Waikiki Beach

Kalakaua Ave and Kaiulani Ave
Honolulu, HI 96805

Kristina R. writes: Wall-to-wall sunburns and freckles!  

I love this beach, despite having to step over dozens of mid-westerners who look as though they've never been exposed to direct sunlight before.  My hubby included.

Shirtless and in the water, he wears his…

Bad Ass Coffee Company

Aloha Tower Marketplace
Honolulu, HI 96805

jill k. writes: their kona coffee is awesome!

Sun's Korean BBQ

95-221 Kipapa Dr
Mililani, HI 96789

Chelsea A. writes: I loved Sun's Korean BBQ!! I always remembered coming here at 5 in the morning during elementary school whenever we had field trips! Apparently, it wasn't a secret because every other kid who was in my class, had their parent get their food from…

Daiei USA Inc the

850 Kamehameha Hwy Ste 250
Pearl City, HI 96782

Jonathan P. writes: Buh bye Daiei. Farewell. I'll miss you're cheap electronics and groceries and dishes and all the other kine stuff. Where else could you buy a coffee table, for under $10.00, and gallon jugs of kim chee, all under the same roof.

Sam's Club

1000 Kamehameha Hwy Ste 100
Pearl City, HI 96782

Consuela P. writes: I'm so glad they have a store right in town on Keeamoku St. rather than having to drive out to Pearlridge. Downstairs is Walmart where we shop for DVDs and PS2 games. Upstairs at Sam's, we shop here at least once's month for our meats, snacks, DVD…

Stuart Anderson's Cattle Company Restaurant

98-1262 Kaahumanu Street
Aiea, HI 96782

Consuela P. writes: Recently, R and I ate here with his grandpa and dad. We pick the 3-course dinner special for 2; 1 appertizer, 2 steak entrees and 1 dessert. So we order the sampler platter as our appertizer ~ it comes with shrimp cocktail, fresh fried zucchini,…

Zippy's

95-1249 Meheula Pkwy
Mililani, HI 96789

kawika m. writes: Zippys!!  Oh yeah!!

Where do we start!?? State side...........your hungry.....Hmmm...whats open?? Dennys,  Carrows...etc.......

In hawaii................... ..........."We" go to Zippys!"

When we fly in .......its late...........its become our…

Genki Ramen

95-1249 Meheula Pkwy # D4
Mililani, HI 96789

Edwina K. writes: Love their fried rice!  I always get their mini ramen combo and if you go during happy hour (2pm-4pm?) you get an additional set of gyoza for FREE!  So that's a mini ramen, fried rice, and two sets of gyoza for less than $8. Now that's a good meal.…

Morning Glory

95-1249 Meheula Pkwy
Mililani, HI 96789

Dina V. writes: The Korean version of Sanrio. Your usual fanfare of stationary, stuffed animals, pens, paper, and plastic goods. Not as well known as Hello Kitty but a lot more variety in characters.

TGIS Flowers

PO Box 970399
Waipahu, HI 96797

Waynele Y. writes: Tammy is awesome!  i wouldn't go to any other florist for your wedding arrangements (i visited about 10 in the screening process). She is so sweet and so nice.  unlike some other florists i visited, she really listens to what you want rather than…

Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering

94-903 Farrington Hwy
Waipahu, HI 96797

Kevin S. writes: If you're into local style poke you have to check out Tanioka's.  The place is the place to go if you're any where near Waipahu and are headed to a tailgating party, house warming, or any other local gathering where poke would be appreciated.

The…

Waipahu-Leeward Veterinary Clinic

Waipahu Professional Center
94-801 Farrington Hwy
Waipahu, HI 96797

raymond h. writes: lemon is all better now!!! thanks to this awesome vet clinic.

Nancy's Kitchen

Waipio Gentry
94-1040 Waipio Uka St #12
Waipahu, HI 96797

Kevin S. writes: While I agree that this is a locals only type place its not worth the drive out to Gentry if you're in town or a tourist.  The food is good, but there are better places for Hawaiian food in town - like Ono One Hawaiian Food.  That said, I would…

Poke Stop

Waipahu Town Center
94 050 Farrington Highway, E4
Waipahu, HI 96797

Anita L. writes: After reading about this place on www.onokinegrindz.com, we made it a point to get some poke from this place just to see how it was. Well, it certainly had a lot of choices and we got a few to taste. My favorites were the ones which had 'opihi' in…

Akane Clothing

Honolulu, HI 96805

christa w. writes: i am an akane collector. when i wear the clothing i feel incredibly superfly.

worth the price because, frankly, style ain't cheap.

zana is also the raddest person i know.

Chinese Cultural Plaza

Between Maunakea and River streets
near North Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96805

Anita L. writes: Located in the heart of Honolulu Chinatown, this plaza offers up some wonderful selections of restaurants ranging from the high-end (such as Legend) to the smaller, lesser known ones tucked away in the corner. There are herbalists and acupuncturists…

The Pacific Place Tea Garden

Ala Moana Center
Third Level
Honolulu, HI 96805

Liz T. writes: It's not easy shopping for a whole afternoon, so I love a little R&R with my Matcha Green Tea Latte. Get it iced on those hot summer days (or everyday in Hawaii) and add 1 or 4 packets of sugar for power to keep going until the mall closes. Ahhh--so…

Ba-Le Sandwich Shop

377 Keahole St
Honolulu, HI 96805

Kristina R. writes: Man, oh man...this place ROCKS!  Especially when you're sweating like a pig from the Hawaiian heat, starving, and poor as a teacher.

The sandwiches will kill that rumbling in your tummy, and then some.  The daikon crunches, the carrots are sweet, and…

Romano's Macaroni Grill

1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96805

Anjelika J. writes: I've tried to avoid this place since it opened but couldn't any longer.  I needed a place where my family could dine together, happily and not while chowing on Chinese food.

Our waiter was the coolest!  I think if it wasn't for him, I would have to…

Bluwater Grill

377 Keahole Street
Honolulu, HI 96805

michelle i. writes: what a spectacular  view of the marina! We were staying at a house right down the street in Hawaii Kai so we came in here on our first day to grab lunch.... the back patio is situated right over the water. It felt so hawaiian and serene. Turns out…

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

848 Ala Lilikoi Street
Honolulu, HI 96805

Jane L. writes: Spacious and nice leather couches... And free 1 hour WiFi with purchase.  I'm hungry for WiFi!

Are Sunday papers really free with coffee?  If it is, good deal!  Otherwise, uh, it wasn't me...

Honolulu Marathon

3435 Waialae Ave # 208
Honolulu, HI 96805

Jaime C. writes: How do you turn something painful into something pleasurable? (Get your mind out of the gutter.)

Painful=marathon
Pleasurable=Hawaii

Sunday was my second time running this great race. (And before you ask, Einstein, yes... it was one of those 26.2 mile…

dk Steak House

2552 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96805

David D. writes: d.k. had an ad on TV.  Yes, somebody in our party watched TV.  

It's right next to Sansei Seafood, and owned by the same company.  Second floor, with a view of the beach.  

Chong did us right by starting the evening with a wine sampler:  2 cabs and a…

Da Spot

908 Pumehana St.
Honolulu, HI 96805

Isao K. writes: THIS IS DA SPOT!!!!!  This is a beautiful, family run, healthy plate lunch paradise. It is cheap, Ako and Ahmad (the owners) are super friendly, and the price is un-beatable! and DO NOT FORGET THE SMOOTHIE! I recently tried a avocado-coconut…

Kicks Hawaii

1530 Makaloa Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96805

Jamie S. writes: I've been coming here for about 2 years. When ever I feel I need a new pair of Forces I look here first.  There's new stock coming in every week, so you'll find something there of your liking. I've been in and out of here so many times my wife got…

Shanghai Tang

1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Ala Moana Shopping Center
Honolulu, HI 96805

Cynthia A. writes: Ugh.  I wish I could afford to buy stuff here.  I think I've purchased a total of 3 SALE items here.  I love the Chinese style clothing.

I like the accessories: notebooks, lotus-shaped candles, jewelry boxes.

---

Update:  They're so great !  My big hapa…

Safeway Food & Drug

98-1277 Kaahumanu St
#214
Aiea, HI 96701

Mr. Robot O. writes: How many Safeways can YOU think of that sell poi and fresh shoyu poke? (This question directed at mainland readers only.)  The correct answer is: all of the Safeways in Hawaii.
Mad props for catering to the what the locals, (and kama'ainas living on…

Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory

98-040 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701

Antoinette T. writes: I ate Chun Wah Kam at a catered Christmas party and was so impressed with the tasty food that I had to ask where it was from. Turns out its right down the street and I never knew it! Once I found out exactly where it was located, it was clear why I…

Kapolei City of

1001 Kamokila Blvd Ofc
Kapolei, HI 96707

Keane L. writes: WEST SIDE!

It's getting too crowded though...

Starbucks Coffee

Halekuai Center
563 Farrington Highway, Space 101A
Kapolei, HI 96707

Keane L. writes: I love this Starbucks. It's my hometown, dangit!

When my friend and I happen to visit home at the same time, we go down here and reminisce over coffee and/or chai. The store is spacious and the outside area is nice (though a bit smoggy from…

Tropical Farms

49-227 Kamehameha Hwy
Kaneohe, HI 96744

pearl m. writes: Where else can you sample FREE macadamia nuts AND Kona coffee?

Among the flavors our favorites were:
Honey roasted
Onion
Garlic

Definitely off the beaten path... and one of the stops if you take the Grand Circle Island Tour.

Shrimp Shack

53-352 Kamehameha Hwy
Punaluu, HI 96730

Just J. writes: The best "scrimps" on the windward side.  The Shrimp Shack is that serendipitous find that's just perfect on your island drive tour.  You stop by the side of the road, park and order your shrimp.  Don't forget the locally grown Kahuku corn on the cob…

Koa Pancake House

99 115 Aiea Heights Drive
#256
Aiea, HI 96701

Jeremy N. writes: This place used to be my sunday morning standard to help cure the hangover.  Somehow they manage to squeeze about a pound of bacon and cheese each into a three egg omelet.  The wheat toast here is also really dam good and it's buttered perfectly…

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

91-1401 Fort Weaver Rd
Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Mario Z. writes: If you're looking for a change from Starbucks 'The Bean' is a great alternative.  With all of your standard coffee drinks you could desire and more this place is definitely on the rise here in Hawaii.

If you want to try something new try a Pomegranate…

Roy's Restaurant Ko Olina

Ko Olina Golf Club
92-1220 Aliinui Rd
Kapolei, HI 96707

Sammy S. writes: Oh my butterfish

Not to be confused with butterface...oh no I wouldn't do that, unless of course you were a true swamp donkey, than I'd be forced to call you a butterface and mock you, because I'm mean like that. Ya, I know,  I seem all nice, but it's…

Lucy's Grill & Bar

33 Aulike Street
Kailua, HI 96734

Kristina R. writes: I walked in and was instantly transported to San Francisco.  It was identical in atmosphere to some of the new restaurants in the Marina/Cow Hollow district...excluding the Bebe size 18 month, perfectly coiffed and manicured clothing hangers sipping…

Bookends In Kailua

600 Kailua Rd
Kailua, HI 96734

Anita L. writes: I actually thought this bookstore was absolutely DIVINE! Though small, it offered a good variety of books on Hawaii, its history and items by local authors. There is also a good selection for kids with a little play area complete with toys to keep…

R Field Wine Company

108 Hekili St
Kailua, HI 96734

Brooke M. writes: Ok, so now that I officially quit working here I can write a review for R. Field without my boyfriend nagging me about bias in my reviews or whatever.  I fully intended to disclose the fact that I worked here, but he still said it wasn't cool.…