Useful Links

• Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau - www.gohawaii.com
• Oahu Visitors Bureau - www.gohawaii.com/oahu

You may recognize Oahu, which is known as the “Gathering Place,” as the locale for some of your favorite movies and TV shows such as “Lost,” “Hawaii FIVE-0,” and the next installment of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” For those who have lived in Honolulu, the island has a lot more than just beautiful beaches and warm, friendly people.

I wanted to provide you with some information on the island and tips to make your stay more enjoyable. Whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting, I hope you enjoy Oahu as much as I do.

Background
Oahu is the third largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain and home to the state capital, Honolulu, and world-famous Waikiki Beach. Nearly one million people live in Honolulu, which is considered one of the top metropolitans in the U.S.

Besides Waikiki, you’ll also find three renowned resort areas on the North Shore, the Leeward (west) Coast and in the Kahala area of East Honolulu.

Weather
The temperature in March ranges from the low 70s to the low 80s. Feel free to pack a light jacket since the weather in Hawaii can vary. It’s not uncommon for there to be a passing rain shower even when it’s bright and sunny outside.

Packing Essentials
For a helpful list of items to pack, check out this blog post from Go Visit Hawaii.

Points of Interest
Once you’ve arrived and settle in, you’ll want to experience all that Oahu has to offer. Marvel at Oahu’s spectacular natural wonders like Leahi (Diamond Head) and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Take your first surf lesson in Waikiki, then attend a luau at sunset and watch authentic hula. Explore Hawaii’s rich history and culture at the Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue and Kawaiahao Church, all within a block of each other. Then indulge in a taste of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and the best of Hawaii’s nightlife. Or if all else fails, spend the day tanning on one of Oahu’s beautiful beaches.

Most Visited Attractions

• Ala Moana Center
• Aloha Tower Marketplace
• Bernice P. Bishop Museum
• Diamond Head
• Downtown Honolulu
  • Historic Chinatown
  • Iolani Palace
  • Kawaiahao Church
  • King Kamehameha Statue
• Honolulu Academy of Arts
• North Shore
  • Haleiwa
  • Waimea Bay
  • Polynesian Cultural Center
• Pali Lookout
• Pearl Harbor
  • USS Arizona Memorial
  • USS Missouri
• Valley of the Temples
• Waikiki
  • Honolulu Zoo
  • Royal Hawaiian Center
  • Waikiki Aquarium
  • Waikiki Beach Walk

Favorite Beaches

• Ala Moana Beach (great place for swimming, surfing, stand-up paddling)
• Hanauma Bay (well-known snorkeling spot; there is an admission fee for visitors)
• Kailua Beach (great spot for beginning bodyboarding and kayaking)
• Ko Olina Resort and Marina (man-made lagoons that are well kept and enjoyable for families)
• Lanikai Beach (nice beach and a lot of kayakers)
• Sandy Beach (big waves to watch the professional surfers)
• Sans Souci Beach (nice beach that close to Waikiki but away from the crowds)
• Sunset Beach (popular spot for bodyboarders but the current/waves can get rough; mainly for experienced swimmers)
• Waikiki Beach (most popular beach on Oahu with a variety of activities including surf lessons, catamarans, kayaking, stand-up paddling and outrigger canoe paddling)
• Waimanalo Beach (a local favorite)
• Waimea Bay (beautiful spot on the North Shore to watch big wave surfers)

Local Customs
Even if you’re only here for the weekend or a week, I wanted to share some Hawaii cultural tidbits so that you feel comfortable when interacting and getting to know the locals.

Pidgin (pronounced like the bird) is also known as Hawaii Creole English. Spoken by a lot of locals, the language is influenced by a variety of cultures during Hawaii’s plantation days. It’s a little hard to explain so it’s best for you to listen for it when you’re traveling around Oahu. Here’s a quick link to Wikipedia for your reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_Pidgin

Locals use “ewa” (pronounced “eh-va”) when referring to the west, “Diamond Head” for the east, “mauka” is toward the mountains and “makai” toward the sea.

It was one of the first things that President Barack Obama did during his inauguration parade. Locals do it when they’re driving or hanging out with friends. It’s the common gesture that’s known as the “shaka” sign.

Throughout the generations, various stories have been told to explain the origins of the shaka sign, with some dating back to the plantation days in Hawaii. The meaning can differ from one local to another; however, it remains a gesture of thanks, understanding, and the aloha spirit of Hawaii. Follow the simple instructions below to learn how to “shaka”:

• Extend the thumb and pinky finger.
• Keep the three middle fingers (index, middle, and ring) curled.
• Face the back of the hand towards the person that is being greeted.
• Give a little shake with a smile.

Ono Grindz (Delicious Food)
Last but not least, I save my favorite section for you. With all the sightseeing and activities around the island, what better way to enhance your Hawaii experience by filling your stomach with Hawaii’s “ono grindz” (delicious food).

Hawaii’s melting pot of culture provides an opportunity to sample a wide range of cuisines. Due to its diverse population and rich history, Oahu is a great destination for the foodie at heart. Below are some of my favorites from budget eats to “empty your wallet” meals.

Seafood
Hawaii’s seafood is some of the freshest you’ll taste (due to the fact that local chefs can purchase their fish from the Honolulu Fish Auction on a daily basis). A popular local favorite that I encourage you to try is poke (pronounced “poh-keh”), cubed raw fish (usually ahi tuna) and seasoned in many variations.

A great place to sample the freshest fish on the island is at Nico’s at Pier 38, steps away from the Honolulu Fish Auction. Some of the local favorites are Ahi Belly plate lunch and Furikake Ahi plate lunch, but the daily specials are chosen to represent whatever the chef thinks is the best and freshest catch of the day.

If you’re a sushi connoisseur, you might want to check out the following:

• Genki Sushi (inexpensive sushi on a conveyor belt)
• Gyotaku (Local Japanese restaurant with a large menu for anyone)
• Kuru Kuru (one of the best ahi bowls on Oahu)
• Morimoto’s (yes, the Iron Chef recently opened a location in Waikiki)
• Nobu (another well-known restaurant with a location in Waikiki)
• Sasabune (home of THE sushi chef – listen to what he says and eat what he serves or else)
• Yanagi (a local favorite visited by Japanese celebrities)

Hawaii Regional Cuisine
About 20 years ago, 12 Hawaii chefs came together to create the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement, which blends local ingredients with techniques and flavors from around the Pacific and the world.  Celebrating the diverse culinary backgrounds of Hawaii’s people along with the variety of fresh fish and local produce, there are many restaurants around Honolulu that specialize in this cuisine (many of which are considered fine dining/white table cloth). Here are a few restaurants to add to your list: Alan Wong’s, Chai’s Island Bistro (great place for food and Hawaiian music), Chef Mavro (combining French and Pacific Rim cuisine) and Roy’s (one of the most well-known with its locations in Hawaii and around the U.S.).

Plate lunches
On the other spectrum of fine dining is the traditional local plate lunch. Usually comprised with two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni or potato salad, and one or more entrees choices. Plate lunch favorites include chicken katsu, hamburger steak, teriyaki or shoyu chicken, kalua pig, or mochiko chicken. The portions are usually big but low on price. Some of my favorite plate lunch spots include Rainbow Drive-In on Kapahulu Avenue, Zippy’s (a local fast food chain with a numerous locations on Oahu). For those looking for a healthier version, check out Diamond Head Market & Grill or Kakaako Kitchen.

Traditional Hawaiian food
Sample some of the traditional Hawaiian staples including lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig, lau lau, haupia, etc. at some of my local favorites including Ono Hawaiian Foods, Helena’s Hawaiian Food, and Yama’s Fishmarket.

North Shore shrimp trucks
One of the tastiest reasons to visit the North Shore is Giovanni’s Original White Shrimp Truck. I’m giving the shrimp trucks a separate section because it’s a MUST DO. Stick with the original, the scampi, or try their hot & spicy if you want that extra kick. The locals will always debate which shrimp truck is their favorite but hands down Giovanni takes it. Don’t forget to bring: $13 per plate (cash only), hand wipes (it gets messy) and a sharpie to sign the side of the truck.

Tropical fruits
While you’re driving to or from the shrimp trucks, you’ll see many fruit stands along the highway. It’s one of the best things about Hawaii – fresh tropical fruit. Depending on the season, you’ll find coconut, mango, watermelon, dragonfruit, longan, cherimoya, persimmons, lychee, apple bananas…the list goes on. Some of the fruit stands will also sell Kahuku corn, one of the sweetest corn available.

If you aren’t able to stop at the fruit stands, the farmers markets are another option. The largest is the Kapiolani Community College farmers market on Saturday mornings. Others include North Shore farmers markets on Sundays, or the new Hawaii Kai farmers market on Saturdays.

Snacks/Dessert
Savory and sweet treats are plentiful in the islands. Here are some of my favorites:

SPAM musubi – Don’t knock it until you try it. Also known as SPAM sushi, they are a staple in the local diet and can be easily found at a local 7-Eleven or convenience store.

Saimin/Ramen – Sometimes served with the SPAM musubi, saimin is considered comfort food on a cold day (usually around high 60s to low 70s F) in Hawaii. A nice bowl of broth and noodles topped with anything from char sui (barbeque pork), egg, green onion and ham. It’s so local that you can even order off the menu at McDonald’s! Many locals frequent Shige’s Saimin for a classic bowl of saimin. I like the Japanese ramen and usually visit spots like Sanoya, Jimbo’s, and Taiyo Ramen.

Malasadas – It’s considered a Portuguese doughnut or a hole-less donut. One place to get them fresh is the iconic Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue. The malasadas arrive hot and sweet and definitely a must-try if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

Shave Ice – Another perfect way to end the day is with the island treat called shave ice. The Hawaiian version of a “snow cone,” shave ice is flavored with syrups like the traditional “rainbow” of strawberry, banana, vanilla to tropical ones like li hing mui, lilikoi (passion fruit), mango and more. You can top your shave ice with condensed milk for an extra sugary hit, azuki red beans, or a scoop of ice cream in the bottom. And yes, the word “shave” is not in past tense. We’re not always grammatically correct in the islands.

If you’re on the North Shore, everyone seems to go to Aoki’s or Matsumoto’s. In Honolulu, Waiola Shave Ice is one of the popular spots with two locations — one in Moiliili and one in Kapahulu.

Favorite

Green

Art

Amenity

Local

Taking advantage of Hawaii’s unique agriculture found on land and along the shore, spas around the islands are incorporating some of the same locally grown natural healing ingredients into their treatments.  Below is a sample spa itinerary that will take you island-hopping to experience the unique spa treatments of Hawaii.

• Begin your spa day on Oahu with Hoomaka (to begin), a foot soak with alaea salt (Hawaiian sea salt) at The Spa Suites of The Kahala Hotel & Resort. www.KahalaResort.com

• Treat yourself to a Maui Sugar Cane exfoliation at Spa Grande in Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on Maui. www.GrandWailea.com

• While visiting Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, pamper your body with a treatment utilizing Hawaiian noni, coconut, kukui, volcanic clay, and ti leaves. www.Kauai.Hyattt.com

• Head over to Hawaii’s Big Island to finish your experience by relaxing in an open-air lava rock sauna at Mauna Lani Spa. www.MaunaLani.com

A little background story.  My family grew up in various parts of Asia and our home cooking included influences from China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.  All the great dishes from my family’s recipe book also gave way to a lot of unusual ingredients.  I owe it to my dad for building my courage to try bizarre eats like jellyfish (makes a delicious salad with julienne cucumbers and a savory peanut butter sauce), pig’s feet (delicious when braised),  and preserved eggs (also known as thousand-year-old eggs; goes great with pickled ginger).  I’ve learned never say “no” to new experiences – one trait that every foodie must have.

Tune in for more personal stories and adventures revolving around the theme: FOOD.  By the way, I’ll explain what this picture is all about in my next post…

Updated April 9, 2009/2:30 p.m. HST (13 links to date)

Where to eat and drink

• Big City Diner (Oahu) ~ five locations on Oahu with great selection for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner
• Chef Mavro (Oahu) ~ James Beard award-winning chef George Mavrothalassitis; restaurant is rated AAA five diamond
  
• J.J. Dolans (Downtown Honolulu, Oahu) ~ pau hana at this Irish pub that serves an interesting mix of pizzas
• Kincaid’s (Ward Warehouse, Oahu) ~ reasonable place to bring the family for seafood and steaks
• My Open Bar Honolulu (Oahu) ~ listing of places to go for free/cheap
• Ola at Turtle Bay Resort (north Oahu) ~ home to chef Fred DeAngelo and my favorite risotto
• Papa John’s Hawaii (Oahu) ~ need pizza delivery?
• Pearl Ultralounge (Ala Moana Center, Oahu) ~ grab some drinks and dance the night away at this nightclub
• Ryan’s Grill (Ward Center, Oahu) ~ local restaurant with great pau hana hour…li hing mui margarhitas
• Thirtyninehotel (downtown Honolulu, Oahu) ~ serves double duty as a gallery and night spot for food and drinks
• Tiki’s Grill & Bar (Waikiki, Oahu) ~ good food, great music, and nice place to catch the sunset in Waikiki
• Top of Waikiki (Oahu) ~ Hawaii’s only revolving restaurant
• Zippy’s Restaurants (Oahu and Maui) ~ great place for a plate lunch/local food; one of President Obama’s fave eateries

Other resources

• Honolulu Dining Guide by @cookingwithamy

Updated April 9, 2009/2:20 p.m. HST (8 links to date)

Where to stay

• Aqua Hotels and Resorts (Oahu) ~ twelve boutique hotels dispersed around Waikiki
• Doubletree Alana Hotel Waikiki (Oahu)
• Four Seasons Resort Maui
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Poipu, Kauai)
• Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa (Waikiki, Oahu)
• Hotel Renew (Waikiki, Oahu)
• Outrigger Enterprises Group (All Islands) ~ includes Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Ohana Hotels & Resorts, The Wyland Waikiki, Ala Moana Hotel, Keauhou Beach Resort, Embassy Suites – Waikiki Beach Walk, and Outrigger Condominium Collection
• Sheraton Maui Resort (Kaanapali, Maui)
• Starwood Hawaii Hotels & Resorts (All Islands)

Updated April 9, 2009/4:20 p.m. HST (58 links to date)

Links for planning your Hawaii vacation (16 links)

• All About Hawaii ~ Hawaii-focused travel agency based in Oregon
• A Maui Blog ~ local blogger “talking story” about all things Maui
• Apple Vacations ~ deals and offers for those looking for Hawaii travel packages
• B on Hawaii ~ newsletter by Brian Berusch, one of the “go-to” guys for all things travel-trend related
• Beat of Hawaii ~ travel blog with Hawaii deals, tips, events, and culture
• Bruce and Yaling Fisher ~ owners of Hawaii Aloha Travel Agency
• Erika Engle ~ The Buzz columnist for Honolulu Advertiser…always has juicy details to share
  
• GoVisitHawaii ~ follow Sheila Beal’s blog for info and tips about visiting Hawaii
• Hawaii Magazine ~ love Hawaii but don’t live here? here’s a magazine worth subscribing to
• Honolulu Magazine ~ oldest magazine in the state…love their “Best of Honolulu” issue
• Honolulu Weekly ~ Honolulu’s alternative newsweekly covering the local scene
• Lahaina.com ~ one of many sites that offer travel information about Lahaina and the island of Maui
• MetroMix 808 ~ a site dedicated to Hawaii’s nightlife and party scene
• Pleasant Holidays ~ deals and offers for those looking for Hawaii travel packages
• So Necessary ~ need advice for nightlife? follow this Star-Bulletin columnist for tips

Where to stay (9 links)

• Aqua Hotels and Resorts (Oahu) ~ twelve boutique hotels dispersed around Waikiki
• Doubletree Alana Hotel Waikiki (Oahu)
• Four Seasons Resort Maui
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Poipu, Kauai)
• Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa (Waikiki, Oahu)
• Hotel Renew (Waikiki, Oahu)
• Outrigger Enterprises Group (All Islands) ~ includes Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Ohana Hotels & Resorts, The Wyland Waikiki, Ala Moana Hotel, Keauhou Beach Resort, Embassy Suites – Waikiki Beach Walk, and Outrigger Condominium Collection
• Sheraton Maui Resort (Kaanapali, Maui)
• Starwood Hawaii Hotels & Resorts (All Islands)

Where to go and what to see and do (13 links)

• Ala Moana Center (Oahu) ~ one of the world’s largest open-air shopping centers
• Battleship Missouri Memorial (Pearl Harbor, Oahu)
• The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu (Oahu) ~ looking for contemporary art in Hawaii? here’s the place
• go! Airlines ~ thinking about island hopping? try this interisland carrier
  
• Hawaii International Film Festival (Honolulu, Oahu) ~ largest “East meets West” festival in the U.S.
• Hawaiian Fire Surf Company (Oahu) ~ surfing school run by firefighters
• Honolulu Festival (Waikiki, Oahu) ~ happens in the Spring each year
• Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand Waikiki (Oahu) ~ a fixture within Hawaii’s gay scene
• Kahala Mall Center (Oahu) ~ home of the only Whole Foods and The Counter in Hawaii right now
• Pearlridge Center (Oahu) ~ another shopping destination for locals
• Royal Hawaiian Center (Waikiki, Oahu) ~ shopping location in the heart of Waikiki
• Thirtyninehotel (downtown Honolulu, Oahu) ~ serves double duty as a gallery and night spot for food and drinks
• Waikiki Aquarium (Oahu) ~ the third oldest aquarium in the United States, located next to a living reef
  

Where to eat and drink (13 links)

• Big City Diner (Oahu) ~ five locations on Oahu with great selection for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner
• Chef Mavro (Oahu) ~ James Beard award-winning chef George Mavrothalassitis; restaurant is rated AAA five diamond
  
• J.J. Dolans (Downtown Honolulu, Oahu) ~ pau hana at this Irish pub that serves an interesting mix of pizzas
• Kincaid’s (Ward Warehouse, Oahu) ~ reasonable place to bring the family for seafood and steaks
• My Open Bar Honolulu (Oahu) ~ listing of places to go for free/cheap
• Ola at Turtle Bay Resort (north Oahu) ~ home to chef Fred DeAngelo and my favorite risotto
• Papa John’s Hawaii (Oahu) ~ need pizza delivery?
• Pearl Ultralounge (Ala Moana Center, Oahu) ~ grab some drinks and dance the night away at this nightclub
• Ryan’s Grill (Ward Center, Oahu) ~ local restaurant with great pau hana hour…li hing mui margarhitas
• Thirtyninehotel (downtown Honolulu, Oahu) ~ serves double duty as a gallery and night spot for food and drinks
• Tiki’s Grill & Bar (Waikiki, Oahu) ~ good food, great music, and nice place to catch the sunset in Waikiki
• Top of Waikiki (Oahu) ~ Hawaii’s only revolving restaurant
• Zippy’s Restaurants (Oahu and Maui) ~ great place for a plate lunch/local food; one of President Obama’s fave eateries

The folks working in Hawaii’s travel and tourism industry (8 links)

• David Uchiyama ~ VP of Tourism Marketing, Hawaii Tourism Authority
• Nathan Kam ~ VP, Travel & Tourism Division, McNeil Wilson Communications
• Michael Ni ~ Account Executive, Travel & Tourism Division, McNeil Wilson Communications (**me**)
• Nancy Daniels ~ Director of PR, Outrigger Enterprises Group
• AT Marketing ~ Hawaii-based international marketing agency
• Oahu Visitors Bureau
• Rebecca Pang ~ Senior Account Executive, Travel Marketing and Promotions, Stryker Weiner & Yokota Public Relations, Inc.
• Iron Dog PR ~ representing the Big Island Visitors Bureau

Other resources

• Honolulu Dining Guide by @cookingwithamy

San Francisco
5-7 p.m.  Steven Espaniola
8-11 p.m.  Raiatea Helm

San Jose
5-7 p.m.  Aloha Brewed
8-11 p.m.  Beach 5

Palo Alto
5-7 p.m.  Kawika Alfiche
8-11 p.m.  Cyril Pahinui

I’m organizing a tweet-up from 12-2 p.m. at Gordon Biersch San Francisco on Friday, March 27 for those interested in meeting Raiatea Helm and learning more about Hawaiian music and her background. 

There’ll be free Gordon Biersch garlic fries for all attendees and you’re more than welcome to stay for lunch.  Please DM me on Twitter (@michaelni) if you’re interested in attending.

Local residents do it when they’re driving or hanging out with friends.  It’s the common gesture that’s known as the “shaka” sign.

Throughout the generations, various stories have been told to explain the origins of the shaka sign, with some dating back to the plantation days in Hawaii.  The meaning can differ from one local to another; however, it remains a gesture of thanks, understanding, and the aloha spirit of Hawaii.  I’m glad that the “shaka” traveled more than 3,000 miles and is now a presence at the White House.

How to “Shaka”

• Extend the thumb and pinky finger.
• Keep the three middle fingers (index, middle, and ring) curled.
• Face the back of the hand towards the person that is being greeted.
• Give a little shake with a smile.

I found this rap by Jin a few years ago and always crack up when I listen to it.  I figured I put his music video on my blog to share with all my friends.  For those that speak Cantonese, you’ll know exactly what he’s saying.  If not, there’s a English translation on the YouTube link.  Yum dom cha…sic gor bao.  LOL.  I’m craving dim sum now.  Who wants to go?

Disclaimer: you won’t find any bikini-clad women at your local dim sum shop…Jin probably added them to be more hip hop. haha.