Hi all,
My boyfriend and I went to Hawaii for our first time as a couple in January and now we plan to go back again in November.
I have been to Maui once in 1998 with my family, and to Oahu 4 times, including this past January. Since we've both explored Oahu, albeit for only 5 days, I've been thinking about other islands to go to and where to stay. I'm hoping everyone can offer some advice on some places with a little information on things we like.
I've stayed at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach 3 times and LOVED it. I love the location on the beach which in my opinion has best section of Waikiki beach next to the RH and Moana Surf. I love that its right across the street from the International Village where me and my boy enjoyed eating from , their array of odd asian fare. We enjoyed driving around to the quieter parts of the island. We did a lot of pictures and sightseeing, not a lot of beach/swim time as my boyfriend can't swim too well, but we would like to do some light swimming/sunbathing.
We had wonderful encounters with the locals at smaller areas of the island as well. We like to try different food, especially local cheap street food, and places that really make you feel like a local. We're both in our 20's and are a bit artsy and offbeat.
Ideally I'd like to stay somewhere that is prime beachfront like the Outrigger Waikiki and similarly priced for their Ocean view/oceanfront rooms. I've primarily been looking at Kauai and the Big Island, but would consider Maui. Any suggestions and ideas on hotels and and island would be really helpful. Thanks!
Hawaii November
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The Outrigger Keahou Beach Resort in Kona on the Big Island sounds like your type. It's right on the water, and a stone's throw from a very popular snorkeling beach in a sheltered cove, so your boyfriend won't have much trouble about the swimming.
Try the food at Huggo's on the beach for lunch. Medium-priced, interesting food. dinner there is another matter -- much more expensive and IMO not all that great. Also take a drive north all the way to Hawi and have some good Asian-Hawaiian food at Bamboo, a fun casual place also medium priced. While on the way to Hawi, try Spencer Beach for another easy swimming area.
For excellent Japanese food, although kind of expensive, go to Kenichi Pacific, in the Keauhou shopping center just up the hill from the Outrigger. There's also a popular Thai restaurant up there. But avoid Drysdale's. It's terrible.
While DH and I are in our 60's, your description of 'a bit artsy and offbeat' fits us also. (He actually is an artist). Anyway we've been going to the BI a couple of times a year for a while and while I can't advise you on hotels since we alwyas stay in cottages/houses in south Kona--here a a few places to eat with a local flavor.
Kalama's--on Napoopoo Road on the way to Kealakekua Bay--the fish sandwiches are super fresh and tasty, the shave ice is really good also (get it with a scoop of ice cream and a little cream on top)--the kim chee burger is outstanding--it takes about 25 minutes because it is frozen when they begin cooking it (the enzymes in the kim chee will 'digest' burger meat if it is not frozen). We always call ahead--808-328-2828
Super J's--local Hawaiian food--laulau, kalua pig, poke, lomi salmon--makai side of highway 11 in south Kona--looks like someone's house--home cooked local food--yummy--cash only--closed Sunday
Adriana's at the Kealakekua Ranch Center-(ChoiceMart and Ace Hardware are also there)- Salvadoran and Mexican food--very fresh-good for lunch-cash only--closed Sunday
The Donkey Mill Art Center on the Mamalahoa Highway, south of the little art and coffee town of Holualoa--http://www.donkeymillartcenter.org/
The town itself has quite a few art galleries and a lovely outdoor restaurant--Holuakoa Gardens-that does a nice brunch--using locally sourced ingredients-http://www.holualoahawaii.com/member_sites/holuakoa.html
The Isaac Art Center in Waimea is also worth a stop if you are in the area - http://isaacsartcenter.hpa.edu/
If you're in Waimea, get a burger (local grass-fed beef or local fish) and shake (the best shake he ever had, per my husband)at Village Burger at the Parker Ranch Center http://www.villageburgerwaimea.com/
Martym's post reminds me that in Kona, on Ali'i Drive, look for Da Poke Shack, where you can get several different kinds of poke. It's in a big condo complex on the ocean side of Ali'i Drive, and I am having a senior moment and can't remember the name. Maybe someone else will.