A Foodie's Guide to Paradise
By Jolene Kaneshige & Tabitha Miki FDI CFD
Recently, we have been getting quite a few requests from our Surprise Proposal clients who are visiting Hawaii, for our recommendations for delicious fare on our fair island of Oahu! There are so many talented chefs serving up their delicious and tantalizing foodie delights at their various establishments; it would be difficult to narrow down to one favorite place! So our esteemed Ninja Photographer and I felt it fitting that we provide our own restaurant picks list!
We didn’t waste any time and started compiling OUR picks for restaurants we highly recommend to Surprise Engagement clients looking for savory fare for that delicious meal anytime of day, whether a romantic breakfast, or that special dinner after a beach proposal!
Breakfast:
Diamond Head Grill and Market (3158 Monsarrat Ave., ph. 808-732-0077) - Tucked away across the street from a mini strip mall is Diamond Head Grill and Market! Serving up delicious, simple local fare! Try their market right next door for amazing desserts and pupus (appetizers), and snacks!! (They also serve lunch)! Located near Waikiki lunch items & desserts (scones, lemon crunch cake are amazing!) http://www.diamondheadmarket.com/
Moke’s Bread and Breakfast (1127 11th Avenue Unit 201, ph. 808-367-0571) -This charming breakfast eatery is a favorite of Kaimuki locals ! Their Lilikoi Pancakes are a MUST have!! Fluffy, soft, melt in your mouth pancakes with sweet, tart, House Made Passion Fruit Sauce is my personal favorite! (Call ahead for reservations or utilize any of the food delivery services and request extra lilikoi sauce!!! You’ll thank me later)! https://www.mokeshawaii.com/
Moena Cafe (7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. Unit D-101, ph. 808-888-7716) -Cozy, contemporary, breakfast eatery that incorporates local Hawaii favorites like Kalua pig and turns it into breakfast masterpieces like Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict! A definite favorite of mine!
https://www.moenacafe.com/
Lunch:
Tsuru Ton Tan (2233 Kalakaua Ave. Unit B310, ph. 808-888-8559) - Located in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, this popular, modern Japanese Restaurant boasts amazing Udon and delicious, innovative appetizers! My personal favorite is their Tempura and Udon set! I LOVE all the tempura they have!!! It complements the Udon perfectly!
https://www.tsurutontan.com/hawaii
Tucker&Bevy ( Park Shore Hotel 2586 Kalakaua Ave. 808-922-0099) or (Hyatt Regency Waikiki 2424 Kalakaua Ave., ph. 808-922-2088) - Open for breakfast and lunch this picnic friendly lunch spot provides that perfect grab and go lunch to eat on the beach! Their Smoked Gouda Dip Is divine and definitely a MUST try!!
https://tuckerandbevvy.com/
Artizen by MW Restaurant (888 Kapiolani Blvd. Unit 102, ph. 808-524-0499) - (Open for breakfast through dinner) Exotic Cars near a restaurant with beautiful ambiance, and fabulous food, what more do you need? This is the perfect balance of eye candy for the car lover and the foodie! My personal favorite is their mochi crusted fish with somen noodles! The Yuzu vinaigrette is fresh, savory, and just plain delicious!!
https://artizenbymw.com/
Dinner:
Hoku’s (5000 Kahala Ave., ph. 808-739-8760 ) - Looking for that perfect restaurant to celebrate at after your Surprise Proposal in Hawaii? We love Hoku’s for their amazing, romantic ambiance to their scrumptious dishes! This fine dining restaurant has it all! Their tasting menus are an event to themselves! Treat your partner to this amazing food journey!
https://www.hokuskahala.com/
3660 on the Rise (3660 Waialae Ave., ph. 808-737-1177) - Another fan favorite is 3660 on the Rise! Their elegant, fine dining establishment is definitely one I LOVE to frequent for special celebrations and the occasional treat to myself after a job well done! I personally recommend their Ahi Katsu! It is perfectly crispy on the outside while maintaining that sushi grade interior! It is the best of both worlds!
https://3660ontherise.com/
Stage Restaurant (1250 Kapiolani Blvd. Fl. 2, Ph. (808- 237-5429) - Situated on the second floor of the Inspiration Furniture store is Stage. This fine dining restaurant serves up delectable courses that are a feast for the eyes and for the stomach as well! Their Amuse Bouche is that perfect bite to get your taste buds going and they will be begging for more!
https://www.stagerestauranthawaii.com/
These are just a sampling of the bevy of beautiful restaurants here in Hawaii! I hope that this virtual food tour whetted your appetite to sample all of the sumptuous, local food that our island has to offer! Need more recommendations on places to eat?
There are so many amazing food places to choose from! Here are some honorable mentions and musts:
Hibachi - poke shop, in Kailua https://www.thehibachihawaii.net/
Off the Hook - poke in Manoa - https://www.honolulumagazine.com/off-the-hook-poke-market-brings-fresh-flavors-to-manoa/
Island Manapua - Steamed Manapua & pork hash in Manoa - https://www.yelp.com/biz/island-manapua-factory-honolulu
Shaloha - Shwarma in Kaimuki - https://www.shaloha4u.com/
Happy Days - also good dim sum in Kaimuki - https://www.happydayshi.com/
Jolene's Market - known for lobster rolls, but anything is good. In Downtown - https://jolenesmarket.square.site/
Legend's seafood - best dim sum on island in Downtown - https://www.legendseafoodhonolulu.com/
Liliha Bakery - a must! cocoa puffs - https://www.lilihabakery.com/
Murpahy's Grill - Friday for Pie day - date night favorite - downtown - https://www.murphyshawaii.com/
The other side diner - local favorite - downtown - https://www.honolulumagazine.com/downbeat-is-on-the-rise-as-the-other-side-diner/
Side Street - local favorite - Ala Moana - https://sidestreetinn.com/ala-moana-hopaka-menu/
Uncle Bo's - so so good - https://www.unclebosrestaurant.com/
Chronic Tacos - burrito bowls - https://www.chronictacos.com/restaurant/honolulu/888-kapahulu-ave
Pieology - build your own pizza - https://order.pieology.com/menu/8144?olonwp=JjBtp_vMLk25gkYh_bnoiQ
Waiola Shave Ice - get shave ice with ice cream - opens at noon - 2135 Waiola St https://www.facebook.com/WaiolaShaveIce/
Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha - https://houseofpurealoha.com/
The Alley Restaurant - Tasty Chicken & Lemon Crunch cake - https://aieabowl.com/restaurant/
Rabbit Rabbit Boba Tea - Golden boba - near Manoa & also in Aiea - https://www.rabbitrabbitteahi.com/
The Alley - Bubble tea - brown sugar boba - Alaomana Shopping Center
Signature Steakhouse - Happy Hour only https://www.signatureprimesteak.com/ (fancy)
53 by the Sea - Happy Hour - https://53bythesea.com/ (fancy)
DK Steakhouse - best steak https://dkrestaurants.com/index.php/restaurants/dk (fancy)
Shokudo - Honey Toast - near Ala Moana https://shokudojapanese.com/
Noods - Black Garlic Ramen - Kaimuki - https://www.noodsramenbar808.com/
Don’t hesitate to ask any of our friendly staff for advice, we are more than happy to help!! Are you ready to Propose in Hawaii? Send us a message! We would love to tell your story!
