Leslie & David
Things To Do
Ko Olina Lagoon 1
Manmade lagoons keep you safe from big waves and Jaws. Kid-friendly. We prefer Lagoons #2 and #3.
'Aiea Loop Trail
Easy hike, probably two hours round-trip, no big elevation changes, forest and city views. Can be muddy.
Hanauma Bay
Swim with the fishies, closed on Tuesdays, admission fee for non-Hawai‘i residents. Go early to get parking.
POW! WOW! Hawaii General Store
Instagram-worthy graffiti art neighborhood. Good eats and bars nearby at Salt Kakaako.
‘Iolani Palace
Visit the only Royal Palace in the USA. Learn about the Hawaiian Kingdom, King David Kalakaua, and his sister Queen Lili‘uokalani.
Bishop Museum
Get educated on Hawaiian History. Fun for the entire family with kid-friendly exhibits.
Ala Moana Center
High-end stores to local boutiques. Shop til you drop at Hawai‘i's largest shopping mall. Lots of restaurants to choose from.
Ala Moana Regional Park
Where the locals get their beach on. Family-friendly beach. Across the street from Ala Moana Center.
Diamond Head State Monument
Best aerial view of Waikiki and Central and East Honolulu. $1 admission for walk-ins, $5 per car. Bring water and go early to beat the heat and crowds.
Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering
Come early, come hungry. Our go-to spot when we're craving all of our favorites in one place: poke, tempura, fried chicken, spam musubi, fish patties...even lumpia! No seating. Take-out only.
Liliha Bakery
Best pancakes, butter rolls, and coco puffs in the world, forever and ever, hallelujah, amen...no BS! Check them out at Macy's Ala Moana, too!
Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha (HOPA Ala Moana)
Arguably #1 or #2 shave ice on O‘ahu. Strawberry Dream and Ujikintoki are our favorites, but it's all good.
Shirokiya Japan Village Walk
Huge variety of cheap Japanese food, $1 beers, and sensory overload, but always a good time. Located on teh ground floor of Ala Moana Center, across from Foodland Farms.
Side Street Inn
Best local- and family-style food on island. Get the Works fried rice, the pork chops, and kalbi. Garlic chicken not bad either.
Chinatown
When we're feeling young and froggy, this is where we party. Manifest, Bar 35, Downbeat Diner, and Dragon Upstairs are some of our favorite bars.
J. Dolans
Best pizza on O‘ahu. Highly recommend the Spinach & Garlic or the "Giacomo" pizzas.
The Pig and The Lady
Trust me, it's worth it. Mama Le's fried chicken, and don't forget to check out the bathroom.
The Alley Restaurant at ‘Aiea Bowl
They don't call it Tasty Chicken for nothing. Kalbi and oxtail soup are winna winna chicken dinna.
Ted's Bakery
Chocolate Haupia Pie, sent from the heavens. You can get 'em at the actual bakery or at your local grocery store.
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade Hale‘iwa
Get your tropical lemonade and acai bowl fix here. Fact: Leslie and Christina know the secret lemonade recipe...shhh!
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Cash only, tough parking, but worth the hassle. Pipikaula short ribs, game over. Closed weekends.
Sushi Bay
Best conveyor belt sushi on O‘ahu. Come early, be prepared to wait.
Zippy's McCully
Because you have to, and it's open 24-hours. Eat like Aquaman (actor Jason Momoa) - chicken chili plate and saimin. We like the Zip Pac. Multiple locations.
Foodland Farms
Bar, Restaurant, and Grocery Store... All In One! Don't sleep on it! Located on the ground floor of Ala Moana Center, across from Shirokiya Japan Village Walk.
Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors
Booze and poke. Can't go wrong. Multiple locations.