Ala Moana: Kaka'ako Kitchen and Alan Wong's Pineapple Room
Located at 1200 Ala Moana Boulevard, this takeout restaurant is one of the closest eateries to Ala Moana Beach Park. A one mile long sandy beach fronts the park, which is popular with joggers, volleyball players and picnickers. The park's facilities include tennis courts and the water is suitable for swimming.
"Kaka'ako Kitchen" serves "plate lunches"; a traditional Hawaiian meal that includes rice, macaroni salad, and a choice of protein. Kaka'ako Kitchen is notable for offering healthy meals with brown rice and organic salad.
One block back from Ala Moana Boulevard, inside the Ala Moana Center, is "Alan Wong's Pineapple Room"; a simpler, less expensive version of the popular "Alan Wong's" restaurant. The famous chef's signature dishes are all served here, as well as some gourmet twists on local dishes.
Kaka'ako Kitchen
Victoria Ward Center
1200 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 596-7488
wardcenters.com
Alan Wong's Pineapple Room
Macy's Third Floor
Ala Moana Shopping Center
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 945-6573
alanwongs.com
Manoa Valley: Wai'oli Tea Room
The open-air dining room of "Wai'oli Tea Room" is located in the verdant Manoa Valley. Manoa Valley extends from Honolulu's university district up to a forest reserve, high in the Ko'olau Range.
The Manoa Falls Trail is a shaded hike through bamboo forest and rainforest, which begins at the end of Manoa Road and finishes at a 150-foot tall waterfall. Walkers see varied plant life, guava trees and tropical flowers on the mile and a half hike.
Wai'oli Tea Room, at 2950 Manoa Road offers light meals and specializes in afternoon high tea. Reservations are necessary.
2950 Manoa Road,
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 988-5800
thewaiolitearoom.net
Chinatown: Indigo
Although its Chinatown location puts it in a bustling, crowded area of Honolulu, away from the activities on offer at the beaches and valleys, the area around Indigo is rich with history, and offers opportunities for pleasant walking tours. Additionally, Indigo's location at 1121 Nuuanu Avenue puts it just around the corner from the Hotel Street bus stop, served by the Number 52 "Circle Island" bus, which runs up to the surfing spots of the North Shore.
Indigo is an up-market restaurant, which serves Hawaiian and Asian dishes such as dim sum, Pacific fish, and pork ribs. Indigo has an extensive wine list, and an adjoining cocktail bar named "The Opium Room."
1121 Nuuanu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 521-2900
indigo-hawaii.com
