Island Eats

When you're hanging out in an island paradise you're eventually going to run into a big problem — you're going to need some food to soak up all the booze (eating the pineapple your Pina Colada came with only gets you so far). The people of Hawaii figured this out some time ago, and they've got some pretty amazing eats to keep your strength up.

Paradise Cove Luau

A luau is a party as much as meal, something Paradise Cove communicates by putting a Mai Tai in your hand the moment you step through the leafy entrance and onto the beach. Wandering down to the shore there's a 'Hawaiian Village' with different island themed ceremonies, from the Shower of Flowers and the Hukilau, and games to work up your appetite, like 'island bowling' or a spot of chucking sharp sticks around on the spear range. Once you've proved that you're a danger to yourself and others, dig into the island fish with Macadamia nut creme sauce, Kalua pig and poi (and maybe a couple more Mai Tais) while watching some absolutely spectacular hula dancers and fire twirlers. It's as touristy as it gets, but hey, you're a tourist. Get involved.

Ono Hawaiian Foods

No journey would be complete without getting a taste of the local fare and the best place to do that in Waikiki is Ono Hawaiian Foods — Ono means delicious and they aren't being boastful. Grab the combo plate for a taste of everything and if you let them know this is your first rodeo the chef will come out and give you a run down on the food. For starters and sides there is pipikaula, a kind of spiced beef jerky, lomi salmon, essentially salsa with salmon in, and poi — a vivid purple goo made from the taro plant that is surprisingly delicious. The main event though is the Kalua and laulau pig. The first is buried in a pit oven, somewhat like a hangi, while the second is wrapped in taro leaves ("like spinach, but better") and steamed. Both are soft and rich enough to run for president. 

Izakaya Tako-No-Ki

One of the biggest surprises straight off the plane is the massive Japanese community in Hawaii - one of the largest in America - which means visiting the islands includes taking advantage of some of the amazing Japanese food on offer. We suggest you head to Izakaya Tako-No-Ki and can grab a seat at the bamboo bar where you can watch the two chefs fry up okonomiyaki while you wait. The horumon yaki (grilled beef intestine) comes highly recommended, but unless you're feeling adventurous (it's delicious but has the texture of a fatty inner tube), you might want to grab a mix of teppanyaki plates and some Sho Chiku Bai (warm sake) to wash it down.