Whether here for the golf or not, many visitors to Honolulu choose to stay in the suburb of Waikiki. Besides access to courses such as the 18-hole Ala Wai--which offers views of the beach, ocean and Diamond Head cone--Waikiki has an abundance of activities to offer, including surfing, swimming, shopping and dining. The area has several quality restaurants.
Hula Grill
Located in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, on the beach, "Hula Grill" is a popular spot for sunset viewing--particularly from the tables on the wraparound lanai ( balcony).
The breakfast menu offers fresh fruit, baked items and omelets as well as local favorites, such as Spam and Eggs--"as Hawaiian as palm trees and sunsets" reads the menu. For dinner, the Hula Grill offers regional specialties using fresh fish, premium meat and locally-grown produce. Pupus (appetizers) include sashima, ceviche and pot stickers.
The adjacent Plantation Bar and Cafe is open throughout the day and evening for cocktails and pupus. Hawaiian musicians appear nightly.
Hula Grill
Oceanfront at the Outrigger Waikiki,
2335 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 203
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-4852
hulagrillwaikiki.com
Roy's Waikiki
From just one Honolulu location, chef Roy Yamaguchi's eponymous restaurant has expanded to 33 restaurants worldwide. While Yamaguchi does not cook here, his signature dishes, such as misoyaki butterfish, macadamia nut-encrusted mahi mahi and blackened ahi are on the menu. At "Roy's Waikiki" guests may order a prix fixe menu, which changes seasonally.
The restaurant has an extensive list of wines and champagnes by the bottle and glass, and a cocktail list featuring some of Yamaguchi's own creations--"The Original Hawaiian Martini" for example.
Roy's Waikiki
226 Lewers Street
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-7697
roysrestaurant.com
Nobu Waikiki
Another high-end restaurant that has developed into a chain, celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa's "Nobu" serves contemporary Japanese-Peruvian dishes. Among Nobu's signature dishes are broiled black cod with miso sauce and seafood tartar. On weekdays from five to seven, an "apertivo" tasting of three dishes is offered in the bar and lounge. The tasting includes a beer or cocktail, including Nobu's signature "Sake-tini."
Nobu Waikiki
2233 Helumoa Rd
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 237-6999
noburestaurants.com
About The Author
Annie Page was first published in the Buenos Aires Herald in 2001. She has been freelance writing since early 2009 and currently lives in Hawaii. Page has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and philosophy and a Master of Arts degree in comparative literature from University College London.
