p.s. don't forget to try some loco moco while you are here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34411770

The several times we walked by, thinking of going to Duke's, it was very VERY crowded, we chose somewhere else. Both out on the sand and in the bars/restaurants that particular section of Waikiki is the absolute most packed with people, in our experience.

All the other mentioned places are great, but if you want the local vibe with the best food in town, you definetly want to go to "Uncle Bo's".
Have fun!

No, Suze, the public cannot go to the Hale Koa restaurants. They always ask to see a military ID (or a guest card from the hotel which you get if you're staying there). Since the original poster is staying there, they'll either have military ID's or guest cards.

Thanks Postal, that's what I thought, that general public is welcome only at the Barefoot Bar on the beach.

Obviously since they are staying there, was why you mentioned the other restaurants on the property (duh, to me!).

I second Ono Hawaiian Food on Kapahulu for the real deal. I wish I had a big plate of their lau lau right now. And Green Door in Chinatown for scrumptious Singapore/Malaysian food. Tiny place, paper plates, but the food is fantastic.

We ate at several budget/moderate priced restaurants in Honolulu, but unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend any of them.

The one night we splurged we went to Nick's Fishmarket and loved it! The food was great, we liked the atmosphere and the service was very attentive.

We found budget/moderate priced dining on Maui to be much better.

Enjoy your vacation!

I am not the OP, but very much appreciate all the help on here. We too are headed to the Hale Koa in a couple weeks and so all this information will be helpful.

BTW, Melissa...DH hates to shop, but has said that we have to go to the aloha tower:) He has been to the area a lot for work, but this is new territory for the kids and I.

Do NOT miss shaved ice at:
Waiola Shave Ice!!!
I think the address is:
2135 Waiola Ave, Honolulu

BEST I've EVER eaten!!!
Do NOT miss it!!!!!!!

Thanks! I am working on our itinerary tonight, so am getting excited!

I realized we will be there over Easter. Any suggestions of what to do that day since I assume many things will be closed? Or am I wrong on that? So what activities, and restaurants, would be good for that Sunday?

If you are going to Aloha Tower Marketplace, here's a few things:
1. download coupons at www.alohatower.com/promotions.html
2. You can take the elevator up to the top of the historic tower every day from 9 to 5 for free.
3. On nice days, there are gumball-type machines out on the east side of the property along the sea wall. Drop a quarter in and feed the colorful tropical fish below! Once in a VERY blue moon, you might even see an octopus.

re: Waiola Shave Ice. they are also located on Kapahulu Avenue near Waikiki.

Don't worry about Easter. In a place where tourism is the #1 industry, very few things are closed. Take in a sunrise service, go to brunch, then .... you can do almost anything!

Melissa--Thanks so much:) I was hoping the tourism thing would mean places were open. It will be nice to have some warm weather! The sun has been shining a bit here lately, but it IS Oregon, so not warm by any stretch of the imagination, lol!

daph24ne: For low priced dining, I'd recommend La Mariana Sailing Club on Sand Island and Asia Manao in the Manao district. Duke's and the Shorebird are medium-high priced, but cheaper than most of the beachside restaurants in Waikiki. For a splurge meal, I think John Dominis is the best restaurant in Honolulu.

I just enjoyed the most delicious meal at Tiki's in the Resort Quest Waikiki Beach Hotel. It has a nice, tropical feel and in some ways very similar to Duke's. The food was great! Entrees priced at about $20...Hawaiian/Pacific Rim fare.

Tiki's Calamari is delicious. something not to miss

I am not the OP, but wanted to tag along on this again:)

Melissa, thank you for the suggestions! We did go to Aloha Tower and went up the elevator...beautiful views! Had lunch by the water, but darn it I forgot about feeding the fish. Oh well...next year! On Easter morning we did Diamond Head, then spent the day at the beach. Heaven!

You are very welcome!! Oh shucks, I totally forgot, otherwise I would have suggested a GTG. Glad you had fun though!

Melissa--Don't worry, my teens would have been rolling their eyes, lol! We had a blast all week, and booked for next year already:)

Aloha! My wife and I will be visiting Honolulu in late February. Unfortunately, this post is 2 - 3 years old now. Does anyone have any updated recommendations for dining in Honolulu???

gumbo~ What kind of places are you looking for? Price range? Atmosphere? Are you staying in Waikiki? Or somewhere else in Honolulu?