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In the city on business or for a conference instead of with a family in tow on vacation? Prefer a toe on Waikiki rather than an impersonal tower downtown, but without the hordes, chock-a-block pile up of new high rise beach hotels, and shopping strips that clog the main area? Here’s a very pleasant, older, Japanese-run venue tucked well away from the rest with its own pretty beach, together with a short list of tasty local places to eat. Mind you, this is a woman of a certain age speaking. The younger set may have completely different, livelier preferences.
- New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel (2863 Kalakaua Avenue, 808-923-1555)
| A breath of fresh air, literally. The breeze sweeps through its open lobby, down a few stairs to a lovely veranda shaded by an old, low, broad leafed tree, and girded by its original wooden balustrade, vestige of a former gracious home. Little tables provide an understated, tranquil spot to breakfast, sup, or dine at sunset by the beach. The hotel remains one of the last older ones along Waikiki, and although it is semi-high rise with modernized rooms and small token balconies, it feels restful and old fashioned. Its beach, nearly private due to its distance from the heavily used ones, provides constant rolling surf sufficient for riding, paddling, or swimming. Cost of rooms falls about mid-range for the area, generally $200-$300. | | http://www.kaimana.com |
- Miyako
| A small indoor restaurant at the afore mentioned hotel, with refined and unusual Japanese fare, delicate sushi and cooked specialties, and a wide choice of sake. Moderately costly. |
- Roy’s (226 Lewers Street, 808-923-7697)
| Bustling, unpretentious, in the thick of Waikiki. Said to present one of the best chefs in Honolulu. The food has an international, Asian fusion cast with very fresh, bright flavors and ingredients. Moderately costly. |
- Mekong (1295 South Beretania St, 808-591-8841)
| A small, family run Thai restaurant with zero ambiance and wonderful authentic food. Close by the University and the Honolulu Academy of Art. Inexpensive. |
- Pavilion Café at the Honolulu Academy of Art (900 S Beretania St, 808-532-8734.)
| A tasty compliment to this quietly elegant museum whose collection, particularly of early Hindu- Buddhist Asia, insular Southeast Asia and the Pacific, shines. The café occupies an inner courtyard, in plein air. Inexpensive. |
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