Mai Tai Bar
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
2259 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii
Phone (808) 923-7311


Over the years there have appeared new Mai Tai bars in different locations but there is only one original and that is at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Founded in the late 1920’s the Royal Hawaiian, or the Pink Palace of the Pacific as it is also known, is the home of the famous Mai Tai Bar located on Waikiki Beach. The Mai Tai was invented here and to this day is made the same as it was some 70 years ago. There is no better way to enjoy a Mai Tai than doing so while sitting at the Mai Tai Bar in the early evening as you watch the sun as an array of beautiful color disappear into the blue Pacific.



The Hau Tree Lanai
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
2863 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 921-7066

When I think about the “ideal” breakfast in Hawaii, I think about having an ocean view, being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and wonderful breeze and of course, tasty, creative and reasonable food. There is such a place that is considered my ace in the hole, a breakfast place where I bring my favorite people who are passing through Honolulu…The Hau Tree Lanai. This restaurant is located on the outskirts of Waikiki, right on the beach and centers around a very much tangled up hau tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus). What is so neat about this hau tree is that the shrubs create this intertwined green umbrella. It’s cozy, private, comfortable and very much like Waikiki of yesteryear.
The breakfast menu is creative and reasonable. Some of the interesting menu items include poi pancake (poi is the Polynesian staple food made from the taro plant), loco moco (a local favorite that features white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy) and egg dishes with fried or garlic rice. The breakfast menu offers regular breakfast items as well.
Come and join the friendly staff at The Hau Tree Lanai for a memorable breakfast at the beach and then walk it off by cruising the neighborhood’s Sans Souci Beach and Kapiolani Park.


Food Court at Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
(808) 955-9517

One of the hardest decisions to make while on a family vacation is where to eat lunch. And that is because we all have different cravings. Some of us are also more adventurous than others and want to try the local dishes. That is why a stop at the Food Court at Ala Moana Center can be your best solution. There is variety and value. So many kinds of food are represented here: Hawaiian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican, Italian and Cajun. The American food includes deli sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, steaks, ribs and salads. There are also a variety of dessert shops for those with a sweet tooth including a malasada stand, a sugar coated donut made famous in Hawaii by the Portuguese immigrants.
There is something for small and large appetites. A favorite combination of mine when I am not so hungry is a bowl of Chinese hot sour soup and a little bit of sushi. A side order of Korean mandoo also goes well with a small Caesar salad. So much to choose from and it is all very reasonable. The Food Court at Ala Moana Center is a nice place to take a break from your shopping and experience the foods of the world.