punalu'u Store
This market and deli dates back to 1935 when it was founded by a local jack-of-all trades. A small shrine to the original owner resides beside the deli counter. In addition to the normal corner-store goods, you can pick up pre-made poi butter, mochi (Japanese sticky rice cake) and plantation iced tea (pineapple and mint) as well as bait (but not sushi).
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Hana Hou
Of the two restaurants in town, there's really no question: Hana Hou is the spot. On the makai side of Hwy 11, this friendly diner serves up 'real food for a decent price' with no holds barred on flavor. Its menu sports the usual meat and fish plates, along with extras like stir-fries and chicken parmasan. The chock-full dessert case won't let you leave without.
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Wood Valley Temple & Retreat Center
If you're into temples, this Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside of Pahala is worthy of a detour. It is decoratively painted in colorful detail and is striking against the backdrop of the center's lush, 25-acre property. Peacocks roam freely through the grounds and the relaxing property of the valley's silence is enhanced by the constant sounds of birds and humming insects.
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Turtle Reef Kayak Tour
3 hours (Departs Maui, Hawaii)
by Viator
This fun and educational Maui kayaking tour starts at Makena Landing and paddles around the bay area. The calm, clear ocean is perfect for various water…Not LP reviewed
from USD$71.88 -
Kula Botanical Garden
Pleasantly overgrown and shady, the mature Kula Botanical Garden has walking paths that wind through acres of theme plantings, including native Hawaiian specimens and a 'taboo garden' of poisonous plants. Because a stream runs through it, the garden supports a wider variety of vegetation than you'll find in other Kula gardens - the whole place is an explosion of color.
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David Paul's Lahaina Grill
- Maui, USA
- Restaurants › Fusion
The darling of gourmet magazines, this sophisticated restaurant in historic Lahaina Inn superbly blends local ingredients with tastes from Europe and the Pacific Rim. Standouts include Kona coffee-roasted rack of lamb and 'opakapaka in lobster-champagne sauce. Although the food gets rave reviews, service can be rushed, so be prepared to hold on to your plates.
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Yorman's by the Sea
Don't expect locals to let this one out of the bag. Kihei's best-kept secret, Yorman's overlooks an ancient fishpond and has an amazing water view. The food hails from the US South, with the likes of pork chops and pecan-crusted chicken. A jazz band (with owner Yorman Williams on bass) plays in the evening. Or swing by for Sunday brunch when there's live ukulele music.
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Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park comprises ancient temples, royal grounds, burial sites and a pu'uhonua (place of refuge). Explore the carved-wood representations of ancient gods; the stone board for konane, an ancient form of checkers played with black lava and white coral; and the wonderful snorkelling found off some natural lava steps.
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Bong Brothers
Your best bet for food in Honaunau is vegetarian deli take-out from Bong Brothers, a small health food and gift store located in an historic 1929 building. The green papaya salad is delicious, as are the smoothies, soups, curries and burritos. Organic produce fills baskets on the front porch, and a rocking chair there is perfect for watching the characters come and go.
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Mauna Loa's Observatory Trail
At the end of Mauna Loa Observatory Rd is the Mauna Loa Observatory Trail. This is an all-day adventure, but few 13,000ft mountains exist that are so accessible to the average hiker. This is a rare and unforgettable experience. Day hikers do not need a permit, but if you would like to overnight at Mauna Loa Cabin, register the day before at the Kilauea Visitor Centre.
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Gaylord's
If you're curious about the life of a plantation baron, dine here at the Wilcox estate. The manicured lawn, white tablecloths and clubby tone match the menu, with dishes like filet mignon bathed in liliko'i sauce, and shiitake and prime rib salad featuring Maui onions and Kamuela tomatoes. Big breakfast eaters, try the generous daily buffet or Sunday brunch.
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Kailua Candy Company
Founded in 1977, this stark chocolate shop once ranked in Bon Appetit magazine as among America's top 10. Try its celebrated macadamia-nut honu ('turtles'; nuts and caramel covered with chocolate) and truffles in flavors like passion fruit, Kona coffee and guava-rum. To get here, turn mauka on Hina Lani St off Hwy 19 and right on Kamanu St.
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Cafe Laniakea
Chic and health-conscious, this café runs with an entirely different crowd than your average mess hall. Set in the courtyard at the historic Julia Morgan-designed YWCA, the café has a changing menu committed to local and organic (when possible) ingredients. And because Honolulu has never heard of pretension, the upscale meals are close to down-home prices.
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Oahu Atlantis Submarine Adventure and Sunset Dinner Cruise
3 hours 30 minutes (Departs Oahu, Hawaii)
by Viator
Save money when you combine an Atlantis Submarine Oahu Adventure and Sunset Dinner Cruise to explore Hawaii's clear blue waters above and below the surface.…Not LP reviewed
from USD$207.88 -
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Kuhio Grille
Locals needing a fix of traditional Hawaiian comfort food gather at the family-run Kuhio Grille. Its specialty is the filling 1lb laulau - various meats wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. However, all the Hawaiian favorites are here, such as poi, lomilomi, kalua pig, haupia and loco moco. It's behind Prince Kuhio Plaza.
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Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruise - Buffet
2 hours (Departs Waikiki, Oahu)
by Viator
Enjoy a buffet dinner in the ocean-themed Blue Hawaii Room on a relaxing Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruise as the sun sets on another Hawaiian day. A favorite of…Not LP reviewed