Honolulu has always been decried
as “L.A. on the beach.” Sure, it’s a big city, however Oahu is also an island
loaded with many cool things to do which vacillate between the obvious, and the
lesser known. Of course there is Pearl Harbor, which includes the Arizona
Memorial, as well as the battleship
Missouri, which is fascinating because this was where the U.S. and the
Japanese signed the treaty to end WWII. Located on the port side of the ship is
a plaque commemorating this historic events, as well as additional historical
info. But there is much more to consider on Oahu.
The Iolani Palace, downtown Honolulu, was built in 1882 and brags that
it’s the only royal residence in the United States. That’s because back in the
day Hawaii was ruled by a king. The Hawaiian Kingdoms’ last two ruling monarchs
both lived here. The tour is limited; just parts of the two-story interior, but
there is a comprehensive museum in the basement.
Though the palace is architecturally beautiful from the inside and outside, it’s the museum that really sells this visit. Old photos, state jewels (the Royal Order of Kamehameha Knights Grand Cross and Collar is pictured here), dinnerware, military and ceremonial swords and a history of the odd relationship the Hawaiian Islands have had with everyone.
From a royal palace to a
Buddhist temple, Byodo-In Temple near
Kanohe is called the “best kept
secret” but once you arrive and see the tourists , well it’s not all that
secret. Patterned after an ancient temple in Japan, this baby was built without
the use of nails. Start by ringing the 3-ton brass prayer bell. From there the
temple can be entered, but it’s meant for quiet reflection, not noisy
conversation so turn off your cell phones. There is a small gift shop, koi
pond, and beautiful visuals. Is it worth the drive up to the leeward side of
the island? I’d say yes if you have something else planned in the vicinity.
The –obviously - great thing
about Honolulu is the water – specifically being underwater. I don’t surf, but
I do scuba and a wreck dive 120 feet down, just a few miles off the coast of
Honolulu with Rainbow Scuba was a
fantastic experience. They do everything for you, and guide you down, through,
and around the wreck site, in our case a boat from the 1950s. This was my first
wreck dive and frankly a whole lotta fun. Plus this water is way warmer than my
home in Santa Barbara.
At North Shore Shark Adventures in Haleiwa you can get in a protected cage and hang out with sharks –
and you don’t need any special gear. The boat takes you 3 miles out and they
will get 6 of you in a (very safe) cage with snorkel equipment, which means
you’re barely under the surface, but are close to these fascinating and
beautiful animals. Sadly, people demonize sharks, and should you chose to be
willfully ignorant, you’ll never understand these creatures (nor anything else
in life for that matter). There were four sharks during our 15-minute drop down
under the warm Pacific. The sharks won’t hurt you and hanging out with sharks
in their home is unbelievably awesome. They do not add chum to the water to
attract the sharks, they naturally move to the boat when they hear the hum of
the engines. |
| Wreck diving |
As a restaurant reviewer I’m always
looking for authentic food native to where I am. Two picks worth mentioning: Helena's Hawaiian is
located in a crappy strip mall and is a small space which has seen better days
but the food is terrific and cheap. Butterfish and pork wrapped in poi leaves
then steamed gives this an earthy subtle tobacco note. The pork is smoky
wonderfully moist and very flavorful. The Pipikaula short ribs are meaty, fatty
and rich. You won't find many tourists here and that’s exactly the point, this
is excellent traditional Hawaiian food.
As a stark contrast to that, Sushi
Sasabune has some of the most incredible sushi I’ve had buy you pay dearly
for it. The best option is to go with their 13-course dinner. Yes, 13 courses,
but you can stop whenever you like. This is not an order off-the-menu thing
(though you can do that) they will bring you what they want and even tell you
the preferred way to eat it. Some folks don’t like being told how to eat their
food, but when you’re in the hands of a sushi master, don’t argue. We went back
the next night too.
The Mai Tai is the
quintessential drink on the islands: maligned, mocked and most are sticky
sweet, weirdly viscous and plied with so many fruit and flowers it looks like a
parade. After seeking out every iteration across Honolulu, I had that eureka
moment. Located inside the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, the 1944
Mai Tai made at Tiki’s Grill & Bar uses Cruzan Estate Light Rum,
Myers Dark Rum, Orange Curaçao, Orgeat Syrup and fresh lime juice, then topped
with Passion Fruit Foam (made with Licor43
- a Spanish liqueur made of fruit juices and vanilla) passion fruit puree,
pasteurized egg whites, and the juice of a lemon. This is killer. You get the mellow
rum, a hit of tangy citrus from the juices and the delicate addition of
passion fruit seals the deal, adding a flavor dimension, making this mai tai
immensely drinkable.
Distilled in downtown Honolulu, made from local island sugar cane, and then filtered through lava rocks, Hawaiian Vodka has a creamy viscosity, a unique sweetness backed
by a rich maple, almost rum-like note with a minimal burn and small wisps of
mint. The lava, actually a large cube of crushed lava rock, and the copper pot still work their magic to
create a very fine and unique version of how cool vodka can be. Currently it’s
only available on the islands but will hopefully make its way to the mainland.
Distiller Dave Flintstone is having
a tough time keeping up with demand. Pick up a bottle locally or ask for it at
a bar.
To make your time easier on Oahu
consider the Go Oahu card, a
valuable asset to get discounts to many traditional activities and sights on
Oahu (Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor and museums) as well as things you may not
have thought of. Using it wisely you’ll save yourself some cash.
For hikes around Honolulu check out my
other post On Oahu: HIKING HONOLULU
And Watch my “2 Minute Travel”
video I shot On Oahu: ON OAHU VIDEO
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| The Battleship Missouri at Pearl Harbor |
