Apr 22

Apr 22 Our top picks for a trip to Hawai'i

A map of our favorite places to eat, drink, shop and catch up with friends and family.

This map is updated on an ongoing basis, but may not be 100% accurate.

The backstory

E likes to say he “married up” anytime someone learns I’m from Hawai’i. This is true in many regards, but I certainly feel lucky to call Hawai’i home and that we find ourselves returning to the islands at least once a year to reconnect with friends and family.

After nearly seven years together, I’ve been able to show E the many different sides and pockets of paradise, some touristy and some “locals only.” If you’re looking for our top picks all in one place, this is it. Warning, it’s mostly food and shopping. We’re not the swim-with-sharks type of couple, but the beauty of a trip to Hawai’i is that there’s something for everyone. We just aren’t the guys to give you the best advice on where to go skydiving.

Given the current state of travel, a trip to Hawai’i isn’t in the cards for most people. But, humor us as we daydream about our ideal day on O’ahu. And when you do book a trip to Hawai’i, we hope this is a helpful guide to exploring one of our favorite places.

Our ideal day in Hawai’i nei

7am: Run around Kapi’olani Park and along the Ala Wai Canal.

8am: Coffee (look for a local roaster or 100% Kona coffee) and a Char Hung Sut manapua for breakfast (usually picked up the day before and warmed up in the microwave, but fresh is always mo’ betta.)

9am: Check out the KCC Farmer’s Market (double check when it’s open).

11am: Second coffee, probably cold brew, at Morning Glass Coffee.

12pm: Poke lunch at Off the Hook Poke Market.

1pm: Head to the shops at South Shore Market. Favorite store: Salvage Public.

3pm: Walk the Kaka’ako street art.

4pm: Get a pint at Aloha Beer Company.

5:30pm: Check out the shops at SALT. Favorite store: Milo.

7pm: Dinner at Moku Kitchen (save room for a slice of pie).

9pm: Cocktails at Bevy.

11pm: Look at the weather forecast and plan a beach day.