Joe & Lydia
Things To Do
Manoa Falls
Joseph and Lydia have always loved this hike, a 5 minute walk from Lydia's house. You will enjoy the fresh air and lush greenery all around you.... and of course the waterfall at the end! Be sure to pack some water, sunscreen, bug repellent, and clothes you can get muddy. Tourists like to swim in the water, but don't do it because it's filled with bad bacteria.
Morning Glass Coffee
After your Manoa Falls hike, you can have yummy brunch or lunch at Morning Glass Coffee. ISLAND HIPSTER VIBES.
Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies
Healthy and delicious! Stop by for breakfast and you get free coffee! Lydia loves their Ahi Tuna Melt Sandwich and açaí bowls are great here too! Don’t expect a spacious, dining-in ambience. You’re here for the food!
Off the Hook Poke Market
Want some poke after your hike? Newly opened, super fresh, yummy... basically served "off the hook".
Ono Seafood Products
One of our favorite poke places on the island! Simple and delicious. Please note that they're closed on Mondays. If their parking is full, find street parking or park at the nearby Safeway and walk 5 minutes (at your own risk) :)
Leonard's Bakery
These malasadas are a tourist and local favorite! Get in line for these Portuguese donuts... without the donut hole! Good idea to eat poke from Ono Seafood and malasadas on the same day since they're close-by.
Waiola Shave Ice
Delicious shave ice with great flavors! Azuki bowl highly recommend :) Note: Cash only! There’s only a few parking spots, but you can find street parking. Seating is just two benches.
Diamond Head Hike
Hike into Diamond Head crater for some amazing views! It's not very challenging... Lydia has seen some women do it in heeled wedges but does not recommend it. FYI: there's a dark. dimly lit tunnel towards the end that may cause some anxiety if you're claustrophobic. $1 admission fee.. pay a little more for parking.
Diamond Head Market & Grill
Neighborhood market that also serves AMAZING food through their takeout window. Recommended: char siu (Chinese barbecued pork) plate lunches, Kalbi Kimchee Fried Rice, Wasabi Shoyu Ahi Salad, portobello mushroom burger, and blueberry scones. Do takeout for the beach or eat at the picnic tables.
Zippy's Makiki
Zippy's is a Hawaii comfort food diner that is an absolute MUST. If you're not sure what to order, get some of our favorites-- Chicken Katsu, the Zip Pac, or Korean Fried Chicken. There are many Zippy's locations on island, but the Makiki one is currently popular because it's been remodeled.
Tantalus Lookout
Scenic lookout featuring striking views of the Diamond Head volcano cone & the Waikiki skyline. Joseph and Lydia enjoy seeing the city lights at Tantalus viewpoint at night (address above). If you'd like to visit during the day time, we suggest going to Puu Ualakaa State Park on Nutridge St.-- you can have a picnic here too if you'd like! Please drive carefully.
Nana's Green Tea Waikiki
Tastes so matcha like Japan! Try the Hojicha flavor if you haven’t yet because you’re missing out if you haven’t!!!!
Marukame Udon Waikiki
High quality legit Japanese udon... and best of all, it's CHEAP! Be prepared for the long lines :)
Ala Moana Shopping Center
Largest open-air shopping center mall in da world! Come check it out-- we're proud of it!
Ala Moana Beach Park
Easy place to catch a good sunset and even watch fireworks on a Friday night (Magic Island area). Not the best to swim in-- make sure you visit another beach!!!
Kakaako Street Art
Lydia loves looking at the street art in Kaka'ako. Each spring, artists from all over the world come to paint for the annual Pow! Wow! street art festival. You can park on the street or in the SALT Kaka'ako parking structure. Grab coffee/eat lunch, get parking validation, and walk around to enjoy the art. Just don't walk around here too close to evening.
En Hakkore Bingsoo
Not LA level bingsoo, and not the shave ice you thought you'd be having in Hawaii, but STILL SO GOOD. A small size would be good for two people to share :)
On Dong Chinese Restaurant
Lydia's favorite place on island for 짜장면 (jjajangmyeon), which are Korean Chinese black bean noodles, and 탕수육 (tangsuyuk), which is sweet and sour crispy pork. Note: They're closed on Thursdays!
Honolulu Coffee Experience Center
Coffee, pastries, acai bowls, atmosphere... 10/10. You can find two locations in the mall and several others in Waikiki and Downtown, but the address above is for Lydia's favorite one-- the Experience Center.
Teddy's Bigger Burgers
Ugh... the burgers here are so good. But there are many Teddy’s locations, and in our experience the Kalaniana’ole location is the best. Get anything and it should be yummy. There are delicious vegan and vegetarian options here!
Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts
Bubbies Ice Cream started in Hawaii and now their mochi ice cream could be found at your local Costco! Stop by here after you get some Teddy's in Koko Marina. It's in the same plaza.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Buy your own snorkeling gear or rent a set from the stands to swim with the fishies! You'll have to watch a 9-minute video presentation to get an idea of rules and safety precautions before going down to the bay.
Halona Blowhole Lookout
Stop by at this lookout and you'll see the ocean water shoot out 30 ft. from a lava tube aka The Blowhole!
Halona Beach Cove
If you're feeling a little more adventurous after visiting the blowhole, you could walk down to the beach cove... NOT THE ACTUAL BLOWHOLE. The short trail starts at the Halona Blowhole sign. We've walked down here with police standing close-by. They don't care! Enjoy at your own risk.
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
This hike is almost completely paved if you stick to the main trail. We have gone off trail to swim in the tide pools, but the regular trail rewards you with some amazing views. Keep your eyes out for whales in the distance! January-March is peak season!
Over Easy
Wonderful brunch spot in Kailua run by two Alan Wong alums. Try eating here on the morning of the wedding and walk around-- it's in the same area!
Lanikai Beach
Come here for white, white sand and blue, blue waters! It's a bit of a drive, but it's so worth it. Find free street parking and walk through alleys leading to the beach.
Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts
If you want to try free samples of Macadamia Nuts and Macadamia Nut Coffee, come here! You can even crack your own Macadamia nuts. You can spend <30 minutes here on your way to Kahuku Shrimp/ Dole Plantation.
Polynesian Cultural Center
If you want to learn about cultures of Polynesia and enjoy some entertaining song and dance performances, spend a day at the PCC! The luau food is "eh" in our opinion, though, so don't pay for it unless you just want the experience. There are other food stands at the park. The night performance-- Ha Breath of Life-- is spectacular. Just note that it can get long and you may be tired at the end of the night.
Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck
If you're in the North Shore, you'll have to stop here for some yummy lunch! Lots of butter and oil in this dish, so be ready :P
Sunset Beach
If you're already in the North Shore, stop by at Sunset Beach. It's clean and beautiful. Great place to boogie board! Joseph and Lydia have also seen turtles here occasionally.
Dole Plantation
Pineapple soft serves. pineapple plantation, and pineapple merchandise found here!