Here are some of our favorite spots on the Island.

Restaurants

  • 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 noodles

    View on Google Maps.

  • 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 lamb

    View on Google Maps.

  • 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 toast

    View on Google Maps.

Cafes

  • 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 Wrap

    View on Google Maps.

  • 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 Bowl

    View on Google Maps.

  • 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 Wrap

    View on Google Maps (Ala Moana location).

Hikes

  • Koko Head

    LL’s favorite hike, essentially 1,000 large steps up an extinct volcano. Summit views are unbeatable.

    View on Google Maps.

  • Lanikai Pill Box

    Short but moderately steep ascent. Ideal early morning hike to watch the sunrise.

    View on Google Maps.

  • 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.