Michikusa Gurus
A day in Waikiki, slow like a local

Waikiki is one of the world's leading resorts and the center of Hawaii tourism, but some people live and work in Waikiki. For the locals, it is a place where they spend their time as usual, with its precious beaches, lush parks, eating and drinking. I feel that if tourists can enjoy Waikiki like the locals do, they will feel closer to Waikiki and come to love it more.

Green Oasis next to the Waikiki buildings is a morning activity place for locals

Diamond Head
Diamond Head" can be seen directly in front of you.

People in Hawaii are very energetic in the morning. I feel it most at Kapiolani Park. They jog, walk their dogs, swim and surf in the ocean. Being active in the morning sun helps to get rid of jet lag, and there is no better way to start the day in Hawaii than strolling through Kapiolani Park while watching people do the same.

There is a well-paved walking path on the ocean side.
There is a well-paved walking path on the ocean side.

On the ocean side of Kapiolani Park, enjoy the spectacular view of Waikiki in the distance as you walk. In the center of the large grassy area of the park, you can look out at Diamond Head. And find a bench where you can look out in front of you. Take a break here.

The garden is small, but it is filled with plants and trees that are endemic to Hawaii.
The garden is small, but it is filled with plants and trees that are endemic to Hawaii.
This is actually one of only a few species of hibiscus that are endemic to Hawaii. 'Kokio Keo Keo.'
This is actually one of only a few species of hibiscus that are endemic to Hawaii. 'Kokio Keo Keo.'

If you still have energy left, take a short stroll up the mountain to the Queen Kapiolani Garden in Kapiolani Park, where you can see native Hawaiian plants.

A cold cup of coffee after a long day of work is a special treat. Cold Brew $4.5.
A cold cup of coffee after a long day of work is a special treat. Cold Brew $4.5.

After an invigorating walk, head to "Earth Cafe," a great coffee spot just around the corner. The owner's specialty coffee is not only from Hawaii, but also from Africa, South America, and other countries. Time spent blending in with the locals is one of the best parts of the trip.

Kapiolani Park
  • Address 3840 Paki Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 MAP
  • Direction 15 min. walk from the center of Waikiki

Try a classic Hawaiian meal during your trip!

Loco Moco
Loco Moco" $19.50, "Guava Plantation Iced Tea" $6.50, "Ultimate Berries & Nuts" $18.95 (from left)

Liliha Bakery, a longtime favorite of locals since its establishment in 1950, opened its fourth store in Waikiki in November 2021, attracting a great deal of attention from local media. In Hawaii, along with traditional food, there is what is called "local food," which is an evolution of the cooking methods brought to Hawaii by many immigrants. Visitors to Waikiki can now enjoy the same old local food that Hawaii's residents eat on a daily basis. This is a very happy event for both tourists and locals.

The dining area includes indoor, open-air, and bar counter seating.
The dining area includes indoor, open-air, and bar counter seating.
Open-air seating adds to the local feel.
Open-air seating adds to the local feel.

The most representative local food is "Loco Moco. A hearty American hamburger steak served on a bed of rice is reminiscent of a Japanese rice bowl. Here, the whipped cream served on the side of the pancakes is also coconut-flavored and Hawaiian. A wide range of diner menu items, including local and American food, are available at any time during business hours.

The bakery offers a wide variety of breads, pastries, and cakes.
The bakery offers a wide variety of breads, pastries, and cakes.

There is a bakery attached to the entrance of the restaurant, where you can enjoy desserts such as "coco puffs" and "malasadas," a cream puff-like sweet with the perfect balance of chocolate cream and chanterelles cream.

Liliha Bakery
  • Address International Market Place 3F, 2330 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from the center of Waikiki
  • Business Hours 7:00-22:00
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 808-922-2488

Beach cruises are the local way to go without making any plans

Parasols and other items can be rented by the hour at the Waikiki Beach Stand.
Parasols and other items can be rented by the hour at the Waikiki Beach Stand.

Although it is easy to make plans for a trip with a limited itinerary, I hope that you will enjoy a relaxing and carefree time at Waikiki Beach. If you don't like the ocean, take a photo with the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, Olympian and God of Surfing, or rent a parasol and take a nap on the pier on the east side of the beach overlooking the beach. Even if you don't go in the ocean, you can experience Waikiki Beach firsthand.

The Duke statue is located next to the police station on the east side of Waikiki Beach.
The Duke statue is located next to the police station on the east side of Waikiki Beach.

The beach is always hot, but the water temperature in Hawaii is surprisingly low and you may feel it is cold the first time you enter the ocean. The water temperature is great for beachgoers who want to get a tan, but if you want to relax in the ocean, the best temperature is in the afternoon when the sun is fully in the water. The sun is shining and the sparkling surface of the water is so beautiful that it makes you wonder if you are in heaven.

The shallow waters, separated from the open ocean by rocks, are especially warm and suitable for children.
The shallow waters, separated from the open ocean by rocks, are especially warm and suitable for children.
Surfboard rentals and lessons are available.
Surfboard rentals and lessons are available.

You may want to try surfing for the first time on the spur of the moment. You can sign up for a surf lesson on the spot at a beach stand.

The shave ice on the beach is the best! Blue Dragon
The shave ice on the beach is the best! Blue Dragon" $10 with dragon fruit syrup.

Finish off your Waikiki Beach experience with the latest shave ice, perfect for your sun-soaked body. Bananan, which became famous for its frozen banana soft serve ice cream, is now open at the On the Beach location. The new menu item is a shave ice with syrup made from Hawaiian fruit. After a day at the beach, shave ice is a Hawaiian tradition.

Banan
  • Address 2301 Kalākaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from the center of Waikiki
  • Business Hours 9:00-20:00
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 808-200-1640

Toast to Hawaiian music around the pool!

The chief bartender creates original cocktails inspired by mid-century Hawaii, and the tiki cocktails are one-of-a-kind!
The chief bartender creates original cocktails inspired by mid-century Hawaii, and the tiki cocktails are one-of-a-kind!

The Hawaiian word "pauhana", meaning "the end of the workday", has long been used in everyday life with a happy nuance of "come on, let's go have a drink..." At Mahina & Sons Restaurant at The Surfjack Hotel Swim Club, a hotel with the atmosphere of Hawaii in the 60's and 70's, there used to be a time when people would go out to enjoy Hawaiian music at sunset. Mahina & Sons, a restaurant at the Hoshino Resort Surfjack Hawaii with a Hawaiian atmosphere from the 60's and 70's, invites local musicians every night from Tuesday through Friday to provide pau hana time, reminiscent of the way Hawaiians used to dine while playing Hawaiian music at dusk.

A space where you can feel the goodness that only live music can bring.
A space where you can feel the goodness that only live music can bring.
All dishes are fresh and delicious, using locally sourced ingredients. Seared Ahi
All dishes are fresh and delicious, using locally sourced ingredients. Seared Ahi" $34.

The poolside tables are lit with candles, and the musicians are a gorgeous lineup.
The poolside tables are lit by candles, and the musicians are a spectacular lineup, including Kapena DeLima, winner of the "Na Hoku Hanohano Awards," Hawaii's premier music festival, who sings live, while food and drinks made with local ingredients fill the air. The sound echoing in the gently darkening space is so pleasant that you can't help but think, "Oh, what a great place Hawaii is.

Mahina & Sun's
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.