A new survey picks Honolulu as the top destination in the United States. That got us thinking about things we like to do In Honolulu.
24 thoughts on “#1 Rated Destination: Things To Do In Honolulu include Kaimuki + More”
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Home » Blog » Hawaii Travel Tips » #1 Rated Destination: Things To Do In Honolulu include Kaimuki + More
We will have to visit this neighborhood next time we are in Honolulu.
It’s sad that you publicized this area. It was getting worse over the years as it got yuppified. Articles like this will deliver the coup de grace by attracting increasing numbers of tourists to Kaimuki. Then, over time, the local flavor will disappear as local businesses are forced out in favor of more revenue-generating tourist businesses. This is exactly what happened on Kalakaua over the past 20 years: all the surf shops are gone, the Kaitensushi place is gone, etc. Same out at Kaimana Beach. Remember “Scoop du Jour”? (Used to be a great place to come in after surfing, always some dish with rice; “no money right now? No problem, you pay next time.” One time I spend a couple of hours talking story with a group that had just finished paddling canoe from Moloka’i.) Gone.
Keepin’ It KAIMUKI!!!
My daughter has attended ChaminadeU the past couple yrs. She was blessed with off-campus housing in Kaimuki on the ridge towards Diamond Head. We didn’t realize initially how lucky she was; what a great neighborhood and what a great little business district!
When my wife and I have been fortunate to visit, we find ourselves returning to the excellent restaurants in Kaimuki. Superette and Curb are my favorites for coffee. And Koko Head Café meals are exquisite, always exciting experiences for the palate.
For geology buffs, there are two tiny hidden volcanic vents in Kaimuki. One is an old lava vent behind the fire station, just off Koko Head Ave. on the far side of the bridge over the highway; the interior is a small park. The other is on a deadend side street that climbs a cinder cone just as you start ascending Wilhelmina Rise; please note it is residential, so be considerate. Neither of them are obvious, but interesting sidelights nonetheless!
Mahola for sharing. I will have to find those vents now.
I grew up in and around Kaimuki…attended Kaimuki Intermediate in the mid 50’s…attended the Nazarene Church that use to be located on the corner of 12th and Pahoa and my Dad worked at Kaimuki Bakery, the corner 0f 12th and Waialae. My mom was a seamstress and shopped at Kaimuki Dry Goods all the time. I visited the shop in 2017…the lady who waited on me remembered my Mom, who died in 2002. Lots of fond memories of Kaimuki.
Aloha, now I want to go to Oahu again! We went last year and had the best time exploring, mostly on foot. We really got a feel for Kapahulu and the great restaurants. Walked all around Diamond Head, the area around the zoo, over to Ala Moana… no not all at once! We had stayed at a condo near the zoo, great location, for two weeks. I hope we can stay there again, I heard the zoning changed.
Thanks for the fun article!
Lanell
Hi Lanell.
Thank you!
Aloha.
I am glad I stumbled upon this Kaimuki article. Thank you.
The reason I was looking on your website was for some advice. I would like to fly lax to Kona, from Kona to Hnl then return to lax. What is the best way to do this? 2 one way tickets & interisland air, look at packages, not sure how to do this – I will have a hotel in Hnl – anything you can suggest would be greatly appreciated- mahalo
Hi Marilyn.
Should be no problem to book into one island and out of the other, thus requiring only one inter-island flight. The airline websites all accommodate that. It will save you considerable time. Let us know if you have any other questions we might help with.
Aloha.
You didn’t mention my favorite restaurant on Oahu, Jawaiian Irie Jerk, Kaimuki. I also go there at least once when I’m on Oahu. I highly recommend eating there.
I found your article on Kaimuki to be most interesting. I managed the Kress Store at 3632 Waialae Ave for a couple years around 1970. I was also the Merchants Association President. Glad to see that Kaimuki Dry Goods is still striving. What a great family owned business and nice people. I still remember Eddie Yoneshige asst mgr, and Masako Fujioka Office supervisor.I remember a few faces but can’t put a name to them. I hired a young man Dennis Arakaki who became a kress mgr after I left.He is probably the only one still alive.I was 30 and now 75 and most everyone was 10-30 years older. My company transferred me to open the new store at Windward City.I was transferred to the mainland in 1974. I probably have been back to Hawaii for 60+ times, almost always to my favorite isle Maui. I love Hawaii…ALOHA
Hi Larry.
Really interesting! Thanks so much for that input.
Aloha.
There’s a hidden gem vintage collectibles / antique store next door to the mentioned Queen theater called “Surf N Hula”. Awesome place and even more awesome people running it. Great place to find hawaiiana decor, furniture or souvenirs if just visiting the island. Highly recommend when in Kaimuki!