Neaulani's

Hau Tree Lanai
2863 Kalakaua Ave.
921-7066
The charming Hau Tree Lanai may be the most romantic setting under the Hawaiian moon. Set beachside at The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, the restaurant attracts those who are attracted to each other, with intimate dining under a pair of expansive hau trees dotted with twinkling lights and on the water's edge overlooking Waikiki Beach.
Honolulu Magazine awarded the restaurant the 2010 Hale Aina Gold Award for Best Outdoor Dining. And it's a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

Our love affair with the Hau Tree Lanai continues with the breakfast menu. It's a hard choice between the eggs Benedict or the famous poi pancakes. Light fare lunches include a selection of sandwiches, curries, pastas, fresh island fish and vegetarian plates. And dinners are exquisite with chef's favorites, prepared traditionally or Asian inspired.




The alfresco dining is made special with pink table clothes, classically designed white railings and fresh orchids to the ocean vistas and sunset views.

Save room for the Haupia cake or the pineapple crème brulee.

Romance is always in the air at the Hau Tree Lanai.

Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market

Bring your appetite. This is not your typical farmers market. OK, yes, you'll find the sweetest Kahuku papaya, the plumpest tomatoes, juiciest pineapples, and most flavorful produce you've ever tasted in your life but taking home the freshest fruits and veggies is just part of the experience.
Grazing from booth to booth, you'll soon find the KCC Farmers Market is a plate-lunch fest offering a rainbow assortment of everything yummy. Starting with sweet-bread French toast or kim chee fried rice, eggs and sausage for breakfast, to stuffed grape leaves, Thai coconut chicken curry, Spam musubi, Kailua pork sliders, fresh grilled abalone, Portuguese sausage, pizza, shave ice, homemade salsa, baklava, mochi, fresh baked bread, fried green tomatoes, even live music, you are most certain to leave completely satisfied.
KCC's Farmers Market was started by two friends: Nalo Farm's Dean Okimoto and writer Joan Namkoong, with the help of the KCC Culinary Program.
"And because it was started by a farmer, it and the rest of the Hawaii Farm Bureau's Farmers Markets are very strict about the produce brought to our markets," says Lisa Asagi, co-founder of She Grows Food. "We require all produce to be locally grown. Not all farmers markets have this rule, but we do."
The market is the oldest of its kind on Oahu and started just seven years ago with 14 farmers. Today you'll find nearly 60 vendors each Saturday morning from 7:30 to 11 a.m.



Asagi says the growth in popularity has to do with the fact that people really care about what they eat and what they feed their families.

"We're all a lot more mindful," she says. "I feel farmers markets are part of a national grassroots movement. It may have started off organic focused, but now it is much more than organic. It's about realizing how much better a bunch of kale tastes when we buy it from a local farmer. How it actually tastes alive because it was harvested that morning. "


Some of Asagi's market favorites include Hearts of Palm honey harvested from all over the islands; heirloom tomatoes; premium rum cakes made with roasted local pumpkin, dark chocolate and Maui rum; chocolate made with Waialua-grown cacao; Kona coffee; Kula strawberries; evil jungle prince taro dip; organic sauerkraut and kimchee; totally local smoothies made with local fruit, herbs and milk; fresh churned butter in at least five different flavors; local beef; and endless varieties of lettuce, even hydroponically grown.

"Kale seems to be really hot right now," says Asagi. "People are addicted."



Papayas are always popular because of reasonable prices and the farmers always bring them just ripe enough to eat throughout the week.

"I've been going to the Farmers Market for years," says Dawn Soderquist Okano, Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. "It's a great place to see your neighbors. Local people go early to buy the best orchids."

Diamond Head Market & Grill
3158 Monsarrat Ave.
732-0077

For a healthy plate lunch or last minute potluck platter, Diamond Head Market & Grill is a favorite among residents.

"The take-out meals are a real plus for those who live in the area," says one area local.
New to the menu is breakfast, which includes Chef Ro's airy light pancakes with fresh banana, coconut or blueberries; or a special loco moco made with hash from garlicky slow-roasted pork, eggs, homemade gravy and rice. And there's nothing like the early morning aroma of plenty of fresh brewed Peet's Coffee that greets you when you're parking your car.

Already popular lunch and dinner to-go menu items include their famous grilled Portobello mushrooms with balsamic jus, fresh fish, home-style burgers and prime rib.

Stop in on the way to your next potluck for one of the specialty platters. These super fresh, colorful assortments of wraps, sushi, sandwiches or desserts will be any table's piece de resistance.

Located on the corner of Monsarrat and Campbell Avenue, with parking out front, this is a great place to eat before a concert at the Shell.







Rainbow Drive-in
3308 Kanaina Ave. (on the corner of Kapahulu Ave.)
373-0177

This classic local eatery is a hot spot with the locals and especially college kids returning from the mainland to get their local kine grinds fix.
From its humble beginnings in 1961 when it served 50-cent chili with rice, $1 dollar barbecue steak plate lunches, and 25-cent hamburgers, Rainbow Drive-in has attracted crowds by keeping their prices low, their food hot and the service fast.

Today, it's famous chili, made with ground beef, garlic, kidney beans and special blend of herbs and spices, remains a favorite along with the chicken katsu and Rainbow Royal Sandwich - two-patty burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce - and a long list of plate lunches. No wonder they've been nominated by Pacific Business News as one of Hawaii's "Best in Business."
Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.



South Shore Grill
3114 Monsarrat Ave.
734-0229
Great food and great prices are what this family-owned café is all about. The super casual setting is convenient for surfers, beach goers or hikers.



Known for the best aioli on the planet, other favorites include fish tacos, a variety of over-stuffed burritos, gourmet sandwiches, Caprese salads, garlic butter fries, and a friendly staff. You can go healthy or try an order of the Suicide Fries topped with cheese and their special roasted garlic brown gravy. Kids menu includes grilled cheese with cheddar or provolone.
Good place for a quick bite.

If you have a property in mind or even just a general question, please don't hesitate to Contact Us. neaulani@cbpacific.com

There's no doubt about it - eating out in Kunia is a family affair. Catering to families is what the restaurants in the Kunia area do best. With family-style Italian, Thai and Chinese restaurants - all especially suited for sitting around a table and sharing a meal - Kunia is the mecca of budget friendly, keiki friendly and, best of all, convenient eateries.
"I think the restaurant selection in Kunia is a reflection of the family-friendly community," says Michele Cadiente-Cargo, Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. It seems developers took the community into consideration when deciding what tenants to put in the mall and what could best accommodate the people living in the surrounding area."
Feeding the kids on the fly? We marvel at how mom and dads juggle the carpools, the dance classes and soccer practice so eloquently, and still manage to know just how to keep everyone happy when it comes to finding a good meal. In Kunia, convenience doesn't mean giving up on variety. But it's difficult to pick a favorite when you have so many options all in one place. This neighborhood is all about casual food in a fun atmosphere.



Fast Food options

Between Wendy's, Jack in the Box, McDonalds, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Denny's, Subway, Loco Moco and Taco Del Mar, there are plenty of kid-pleasing restaurants to provide a variety of inexpensive meals from pancakes and loco moco to burger, fries, enchiladas, smoothies, meatball subs, even ice-cream sundaes.
"I think it's convenient for families, especially if mom and dad work downtown," says Cadiente-Cargo. "After dealing with the traffic on the way home, I don't think many people feel like cooking dinner. It is nice to have these eateries as an option if time is of the essence and the keiki are hungry."

Denny's offers folks dining options 24 hours a day. Here you can get breakfast any time of the day, including the popular Grand Slam. Lunch and dinner options include burgers, salads and sandwiches, appetizers and desserts to satisfy any late-night craving.


On a tight budget? And who isn't? These restaurants are a no hassle dining experience that is easy on the pocketbook.


Auntie Pasto's

Ooooh, for the very best pastrami sandwich on a homemade ciabata roll on the island, or if you're craving real Italian meatballs, a hearty Eggplant Parmesan or decadent Fettuccine Alfredo, nothing comes close to the homemade taste of Auntie Pasto's in Kunia.
Cozy booths make the atmosphere fun for family gatherings, and the delectable variety of pastas and gooey comfort food will please the whole family. Auntie's spaghetti, pizza and mac-n-cheese are the epitome of fun keiki food, and the laid back welcoming vibe is so Italian.



"My favorite restaurant in Kunia has to be Auntie Pasto's partly because they actually have parking at this location," says Cadiente-Cargo. "I like to order the lasagna roll with Caesar salad lunch combo."

Hand-tossed pizza crusts fired in a brick oven make the Neapolitan style pizzas - especially the fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomato basil - a house specialty.
The service is friendly and the menu offers Italian favorites, including a chopped salad, an Italian meats and cheese plate appetizer, shrimp scampi with angel hair pasta, gnocchi (house made potato dumplings), a lasagna roll, a rib-eye steak, polenta and an endless supply of delicious garlic bread.

"I really like the crab cakes," says Mikiko Terahira, Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties.
Menu items are healthy - made with only mono-unsaturated fats (canola and olive oil) and real butter. They don't use trans fats! Everything on the menu, including the dressings and sauces, are made in house and fresh produce is delivered daily. Whole wheat and gluten-free pasta is available on request.
Of course, you'll have to keep coming back to sample everything on the menu. And you can, because this family establishment feeds everyone reasonably.


Thai Village

For a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Village in Kunia can't be beat. Enjoy good food and good company in this conveniently located Kunia Shopping Center location.
"My favorites here are the spring rolls, the green curry and the pineapple fried rice," says Terahira.

Pineapple fried rice is a Jasmine rice stir-fried with onion, egg, chunk pineapple, tomato, green onion and Thai seasoning. Most of the vegetables are brought in fresh from local farms daily and are seasonal.

Menu favorites include papaya salad, made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes and Thai Village sauce; fresh homemade style udon Khao Plix soup with chicken or pork; Thai sweet & sour, sautéed with white onion, cucumber, pineapple, bell pepper, celery and tomatoes; a variety of fried noodles; and an assortment of curries - red, yellow, green, pineapple, Panang, Evil Jungle, garlic and lobster.

Kunia Chinese Restaurant
There is something about Chinese food that lends itself to family-shared dining and no one does family style better than Kunia Chinese Restaurant. And with the generously sized portions, there's plenty to go around no matter how big (and hungry) your family might be.
Chef specialties - on everyone's must try list - include crab puff, sizzling spicy chili shrimp, tenderloin steak and macadamia nuts with asparagus, shrimp rice noodle with roasted garlic, pork chop Hong Kong style, and fresh asparagus with beef, pork or chicken.
Garlic and butter shrimp, fried oysters, steam pork hash, char siu manapua and walnut shrimp are mouth watering as well.

And if you're having a party, their catering menu includes many of the favorite dishes and the restaurant will deliver free on purchases more than $200.
The comfortable and quiet setting and exquisite cuisine offers a nice alternative to fast food dining in the neighborhood. For a complete menu, visit their website at www.kuniachineserestaurant.com.

Kapolei store is located just up the street from Wet and Wild Hawaii water park. It carries a wide range of natural and organic foods and groceries including dairy products and local fresh organic produce.

It also has bulk foods, which allow customers to purchase the amount they want and save unnecessary packaging and marketing costs on a wide variety of beans, gains and flours, cereals, candies, and more. They have body care products and truly green household items and the most complete range of all-vegetarian and natural, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and homeopathic remedies available in Hawaii.

One of the nicest things about this store is that it has a community room. Here's where our "Love Life! Community Outreach Team" conducts free vegetarian cooking classes and nutritional seminars. Two cooking classes are held every Wednesday night at 4:00pm - 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, and we also conduct a cooking class on the third Saturday of every month from 11:00am to 12:00 noon.

The nutritional seminars are held periodically and are announced on the Events page of our website as well as Twitter, Facebook, our monthly e-newsletter, and flyers distributed at the store.
4460 Kapolei Parkway, Suite 320
Kapolei, HI 96707
Phone: 808-675-2300

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties New West Oahu for expansion Office is Next Door

Now you have one of the largest residential real estate firms in the state — Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties — turning its focus to the West Oahu/Kapolei region. The firm is building out a new office at Kapolei Commons, which is expected to open in September to serve Oahu’s growing population out west.

Kapolei 4450 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, HI 96707

If you have a property in mind or even just a general question, please don't hesitate to
Contact Us. neaulani@cbpacific.com

Maybe it's Nuuanu's convenient proximity to downtown, but neighborhood eateries there tend to have a casualness about them that is perfect for those last minute decisions to grab a quick bite for lunch or eat out instead of cooking. Eateries in Nuuanu are all about relishing good home-cooked meals at family-owned businesses. Delight in authentic local flavors or just hang out … whatever your reason might be, these hot spots are where you'll find the best island eats. Bon appétit.



Bangkok Chef
1627 Nuuanu Ave.
585-8839

For those times when only curries, coconut milk and turmeric will hit the spot, check out Bangkok Chef's Thai plate lunches. Reasonably priced ($5.97 for an entrée), the family-sized portions are large (you and your BFF can share one), the service is fast, the food is hot and the ingredients are exceedingly fresh.

This lesser-known eatery started out in 2001 as Nuuanu Open Market, selling fresh vegetables and Thai cooking ingredients. But the owner's wife is from Bangkok (where her family operates a restaurant), so naturally, in 2002, she began cooking Thai food and the restaurant was born.

The restaurant has a small yet passionately loyal fan base who rally for the fresh ingredients offered by this family-owned, hole-in-the-wall eatery. For lunch or dinner, the authentic Thai fare take-out (though you can eat-in too) - lives up to its growing reputation.

Specialties include mango salad, fishcakes, lettuce with crispy spring rolls, cashew nut chicken and curry, summer rolls with peanut sauce for dipping, green papaya salad, Panang pork curry, chicken sateh (6 sticks for $6.95), red, yellow and green curry, iced coffee and the tapioca and banana dessert for $2.50.

"Bangkok Chef impressed me with the quality of the food for such low prices," says one regular customer. "The green mango salad was my favorite dish."

According to the restaurant owner, Patrick Chang, the pad thai is their number one best seller. After that, the curries are the most popular.

"There are a few reasons I believe customers are drawn to Bangkok Chef," says Chang. "One being it's inexpensive. And then the very casual atmosphere and the simple and delicious meals we serve."

"Only my wife knows the best kept secret of Bangkok Chef," he says. "And she's not telling. But I think I can guess … we serve what people want."

Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Govinda's Vegetarian Buffett
51 Coelho Way
595-4913

Healthy eating isn't just for vegans anymore. Govinda's vegetarian menu is just as popular with meat eaters looking to boost their veggie intake as those looking for meat-free, organic, bargainous options And you can make your selections from the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for only $9.99.



Tasty, veggie-rich buffet options are plentiful and depending on what the specials are that day, the menu might include spinach lasagna; baked ziti; shepherd's pie; falafel dumplings with zucchini and cauliflower in a coconut-milk sauce; eggplant parmesan; quiche; enchiladas; walnut dumplings; tofu spinach curry; Thai yellow curry; as well as organic brown rice, wonderful salads and dressings - all homemade, without hydrogenated oils or MSG, and all aimed at helping you to stick with the plan to get healthy in 2011.

There is always a crowd, the customers get their money's worth, and the setting is lovely.

Located off the Pali, before Queen Emma Summer Palace in the Hara Krishna temple, Govinda's is open for lunch only between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Take Wylie Street to Burbank Street and turn right. Then turn right onto Coelho Way.



Nuuanu Okazuya
1351 Nuuanu Ave.
533-6169

You may have driven by Nuuanu Okazuya - on the town-side corner of Vineyard and Nuuanu - but didn't have time to stop. For the last three years, its new owner has elevated Nuuanu Okazuya's 30-plus year reputation. Still in the same location serving up traditional and local Japanese and Okinawan favorites for breakfast and lunch, this Okazuya has earned nearly landmark status.


An absolute "must-try," Nuuanu Okazuya's chef, Johnathan Mosley, turns plate lunches into an art form taking traditional Okinawan recipes and giving them his own twist.

"Our Furikake Chicken Katsu with our 'secret' sauce is our top seller," says Mosley, who has also earned a reputation for his more than 70 flavors of andagi (Okinawan donuts).

"I got bored with just traditional/vanilla and just started tweaking the recipe and playing with flavors," he says. "I used to be a bartender, so it's the same type of mixology."

Mosley's latest creations include root beer, praline and marshmallow flavors.

The friendly atmosphere offers two tables to eat-in or take-out for breakfast and lunch. Prices are reasonable.

The menu is varied and includes something for everyone: nine varieties of boneless chicken, assorted vegetable dishes including sautéed green beans and stir-fried bok choy, Okinawan sweet potato, vegetable and shrimp tempuras, a wide selection of fishcakes, chow fun, vegetarian and potato hash, shoyu steamed and grilled tofu, furikake and fried rice musubi, fried saimin, and teriyaki burgers. Be sure to save room for the andagi.

The breakfast menu includes eggs with a variety of meats, rice or toast as well as pancakes, French toast, and loco moco.

It's all so good that there is almost always a line, which gives you time to decide what you want to order.



Buddhist Vegetarian Restaurant
100 North Beretania St. #109
532-8218
Vegetarians in the mood for dim sum love Buddhist Vegetarian, located in the Chinese Cultural Plaza. Various types of soft, fluffy steamed buns, mouth-watering dumplings, rice noodles, pot stickers and sweet pastry come in plenty of textures and flavors - Chinatown style - but without the meat that is traditionally included in the recipes.

The atmosphere at Buddhist Vegetarian is lively and fun, as dim sum carts are wheeled around and you can pick what looks yummy and try it.

"The entire menu is vegetarian, but meat eaters can order non-vegetarian dishes from Legends next door, since it's the same owner," says one loyal customer. "The view is the river on River Street, so you get the 'Chinatown' experience."

The take-out or eat-in, casual atmosphere is great for lunch and a Chinese comfort food fix.

This one-of-a-kind Chinese Buddhist Vegetarian restaurant gets nothing but the best ratings. Definitely worth checking out.

Terry's Place
100 N. Beretania St. #207
533-2322

The vibe at Terry's place is just the right mix of rowdy and sophisticated. The ambiance is cool, karaoke bar casual, but don't let that fool you - the menu encompasses more than just your standard bar food.

According to food reviewer Melissa Chang, one of the most popular items is the rib eye steak for $17.

"The rib eye steak with their signature mushroom bourbon sauce is fantastic," she says. "It's rich and addicting and so good with a hearty red wine.

"The fried noodles ($8) are served steaming hot with chopped char siu, Portuguese sausage, and veggies," adds Chang, writer at NonStopHonolulu.com. "I liked how the Portuguese sausage gave it a hint of spiciness."

Regulars know to ask the owner, Terry Kakazu, for a wine paring recommendation.

"When you get a wine recommendation at Terry's Place, you know it's going to be good, since she also owns HASR Wine Company in Chinatown," says Chang, who adds that Terry's wine fridge has more exquisite wines than any bar in Honolulu.

Order wine by the glass, carafe or by the bottle.

This super cool Nuuanu find is a great place to hang out.

If you have a property in mind or even just a general question, please don't hesitate to Contact Us. neaulani@cbpacific.com

Farmers' Market
Located at the Palolo Valley District Park, the People's Open Market is open every Wednesday morning from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

The People's Open Market was formed in 1973 to provide the opportunity to purchase fresh agricultural and aqua cultural products and other food items at low cost. Additionally, the aim was to support the economic viability of diversified agriculture in Hawaii by providing a place for local farmers' and fishermen to gather weekly to sell their produce direct to the public. Over the years, this has become a popular way for growers to market and sell their harvests and a ritual for the community to find the best deals and the sweetest, juiciest produce on the island.

More than a million people shop at 25 farmers' market sites across Oahu each year. Shopping for freshly picked fruits and vegetables while socializing and connecting with neighbors is what has made farmers' markets like this one in Palolo so successful.

Produce includes garden fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of foods associated with different ethnic groups, fresh ocean and pond fish, and Hawaii grown flowers, such as ginger, orchids and anthuriums.

Drive mauka on Palolo Avenue. The market is on the right just past Jarrett Intermediate School. There is on-street parking. Bring a flashlight during the winter months. For more information about its assortment of local specialties, produce, organic food and crafts.
Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquor
Tamura's is the go-to place for the best selection and the best prices for beer, wine and any of your pau hana snacks. The local-style flavor is what makes Tamura's so easy to stop in for whatever you need - with reasonable prices and great service.

In addition to a wide variety of wine and beer, customers enjoy boiled peanuts, edamame, ahi, taro chips, and the highly recommended King Crab Poke or the to-die-for Jalapeno Pipikaula.

On your way to a BYO gathering or restaurant? Tamura's great location on the corner of Waialae and 10th avenues is convenient to area restaurants or simply a quick stop on the way home.
North Shore Grinds
You don't have to live in Palolo to crave the ono-licious plate lunches from the kitchen at North Shore Grinds on 10th Avenue. The restaurant's owner grew up in Palolo, moved to the North Shore and then came back to Palolo.

Chow down on Hawaiian plates including laulau, kalua pig or both, served with chicken long rice and mouth-watering lomi salmon, rice and mac or tossed salad. Other favorites include the hamburger steak with onion gravy, teri steak and chicken, breaded pork with an apricot glaze, garlic calamari, or herb-crusted mahi embellished with a lemon cream sauce.
Menu items also include a selection of salads, sandwiches, fresh fish and mini plates.

"I recommend their grilled ahi with veggies salad and tangy dressing," says Elaine Shinagawa, Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. "The restaurant is almost always full."

Prices for sandwiches start at $4.95, mini plates start at $5.95, and plate lunches are priced from $7.95. Residents say this is one place they can't live without.
Palolo Drive Inn
Palolo Drive Inn has a diverse menu selection sure to satisfy your craving for inexpensive, large portions. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Choose from walnut shrimp, egg fu young, kung pao chicken, a prime rib steak or New York steak with garlic shrimp. Also recommended are the seafood combo with mahi mahi, fried shrimp and your choice of barbecued short ribs, barbecued chicken or barbecued beef; loco moco; or a bento, with katsu, barbecued beef, mahi and spam.

Other food groups at Palolo Drive Inn include burgers, saimin, and musubi, and popular side orders of kim chee, egg rolls, and cheese wontons - comfort foods that soothe the soul.

For parties, don't forget that Palolo Drive Inn has catering options. Depending on the size of your group, order a small pan (6-8 people), half pan (13-15 people) or full pan (20-25 people) from the catering menu, which includes favorites such as chicken katsu, orange chicken, chicken wings, meat jun, barbecued short ribs, hamburger steak, Hawaiian lau lau, kalua pork, or fried mahi mahi.
When you're in the mood for take-out that is just as delicious as it is convenient, Palolo Drive Inn will not disappoint.
Your Kitchen
One of the great things about Palolo is the conveniently located neighborhood businesses and restaurants peppered up and down 10th and Palolo avenues to make life easier. And Your Kitchen is one of those gems.

Your Kitchen is just that, it is your home away from home kitchen, ready with home-cooked meals when the day's busy schedule took up more of the day than was intended. Stop in on Tuesday or Wednesday for homestyle beef stew or Thursday or Friday for the finger-lickin' pork spareribs.

"My favorites are the unique shave ice - mango and green tea - and Japanese food," says Vina Marcello, Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties.

Other specialties include the Japanese loco moco, oyakodon, miso salmon or miso pork - generous servings that are priced right. Everything is under $10.

If you have a property in mind or even just a general question, please don't hesitate to Contact Us. neaulani@cbpacific.com

Dot's
130 Mango St.
(808) 622-4115
Known for its sizzling hamburger steak, this family-run business has been around for generations. Check the daily specials board for a local mix of pig's feet, meat loaf, and variety of Asian, American, fusion menu items. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
The restaurant is decorated with Dot's family photos - the establishment's owners for 60 years.

Dot's homemade menu comes in generous portions and is priced reasonably, and the venue occasionally doubles as the neighborhood's comedy club/night club. Famous for their annual Father's Day with Frank De Lima dinner show, Dot's also welcomes comedians and musicians throughout the year.

Join Steve Lucas & Friends on stage at Dot's for jazz every Thursday evening in September. Lots of parking and no cover charge. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.




Sunny Side
1017 Kilani Ave.
(808) 621-7188

While some island restaurants are struggling to stay in business, Sunny Side on Kilani Avenue, one of Wahaiwa's main thoroughfares, manages to feed a full house almost daily.
Their specialty breakfast and lunch menu features simple offerings of local lunch plates, burgers in an eat-in/take out casual environment.

"My favorite breakfast is the fried rice special, which includes a grilled hotdog and an egg, which I order over-easy so it blends in nicely with the rice and hotdog," says Don Robbins, a loyal customer and Wahiawa resident for nearly two decades. "Besides its meals, Sunny Side bakes its famous pies and people come from all over the island to order them. My favorites are the banana, the pear/peach combination, and the chocolate cream pies."

Robbins says the secret is in their recipe for the crust, which is just the right combination of moist and flaky.



"The pies - whole or by the slice - come out warm from the oven, and they are to-die-for," he says.

One of the secrets of Sunny Side's success, separate from their recipes, is the fact that most of the employees have been working at the popular eatery for decades. The environment is one that respects its employees, and it shows in the product, the service and the customer satisfaction.

"It's sort of like Cheers," says Robbins. "Everybody knows your name and they all greet me when I walk in. It's a nice feeling."

Eat in or take out. Pie pick-up window is outside.



Café Olive
71 So. Kamehameha Hwy.
(808) 621-7997

Craving Italian? Try the succulent Shrimp, Scallops and Asparagus Linguine prepared to perfection in a zesty lemon sauce. Other house favorites include homemade Crab Alfredo, traditional Chicken Parmesan, lazagna or a duo of filet mignon and garlic shrimp.

The quaint atmosphere at Café Olive is as comforting as the genuine Italian service. Superb and friendly.



And while the food tastes like it should be expensive, it's not. And better yet, the restaurant's BYOB policy allows you to bring in your own favorite bottle of wine, with no corkage fee.

Be sure to check out the chef's specials board for the house specialties. And don't forget to save room for the tiramisu.


Molly's Smokehouse
23 So. Kamehameha Hwy.
(808) 621-4858

If you're looking for real Southern smokehouse barbecue at reasonable prices, Molly's is most definitely worth the trip.

Specializing in authentic Texas style barbecue, Molly's is known for dishing up generous, Texas-size portions of baby back ribs, fried catfish, country fried chicken, authentic Jambalaya and melt-in-your-mouth brisket. And then there's hog-heaven side dishes like macaroni and cheese, warm corn bread and peppercorn cream gravy to fill out your plate-full. For desert, the specialty of the house is sweet potato pie.

With plenty of Southern hospitality and heapings of food, Molly's Smokehouse draws a crowd of locals and tourists alike.

Located on Kamehameha Hwy. next door to Jack in the Box.

Kilani Bakery
704 Kilani Ave.
(808) 621-5662
Calling all chocolate lovers. Alert, alert. Chocolate lovers beware: After eating one of the most wonderfully indulgent chocolate brownies on the island, you may not be able to stop.

Baked fresh daily at Kilani Bakery with just the right chewyness, just the right fudgyness to completely satisfy the most desperate chocolate craving. These brownies are to die for.



Celebrating 51 years in business, this landmark, located at 704 Kilani Avenue, is also known for its Chantilly cake, lemon meringue pie and ice-cream cakes as well as a delightful selection of other treats.

Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken
96 S. Kamehameha Hwy. (on the corner of Olive Ave.)
(808) 622-5900

Think slow cooked, juicy, tender, mouth-watering comfort food. Maui Mike's is all about serving up the best rotisserie chickens on the planet, hands down.

And it's no wonder. The hotspot starts with only the plumpest, free-roaming chickens, raised on a healthy all-natural diet - no steroids, no hormones, not antibiotics, … no synthetic additives of any kind. Then fire roasted until they sizzle with flavor.

One taste of these down-home eats served with plenty of Aloha will have you hooked. Eat in or take out.

Dong Yang Inn
546 Olive Ave.
(808) 621-5031

For nearly 35 years, Yong Suk Potts and her family have been serving up home-cooked Korean favorites to a steady stream of local residents.

"We have so many regular customers, we already know what they want to eat before they order," says Robin Potts, the owner's son.

The family-owned business' signature dish - the Meat Chun with Special Sauce - is so popular, t-shirts that say "Got Meat Chun on Your Mind?" are for sale at the cashier.

Plate lunches at this hole-in-the-wall favorite range in price from $6.50 to $8, with a couple of exceptions.



"You can feed a family of six, reasonably priced, and everyone will leave with full stomachs," says Robin. "My mom never worries about prices. It's not about profit. She says it's about putting smiles on faces."

Robin attributes the restaurant's success to his mom's passion for food.

"You can actually taste the love in her food," he says.

Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

If you have a property in mind or even just a general question, please don't hesitate to Contact Us. neaulani@cbpacific.com

Kahumana Experience
Open for Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dinner 6 to 7:30 p.m.
If living in Waianae is like being in a big extended family then eating at the Kahumana Café is like the old-fashioned family dinners that grandma used to make - the food is brought in from the garden and prepared from scratch, with loving care.
Located about a half-mile off Farrington Highway - take a right on Lualualei Homestead Road just before the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center - on 14 acres of agricultural land in the heart of Waianae is this small, little-known cafe with a big mission: to teach people how to eat healthy.

"My passion is the holistic approach to food preparation," says Robert Zuckerman, director and manager. "Healthy eating is important to our local population and the whole world. Most of the food people eat is so unhealthy. It is so full of additives, chemicals and pesticides that it's really unsafe to eat."

Kahumana Organic Farm and Café is a certified organic farm and Zuckerman is working on becoming certified as a biodynamic farm as well.
The local answer to the national Whole Foods chain, Foodland Farms has full-service seafood, meat, deli, bakery, and floral departments, as well as an R. Field Wine Company. Shopping in the new 25,000-square-foot store is a gourmand's dream. You'll find produce from the Hamakua Coast, North Shore, Big Island and many other local growers as well as more organic produce.
"At Kahumana, we have been practicing organic and biodynamic farming for 30 years," says Zuckerman. "Biodynamic farming is a very comprehensive approach to organic farming. It brings an intentionality to the process, and focuses specifically on producing foods that strengthen the immune system."


"The lettuce is so flavorful, it makes me feel healthier just eating it," says one customer who drove from Hawaii Kai on a friend's recommendation.

The Greek salad has all of the classic ingredients - tomatoes, cucumber, onions greens kalamata olives, and feta - and is served with hummus and toasted pita.

"The produce is so tasty and fresh, it beats the ones we've had in Greece," he says.

Trying to choose between the signature Kahumana salads, any of the veggie wraps or the macadamia nut pesto pasta, or the daily specials? Talk your dinner date into sharing two.
From the farm to the table, the whole food and vegetarian meals are served in a casual, rustic ambiance of a small, unpretentious dining room. Not all the meals are vegetarian. Grilled ahi or shrimp is offered with the wraps and quesadillas, and a grilled chicken plate with brown rice or whole wheat noodles with fresh, stir-fried farm greens is on the regular menu. Specials include a wonderful meatloaf made with Maui grown grass-fed beef.

"We don't offer too much red meat but all of our meals are very well balanced," says Zuckerman. "

Even the desserts are made right in Kahumana's kitchen.

Produce from Kahumana's farm includes carrots, beets, eggplant, mango, papaya, banana, oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit and is made available to residents at the Waianae Farmers Market, located at Waianae High School, Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m.
"We also have a Community Supported Agriculture program where we make our produce available to the local community in boxes that they can pick up once a week."
For $20, the box includes a variety of fresh, organic salad greens, root vegetables, seasonal fruits and herbs that you will feel confident serving to your family. Enroll right at the farm.

While there is a real dedication to serving wholesome food and healing people they feed at Kahumana, there is also a vibrant human service component with the non-profit organization, Alternative Structures International. The organization's mission includes providing housing to disenfranchised families, jobs to the unemployed, and by doing so, is a model for sustainability in the community.

Currently, the group provides transitional housing to 127 families helping to address the island's homeless issues, and job training for workers interested in food service to address unemployment.

Kahumana Café opened just 15 months ago as an inventive way to bring healthy foods to local people and to help fund the humanitarian efforts of the non-profit. The steady stream of people, both first timers and loyal customers, keep the restaurant filled.

"Word of mouth is what has really kept our business going," says Zuckerman.

Prices at Kahumana Café are affordable. Lunch entrees run from between $8 and $12. Tours, teaching the Kahumana experience, are available.
Local hot spot

Tamura's
86-032 Farrington Hwy.
(808) 696-3321
Reputed to be the cheapest grocer in Hawaii, fresh veggies, great poke, cold beer

Local hot spot

Cathay Inn Chop Suey
86-088 Farrington Hwy.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
(808) 696-9477

If you have a property in mind or even just a general question, please don't hesitate to Contact Us. neaulani@cbpacific.com

Eating in Waikiki is an adventure. You can get ginormous pancakes any time of the day at Mac 24/7, dine with your dog at an outside table at the Cheesecake Factory, order volcano nachos at Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber, or even experience the creations of an Iron Chef at Morimoto's.

Whether it is killer bar food, delicious entrees or free entertainment you're looking for, Waikiki is pretty sure to have it all. Here is a sampling of some of our favorite places to eat:
Lulu's
Located across the street from the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Beach (upstairs where Denny's used to be), Lulu's open air setting, surfer-dude atmosphere and views of the ocean and Diamond Head add another layer to the casual dining experience.

And while that all may seem very kitschy to some, the food at Lulu's is first class all the way. Large portions and masterfully designed presentations characterize the plates as they're delivered to the tables. You could easily feast on the pupu menu and skip dinner - one order per person is quite filling.


Put Lulu's Kalua pork egg rolls at the top of your list to try. These exquisite full-size rolls come six to a plate. Slow roasted Kalua pork, shitake mushrooms, carrots and cabbage are stuffed into egg roll wrappers and hand rolled. Served golden brown with a sweet Thai chili-vinegar dipping sauce, these are heavenly.

And if you love coconut shrimp, these are unbeatable. Hands down the best. The lilikoi-mango vinaigrette, amazing. They're hot, crunchy and very coconutty.
For great service, great food and great music (if you love oldies) check out Lulu's.
Yard House
With more than 100 different beers to choose from, it's easy to find something you like to drink - and eat - at the Yard House in Waikiki.

Make a meal out of sampling from the appetizer menu, which includes great beer pairings such as firecracker wings, tossed in a spicy sesame garlic plum glaze or the classic sliders, which includes four mini burgers with cheddar cheese, a house special sauce, fries and a pickle.


Or try the spinach cheese dip baked with feta, jack, parmesan and cream cheese and served with crispy flatbread, the onion ring tower (beer battered then dusted with parmesan), or the Maine lobster, crab and artichoke dip. Lettuce wraps, California rolls, chicken nachos, moo shu egg rolls, even grilled artichoke are favorites among some of the regular customers. Healthy portions and an artistic presentation make the experience satisfying.


Top of Waikiki

Daily happy hour specials from 5 to 7 p.m. and then again from 9 to 11 p.m. are part of the draw - with $4 martinis, draft beer and house wine and a $7 special pupu selection.
"Their Happy Hour is out of this world," say Alan and Amy Lerchbacker, former Oahu residents who return frequently to visit. "We love Top of Waikiki."

The Spicy Ahi Poke Stack has Sambal and shoyu, crispy won ton skins, avocado crème, papaya slaw, kiwi lime vinaigrette and micro greens.

"One of our favorites is the Spicy Ahi Poke Stack - it's to die for," says Lerchbacker. "We also love the Coconut Shrimp with pineapple salsa. Happy hour goes later than most and the bartenders are some of the most welcoming people on the planet."

Check out the dinner menu, including a vegetarian section and a keiki menu, including spaghetti & meatballs, and macaroni & cheese.

Tiki's

With its pool-hopping rooftop setting, Tiki's definitely has captured the throwback tiki bar ambiance.

The menu items are all top quality, but the standout here were the guava glazed baby back ribs. The four-bone rack of St. Louis style baby back ribs grilled and basted with a signature guava barbecue sauce is $9 on the pupu menu. But on Mondays, after 4 p.m. till closing it's All You Can Eat baby back ribs for $26. The meat falls off the bones, and the special sauce is worth the visit.

Happy Hour at Tiki's start at 2 p.m. daily until 5 p.m.

Keiki love Tiki's menu just for them, which includes keiki sliders, fish & chips, grilled cheese or a keiki Hawaiian plate, root beer floats and a free Frisbee.
Hula Grill

We can't talk about great pupu finds in Waikiki without mentioning the crab and mac nut won tons at Hula Grill. These divine treats are just the right combination of crunchy and succulent, certain to make you feel pampered while nibbling at the water's edge, second floor setting.

A tip to getting the best seat in the house? Ask for a table along the lanai overlooking the beach and the ocean. Especially around sunset, this might very well be the best lookout from anywhere. It might take an extra 20 or 30 minutes, but the wait in the bar is pleasant and the view over dinner is well worth it.
Barefoot Bar beachside at the Hale Koa Hotel

Ahhh, the mai tai. Perhaps the signature drink in the islands, served here with a pineapple wedge and an orchid, there are slightly different versions and recipes. It has been said, though, that the most killer and the best value mai tai's on the island are one in the same, and found at the Barefoot Bar at the Hale Koa Hotel, beachside.

This outdoor venue is the ultimate tropical vacationer's paradise setting, a place to sit and relax and take in the beauty. And while you do need a military ID card to stay at the hotel, the Barefoot Bar is open to everyone.
Open daily from 11 a.m.

Roy's

Known for chef Roy Yamaguchi's Hawaiian fusion style cuisine, no matter where you go, Roy's Restaurant is a landmark. With locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada and Texas, the food is always masterfully prepared and amazing to eat.


The most difficult part about deciding what to order at Roy's is that everything sounds good, and, if you've ever been there, you know everything is good. What you really want is one of each.

Well, now you can. The canoe for two is Roy's sampler, and includes the grilled Szechuan pork ribs, seared tiger shrimp, spicy tuna roll, Big Island jumbo lump crab cakes, and spring rolls. Get it to share, … or order it for dinner. The combination of their signature appetizers sometimes changes, but the canoe is a delightful way to try everything. Mac 24/7

Located in the lobby level of the Prince Kuhio hotel on Kuhio Avenue, the restaurant's mantra is "We don't close, unless it snows!"

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served all day and all night. What a great concept in a resort town where time zone changes and jet lag is common. At Mac 24/7, the food is plentiful and the prices are reasonable.

Portions are large, think Alice and Wonderland size coffee cups and saucers, monster pancakes or bowls of saimin. The atmosphere is fun, the food is delicious, and the ingredients are fresh from local farmers, including organic meats and produce when available.