Occasionally, out-of-town guests will hit me up for dining recommendations. Being a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m happy to oblige.

*  * * D I S C L A I M E R * * *

These recommendations are for visitors staying in Waikiki. As a traveler myself, I truly value convenience and time (i.e., I wouldn’t send someone to Tanioka’s in Waipahu just for a half-pound of poke.)

Waikiki:

• Duke’s (local food, ambiance, Hula Pie)
• International Marketplace (upscale food court)
• Waikiki Yokocho (Japanese Gourmet Alley)

Kapahulu:

• Rainbow Drive-In (plate lunches)
• Leonard’s Bakery (Malasadas)
• Side Street Inn (local food, pork chops)

Kaimuki:

• Koko Head Café (brunch)
• Kaimuki Superette (brunch)
• Farmer’s Market @ KCC (Saturday’s)

Ala Moana Center:

• Shirokiya Village Walk (Japanese food court)
• Makai Market Food Court (international food court)

Kakaʻako:

• Paʻina Café (poke bowls)
• Highway Inn (Hawaiian food, brunch)
• SALT (an event venue with cafés, bars, and restaurants)

Town:

• The Willow’s (buffet of Hawaiian & local food)
• Zippy’s (local food, family style restaurant)

Chinatown:

• Pig & the Lady (Vietnamese fusion)
• Lucky Belly (bao / ramen)
• Legend’s (dim sum)

Honolulu Harbor:

• Nico’s Pier 38 (local food, desserts)
• Liliha Bakery (local food, brunch)

Kalihi:

• Helena’s (Hawaiian food)
• Alicia’s Market (poke, roast pork)
• Shimazu Shave Ice (fave shave ice)

Hawaii Kai:

• Roy’s (seafood, upscale island cuisine)
• Kona Brewing Co. (micro-brewery, pizza)

Kailua:

• Boots & Kimo’s (brunch, Macnut Pancakes)
• Cinnamon’s (brunch, Red Velvet Pancakes)

Kahuku / North Shore:

• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (Garlic Shrimp Plate)
• Papa Ole’s (plate lunches, short ribs)

Haleʻiwa:

• Matsumoto Shave Ice (iconic place)
• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (2nd location)