Malia’s Honolulu

March 26, 2009
5 min read

Aloha, city-lovers! Today’s city is sunny Honolulu, and it comes to us courtesy of Malia Yoshioka.

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Honolulu is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the Pali Lookout.

When I crave the best Greek food on the island I always grab a bottle of wine (BYOB!) and head to The Olive Tree Cafe.

To escape on the weekends I head to the north shore via the windward side–such a beautiful drive!

If I want to the world’s best shrimp scampi, I go to Giovanni’s Original White Shrimp Truck in Kahuku.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at a meditation/yoga retreat in Manoa.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the beach boys down in Waikiki.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Hiroshi Eurasian Tapas it has to be the Chilean sea bass–to die for!

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Ala Moana is my one-stop shop for great food, drinks, and shopping.

Locals know to skip Waikiki and check out the beaches out in the North Shore or the East Side instead.

For a huge splurge I go treat myself to a facial at Heaven on Earth Day Spa.

Photo ops in my city include Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach–too many to name. The best vantage points are everywhere you turn–take out your camera and start shooting!

The most random thing about my city is that our mayor loves to sing.

In my city, an active day outdoors involves a run around Kapiolani Park, surfing at Diamond Head, or stand-up paddle boarding – the latest trend.

My city’s best museum is the Honolulu Academy of Arts–check out their Arts After Dark theme parties once a month.

My favorite jogging/walking route is Diamond Head on a Saturday morning before the KCC Farmers’ Market.

Sorabol is the spot for late-night eats.

To find out what’s going on at night and on the weekends, read MidWeek.

You can tell a lot about my city from the number of people who come to visit but never leave.

You can tell if someone is from my city if they can pronounce street and place names correctly–they’re all in Hawaiian!

In the spring you should keep and umbrella handy–rain is a Hawaiian blessing.

In the winter you should jump in the water–it’s Hawaii, you won’t freeze.

A hidden gem in my city is Hokulani Bake Shop in Restaurant Row. Try the red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Mmm!

For a great breakfast joint try Like Like Drive Inn.

Don’t miss the Honolulu Festival in March.

Just outside my city, you can visit a neighboring island–Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, the Big Island–all have their unique charms.

If my city were a pet it would be something sunny and cheerful like a golden retriever.

If I didn’t live in a city, I’d live in Upcountry Maui.

The best book about my city is Hotel Honolulu by Paul Theroux.

When I think about my city, the song that comes to mind is Honolulu City Lights“.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.

The Honolulu Marathon–and the craziness that surrounds it – could only happen in my city.

My city should be featured on your cover or website because it’s got something for everyone–beautiful beaches, nightlife, arts and culture, great food, and world-class shopping. It’s truly paradise!

Photos: Divermasterking2000 and Xcallibur99 via the Intelligent Travel Flickr pool

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