Honolulu Travel Guide

Chef Russell Siu's flagship Pacific Rim restaurant is known for "locally sourced", "artfully presented" dishes like the signature ahi katsu (sushi-grade tuna wrapped in nori and deep-fried) and "incredible desserts", served by a "pleasant" staff; a "place to be seen", it's "popular" with locals for "special occasions and parties" despite its "bland decor" and "unimpressive" location in a Kaimuki office building.

"Your palate will thank you" gush gourmands of the "best restaurant" on the islands (voted No. 1 for Food in the state and Most Popular on Oahu), where the namesake chef turns out "ingenious" Hawaii Regional dishes "prepared to perfection" and "artfully presented" by a "superbly trained" staff; the "unusual setting in an inconspicuous business center" on McCully and the "understated decor" put the "clear focus on the food" – and it's "sensational", if expensive; P.S "reservations are a must."

The "idyllic tropical setting" with an "amazing" ocean vista is the highlight of this "romantic" Pacific Rim restaurant in the Hilton Hawaiian Village, since it feels "like you're eating on the beach with no sand"; even if some feel the "pricey" island fare "isn't up to par" with the "gorgeous sunset view", there's a "deep and interesting wine list" and "bend-over-backwards service", making it a"special" spot for most.

Chef George Mavrothalassitis "elevates dining in paradise to a higher level" at his namesake Hawaii Regional–French where the "first-class" "tasting menus with paired wines" are "brilliantly prepared" and "outstandingly presented" by "informative" servers in a "subtly sophisticated" space; even if the McCully/Moiliili location is a little out of the way and the fare so "sinfully expensive" "you'll melt down a credit card", connoisseurs consider it a "must" experience.

It's all about "nostalgia" at the original Outrigger Waikiki Beach location of this "popular", "crowded" island institution named for "surfing legend" and Olympic champion swimmer Duke Kahanamoku; here and at the Kalapaki Beach location (which was voted Most Popular restaurant on Kauai), it's more about the "ultimate laid-back Hawaiian experience" with specialty drinks and "nightly music" than about the moderately priced "typical" American bar food.

In a "romantic" locale with "jaw-dropping" ocean views, this "insanely expensive" Pacific Rim "classic" at the Kahala Hotel is a favorite for the "freshest" seafood and an "outstanding Sunday brunch buffet"; its "impeccable", "unfailingly friendly" service also wins raves, though detractors deem the atmosphere "a little formal for Hawaii."

Expect an "old-school" experience at this steakhouse in the Waikiki Park Heights Hotel where the "clubby" "library decor" is "more East Coast than Hawaii", the "waiters are in tuxedos" and the "incredible cuts of meat" are "cooked on a kiawe wood grill" and followed by "flambé desserts"; the majority lauds its "live entertainment" and "excellent service", though a few say those assets can't compensate for the "fairly expensive" tabs and "outdated" room with "no view."

Its "funky Chinatown location" draws a "hip, young crowd" that converges at this modern Asian fusion "hot spot" done up with "fountains, glowing lanterns, carved teak and incense"; the "unusual" tastes hit a high note in the "great pupus" and "terrific lunch buffet", though detractors say it's "better for drinks than for food" ("unique cocktails" fuel the happy-hour scene) and deem the service "inconsistent."

The No. 1 Decor and Service on Oahu are found at this "remarkable" New French "indulgence" in Waikiki's "famed Halekulani hotel", a "tasteful" room filled with "elegant Asian art", tables facing the "moonlit beach" and "exceptional" staffers who "treat you like royalty"; "world-class" chef Yves Garnier creates "flavors that will linger in your mind's eye forever", and while it's "frighteningly expensive", an "evening in paradise" "isn't supposed to be economical"; N.B. long-sleeve collared shirt or jacket required for gentlemen.

This Italian chainlet, which originated on Maui, is a "favorite in Lahaina and Wailea" (there's a branch in Oahu's Ala Moana Center as well), where it's known for "celestial lobster omelets", "addictive pizza bread" and "great pastas and seafood" served in "casual" dining spaces (with a "sweeping view of the sea" from the Front Street location); but a small portion of patrons say these spots may have been "cool" at one time, but they are now "past their prime" with "overpriced", "inauthentic" fare that seems like "it's phoned in."

Popular with "in-town locals" and "great for swimming", "early morning strolls", "all-day BBQs" and "watching paddling teams heading out to practice", this "alternative to Waikiki Beach" boasts "calm water" that's protected by a long artificial reef; facilities include lifeguards, picnic tables, tennis courts, bike paths and a snack bar, but "parking can be tricky" and it's hard to resist the call of the "huge Ala Moana shopping center across the street."

"Put on your walking shoes" for "lots of climbing up ladders" at this "emotional" "must-see", a 58,000-ton battleship where the "historic signing" of the Japanese surrender agreement brought the end of World War II; "pay the extra [$6] for a guided tour" and come early in the morning, since it gets packed after 10 AM with tour bus crowds; P.S. due to "much tighter" post-9/11 security, backpacks are no longer allowed.

"Inventive displays" on subjects ranging from a "complete history of Oahu" to the "culture of Polynesia" plus an "impressive science center" are highlights of this "meticulously curated" museum 20 minutes from Waikiki that's the "absolute authority on all things Hawaiian"; hands-on activities and the "cool" volcano eruption exhibit are kid-pleasers, while "fascinating" artifacts, cultural demonstrations and more appeal to "true lovers of anthropology."

Sightseers who make the "somewhat strenuous" .7-mile hike up this "signature Hawaii" extinct volcano – past "cannons and bunkers" and up a slew of "steep, winding stairs" – are rewarded with a "glorious view" of Waikiki; "wear good walking shoes", "go early" to avoid heat and crowds and be aware that there are "no bathrooms or water along the way", so pack provisions (including a flashlight for navigating the "dark", "narrow" tunnel).

"Much less crowded than the hotel beaches" and with "ample affordable parking" to boot, this "gorgeous" U.S. military–owned park is set along a "rough sand" stretch of Waikiki, making it a "peaceful oasis" amid the "hubbub of Honolulu"; its "amazing landscaping" with "shady lawn spaces" sets the stage for an exercise track, beach volleyball courts, BBQ grills and the Hawaii Army Museum, so "you'll run out of energy before you run out of things to do."

When "you're sick and tired of beach and kitsch", join the "hip" crowd at this "overlooked cultural stop" in the Ala Moana area near Downtown where "serene gardens" and "unique open-air architecture" serve as the backdrop to a "sublime" collection of Asian, Western and Hawaiian art, plus "excellent movies and special events"; the "tasty" cafe food is "reasonably priced", the staffers "exceptionally nice" and its gift shop "fantastic"; N.B. tours of Doris Duke's Shangri-La estate depart from the Academy, just be sure to pre-book, since they "sell out in high season."

A "poignant", "emotionally charged" destination, this "floating memorial" rests above the sunken battleship USS Arizona, which was bombed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941; a "stunning film" precedes a "reflective" ferry ride to the "solemn, spiritual" platform where you "walk on sacred ground", feeling the "magnitude of that fateful day"; just "go early" (before 10 AM), as "lines are long", and note that security prohibits strollers as well as bags and purses.

A "fantastic waterfront location" with indoor/outdoor seating that's perfect for "watching the boats come in", this Aloha Tower Marketplace brewpub offers "live music most nights", solid suds, "good pupus" and "pretty people-watching"; but the unimpressed yawn "s'ok, but you can find this anywhere."

Rated No. 1 for Appeal among Nightlife venues, this beachside "oasis of calm" in the Halekulani hotel is the place to "linger" outside over a "delicious" mai tai, soaking in the "unparalleled" Pacific views, "mellow" local bands and "lovely Hawaiian" hula dancers; with "relaxed" service and "gorgeous" sunsets, it's a "must-go for all first-time" visitors.

"Mingle with the singles" or "take a breather while shopping" at this "huge, open-air" Ala Moana Center bar with nightly live bands that are "popular with young locals" who dig drinking beer "straight outta the pitcher"; the "packed" interior becomes "loud and crazy" with those "in search of digits", but if you go before 6 PM, you'll get a "bargain" drink and less chaos.

Despite a recent ownership change, this Kakaako performance venue is "one of the few" capable of hosting both "national music acts" for crowds up to 2,000, as well as "weekday happy hours" in the second-floor sports bar with "pool tables, dartboards" and "economical" food and drink; but even with an "efficient staff" and multiple bars, expect "long lines" for libations on concert nights.

Those who "like tikis" will undoubtedly enjoy "grabbing a cocktail" at this oceanview indoor/outdoor restaurant bar that wraps around the dining room to the pool area on the second floor of the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel; locals suggest "bringing visitors here" for the "interesting pupus" and "good local bands" on weekends.

With "one of the most romantic" settings "overlooking Waikiki and Diamond Head", this "elegant" restaurant and lounge on the Sheraton's 30th floor is a "sophisticated" "sleeper" with an "attentive" staff and "fabulous", though "expensive", Eclectic-International fare focusing on locally sourced ingredients; after dark, there's "great" nightly music and dancing, and plenty of windows to take in the "spectacular" scene below.