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Oahu Chewers

post #1 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:26pm
Thread Starter 
I'm stuck in Waikiki for several days and need some tips: good restaurants, interesting non-tourist stuff, and whatnot.

Anything to get me away from the Strip.
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post #2 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:27pm
My wife was born and raised there. Stand by!
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post #3 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:29pm
Frank:

My wife and I were on Oahu in the winter of 2007. We had a great Japanese meal at a place called Matsugen, and we had another great meal at Roy's. Both are over by Trump's condo complex, so they might not be what you're looking for if you want to get off of the strip.

also: Hawaiian Cookie Company. Don't miss them.
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post #4 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:29pm
I think Devin created a similar thread around a year ago while he was visiting for the "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" junket.

There were a lot of recommendations there.
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post #5 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:36pm
Roy's is a chain - there's one here in Philly. Just sayin.

My wife's initial response: "Anyone who uses the term “stuck” and a place in Hawaii in the same sentence does not deserve my help..."
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post #6 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:37pm
The wife and I were just there in December. Get a car and head up the middle highway and come back down the east side of the osland. Great shrimp shacks and reastaurants all along that way and incredible scenery. FYI, the western side of the island is the ghetto side. Great beaches, but not great neighborhoods. And be careful not to think that the western road connects to the top side of the island, it doesn't. You'll have to double back the entire way. Also, try the Germaine's (spelling?) luau. It's corny and cliche, but still a good time in the traditional style of Hawaii luauing.
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post #7 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:39pm
Touristy, but have you climbed Diamond Head yet? It will be full of Japanese tourists hiking it in business suits and dresses.
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post #8 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
My wife's initial response: "Anyone who uses the term “stuck” and a place in Hawaii in the same sentence does not deserve my help..."
I don't know. I spent a good part of my time on Oahu trying to get far away from Waikiki.
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post #9 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
Roy's is a chain - there's one here in Philly. Just sayin.
I didn't realize that. We went there based upon a recommendation from another couple and had a great meal.

As an aside, we were kinda underwhelmed with Oahu (we were there for 5 days and did all of the shit that you're supposed to do) but we LOVED Maui. Frank, if you can, head over to Maui and do the Feast at Lele luau.
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post #10 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:40pm
http://chud.com/forum/showthread.php...ighlight=pearl
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post #11 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:42pm
Sure, Phib, but the worst part of Hawaii is still goddamn Hawaii.

Oahu is the most settled and overdeveloped island in the state, but I assume when Frank says he's stuck there, he's stuck there. If you're only stuck on the island, then get the hell out of Waikiki - visit the North Shore (check high tide times and go watch surfers do crazy shit).

No offense meant about the chain thing, Judas, just saying you can get it on the mainland as well. Zippy's Chili, on the other hand...
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post #12 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
My wife's initial response: "Anyone who uses the term “stuck” and a place in Hawaii in the same sentence does not deserve my help..."
For real. That was my first thought on reading Frank's post.
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post #13 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
No offense meant about the chain thing, Judas, just saying you can get it on the mainland as well. Zippy's Chili, on the other hand...
None taken. In all honesty, hearing that it's a chain makes me wish that they'd open up one here in the Twin Cities. I shit you not, we had a 10/10 experience there between the food and the service.
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post #14 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:45pm
Check out the north shore, there's a big swell right now and the conditions should be clean, though traffic could be tough. Then drive down the east side and go down to Makapu'u and Sandy's (SE corner) if there's time. Have fun.
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post #15 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
Sure, Phib, but the worst part of Hawaii is still goddamn Hawaii.
It is the truth you speak. And Frank, yeah, head towards Diamond Head. It is a bit touristy, but not as bad as Waikiki, and definitely worth it.
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post #16 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
None taken. In all honesty, hearing that it's a chain makes me wish that they'd open up one here in the Twin Cities. I shit you not, we had a 10/10 experience there between the food and the service.
Shit, now I want to try it. I'll let you know...

http://www.roysrestaurant.com/locator.asp
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post #17 of 23
1/21/09 at 2:46pm
Someone play the Hawaii-Five-O theme for Frank.
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post #18 of 23
1/21/09 at 6:04pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
My wife's initial response: "Anyone who uses the term “stuck” and a place in Hawaii in the same sentence does not deserve my help..."
She's gotta understand - my airplane broke down and the hotel's in Waikiki (My military airplane - my airline's planes always seem to work.). The plane's going to need a pretty major fix, so I'm going to be here for a while instead of playing on the floor with my kids.

The thing about Waikiki, of course, is that it's basically a hellish shopping mall camouflaged as a vacation destination. I'll take the third world over this place any time - the weather's just as nice, and there's a grander sense of adventure.

I appreciate the tips and the links, gang. You're giving me some great ways to fill my days while the mechs fix the plane.
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post #19 of 23
1/21/09 at 6:07pm
That's sort of what I told her. "He's some kind of secret government operative and he probably wants to be home with his family." Then I told her to lose the mainland cynicism or I'll forget why I married her. Then she said she's afraid all the places she would recommend might be gone now, which made her sad. So now it looks like I have to take her back to Hawaii for a visit this year. Nice going, Cobretti.
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post #20 of 23
1/21/09 at 6:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by FrankCobretti View Post
The thing about Waikiki, of course, is that it's basically a hellish shopping mall camouflaged as a vacation destination.
I'm serious, go to Maui if you can (I'm also told that Kauai is great). THAT'S the 'Hawaii' that you're probably looking for.
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post #21 of 23
1/21/09 at 6:33pm
There are tons of places to go hiking if you go inland a bit towards the mountains and if beaches are your thing then Id definately echo that you should head towards North Shore, alot fewer people and better waves. Specifically I loved Waimea Bay, and its pretty easy to find on Kam(Kamehameha, but almost no one calls it that) highway which is also a pretty great scenic road to drive in its own right as it follows the coast.

Also, since your in the military (at the Hale Koa Hotel Im guessing) you might like to head down to Wai'anae on the west side of the island. The Army owns a chunk of beach and some bungalows(called the Pililaau Army Recreation Center) there that your ID will get you into which makes for a nice private beach and some great snorkeling free of tourists.
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post #22 of 23
1/21/09 at 7:24pm
Boom.

Quote:
If it's within Waikiki, for restaurants I'd say Yard House. Good food, good music, 125 beers on tap. Has a big local following. It's on Lewers Street toward the ocean from Kalakaua in the Waikiki Beach Walk complex.

I've heard the Italian restaurant in the same complex, Taormina Sicilian Cuisine, is good. Nearby on the next street over the other way from Diamond Head (street is Beach Walk) is a small Italian restaurant. I forget the name, but it's a small street and just a few doors toward the mountain from the high-rise construction site of Trump Tower. We like Tikis, which is on the pool deck of the Waikiki Beach Marriott toward the zoo side of Waikiki. Good Hawaiian music usually playing and it overlooks Kalakaua and the beach.

Dukes in the Outrigger Waikiki is always popular with locals and tourists alike. Good food.

Good beach crowd during the day. Last place I'll mention is the Shack.
It's a sports bar with pretty good and extensive bar food that originated in Kailua. There's one in Hawaii Kai. Recently they opened in Waikiki 2255 Kuhio Ave. I haven't been there yet.

On activities I'm not too much of a good guide. Hiking up Diamond Head is still nice to do. Renting a surfboard on the beach or even taking a lesson if necessary might be fun. Not very expensive. The catamaran rides going off Waikiki beach are also relatively cheap and I think are worth it. Outside Waikiki Hanauma Bay is still cool if swimming around a lot of fish sounds interesting. The surf on the North Shore has been huge lately. Good to watch if interested in seeing that and going on a long (Hawaii long) drive. Not sure if there are contests running now.

Those are kind of touristy but not overly touristy like the Polynesian Cultural Center, Sea Life Park or a submarine ride. If he has particular interests on activities, let me know. Maybe I can focus the list.
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post #23 of 23
1/21/09 at 10:27pm
Thread Starter 
I had dinner at Duke's last night and lunch at L&L Drive In today. I'll try Yard House tonight! Thanks to your wife! (btw, I love the "super secret government operative" thing. It sounds so much cooler than "trucker in the sky'")

Turns out my wife has cousins here. I'm now officially plugged in! Rockin'!

Udate: Yard House. I second this recommendation. Great selection, knowledgeable staff, friendly patrons. Winner!

Now, if only I can get Uncle Sugar to spring for a rental car so I can explore some more of this island ...
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