My Favorite Things in Hawaii

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

I'm in a really good mood today, so I decided to start logging my favorite things about Hawaii. Before I decided to stay here semi-permanently, I used to come here every year or every other year for one or two weeks at a time. Usually around Christmas and New Year to visit family. My perception of Hawaii has changed a lot since those days just by being here.

After about a year, I gained 20 pounds which forced me to to start working out. So, I guess the best place to start is on my favorite places to eat. Now, there are really two types of eateries in my book. There are places you go on special occasions when friends or family come to visit. And, there are places you go every day just to get a quick lunch or dinner.

Enjoy.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

One of my favorite restaurants is in Waikiki on Beach Walk. It's a Japanese specialty restaurant called "Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin".

It specializes in a style of food called Katsu. Tonkatsu is breaded pork cutlet. The Japanese are so meticulous in everything they do that it's no wonder that this restaurant is so fantastic.

I often go there for lunch with my middle son who loves to get the Katsudon. I usually get the lunch special which is discounted and gives you a sampling of 2-3 katsu dishes. Best onions rings? Try Katsu onion rings. Mmm. Mmm. Good.

This restaurant is pricey, but it's worth it. Whenever you are in Waikiki, don't miss this place.



Here is a page for the restaurant: Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin

Here is the Yelp review: Yelp review for Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Sounds wonderful! If I ever get to Honolulu, I will most definitely give it a try........Don't you just love eating out in good restaurants? It's the best!

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

That's just too easy

My absolute favorite thing in Hawaii is......wait for it.....ME!

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

When you come to Hawaii, you need to sample all the various Asian foods because it's really good here.

My favorite Ramen restaurant is a place called "Yotteko Ya" in McCully Shopping Center. It's a perfect location right on the corner of Kapiolani and McCully. It's basically right across the canal from Waikiki. Since locals don't really go to Waikiki for meals, this is about as close to getting local food that is really good, but at a decent price which is conveniently located near Waikiki.



My favorite meal is the special Kakuni ramen. They only make a limited number of servings per day, so don't get there too late. I usually get their before noon to make sure I can get it.

Kakuni is a special cut of roast pork when blended with the special soup that Yotteko Ya prepares makes for the tastiest Ramen noodles I've ever had. Get a frequent eater card and you get a free meal after every 10.

A Passion for Food Blog

McCully Shopping Center website page for Yotteko Ya

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Since I am on Japanese restaurants, I may as well complete this list with my favorite Japanese restaurant... Imanas Tei. It's on King Street which means that the prices are better than Waikiki and it's always busy. You can call up to two weeks before your dining date for a reservation, but they only take reservations prior to 7 pm. After 7 pm, it's open seating. So, we uusally get there by 6:30 pm, get on the list and get a table right after about 7 pm.

There are two outstanding meals we usually have at this restaurant. Sushi and Shabu Shabu. We also get the seafood version of Shabu Shabu which is called chanko nabe. Wow, I am getting hungry just thinking about it.

The Sushi I've had in this restaurant is better than any I have had on the mainland. And, it's as good as the sushi I've had in Japan. Fantastic. Maguro Tuna is my favorite. Japan gets a lot of its tuna from around Hawaii. So, it's no wonder we get such good sushi in the islands.



Yelp Reviews for Imanas Tei

Trip Advisor Resport on Imanas Tei

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

It will take me a long time to go through all of my favorite restaurants, so at this time, it's best to provide what I believe is the single best source of great restaurants on Oahu. It's the Honolulu Advertiser Ilima awards. This site is better than Zagat's and Yelp. I've found the winners to be great finds.

Honolulu Advertiser: Hawaii's Best Restaurants 2008-2009

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Need a massage? This is the place to get it. I've been training for an 8 mile run and playing tennis to burn off all the extra weight I've gained from eating. As I've gotten older, my body just doesn't recover as fast as it did when I was younger. So, I need to roll and stretch a lot more now. When I get lazy, I like to get a massage. Usually prices you see are $80 for 60 minutes.

But, I've found place right near the convention center that is legit and has the best deal I've seen anywhere including on the mainland. The place is called "The Massage Specialists." I just got a sports massage there on Saturday. 75 minute massage with a license massage therapist for $60 plus tip. Parking is only $1. And, if you get an apprentice, the rate is only $30 per hour. I haven't tried it yet, but I think I will this week. How bad can it be for $30?

Just be forewarned that this is not a luxury SPA setting. It's in a nice building, but the office set up is pretty plain. For me, I don't care about that stuff.

The Massage Therapist Website

Yelp Review of the Massage Therapist

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Jim I'm waiting on your Maui and BI recommendations. I have < 6 months to plan my week on each. Hoping you expand beyond restaurants, although I love food and look forward to those as well, to day trips and excursion must dos. Little known things off the traditional vacationer's beaten path would be wonderful.

Kihei for Maui
Kona for BI

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Jim I'm waiting on your Maui and BI recommendations. I have < 6 months to plan my week on each. Hoping you expand beyond restaurants, although I love food and look forward to those as well, to day trips and excursion must dos. Little known things off the traditional vacationer's beaten path would be wonderful.

Kihei for Maui
Kona for BI

Okay, when you are you going again? I'll tell you my favorite things to do on both islands for the time of year you are going.

Don't forget to buy the Hawaii Revealed books. Those are the best tourst guide books around. They sell them at Costco.

Hawaii Revealed website

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Okay, when you are you going again? I'll tell you my favorite things to do on both islands for the time of year you are going.

Don't forget to buy the Hawaii Revealed books. Those are the best tourst guide books around. They sell them at Costco.

Hawaii Revealed website

First half of July.

I will definately buy the books as well.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Lawren,

Here are my favorite activities to do on Maui:

1) Artist night in Lahaina. Every Friday night, the artists come out to show their pieces. I just love this old Whaling village. Art Galleries and local artists make it wonderful.

2) Haleakala Sunrise. Do it right when you get here since you will still be on East Coast time. Bring a jacket as it gets really cold. If you are in really great shape, hike or horseback ride down into the crater. It feels like you are on the moon. If you want a thrill, bike down Haleakala. Gotta go to the Kula Lodge for Breakfast. This is a must do for me every trip. It's cold and wet in upcountry Maui. This place feels like Woodside, Ca.

3) Road to Hana and 7 pools. Definitely take the drive to Hana. It will take forever since there are tons of one lane bridges. But, it's scenic and beautiful. Don't stop at Hana, go all the way to 7 pools and check out the bamboo forrest. That place is unbelievable.

4) Snorkle or Dive Molokini or Lanai. For diving, I prefer Lanai. For snorkling, Molokini is terrific. Advanced divers can dive the back side of Molokini. I've seen Manta Ray, sharks, turtles and more.

5) Iao needle. Check out this area. Nice natural features and a buddhist temple area. Bring the deet as you will be attacked by mosquitos.

6) Whale watching is one of the best activities, but the whales are gone in the summer. You can parasail in the summer, but I don't like doing that very much.

7) If you have an extra day, take a day trip to Molokai. I love that island. It's fun looking at Maui from Molokai.

8) If you want to go off road, get a Jeep and drive around Wailea to 7 pools the rough way.

9) Check out the Grand Wailea hotel. It's a great site to see. I usually get a burger and Maui onion rings there. mmm. mmm. more food.

10) Take a helicopter ride if you like such a thing. You get a completely different picture of the islands when you see it from up high. Lots of trips all the way to Hana.

11) There is a little winery near Wailea (at least their used to be), you can try some Pineapple wine.

12) Surfers on the windward side of Maui. You can usually find wind surfers and surfers and on the windward side of the island near the airport. Usually a good stop on the way to Hana.

Defintely get a convertible and reserve it now. If you don't reserve one, they will be gone by the time you get there.

Costco is right near the airport. So, make sure you stop there to load up on food before going to your condo.

[annalytical Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close annalytical]

My favorite place on Oahu is Ono's Hawaiian Restuarant.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

Lawren,

Where are you staying on Maui? Which side? You stay West side? I have three words for you and one website. Honokowai Okazuya Deli.

Maui Vacations Hawaii Vacation Food in all it's glory. Pics too.

Jon's a great guy. Lot's of hard work devoted to his website. Updates it every year.

Aloha.

[Sydney Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close Sydney]

Boca, you are making me hungry. I LOVE Japanese food.