Visiting Honolulu? Long time resident? Kama’aina? Whoever you are, when you’re done suntanning at the beach, surfing the waves, shopping at Ala Moana Mall, and sightseeing everything there is on Oahu, come visit us in Kaimuki and Palolo Valley! Tucked behind Diamond Head, this quaint shopping district is filled with one-of-a-kind cafes, shops, and services. Only half an hour walking from the zoo end of Waikiki (or ten minutes by car) you’ll spend a delightful morning prowling Waialae Avenue. Take a walk along the quiet streets of Palolo Valley, stop for a sip of coffee, or go for a (free) swim at the lap pool. Have a little extra time? Go another mile or so and catch a movie or just some A/C at Kahala Mall further down the street.
Below we’ve listed some of the places that we frequent in Kaimuki, but there are many others just as fun! And as we say, Keep it Kaimuki!
da Shop books and curiosities–Fun book store on Harding Avenue between 11th and 12th, just a block off Waialae. Filled with books about Hawaii, including some from your favorite fiction writers.
Hungry for Vegan? Check out Juicy Brew on Waialae in the heart of Kaimuki. The banh mi tofu burger is a favorite at the Hadashi house!
In the mood for an old-fashioned burger with a touch of the islands? A chocolate malt? After hitting da Shop for book browsing, hop over to Boarded Up AKA Chubbies Burgers on the corner of Harding and 12th. It’s not big, it’s not famous, but it’s good and that’s what matters.
In the mood for pastries with holding power? Check out The Little General Store in the heart of Kaimuki, on Waialae and 9th. Guaranteed mouth watering happiness!
Ice cream anyone? For something cold with island flavors, and made right there in Kaimuki, check out Via Gelato on 12th. (That famous ice cream place doesn’t have these flavors!)
In the mood for snacks? The Crack Seed Store is snack heaven and has been in that location for longer than, well, I’ve been alive! At the corner of Waialae and Koko Head.
Need a pick me up? Follow your nose to where coffee beans are roasted and ground at The Curb Kaimuki on Waialae.
There are plenty of other places to find in Kaimuki and Palolo, from pizza to taverns, clothing and noodles, even a public swimming pool for free laps. We’ll be adding more places soon!
Looking for something closer to Waikiki? There are some great places along Kapahulu Avenue near the zoo.
You could hit Leonard’s Bakery for their world famous malasada donuts. You’ll know it when you find the crowd out front!
Also on Kapahulu is the Rainbow Drive-in, with old-fashioned grub that’ll stick to your ribs at a fraction of Waikiki prices. Hadashi 5-star rated!
Another fun neighborhood for lunch and shopping is along Monsarrat Avenue. Talk a walk through Kapiolani Park past Paki Avenue. There are several cafes and coffeeshops on both sides of the street. Try Bogart’s Cafe for lunch or just something to drink. In the mood for Italian? Check out Aroma Italia, right next door to Bogart’s. Sushi? Next door to them is Hawaii Sushi.
Looking for handcrafted coffee and a rendezvous that won’t blow your budget? Walk another block up the street and cross over to ARS Cafe. Ono coffee drinks made one at a time for you and not on an assembly line. Sit at the counter or at a table in the back. If you’re lucky, you might score the table in the window to watch the world go by. ARS Cafe is Hadashi 5-star rated!
