Honolulu (Oahu), HI

Eating out in Honolulu (Oahu), HI

In recent years, the distinctive Hawaiian cuisine, known as Pacific Rim or Hawaiian Regional, has emerged onto the world culinary stage. Ideally, it combines ingredients and techniques from all the countries and ethnic groups that figure in Hawaiian history, with creative chefs enhancing traditional dishes into a thoroughly contemporary cuisine. Thanks partly to ethnic diversity and partly to the huge tourist market, Honolulu boasts a dining scene to rival any in the world. The restaurants are mostly concentrated in the Waikiki hotels, but plenty of delicious and interesting eateries are scattered through the city.

Gourmet

Ship's Tavern is an elegant, award-winning restaurant offering a gourmet menu of classical cuisine, including fresh island fish, Maine lobster, and an excellent choice of steaks. 2365 Kalakaua Avenue in the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, Waikiki.

Highly Recommended

Alan Wong's Restaurant has taken Hawaiian Regional cuisine to new heights, offering combinations such as sautéed shrimp with lemongrass and black bean salsa, and seared peppered ahi with miso and vinaigrette. Alan Wong is one of the leaders in bringing Pacific-Rim cuisine to the forefront of the culinary world, and a meal from his kitchen will give you a taste of the best food to be had in Hawaii! 1857 S King Street, Honolulu.

Local Flair

Orchids is a feast for your eyes as well as your palate. A tropical wonder of multi-colored Hawaiian-grown orchids surrounds you and perfumes the air as palm trees sway. The 4-star oceanfront, open-air dining room catches the trade winds floating in off the water. Creative Pacific Regional cuisine and seafood dishes reign supreme, with contemporary American foods supplementing the menu. They claim to have the best sunset views in the city, and cocktails for the event are tradition. Hawaiian music under the palms lasts till dark, when everyone moves inside for soothing piano music. 2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki.

Romantic

The Hanohano Room puts all of Waikiki at your feet as a glass elevator zips you 30 stories up to a lofty dining room where starlit skies, twinkling city lights, and culinary supremacy surround you. "Hanohano" is Hawaiian for a glorious, elevated position, and everyone agrees that this restaurant is perfectly named. Its award-winning Continental and Flavors of Hawaii menu is complemented by a fine European and California wine list, scrumptious desserts, and jazz and contemporary music. The sunrise lights up the land from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor, the Koolau Mountains, and the Pacific and you have a stunning panoramic view from your breakfast table. 2255 Kalakaua Avenue in the Sheraton Waikiki.

Going party in Honolulu (Oahu), HI

Much of Honolulu's nightlife is concentrated in Waikiki, where the tone is set by tourists looking to let loose and local bands dominate the music scene. Additionally, Honolulu is fortunate to have some truly sophisticated entertainment, for such a relatively small, out of the way town. The Hawaii Opera Theater, the Hawaii Symphony, Legends in Concert, and Broadway shows performances offer top-notch cultural arts performances.

Legends Sports Pub

This is the kind of pub that every town should have. Autographed photos and memorabilia hang from the walls. Eight satellite TVs broadcast sporting events from around the globe. Domestic beer is on tap and $2.00 drink specials abound. Sunday fun starts at 8:00am throughout the NFL season! Honolulu.

Duke's Canoe Club

Smooth Hawaiian sounds wash over this oceanfront cocktail bar that also showcases big name "Concerts on the Beach" every weekend. Waikiki.

Ocean Club's

The modest dress code and a minimum entrance age of 23 keeps it packed with professionals in their late 20s and 30s. This high-energy nightclub plays music of all types and is one of the Oahu's hottest nightclubs. The trendy hang-out with an outdoor deck has a light appetizer menu and 3 bars. Honolulu.

Creation - A Polynesian Odyssey

More than the traditional luau, this show incorporates special effects and illusions in its story telling. The story explains how the islands of the South Pacific were created and shows the birth of the first man and woman from the earth as told by ancient legends. Guests enjoy stories about a Polynesian voyage of love, battles of Fijian and New Zealand warriors, and the coming of Hawaii's statehood. Honolulu.

The Hawaii Theater Center

This gilded neo-classical palace stages performances by everyone from the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra to Chinese acrobats. Honolulu.

Common events in Honolulu (Oahu), HI

Prince Kuhio Celebration

Commemorates the birth of Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, born in 1871. Had Hawaii's monarchy not been overthrown, he most likely would have become king, but was instead elected to the Senate in 1902 after the US annexed Hawaii. March, Waikiki.

Annual Lei Day Celebration

Celebrated with lei-making contests, pageantry, arts, crafts, and a concert at the Waikiki Shell. Waikiki, May.

World Fire-Knife Dance Championships Samoan Festival Junior and adult fire-knife dancers from around the world converge in an amazing performance spectacle. Laie, May.

King Kamehameha Hula Competition

This is one of the top world hula contests with dancers coming from as far away as Japan. Honolulu, June.

Taste of Honolulu

Hawaii's foremost outdoor food festival also includes beer and wine tastings along with delicacies from 30 restaurants, entertainment, cooking demos, gourmet marketplace, and activities for kids. Honolulu, June.

Aloha Festivals

celebrate Hawaiian culture with parades, dancing, and varied local events. Island-Wide, September.

Makahiki Festival

Showcases traditional Hawaiian games, crafts, music, dance, and food in a grand natural setting. Waiamea Valley, October.

First Night

This festival of arts and entertainment stages performances by musicians, dancers, actors, jugglers, magicians and mimes. There is also delicious food and fireworks. Downtown Honolulu, December 31.