Hidden Honolulu Highlights with iBestTravel
Heading to Honolulu? Then you’re likely to spend time in Waikiki. While this popular beachfront district may be the first stop for many, there’s much more to this city beyond the tourist-heavy streets and beaches. When you seek a break from the crowds, explore these hidden Honolulu highlights.
Hidden Neighborhood: Kaka’ako
Kaka’ako is not entirely hidden, as it’s located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. However, this area often goes unnoticed, with many visitors rushing past on their way from the airport. Once an industrial district, Kaka’ako has transformed into one of Honolulu’s coolest neighborhoods in recent years.
Every February, Kaka’ako hosts the Pow! Wow! Hawaii festival, a vibrant celebration of street art that invites top artists from around the globe to adorn the area with colorful murals. These impressive artworks remain for the entire year, offering an ongoing visual feast. Exploring these murals with your camera can lead to a unique street art collection and stunning photos to share online.
To uncover the best murals, begin at the corner of Auahi and Cooke Streets, and venture northwest along Auahi, making a turn into Lana Lane for a delightful surprise. On Lana Lane, you’ll find the Lana Lane Studios (327 Lana Lane), a hub for local artists, though access may be limited as it is not always open to the public.
While you’re there, enjoy the excellent food options nearby. Delight in hip street food at Hank’s Haute Dogs, sample locally-brewed beers at Honolulu Beerworks, or savor innovative bar fare and cocktails at Bevy.
For an authentic local experience, meander along Queen Street between Ward Avenue and Cooke Street. Keep your eyes open for stunning murals adorning the walls of automotive shops, as you also discover Fresh Café, a trendy hangout and the original birthplace of Pow! Wow! Hawaii.
A local favorite is the weekly Kaka’ako Farmer’s Market, showcasing fresh Hawaiian produce. Additionally, once a month, the Honolulu Night Market takes over Auahi Street, creating an energetic street party atmosphere filled with stalls offering local food, art, and fashion.
Hidden Art: The Museums of Honolulu
While the Honolulu Museum of Art is renowned for its impressive collection, there are two lesser-known museums that are worth your time. The first, Spalding House, is located above the city in the scenic Makiki Heights. This former home has become an intimate museum specializing in contemporary art, often showcasing local talents. A highlight is the separate pavilion featuring a David Hockney installation of his stage designs for a 1981 Metropolitan Opera production.
The second hidden gem is Shangri La, positioned on the eastern side of Diamond Head in the upscale Black Point area. Once owned by Doris Duke, this remarkable house showcases her love of Islamic art, filled with exquisite pieces acquired from various Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Egypt, and Morocco. The results are breathtaking, with beautiful decorations including rare 13th-century Persian tiles. The stunning exterior features a garden with a stunning view of the Pacific.
Access to Shangri La is available only through bus tours starting at the Honolulu Museum of Art, making it a unique experience well worth the journey.
Hidden Culinary Delights
While Waikiki has an abundance of dining options, including both casual poolside bites and upscale meals, heading further afield unveils even more culinary treasures. For an authentic taste of local cuisine, consider joining Aloha Food Tours to discover the best eateries north of the expansive Ala Moana shopping mall.
Alternatively, explore independently. For classic Hawaiian meals, visit Highway Inn, where menu highlights include poke (raw tuna salad), butterfish stew, and squid luau. For a modern take on traditional dishes, Shokudo offers dynamic Japanese cuisine with influences from Chinese, Korean, Italian, and French cooking, including its must-try honey toast dessert.
Chinatown presents its own variation of Asian cuisine, best explored at Pig & the Lady, a restaurant that serves delectable Southeast Asian fusion dishes rooted in Vietnamese flavors within a stylish setting.
Look up beyond the storefronts to discover Goofy, a café-style eatery boasting creative and affordable meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. From there, venture to La Mariana Sailing Club, set along Keehi Lagoon. This venue, reminiscent of the 1950s with a Tiki aesthetic, offers a charming atmosphere filled with wooden décor and a lush terrace showcasing stunning Pacific views.
