Restaurants
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i-naba honolulu
The most delicious house-made soba. Feels like you’re being transported to Japan.
LX’s go-to: Bento box with cold soba
LL’s go-to: Tempura soba, extra noodlesView on Google Maps.
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Chengdu Taste
Casual Sichuan restaurant near Ala Moana, akin to Cafe China but less upscale. A Liu family classic — we ordered at least 2x per week from here during COVID.
LX’s go-to: Cold noodles with cucumber
LL’s go-to: Toothpick cumin lambView on Google Maps.
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Koko Head Cafe
Excellent brunch spot — ideal for a one-two combo after LL’s favorite Koko Head hike (see below).
LX’s go-to: Ricotta pancakes
LL’s go-to: Cornflake french toastView on Google Maps.
Cafes
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da Cove Health Bar and Cafe
Casual café featuring fantastic wraps and acai bowls near Diamond Head. When we spent a month on Oahu, we hiked nearby and got a acai bowl near daily.
LX’s go-to: Large Mana bowl, no honey
LL’s go-to: Ahi WrapView on Google Maps.
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Sunrise Shack
Our go-to cafe & acai bowl spot when hanging near Waikiki or around the beach. You definitely only need a small, unless you’re sharing.
LX’s go-to: Blue Dream Bowl, sub banana for berries
LL’s go-to: Monkey BowlView on Google Maps.
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Nalu Health Bar & Cafe
Our favorite casual cafe with wraps, sandwiches, and a decent smoothie/acai bowl selection. This past winter we did yoga at the nearby Corepower and came to this Nalu every morning.
LX’s go-to: Mango Colada
LL’s go-to: Breakfast WrapView on Google Maps (Ala Moana location).
Hikes
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Koko Head
LL’s favorite hike, essentially 1,000 large steps up an extinct volcano. Summit views are unbeatable.
View on Google Maps.
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Lanikai Pill Box
Short but moderately steep ascent. Ideal early morning hike to watch the sunrise.
View on Google Maps.
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Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
Famously foggy and muddy, but on a clear day worth it 10x over. LL has carried LX through the mud multiple times on this hike.
View on Google Maps.