This is information we provide our guests based on our recommendations. If you would like to suggest any, email us: beachhousehawaii.comana@gmail.com
Directions are from Waimanalo.
Activities
Our Favorite Hikes…
Maunawilli Falls Hike
From the house..... Turn right (towards Kailua) on Kalanianaole (72), stay on this until you get to the 61 (Pali Highway, main intersection by Castle Hospital), go left on 61. At first light, Auloa Road, turn left. At fork in road, stay to the left. Follow road as it winds through housing. Stay on road to the end, see hike entrance to the left, park in front of houses to the right. You will see a sign that says: "Maunawilli Falls Hike."
This is a nice hike that starts in the rain forest and meanders along, over the stream a few times, up one hill, and then down by the stream to the water fall. There is a pool where you can swim. If you swim across the pool to the other side, climb up the side and go behind the first water fall, there is a second pool and second water fall. If it has been raining, this hike will be quite muddy.
Makapu'u Lighthouse and Tide Pools
From the house..... Turn left on Kalanianaole (Hwy 72), past the pier, past Sea Life Park, past the place where all the people are body surfing, up the hill, around the point. As you come down the hill, you will see cars parked along the side of the road, and a service road on the left hand side going up the hill. Park near the entrance to the service road, about half way down the hill. Walk up the hill via the service road. If you stay on the service road to the end, it will take you to a couple of lookout points. One of Waimanalo Bay, one of the Lighthouse and you can see Molokai and sometimes Lanai and Maui, and during whale season, you will be able to see whales.
If you are adventurous, you can go down to the tide pools. As you are walking up the hill you come to a lookout point where they have installed a telescope and a board about humpback whales. Just to the left of the board, you will see a trail going down the hill. If you look way down you will see the tide pools. Take the trail down the hill. It's not the best marked trail, but you should be able to find your way. At the bottom there are several pools you can swim in. There are fish and crabs and such in the pools and the water flows in and out. Be very careful not to get too close to the edge. Even if it appears the waves are not too big, there are often rogue waves that come up and can cause you serious injury. We usually stay in the back part of the pools, so even if a big wave comes, we are safe. This hike is fun, but remember you have to climb back up that steep hill. In the mornings, this hike can get awfully hot as the sun is all on that side. The afternoons are a lot cooler, after the sun is bit behind the climb back up the hill.
Manoa Falls Hike
From the house, Turn left on Kalanianaole (Hwy 72), stay on this until it turns into H-1. Take the University Avenue Exit. Go up the hill and back into the valley. Stay on Manoa Road as it winds through the valley past the houses. The road dead ends at the hike. This is a nice hike to a waterfall along the stream. It can be quite muddy if it has been raining.
If you have the energy, just before the falls there is a cut off hike. This hike has 25 switchbacks as you wind your way up the mountain, through the bamboo forest to the top of the ridge.
A Link to lots of hikes on Oahu: http://www.htmclub.org/hikes/
For the Adventurous…
Honolulu Soaring
One of our favorite activities. You can actually fly the glider, with the pilot behind you. This is on the North Shore, by Dillingham Airfield. The views are great, you can sometimes see whales during the season. Call ahead for reservations 808-677-3404. You can also go up with two people in the back and they will make a video for you. It is really nice to be up in the glider, so smooth and quiet. We took our girls when they were 5 & 6, and they went up by themselves and loved it.
Surfing Lessons Waikiki
If you want to surf during your stay in Hawaii, this is the place to go! Kini and I took a lesson from Tony Moniz of www.FaithSurfSchool.com. We both did Paddle Board with Tony. Tony is a great instructor, great person, professional, and just pure fun. Faith Surf School does private and group lessons on both traditional and paddle boards. Give the Faith Surf School a call and give surfing a try. 808.931.6262.
You can also go to Waikiki main beach and sign up on the spot for a surf lesson with the stands that are set up along the beach. Go to the beach where the Duke Kehanamoku statue is located.
Snorkel with the Dolphins
Did we hear you say you would like to swim with the dolphins and turtles and tons of tropical fish (and the whales during the winter months)? Here is a link to an awesome boat where you can do these things (http://www.dolphinexcursions.com). It is on the west side of the island, be sure to leave at least an hour before you are supposed to board the boat. It is beautiful out there and you can snorkel right off of the boat. We took our family and had an excellent trip. We swam with pods of spinner dolphins, tropical fish, turtles, and an octopus. Our daughters had such a great time. Mention you are staying with Beach House Hawaii for a discount. 808.239.5579
Deep Sea Fishing
http://www.maggiejoe.com (808) 591-8888
We have had many guests go out with Maggie Joe; and have enjoyed some of the yummy fish they caught.
Kayak Rentals
http://www.twogoodkayaks.com/packages.html you might think about going Kayaking in Beautiful Kailua Bay to the Mokulua Islands, or to the Sunken Island in Kaneohe Bay. Twogood Kayaks Hawaii, Inc. has been helping kayakers enjoy our area for 30 years and I'm sure you'll enjoy our Guided Kayak tour or rentals immensely while you're here. If you'd like to have a look at the areas where you'll be paddling, please follow the link. While you're at the site, you can either email the reservation form to us, or call us at 808-262-5656 and refer to our web site and you'll receive a 20% discount from the regular price of our Guided Kayak Tour or Kayak Rentals.
Hawaii Gear Rental:
www.hawaiigearrental.com (808) 722-1313 These folks rent all kind of gear you may want in Hawaii, kayaks, bikes, SUPs, etc. They also can deliver.
http://www.wegoislandcanoe.com/
We recently had guests go out with this crew as they paddled outrigger canoe to the Mokulua Islands in Kailua. This is a rare opportunity to paddle outrigger as a guest.
Must-See Sights
The Byodo-In Temple,
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park
Established in 1968, the Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe is a Buddhist Temple located against the mountains in Kaneohe. We visited recently with family and everybody had a chance to ring the gong and visit the giant Buddha in the temple. There are black swans, koi fish, and an incredible garden to walk through. A very tranquil place to visit.
Hanauma Bay
A Beautiful Nature preserve that is located between Waimanalo and Hawaii Kai. Hanauma Bay offers an amazing snorkel experience since the bay is sheltered and protected many marine species call this special bay their home. From the house...Turn Left on Kalanianaole and keep driving until you see the Hanauma Bay sign on your left. Be prepared to arrive in the morning since this is a busy attraction, and DO NOT go on a Tuesday, they are closed. When we go to Hanauma Bay, we go very early, 7am. Miss the crowds.
Laniakea Beach, Turtle Beach
The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles hang out at Laniakea Beach. They come up and sun themselves on the sand and eat the limu (seaweed) in the shallow water. It’s a great place to be up close and personal with a Hawaiian Honu. Located about one and a half miles from Old Haleiwa Town on Kamehameha Highway, North Shore.
If You Have A Little Energy…
Yoga in Paradise
Aloha Kula Yoga (http://www.alohayogakula.com/classes.html ) have classes for all different levels. Kini takes yoga with Aloha Yoga Kula 3 times a week. They have two Kailua locations.
Yoga in Waimanalo http://www.yogawithleahhawaii.com
Leah has several classes at her property in Waimanalo and often for full moon, or other times at the beach. yogawithleah@yahoo.com or 808-780-8544
Hula Classes
Kumu Hula Patty Right in Kailua; 808.261.3579
Call Mele: (808)673-9953, for an awesome Hawaiian massage.
If Mele is busy, you can also go to Hawaii Healing Arts College in Kailua: http://www.hhacdirect.com/ (808) 266-2468
Photography
Call Alice: 808-375-1622
Would you like to get your nails done?
Cutie Nails in Waimanalo is a good place to go get your nails done. Phone: 808.259.3444 Address: 41-1537 Kalanianaole Hwy. #11A Waimanalo, HI 96795 Behind Jack-in-the-Box in Waimanalo town.
Grocery Shopping
Local, Fresh Food
There is a Farmer's Market every Thursday morning at the Waimanalo District Park @ 7:00 am-8:00 am, then Kailua District Park at 9:00 am.
Farmer’s Market Thursday evening right in Kailua Town, behind the Long’s. All local produce, meat, flowers, and yummy snacks. You can grab dinner at the market. Lots of food choices.
Farmer's Market Sunday mornings in Kailua Town, @ Kailua Elementary Parking Lot. This is a great one with produce and prepared food, music, and hand made items. A nice place to have a relaxing Sunday breakfast.
Down to Earth
Located in Kailua on Hamakua in Kailua, Down to Earth is a very nice, local health food store. They have a super yummy deli and are strictly vegetarian. They have a salad and hot food bar as well. Their pina colada smoothie is one of the best around.
Costco
Located in Hawaii Kai and is about 15 minutes from the house. Turn left on Kalanianale, stay on Hawaii Kai Road past the Foodland Shopping center, go over the bridge, turn right on Keahole Street, Costco will be on the right.
Foodland
Located in Kailua town; this is the grocery store we use most. They also have an R.Field for specialty and gourmet items. A great place to get all the poke you want as well. You can also use our Makai card: 8082597792 or get your own for free. Be sure to use the Makai card for big discounts.
Safeway in Kailua
(Be sure to use your Safeway card or give the phone number: 808.259.7792 for local prices)... Take Kalanianaole right to 61 right to first light, Hamakua Road, go just past first light on Hamakua Road and Safeway is on the left.
The Source
Located in Kailua and is our favorite health food store; Mom/Pop store, have all kinds of fruit and vegetables and meat, and tons of other items. You can also ask them to order an item for you in advance if there is something in particular you like. 32 Kainehe St. Kailua, HI 96734 808-262-5604 http://thesourcenatural.com
Whole Foods
Located in Kailua Town, just across the parking lot from Foodland and next to Long's Drugs. They do carry quite a bit of local items including: produce, sea food, meet, milk, coffee, eggs.
Waimanalo Co-op
Located next to McDonalds; open Tuesday-Sundays. Get your local produce here; and lots of local hand made art, jewelry, etc. They often have poke here as well.
Shima's Waimanalo
Located in the center of Waimanalo. A local style grocery store. You can do all your shopping at Shima's, but will most likely use Shima's for particular items or last minute shopping. Shima's also recently installed a seafood counter with tons of poke. Located next to the Waimanalo Feed Store; and just across from L&L (local take out plate lunches).
ONO (GOOD) EATS
Ono Steak & Seafood, Waimanalo
41-037 Wailea Street, behind the Post Office: 808-259-0808
Plate lunches, steaks, seafood, Hawaiian food. Many of our guests end up eating most of their meals here. So much variety. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't go for the atmosphere, go for the flavor.
Hawaiian Island Cafe
41-865 Kalanianaole Hwy, next to the post office.
Breakfast and lunch, and local flavor all the time. Acai bowls, smoothies, taro bagles. Stop by and hang out with some locals.
Ai Love Nalo, Waimanalo
Vegan food that's delicious. This has become “the place” to eat in Waimanalo. Lots of choices, a beautiful garden setting in the back, every plate is a work of art. They are now having a pizza oven come several days a week and set up out front, from scratch pizzas.
Haleiwa Joe's Kaneohe,
46-336 Haiku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, (808) 247-6671
We are loving this place. Go early, they open at 5. Get a seat that over looks the garden. Seafood & Steak, bar, gorgeous view and upscale menu. The garden is so beautiful. You can walk around the garden before or after dinner. Check out the monkey pod tables and hostess stand when you first go in. Those are made by Kini@WoodWorkingHawaii.com.
Tokoname Sushi Bar & Restaurant
442 Uluniu St, Kailua, 808-262-8656. Really tasty Japanese food and sushi. Great spot for a date night! I would recommend making a reservation before going.
Prima's www.primahawaii.com/
Kailua Town Center, 108 Hekili St #107, Kailua, 808-888-8933
Located in Kailua town, right next to Foodland. Excellent food for foodies and folks who love special pizzas. They have a pizza oven, and really fun gourmet specials each night; without the gourmet prices.
Keneke's Waimanalo
41-857 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, 808-259-9800
Next to the 7/11 and Post Office is a great place for lunch. Local style all the way. Shave Ice
Lanikai Juice, Kailua
600 Kailua Rd, Kailua, 808-262-2383
Located in Kailua town. The BEST smoothies around. Acai bowls, funky smoothie flavors. Locally owned juice bar.
Boots and Kimos
151 Hekili St, Kailua
A great place for breakfast, awesome banana macadamia nut sauce pancakes (open until 2 p.m. only). Take Kalanianaole right to Pali Highway (Kailua Road), stay on Kailua Road to first light, Hamakua Road, turn left on first street, Hekili Street. Take Hekili to end, Boots and Kimo’s will be on your right at the corner. Always, always a line.
The Shack
Located in Kailua and is a great place to grab a quick bite. Go right on the highway to Keolu Drive (the street after the Golf Course, there is a light there), continue straight to the second light and see The Shack on your right side. Burgers, fish, huge salads, kids menu, and sports bar. It’s a good place to get something for everybody and it’s great for the kids ‘cuz they got a cement floor.
Moke's Bread and Breakfast
27 Hoolai Street, Kailua
Really great for breakfast/brunch/lunch. They have lilikoi sauce pancakes (passion fruit) that will make you weep. Eggs benedict with homemade sausage. A lot of attention to making good tasting food. Everybody in your ohana will find something they love.
Baci Bistro
808.262.7555, across from McDonalds in Kailua
Italian food at its best. Small place, make reservations if possible. Homemade pasta dishes, always have a fresh fish special. Very nice atmosphere. We've been visiting the Baci for lunch recently and it is terrific.
Buzz's Steak House
808.261.4661, 413 Kawailoa Road, Kailua
Right across from Kailua Beach Park, make reservations; awesome fresh fish and salad bar. Try the calamari steak appetizer. Old Hawaii style.
Side Street Inn
614 Kapahulu Ave #100, Honolulu, 808-739-3939. Family style restaurant, local food for the foodies, great drinks, and a relaxed environment. Side Street is Hawaii’s version of gastropub!
Saigon Noodle House
Enchanted Lakes, 1020 Keolu Drive, Kailua
Noodles, meat, fish, chicken, shrimp, sandwiches, spring rolls and summer rolls, our favorite is the green papaya salad, lemon grass fish & the spicy shrimp and squid. Fresh and ono. Great for lunch and dinner. We often take out.
Greek Marina
Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai. Nice outside eating. Love this Greek place. Go to Bubbie's afterwards for homemade ice cream.
Kona Brewing Company,
Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai. On the water, Hawaiian music Thursday-Sunday nights in the bar, all kinds of foods from big burgers to fresh ahi salad, keiki menu, pizza, something for everybody.
Roy's
Kalianaole Highway in Hawaii Kai, past Foodland, 808.396.7697
Pacific Rim Style food. Very good food, another well known local chef. A little pricey, but you will not be disappointed. Sit downstairs and outside for the sunset. http://www.roysrestaurant.com/docs/index.html
Assagio's Italian Restaurant
354 Uluniu St Ste 101,Kailua (808) 261-2772 and in Hawaii Kai on the water.
Great place for fresh fish and pasta and lots of garlic, don't miss the ceasar salad made fresh at your table.
Thai Valley Cuisine
808.395.9746, Kalama Valley (Hawaii Kai)
Take a right at the stop light by Sandy Beach off Kalanianaole Highway, go up about a mile through housing, just after stop sign on right.
Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh. Herbs from their garden, less oil, delicious. We love the spring rolls, the yellow curry chicken, hot and sour soup, house salad, etc., etc. It's all good.
Bubbie’s Homemade Ice Cream
Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai
Yum!!! So many excellent flavors of ice cream, plus mochi and cakes and shakes; an old fashioned/local style ice cream parlor.
Nico’s
808.540.1377, 1133 N. Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu and now in Kailua: 970 Kalaheo Ave
This is our good friend Nico’s place; right by the fish auction on the water, fresh fish daily, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Furikake covered ahi steak, voted best burger on Oahu, excellent fish and chips, daily fish specials. Check out the fish auction if you are there early enough. Gourmet at plate lunch prices. http://www.nicospier38.com Kailua Nico's: 808-263-3787
Alan Wong's
808.949.2536, Honolulu
Alittle pricey, but well worth it. If you're gonna splurge once, this is the place. We loved the "Soup & Sandwich" and Macadamia Encrusted Ono and the Coconut for dessert. www.alanwongs.com
Auntie Pastos
808.523.8855, Beretania/Pensacola, Honolulu, also next to Irifune on Kapahulu
Great pasta, all made to order. They always have awesome specials. If you love pasta made fresh, this is da kine. Dinners are around $10-12.
Irifuni
808.737.1141, 563 Kapahulu, Waikiki
Garlic ahi and garlic crab to die for, but be sure to get the dessert first (ice-cream banana crepes), cuz you won't have enough room by the end of your meal. It's Japanese with a twist. They have great combo plates, garlic ahi and crab, or chicken, or sashimi. Dinner is usually around $10-15. BYOB
Dave's Ice Cream, Waimanalo
41-1537 Kalanianaole Highway, Waimanalo, in the shopping center behind Jack-in-the-Box
Local, handmade ice cream. Kids favorite is ube, purple sweet potato ice cream. Lots of local flavors.
Gordon Biersch
Aloha Tower, Honolulu
A micro brewery and restaurant, right on the water. We usually sit at the back bar so we can check out the comings and goings of Honolulu Harbor. The brilliant blue of the water makes a great backdrop to any meal. They'll give you a taste of each of their beers so you can decide which one you like best. They have great salads and pizzas, and, of course, their famous garlic fries
Natsunoya Tea House
808.595.4488, 1935 Makanani Drive, Honolulu
This is a special occasion place for a group of 10 or more, one of a kind dinner, this is it. One of only 3 teas houses left in Honolulu, and is located on the mountain above Honolulu.
Giovanni's White Shrimp Truck
On your way to the North Shore, up the East Coast, you will come into the town of Kahuku. There you will see a white shrimp truck on the side of the road with all kinds of graffitti on it. Stop and eat lunch. Shrimp scampi is what they make..... regular, hot and extra hot. Be prepared.... awesome!!!!
Don’t go for the substitutes: Giovanni’s is the one.
Casablanca Morrocon Food
19 Hoolai Street, Kailua, 808-262-8196
Nice food, a little pricey, but everything is excellent. Traditional Morrocon fair, eat with your hands, sit on pillows; a nice place for an adult night out.
Daiichi Ramen
25 Kaneohe Bay Dr, Kailua; Aikahi Shopping Center 808-254-9988
Love this ramen shop. So many different choices and all made on site. They have great combos and kids menu. Super fast and super tasty.
Tamura's
25 Kaneohe Bay Dr, Kailua; Aikahi Shopping Center 808-254-9988
This is another place to get your poke. Weird poke counter hours; so call first. Also this is a wine and beer shop with lots of choices.
Over Easy
http://www.overeasyhi.com/menu/ 418 Kuulei Rd #103, Kailua, HI 96734 (808) 260-1732
A nice place for breakfast and/or brunch. Usually a line, but not too bad. They make most everything from scratch.