travel guide
June 16, 2017
Travel Guide: Quick and Dirty Guide to Waikiki
1 & 2 Honolulu Coffee Company | 3., 4 & 5 Tommy Bahamas | 6 & 7 Kona Coffee Purveyors | 8 & 9 Marukame Udon | 10 The Street | 11 Maui Brewing Company | 12 House Without a Key | 13 Island Vintage Coffee | 13 Leonard's Bakery
The husband and I have now traveled enough times to Oahu and stayed in Waikiki to develop our favorite places to eat, drink, and shop. Actually, the husband been more than me, since he traveled to the island for work (I know lucky him!). So we (yes WE) compiled a list of our favorite places in Waikiki for you!
COFFEE
Kona Coffee Purveyors
330 Kalakaua Avenue, Space 160, Kuhio Street Mall Entrance, Honolulu, HI 96815
We found this place on most recent trip. It's at the entrance of the new International Market place on Kuhio avenue. It's a small shop that offers indoor and outdoor seating. This became our go to for morning coffee and pastries.
Heather Recommends: almond pineapple croissant, cold brew
Honolulu Coffee Company
2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
This place is just a must when in Waikiki. They a couple of locations (all locations here), but the one we typically go to is located right by the Moana Surf Rider. Sadly, I didn't know they had just opened a roasting center that people can tour. If you are a coffee person like me I would recommend checking it.
Island Vintage Coffee
2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
This is the husband's favorite place and it's easy to see why. They not only offer a lengthy list of drinks (including lattes like the Island Latte and none coffee blends like Taro Frappe) but a breakfast and lunch menu. Plus, the shop itself in the Royal Hawaiian Center is super adorable and offers a lot of great gifting options to bring home. They too also have a number of locations, check them out here.
Heather Recommends: Ice Coffee
The Husbands Recommends: Acai Bowl, Drip Coffee
EAT & DRINK
Tommy Bahamas
298 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815
So little off the hustle and bustle of Kalakaua Ave. you will find a quite calmer street that houses Tommy Bahamas, Hardrock, Bills, and my favorite surf shop HIC Surf. On the first floor you will find the Tommy Bahamas shop then on the second floor is the huge airy dining space with big windows, large bamboo ceiling fans, and beautiful colorfully art work on the walls. There is even a roof deck that looks out onto Kalakaua Ave. and has little beach with fire pits. The food here is amazing and so are the drinks. If you are looking for a more upscale with a relaxed atmosphere, Tommy Bahamas is your place. Or just come for cocktails on the roof.
Heather Recommends: Pina Colada, Coconut Shrimp, don't skip the butter with the bread
The Pig and the Lady
83 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817
I have yet to go to The Pig and the Lady. This is a hugely popular place, that reservations are a MUST. Actually this place is so popular that the owners opened another smaller place call Piggy Smalls. Anyway, the husband has been here a couple of times and loves it.
The Husbands Recommends: Pho, and any daily specials - plus cocktails!
Yard House
226 Lewers Street, #l148, Honolulu, HI 96815
If you are a beer drinker, Yard House is a MUST. They have an extensive draft list including LOTS of local beers. One of my favorite things about the Yard House is that they let you taste test beers prior to having to actually buy a beer. Also they can help recommend beers to you. Also they have flights of beers which are called the 6-packs. They even have a "local six pack" with a variety of local beers they have on tap. This is always our first stop when we get to the island. I need my island beer fix, plus the food is spot on.
We Recommend: Truffle Burger (sub the regular fries with the truffle fries it's more $ but worth it), Kona Koko Brown
Maui Brewing Company
2300 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
New to us this trip was the Maui Brewing Company bar/restaurant. This place was in the same location as the stuffy Jimmy Buffet's. This place is HUGE and open...and lively. If you are looking for a quite affair you won't find it here. If you are coming for good brews and food then this is your place. They don't have flights yet BUT they do allow for you to try taste test two beers so the husband and I got two each to make a little flight of our own. We also split two apps and one entree (tapas style!). They even have a shuffleboard and foosball table in the back that you can play while you wait for a table or if play if your just boozing.
Heather Recommends: Pineapple Mana, Okinawan Tater Totes (they are taro tater totes!)
The Husband Recommends: Lahaina Town Brown, Fresh Mahi Tacos
House Without a Key
located at the Halekulani Hotel -- 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Halekulani Hotel is a five star hotel with beautiful dining and views of the ocean. Hands down, House Without a Key has the best Mai Tais and coconut cake. Whenever we are in Waikiki we go here just for the drinks and coconut cake. Plus, at night they typically have local music and hula dancing on the patio. So you get to enjoy a show, a drink, and the best damn coconut cake.
We Recommend: Going at sunset and getting the coconut cake and mai tai. If you are not dining in and just there for drinks and dessert, do tell them, they have seating on the patio (best view in my opinion) for those not dining in.
Leonard's Bakery
933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Leonard's Bakery is a staple in Honolulu. When on a Oahu you have to stop here and get malasadas. What are malasadas? Malasadas are Portugese doughnuts without a whole. They are light and fluffy covered in sugar! I mean these things are balls of HEAVEN.
The Street
inside the International Marketplace
The Street is a like a fancy cafeteria. It's a great place if you are with someone that wants different things or with a group. They have everything from poke to burgers. We came here twice for lunch first time both the husband and I got food from the International Smoke. I got the wagyu beef, mac and cheese, and potato salad. And of course a Hawaiian role. The mac and cheese and beef were both so good. The salsa they top on the beef along with the salt make the beef flavor pop. Plus, we both got a drink from Kai Poke. We were told it was similar to a Mai Tai and could get any liquor we wanted in it so of course with that we went with a rum...To both of us it was more of a margarita so go with a tequila. Second time we went the husband got Raman and I ordered from Maui Onion Burger. Since this place was still new Maui Onion Burger didn't have regular sized burger buns (they have two sizes regular and massive burger size) I opted for a chicken sandwich. Which was good. And got beers from the beer bar.
We Recommend: International Smoke, the Spam can drink from Kai Poke (with tequila!)
Marukame Udon
2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
Another one of the husbands picks. This casual Japanese restaurant specializes in Sanuki-style Udon. You can't go wrong with any of the handmade cool or warm udon dishes. The husband's personal favorite is their Niku Udon: a traditional broth with a light fish and seaweed taste, topped with sweet beef and caramelized onions. Did we mention they're handmade noodles? Daily. Walk down Kuhio Avenue and you'll see the noodle-making process in Marukame's open kitchen. With nearly 6,000 Yelp reviews, you'll often see lines outside - especially around lunch and dinner. It's worth the wait, which usually isn't too long with fast moving lines and plenty of counter seating.
The Husband Recommends: Niku Udon with a soft-boiled egg and tempura
SHOPPING
The Refinery
Lewers Street between Kalakaua Ave & Kalia Road
Another new ones to us was The Refinery. This cute little general store has lots of little gems. Perfect little keepsakes to take home with you or give as souvenirs. This little shop reminded me of Brooklyn but filled with beachy themed items.
Greenroom Hawaii
International Market Place 2330 Kalakaua Ave. #294 Honolulu, HI 96815
If you are looking for different type of souvenirs this is the place. The Greenroom has lots of affordable prints and art work from local artist. The husband and I went home with four prints from artist from Nick Kuchar. Now we have a theme for our bedroom. I can not wait to get frames to hang our pieces.
HIC Surf Hawaii Island Creations
280 Beach Walk #105, Honolulu, HI 96815
My favorite surf shop in Waikiki is HIC. This store has all the surf companies like Hurley, Roxy, Viacom, etc. under one roof. Plus, I have been able to find items in this shop that I can't find in their individual stores. If you are looking for a Hawaiian themed top or some new swim suits come check out this shop first. I've always been able to walk into this shop and leave with something.
Malibu Shirts
2335 Kalakaua Ave
Don't be fooled by the name, Malibu Shirts specializes in vintage Hawaiian designs which offers something different to take home with you. This is a small shop that offers soft vintage tee designs...that even come with a story attached to the tag. I love that with Malibu Shirts you are able to take home a part of Polynesian history with you.
Honolua Surf
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Looking for a Hawaiian surf company? Honolua Surf is your place. They are named after the mystical bay found on the western part of Maui. Their focus is on those who spend their time at the ocean. This is the shop for authentic Hawaiian surf gear.
Honolulu Cookie Company
multiple locations
Yes Honolulu Cookie Company is super touristy...but the cookies are so good! Plus, seriously they make the perfect souvenir to bring back to the office or to your family. This is a must stop for the husband and I. We always buy for our offices and a box for ourselves. My favorite flavors are chocolate coconut and espresso.
April 3, 2017
Travel Diary: Washington DC
Dress: Zara | Sneakers: Zara | Bag: Kate Spade | Sunglasses: Warby Parker
I haven't been to DC since I was 13, for my 8th grade trip. Which is crazy to me, seeing that DC is only a 3 hour train ride away from New York. I also must be honest, I don't really remember much from my 8th grade trip, so it was really like seeing DC for the first time. The husband was there for a conference so we decided to make a whole weekend of it. We did a lot of walking over that Saturday and Sunday...and eating.
Saturday we made our way to Adams Morgan area for breakfast, where I discovered my favorite coffee/cafe - Tryst. This is a MUST! Their iced coffee is everything (and trust me I'm a ice coffee fein) and you have to get the gingerbread waffles. I'm still craving both. The shop is seat yourself cute cafe with tables and sofas, and lined with books and art. After breakfast we made our way down to the National Mall and then over to the White House. After spending hours of walking around we decided to grab lunch in Georgetown. Boy was I not prepared for Georgetown...I had no idea that this area was shopping heaven. Any store you can think of...it was there. We stopped into Good Stuff Eatery for burgers and fries...and of course since it was in the 70s I wasn't going to leave there without a shake. If you're in Georgetown stop by Good Stuff Eatery for their shakes! Another must! We spent a couple of hours just wandering around Georgetown and taking in all of its beauty. For drinks and dinner we made our way back to Adams Morgan. Stopped at the Roofers Union for some beers and the rooftop view. Then went to Mintwood Place for dinner. We called it a night after dinner as we knew we were getting up early to hit the zoo before we left.
We got up early the next morning and made our way down the block to Open City. To my delight Open City has Tryst coffee (to only find out that they are own by the same people too!). A hot cup of Tryst coffee and their hash brown bowl was perfect on a chilly Sunday morning. After breakfast we made our was to the zoo. Since it was cold out not a lot of the animals were out which was just fine, we did get to see a lion, a tiger and a bear (OHMY!). I told the husband that when we have kids that we are taking them to the zoo, a major plus that it's free! And huge! Before leaving DC we stopped by Tryst again (at my request) for an ice coffee and one of their huge biscotti.
To be honest I wasn't sure what I was going to think of DC...but I must say I get why people love it there. Seattle and DC are now in the running for cities in the US I would move to. I mean this is outside of Hawaii because Hawaii will always be my number one.
September 28, 2016
Travel Diary: Florence at Sunset
Top: LF Store | Skirt: Necessary Clothing | Sneakers: Zara | Bag: Kate Spade
Who doesn't love a good sunset? One of my favorite things we did while in Florence was catch the sunset over the city. On our last night in town we trekked up to the Pizzale Michelangelo to capture a stunning sunset over Florence. We brought a bought of Chianti, pecorino cheese, and bread that we bought from the Mercato Centrale with us. After the sun had set we made our way back down and stopped into La Bruschetta for the most amazing meal ever. We went here on a recommendation from a friend...and I'm so glad that we did. The service was amazing and the food was so fresh. The menu is all in Italian but the waiters speak english and love explaining their meals and menu to the customers. The only problem is that this place has ruining gnocchi's for me...now nothing compares to the melt in your goodness that theirs was.
September 14, 2016
Travel Diary: Florence
Shirt: Urban Outfitters | Shorts: Zara | Sandals: J.Crew | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses: Feathers Boutique
September 7, 2016
Travel Diary: Palace of Versailles
Dress: Tularose | Sneakers: Zara | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Hat: Brooklyn Hat Co. | Sunglasses: Loft
My husband got to turn 31 in Paris! How lucky for him. The morning of his birthday we spent it at the Palace of Versailles. Seriously as beautiful place to celebrate your birthday. It was quite the adventure getting to Versailles. The usual commuter train that goes out there wasn't running that Sunday...so we had to figure out the Metro and the commuter train. I'm not sure why Parisians get a bad wrap. Everyone that we met (we don't speak French) was super nice and helpful. Though most people said they spoke very little english they spoke it very well way better then my very little French that I know. Anyway once we figured out where we had to go it was pretty smooth sailing. That morning it was colder then what I expected plus by the time we were leaving the garden it started to rain. That was a bit of a damper but at least the weather held out long enough for us to enjoy the gardens and take some beautiful pictures.
TIPS:
- Don't be afraid to ask for directions or how to get train tickets or what you need.
- Get to Versailles EARLY. It is super crowded and def. a must for tourist.
- As beautiful as the Palace was the Gardens are just as gorgeous. If you don't want to wait on a long line for the Palace skip the Palace and just do the Garden.
- There are snack bars in the garden...but I did see people bring in their own little picnics which I thought was super cute.
October 28, 2015
Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Seattle
Breakfast:
Moore Coffee
1930 2nd Ave. Seattle, WA
This is another must stop for all coffee lovers...and waffles enthusiast. They have unique mocha flavors like Mexican Mocha and Nutella Mocha, plus they do the most impressive milk art I have ever seen. Hungry? Get one of their delicious waffles. The husband and I love Nutella so he got the Nutella Banana, while I got just got the Nutella Waffle. What is so special about this? Well it's not like they just blob on Nutella, o no. It's almost like a Nutella syrup that is drizzled on. Not overly sweet for breakfast.
Explore:
Seattle's Waterfront
After breakfast head down to Seattle's Waterfront. This is where you'll find beautiful views of West Seattle, Seattle's Great Wheel, and catch the ferries to nearby islands and towns. You'll also find the aquarium down here.
Pike Place Market
Head to the Pike Place Market to take in some local crafts and food. It's a total bummer that we didn't have a kitchen and couldn't try any of the fresh fish at the market. Make sure to find Starbuck's first ever location. They even still have their original logo up. While down in the area stop by The Pike Brewery for lunch!
Lunch:
The Pike Brewery
1415 1st Ave Seattle, WA
pikebrewing.com
Whenever the husband and I go away somewhere we always want to try and find some local brews. And it's doesn't get any more local then The Pike Brewery. They brew their own beers right there, you can even take a tour of their facility. If you are a beer lover like us try their flights. We did their seasonal flight and was not disappointed. We ordered some nachos with pulled pork to go along with it. After the flight I ended up ordering their pumpkin beer called Harlot's Harvest and the husband got their amber ale.
Explore:
Ballard
Take a 15 minute cab ride up to the neighborhood of Ballard. This is a small sweet neighborhood north of Downtown. Don't be fooled by Ballard's quiet town feel. There are plenty of small shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to check out. Honestly, I could easily move to Ballard. It reminds me of Brooklyn in it's own way. Two of my favorite stores were Lucca Great Finds (5332 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle WA) and Camelion Design (5330 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle WA). After taking a stroll through Ballard stop by The Walrus and the Carpenter for an early dinner.
Dinner:
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4739 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle WA
www.thewalrusbar.com
Make sure to get to The Walrus and the Carpenter early, esp. on the weekends. They open at 4pm, so the husband and I got there right before they opened, and thank god we did. By the time it was 4pm there was a line down the hall for this place. It's a small cute little space with yummy seafood bites. My husband really loved their clams and enjoyed their oysters. As I'm not a raw seafood person I opted for the Fried Oysters and we shared the cured pork loin. Also you must order the bread and butter. I know that sounds bizarre, but the butter is so good. It's whipped to creamy light perfection.
Coffee & Desserts:
Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting
1124 Pike St. Seattle, WA
roastery.starbucks.com
Enjoy some after dinner coffee back in Downtown. The Starbucks Reserve is unlike any other Starbucks you have been too. It's big and beautiful, with two different ordering bars. Here you can see them roast their Reserve coffee beans, taste flights of their reserve coffee or try special drinks that are only found at the Reserve. I had tried the Autumn Latte the first time we went and then the second day I tried the Shakerato Bianco. Yes, we went twice. I could have went more to be honest.
Drinks and Late Snacks:
McMenamins Six Arms
300 E. Pike Street Seattle, WA
Another local brewery found in Downtown Seattle, nestled on a corner of Pike and Melrose. This place is two stories, big space and good crowd. The best is that it's not overly loud and a great place to grab some brews and cocktails. Since the husband and I had an early dinner we wanted something to snack on and this place had truffle fries and wings, which we dug into without hesitation.
DAY 2
Breakfast:
OddeFellows Cafe + Bar
1525 10th Ave Seattle, WA
www.oddfellowscafe.com
By far this was my favorite place we ate at. Brunch was beyond amazing. Their coffee was smooth and endless. If you stop here you MUST get the beignets. You get 5 small freshly made beignets COVERED in powered sugar with a side of strawberry jam. The jam taste just like the inside of a jelly doughnut but better. We both got the biscuit sandwich and ate ourselves into a food coma. The biscuit was so fresh and the scrambled eggs were light and fluffy. We got there early and by the time we left (10:30ish am) there was a bit of a wait for a table. So I recommend getting their early to start your day off right! And FULL.
Explore:
The Space Needle
www.spaceneedle.com
Okay totally touristy but it's something I think you should go and take in. You get a beautiful view of the city. Unfortunately Saturday morning was a bit hazy, and started to drizzle but I still appreciated going. I feel like if this is the first time to the city, this is a tourist must. Sort of like how people come to NYC and go to the Empire State Building. Right next store is the Chihuly Garden and Glass, if you so choose to check it out.
Pacific Place Mall
Okay so the real reason we ended up at Pacific Place was to stop by Trophy Cupcakes (the small kisko is downstairs in the main mall entrance. And if you love cupcakes like us you should go checkout this place. We got the Apple Caramel Cupcake and it was almost too pretty too eat!) But since we don't have any Nordstorms in NYC (plus it's a Seattle based company) I dragged the husband in. I'm so in love with Nordstorm and so jealous of those who have local stores. They had every brand that I could ever want in one location, Topshop, Madewell, Miss Selfridge, etc. I could have spent all afternoon there browsing the racks. But I felt bad enough dragging the husband in that I only spent an hour or so oogling over their goods.
Lunch:
Lunchbox Laboratory
1253 Thomas St Seattle, WA
lunchboxlaboratory.com
If you are looking for a fun funky place...this is it. Lunchbox Laboratory serves up some yummy burger options and shakes (including adult shakes). After you chow down on some tater tots and burgers head upstairs where you'll find some old school arcade games.
Explore:
Downtown Seattle
There are so many little shops, bars, and coffee places to stop by on both East Pike and Pine Streets. Checkout Melrose Market for more local crafts and eats. It was hard not to buy everything from Butter Home. There's another cupcake place which we didn't stop into but now I'm kicking myself for, Cupcake Royale. Stop into Quinn's Pub for a cold one.
Dinner:
Re:Public
429 Westlake Ave N Seattle, WA
republicseattle.com
One thing I noticed about Seattle was the amazing happy hours and happy hour food specials. That are DAILY! If your into sharing small plates get to Re:Public early to take part in their happy hour menu from 4pm to 6pm. Their sliders and fries (with the alioli trio) were banging. But the husband and I also split the Wild Boar Bolognese. Which was the 3rd best thing he ate in Seattle (he was there longer then me since he was out there for work).
Drinks and Late Snacks:
Barrio
1420 12th Ave Seattle, WA
I love me a good margarita. So when I come across one as delicious as theirs...I need to have at least two. Barrio is a cute Mexican Restaurant off of East Pike street. First off all you are greeted by two huge wooden doors, then you walk into a gorgeous space with lit candles everywhere. Their Ghost Chili Margarita is one of the best margs that I have ever had. The Ghost Chili wasn't over powering but had a nice hinted kick to it. Barrio also has a late night menu as well from apps to desserts. Don't pass on the guca and chips!
48 hours for me flew by. There is so much to see, do, and eat in Seattle. I didn't have one bad meal while there! Everyone we met was super friendly, and there were so many pups! I love dog friendly cities. I absolutely want to go back...and 2 hours from Portland or just 2 hours from Vancouver!
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