Juliette & William
Things To Do
The Pig and The Lady
The Pig and the Lady is a celebrated restaurant known for its inventive Vietnamese fusion cuisine. This family-run eatery offers a dynamic menu that blends traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern, creative twists. Signature dishes include pho (Will and Juliette's favorite), flavorful noodle dishes, and unique plates like the famous pho French dip (call ahead for availability). The Pig and the Lady is loved for its vibrant atmosphere, farm-to-table ethos, and innovative take on comfort food, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers seeking a unique dining experience on the island. Due to its popularity, it's highly recommended to call ahead for reservations, as they tend to get busy!
Fancy Fresh Food Shop
Fancy Fresh Food Shop on South Beretania Street is a cozy, Asian- and women-owned spot known for smoothies made with real, fresh fruit — never syrups. The shop offers vibrant tropical blends, fruit teas, shaved ice, and fresh fruit snacks, all crafted with a local, homemade feel. It’s a small neighborhood favorite where everything tastes bright, simple, and truly fresh.
Leahi Health Hawaii Kai
Leahi Health is a popular health-focused eatery on Oahu, known for its fresh, organic, and plant-based offerings. They serve a variety of nourishing options like smoothies, fresh juices, salads, and pita "tacos". Their menu caters to health-conscious locals and visitors, featuring locally sourced ingredients and emphasizing sustainability. It's a great place for anyone looking for a refreshing, wholesome meal with a strong emphasis on clean, nutritious eating. Leahi Health has many different locations around the island. Look up to see the one closest to you!
Totoya とと家 Kaimuki
Totoya in Hawaii is known for its very authentic and fresh seafood rice bowls, especially their signature negitoro and kaisendon bowls. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting a genuine taste of Japanese flavors. Since they don’t take reservations, arriving early helps minimize wait times.
Ono Seafood/ Poke Bowl Patrol
Ono Seafood is a local gem known for serving some of the freshest poke on the island. This spot offers a variety of poke bowls featuring freshly caught fish, seasoned to perfection with classic Hawaiian flavors like shoyu, spicy mayo (our favorite), and limu. Known for its simplicity and emphasis on quality, Ono Seafood is a favorite for Will and Juliette. While it’s on the expensive side (around $20 for large poke bowl), the unmatched quality and freshness of the fish make it worth the splurge at least once.
The Sunrise Shack
Sadly, the original Sunrise Shack closed but there are still many other locations around the island. The Sunrise Shack is a vibrant spot known for its healthy, tropical-inspired menu and laid-back vibe. They offer a range of smoothie bowls, organic coffee, fresh juices, and wellness shots, perfect for fueling up after a surf or beach day.
KAHALA MKT. by Foodland
Kahala Market by Foodland is a go-to spot on Oahu for fresh and flavorful poke bowls. Located in the upscale Kahala neighborhood, this market offers a wide variety of poke options, featuring top-quality, locally sourced fish. Customers can customize their bowls with different styles like shoyu ahi, spicy tuna, or Hawaiian limu, among many other options. Feel free to ask for a sample before choosing your poke bowl. We recommend getting the one choice bowl (our favorite is spicy ahi) with white rice, furikake, and Unagi sauce on top.
Tonkatsu Tamafuji
Tonkatsu Tamafuji is a very traditional Japanese spot known for its exceptional tonkatsu (crispy pork cutlet). It’s incredibly popular—there’s usually a year-long waiting list—but they often have last-minute cancellations, so it’s worth checking online frequently if you’re hoping to try it.
Lanikai Pillbox Trail
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike overlooks Lanikai Beach and the famous Mokulua Islands. This short but rewarding hike features two historic WWII-era pillboxes and incredible sunrise views. However, it’s important to research the trail's difficulty before you go, as it has steep and uneven sections that can be challenging, especially after rain. Parking can be tricky in the Lanikai neighborhood, where spots are limited and parking tickets are common, so be mindful of where you park to avoid fines.
Na Ala Hele: Manoa Falls Trail
Manoa Falls Trail leads to a stunning 150-foot waterfall nestled in the rainforest. Located just a short drive from downtown Honolulu, this 1.7-mile round-trip hike takes you through a vibrant tropical landscape filled with bamboo groves and towering trees. While the trail is relatively easy, it can get muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so proper footwear is recommended. Swimming in the falls is not advised due to safety concerns, but the picturesque views make it well worth the trek. Parking is available for a fee, but it can fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
Koko Crater Stairs (Summit)
Koko Crater, also known as Koko Head, involves ascending a steep, approximately 1,000-step railway track, which was once used for transporting supplies to a military lookout during World War II. While the trail is relatively short at about 1.5 miles round trip, it is strenuous and not suitable for everyone, so be sure to assess your fitness level before tackling it. It's also important to arrive early, as parking can be limited and tends to fill up quickly. Additionally, be prepared for warm weather and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during the climb!
Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Kuliouou Ridge Trail is a challenging trek (recommended only for avid hikers) through lush forests and scenic vistas. The trail spans approximately 5.5 miles round trip and leads you to the summit of Kuliouou Ridge, where hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the windward coast, including the picturesque Makapu’u Point and the sprawling Ka Iwi coastline. The trail can be steep and muddy in sections, so proper footwear is essential. Parking is available in the neighborhood but be mindful of not parking too close to driveways. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike can take around 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
The Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail is a popular and relatively easy, paved, 2-mile round-trip hike on Oahu, offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse of the historic lighthouse built in 1909. As you ascend the well-maintained path, enjoy breathtaking vistas of the ocean and, during the winter months, the chance to spot humpback whales offshore. Parking is available at the trailhead but can fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen to enjoy this beautiful hike!
Makapu‘u Beach
Makapu‘u Beach is a beautiful stretch of shoreline on Oahu's southeastern coast, known for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. It’s a popular spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and sunbathing, with soft sand and scenic views of the nearby Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse. The waters can be subject to strong currents, so exercise caution when swimming, especially if there are waves—it's best to stay close to shore. If you're unsure, it's wise to avoid going in.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is renowned for its stunning beauty, featuring soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Located on Oahu's windward coast, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling, with picturesque views of the nearby Mokulua Islands. The beach offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it a favorite for relaxation and photography. Parking can be limited, so it’s best to arrive early.
North Shore
Visiting the North Shore of Oahu in December offers a unique experience, as this is peak surf season, attracting surfers from around the world to its legendary waves. December brings powerful winter swells, with waves often reaching 20 feet or more. While this makes for spectacular viewing, it's important for swimmers to be cautious and respect the ocean conditions, as many North Shore beaches can be dangerous during this time.
Sherwood Beach
Sherwood Beach in Waimanalo is a stunning beach known for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. This spot offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay, located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, is a stunning marine embayment known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. It’s a top destination for SNORKELING, offering visitors the chance to see a wide variety of tropical fish and marine life up close. To preserve the delicate ecosystem, visitor numbers are limited, so you must either reserve tickets online in advance or arrive very early in the morning, as tickets often sell out quickly.