Resources
Eat:
Chef Masaharu Morimoto (of Iron Chef fame) is behind one of Wakiki's newest eateries. Serving both dim sum and new takes on classics like pork belly ramen, spicy mapo tofu, Peking duck.
Airy, Australian-style cafe in Honolulu's Kaka'ako neighborhood with an excellent selection of coffees and toasts. In the same spot as Paiko, a botanical boutique with fresh local flowers and workshops.
Created by local chef Ed Kenney, Hawaiian ingredients come together effortlessly in small plates that are perfect to share. Sample dishes like roasted beet poke, smoked macadamia nuts, bananas baked in coconut and bacon.
A tasty selection of breakfast items, like crispy blueberry cream cheese pancakes and kalua pig hash. In Kailua, on Oahu's east coast.
Overlooking the ocean at Kuilima Cove, Roy's is an easy, casual spot for lunch on the North Shore. Roy's has excellent fresh fish (like their macadamia nut mahi mahi) and Hawaiian classics.
Led by Mark Noguchi, a renowned local Oahu chef, the Pili Group focuses on the connection between food and community. The Pili Group hosts hands-on cooking classes, public workdays each week at a local farm, and catering with an emphasis on hyperlocal cuisine.
Stay:
Centrally-located right in Waikiki, the Alohilani offers expansive ocean views and meticulously-designed rooms. If being blocks from the beach isn't enough, take it easy in the Alohilani's infinity pool or admire the tropical fish in the three-story aquarium
One of Honolulu's newest boutique hotels, with midcentury decor and a sunny lanai in each room. Relax poolside with small plates and a drink, or wander to their onsite restaurant Hideout for fresh, locally-inspired meals.
Serene and beautifully-decorated hotel in a secluded location in Honolulu, outside of busy Waikiki. The Kahala also hosts Holokino Hawaii - tours along Oahu's southern coastline to learn about traditional Polynesian navigation, led by local navigator Austin Kino.
Do:
Learn traditional Polynesian wayfinding skills aboard a Hawaiian sailing canoe with navigator and lifelong Maunalua Bay local Austin Kino. Enjoy incredible views of the coast as you learn about the area's history and try your hand at sailing.
Tour Oahu's hidden Ka'a'awa Valley by horseback and experience lush views of the Kualoa Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Stop by this Kailua shop for a selection of art and home objects found and carefully curated by local Jennifer Binney. Think handmade ceramics, Indian kantha blankets, and Hawaii-inspired bags and clothing designed by Jennifer's own line, Samudra.
As Hawaii's oldest record store, Hungry Ear is a landmark in Honolulu. An extensive collection of vinyls and LPs, with a focus on Hawaiian sounds.
A full-service photography shop, stocking all of your analog film needs from darkroom supplies to film cameras. In the same building as Hungry Ear.
Visit this boutique for beautifully-designed and quality goods chosen by husband and wife team Ali McMahon and Parker Moosman. Find it at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club.