SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT KATIE PESZNECKER loves Hawaii…and she does not lie. Here’s her latest post from Waikiki, where she and her husband Joe Niva spent a few days for sun-and-fun.
Hawaii was pummeled by terrible storms as of late, though we were lucky enough to escape to Oahu earlier this frigid Alaska winter during a weather window of sunshine and blue skies. Now that the island is recovering from flooding and asking tourists to resume travel plans, I wanted to share highlights from our recent vacation based out of Waikiki.
Husband Joe and I visited in March, just after several days of rain, which meant the flowers were blooming, the greenery gleamed greener, and locals and tourists alike were oozing with gratitude for the warmth and sunshine. We traveled on one of Alaska Airlines newer Anchorage-to-Hawaii routes, departing ANC in the morning and arriving in Honolulu mid-afternoon. This is such a game-changer from the old direct route that lands later in the evening.
Caption: Beachy vibes at Tiki’s Grill and Bar.
That night we dined at Tiki’s Grill and Bar located in the trendy Twin Fin Hotel on the zoo end of the Waikiki strip. This is a busy rooftop bar and restaurant that looks out over Kalakaua Avenue and the ocean, with loads of tiki decorations, string lighting, and other throwback ‘70s décor to set the mood. We were joined by our friend Kat, also visiting from the mainland.
Caption: Poke sliders at Tiki’s.
I chose the ahi poke wonton sliders, with a side of crispy Brussels sprouts, tossed in a Vietnamese-style ginger garlic and parmesan sauce. Joe’s 14-ounce steak was a hit after a long day of travel. We generally agreed Kat’s entrée won the day: a macadamia nut-crusted fresh catch fish with a lemony cauliflower risotto, and Kahumana Farms organic carrots. Tiki’s definitely promotes a party vibe – vibrant colors, hip lighting, fun and fruity cocktails, and pulsing music. Recommendations are definitely recommended though not hard to get if you plan in advance.
Caption: Folks take in the sunset from Outrigger Reef.
On our first full Hawaii day, we predictably paraded toward our hands-down go-to lunch spot, Paia Fish Market. Easy walking distance from most Waikiki hotels, this order-at-the-counter fast-casual staple is known for its fresh-catch fish preparations, house-made rough-chopped coleslaw, and zesty homemade tarter sauce. My old faithful: the fish taco lunch, with coleslaw and fried potatoes. Ringing it at $14, this heaping plate of homecooked food is one of the tastiest lunch deals in Waikiki.
Caption: Fish taco at Paia Fish Market.
We’ve visited Waikiki many times and never left this bustling enclave on the Oahu shores. It’s easy to get mired down there – with all the restaurants, beaches, shopping, pools and more, venturing out can feel unnecessary. But this trip, we made a point to hit up a couple of restaurants in Chinatown, a vibrant and historic neighborhood packed with hot eateries.
Caption: Kat and Joe in Chinatown.
The Livestock Tavern immediately gave Pacific Northwest urban vibes, with its brick interior, low lighting, and farm-to-table menu. Again joined by Kat, the three of us appreciated the attentive service and laidback but elegant atmosphere.
Caption: Inside Livestock Tavern.
We split the tavern chop salad – with shrimp, bacon and avocado – and found it to be a bright, light bite to start the meal. And I can’t say enough about the house-made cornbread, its crunchy exterior glazed in rosemary and honey maple, served with jalapeño butter.
Caption: Livestock Tavern’s legendary cornbread.
We shared a variety of entrees, including the amply portioned oxtail mac and cheese with smoked gouda; a beet and frisee salad with radish, tangy passion fruit dressing, and balls of fried goat cheese; the sunchoke and Brussels appetizer with applewood smoked bacon and a balsamic glaze; and Joe added a comforting bowl of chicken minestrone soup.
Caption: Smith’s Union Bar in Chinatown, known for being the oldest bar in Honolulu.
Livestock Tavern would also make a fun lunch spot, since this neighborhood is filled with fun pubs, niche boutiques, colorful markets and history. We liked it so much, in fact, that we returned later that week for pizza at J. Dolan’s, in Irish Pub loaded with character. The pizzeria and bar has two Honolulu locations but its Bethel Street Chinatown location oozes with the neighborhood’s staple charm.
Caption: Inside J. Dolan’s.
J. Dolan’s thin-crust pizza is pumped out of a wood-fired oven by masterful pie artists. You can order by the slice; I tried the pepperoni – crispy rounds of salty meet, gooey cheese and blistered dough hit the spot.
Caption: Pizza at J. Dolan’s.
Kat opted for one of the menu’s usual features, while Joe tried a special pizza, one of several offered that day only. J. Dolan’s is a fantastic option for a group dinner when seeking a more casual dining experience, a full bar, and an environment that locals love.
Caption: Husband Joe riding the waves on the catamaran.
Another highlight of this vacation: our afternoon outing asea with the fun-loving crew from Maitai Catamaran. We’re big fans of the Afternoon Delight sail, which tends to not sell as many seats as the sunset cruise but still features an open bar. Departing from behind the Sheraton Hotel, you’ll enjoy roughly an hour and a half sail off the Waikiki shores, with views of the coastline, Diamond Head, and possible sightings of marine wildlife like sea turtles and whales.
Caption: Group shot on the catamaran: Joe, Kat and Katie.
Cheaper sails (without open bars) are available earlier the day if you’d rather cruise without the booze. Though take note, their small-batch maitais mixed day-of and chilled in small onboard kegs are among the best on the island, and their use of fresh juices makes the drinks light and refreshing.
Caption: Waikiki and Diamond Head as seen from onboard the Maitai Catamaran.
Finally, a word on lodging. Joe and I are firmly hotel people and are extremely loyal to Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. One of several Outrigger properties in Waikiki proper, we love Reef because it’s on one end of the strip, affording both chill vibes and proximity to lively activity, should we want it.
Caption: The pool at Outrigger Reef with the hotel’s two towers in the background.
The property boasts an excellent gym space, great pool, and two on-site restaurants, including its own Kani Ka Pila Grill and the popular Monkeypod. There’s also a Starbucks, small but well-stocked ABC store, a few lovely shops, and a fabulous pool. It’s also practically across the street from Roy’s Waikiki, one of our favorite restaurants, where we enjoyed a fantastic dinner one night of sushi and salad.
Caption: The spread at Roy’s Waikiki.
Kani Ka Pila is a favorite end-of-day spot for us, with its nightly Hawaiian music featuring some of the area’s best-known musicians, and frequent pop-up performances by talented hula dancers. You can dine or drink while enjoying the show, or just pull up a lounge chair by the pool to soak up the island vibes.
Caption: Hula dancers at Kani Ka Pila.
Should your Hawaii vacay have you in Waikiki on a Friday, don’t miss the short but spectacular fireworks show launched from the Hilton Hawaiian Village, just a few properties down from Outrigger Reef.
Caption: Waikiki lights during the Friday night fireworks.
Get a spot early: the show beings at 7:45 p.m. Fridays, lasting anywhere from 5-10 minutes, and always draws a crowd. This visit, our corner room in Outrigger’s Pacific tower granted us picture-perfect views of the lights bursting against the night sky.
Caption: Sunset selfie in Waikiki.
Share this Post
