Rose & Chris
Things To Do
Waikiki Yokocho
When we're craving a taste of Japan and pretending we're visiting Japan, we love grabbing a meal (ramen, tsukumen, or tempura) and a matcha dessert from this place.
TsuruTonTan
Bobby, one of the groomsmen, took us here when we just bought our first house last year. We ate here 3 times in one month!
Arancino di Mare
This is the restaurant where we had one of our first dates. Chris needed help and asked Blake, one of the groomsmen, where he should take Rose on a date. Good job, Blake! The uni pasta is still one of our favorites! This is one of three locations; two are in Waikiki. It's a good place to try Italian food with some Asian influence. Squid ink pasta is a popular dish.
Musubi Cafe IYASUME
Good spot to grab a musubi if you're in Waikiki. Out-of-towners, it's not "masubi." It's pronounced MOO-soo-bee. The last syllable is slightly stressed.
7-Eleven
Of course, there are other 7-Elevens on island. But Oahu's 7-Elevens are where we think the best musubis are. The 7-Elevens replenish their stock of musubis every 4 hours. Rose's favorite is the mochiko chicken musubi.
Sushi Izakaya Gaku
This might be our all-time favorite restaurant. Rose's father dreams of this place. If you're thinking about it, call way ahead to see if they have open tables. However, if they're booked, ask Bobby to make it happen.
Yakiniku Yoshi
Meat lovers, this place will ruin eating meat anywhere else. Our favorite is the Japanese wagyu set. For those staying in Waikiki, they offer a free shuttle/van to the restaurant.
Menchanko-Tei
Our favorite katsu place! Don't forget to try the nanban chicken as a pupu (appetizer)! Chris often eats here with his parents and cousins.
Piggy Smalls
A modern take on Vietnamese food. Our favorite is the pho-strami banh mi available on their lunch menu. Chris and Rose have celebrated their birthdays here, both for lunch and dinner.
Leahi Health Kaimuki
This place has other locations. It's a small, vegan shack that Rose can eat at EVERY. DAY. Two of our bridesmaids, Millani and Malia, loved it so much, they ate here twice in one week during their last trip. Reservation isn't needed for this place.
Izakaya Naru
A small Okinawan izakaya. Our favorite is the taco rice. I know it may sound weird to many of you out-of-towners, but trust us. This is the best place to get taco rice!
E.A.R.L
Craving a good gourmet sandwich? This is one of their two locations. Chris, Chad, and Tim's favorite sandwich is The Drew (pastrami sandwich).
Leonard's Bakery
Famous for their malasadas.
Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery
Another popular place for malasadas. Some argue that it's better than Leonard's.
Waiola Shave Ice
Our go-to spot for shave ice. The line can get pretty long sometimes.
Diamond Head Crater Hike
For those who want to get a relatively easy hike in during their stay. $5/car to park in their lot. The hardest part of the hike is going up a LONG staircase.
Ala Moana Center
Hawaii's biggest outdoor shopping center.
Kahuku Farms
Rose thinks this is a must in North Shore. It’s farm to table. Chris first took Rose here when she was first hired for her current job. Fun "fact" Chris is now contracted to take Rose here whenever he surfs North Shore.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
We think their brunch buffet is the best on the island. This is where Joanna (Chad’s wife) took us to celebrate Chad's yakudoshi (a big Japanese birthday celebration at 41).
Waimea Falls
The paved path up to the falls makes for a nice stroll. The pathway leads up to the waterfall where you are allowed to use their life jackets for free. Rose's parents enjoyed this place.
Your Kitchen
Sorry, still closed. We just had to put this because it's still one of the greatest. We know some of you miss it as much as we do. We still get text messages from friends asking if this place is still closed. This used to be a short walk from Travis's house. Travis first took Chris there for shave ice. They then stumbled upon their glorious pork bowl. RIP Your Kitchen. "Sorry, I sad" --Rap Reiplinger