calling all HAWAII locals!

[lynrei]

im heading back to oahu for my third time, and this time i really want to do something "untouristy." can anyone give me recommendations for fresh sushi? good bars? thirft stores? or any places i should hit up in general? i also like hiking and scenic views!

[yangnome]

though only a little info was given (and not everything you are looking for) there is some response further down the page in this thread. http://www.giantrobot.com/forums/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=14893

[kamenriderv3]

i'm assuming that you will be in honolulu?

i hardly eat sushi but i could direct you to a couple places. i need to look for more sushi bars since one place moved or closed.

there's a few goodwill and salvation army thrift stores in oahu. i know of the ones in kailua, kaimuki and iwilei but they should all be listed in the phone book.

what kind of hiking? there's some easy low mountain trails that are scenic. manoa falls and aiea loop are easier. the tantalus trail is longer. make sure to be prepared because people do get lost or in trouble every year. i think the sierra club still leads hiking tours on the weekend but those are a bit slow.

a short and easy scenic route to take is the east end of oahu. either direction is fine.

a good day ride is to go to the north shore and loop around to the windward side.

there's a few restaurants i could recommend but it depends on what kind of food you like. i have been eating a lot of fish lately so i can direct you to a few eateries.

pm me if you want more info.

[jinzoningen]

Bars...

Sidestreet Inn
Eastside Grill

The food is awesome at these two places.


Sushi...

Hanaki's in Manoa Marketplace:p

The buffet is killer, and probably a better value than ordering sushi ala carte.

[lynrei]

thanks so much for all your suggestions. i will be hiking to moana falls and trying that sushi buffet. is it possible to give me a price range? and also my gfs would like to try some "high-class" hawaiian food - anyone know of any?

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by lynrei
thanks so much for all your suggestions. i will be hiking to moana falls and trying that sushi buffet. is it possible to give me a price range? and also my gfs would like to try some "high-class" hawaiian food - anyone know of any?

I think the buffet at Hanaki's is around $25. As for Hawaiian food, try Willow's. I don't know if there is such a thing as "high-class" Hawaiian food though.

[stryfe]

zippy's.

[kamenriderv3]

yeah. no high class hawaiian food. but hawaiian food is good even if its not fancy. i make it a point to get some almost every week.

there is fancy hawaii food. it would fall under the pan-pacific cuisine category. costs can range from about $15+ and higher. three popular restaurants are sam choys, roy's and alan wongs. last week, we went to sam choy's but it was the more casual restaurant.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by kamenriderv3
yeah. no high class hawaiian food. but hawaiian food is good even if its not fancy. i make it a point to get some almost every week.

there is fancy hawaii food. it would fall under the pan-pacific cuisine category. costs can range from about $15+ and higher. three popular restaurants are sam choys, roy's and alan wongs. last week, we went to sam choy's but it was the more casual restaurant.


Yeah, I agree with KRV3, the Sam Choy's crab place is a good choice.

[Sukebe]

for hiking, you should try St. Louis Heights. Not real bad but nice views when you get to the end. Bring your cell phone.

[Sukebe]

http://www.giantrobot.com/forums/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=9976&highlight=hawaii

[angoraphobia]

the great thing about sam choys......its home cookin style and the portions are huge....enough for left overs.....but im never getting crab again.....it took me forever to eat....and you know....i just wanted to just get a hammer out and go to town...but...its a semi nice restaurant.....crab's always better to eat at home anyway where you can get down and dirty and not care....

roys is fancier...but its not like....traditional hawaiian...its pacific rim.....it has its place thats for sure.....the chocolate soufle is like oozing chocolate heaven wrapped up in a ramekin......

likelike drive in is a fun experience for breakfast.....

[Paracetamol]

Man, next time I go to Hawaii I'm going to get rid of all my fat. I hate being all hot and sticky and not being about to wear something slutty!

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by Paracetamol
Man, next time I go to Hawaii I'm going to get rid of all my fat. I hate being all hot and sticky and not being about to wear something slutty!

It's okay to wear slutty stuff. There's tons of sluts over here, so you'll blend right in!

[kamenriderv3]

for the upteenth time....i am not a skank!

[Dolemite]

Originally posted by jinzoningen
Bars...

Sidestreet Inn


next to this place is another great joint - gyukaku on kapiolani
It's a japanese yakiniku place - there is a great deal now between 5-630 or 9-close
99cent Kirin Draft (2.99 for a pitcher(
and 2.96 for an order of chicken.

can't beat this deal

otherwise, be sure to order the porkchops at sidestreet

[Sukebe]

Heard that Chinese place across from the NBC is good... anyone been there?

[kamenriderv3]

the restaurant with the big hong kong picture on the wall? its ok. some people like it.

[sister]

i'll chime in for sam choys' on nimitz. the alaskan bambucha crab is great. kind of pricey though but yummy. worth it even if it's not local catch. the only place my brother wanted to go to after a year and a half in japan. beer's pretty yummy too.

manoa is fun to hike. but the water fall may be kinda small now? just so you don't get bigger expectations. we went to the japanese restaurant mentioned in this thread before my brother went hiking, and the buffet looked really good.

are you going to be in oahu only?

sushi:

that sansei happy hour deal kicks ass. all sushi and appetizers half off. just amazing. so good. but make sure they're not charging cover that night. or maybe you're not as cheap as i am. i went to dinner once there and it was great too. but the happy hour....

the "sushi nazi"'s sister restaurant in hawaii is supposed to be just as good there as the orig (orig very near giant robot store in LA). if you're a big roller, then lots of interesting dishes. i can't remeber the name though. if prices are comparable, that should run you around fifty a person. maybe more with lots of beer + tip.

maguro on waialae avenue is supposed to be very good. my relative's favorite place for sushi when they come to hawaii, but i wasn't blown away when i went.

sushi king on king street near the tcby has good late-night deals on certain dishes. the salmon katsu is good. nice alternative to zippy's.

um that's all i can think of for now in terms of your specific questions. definitely get some hawaiian food and plate lunches. try wailoa shave ice and the laichi syrup if you like laichis. if you're driving around oahu, stop by the random fruit stands on the north shore. apple bananas are always good.

palamino downtown has fancy drinks. sage martinis (a little sweet for me but heck i ordered it again), rosemary martinis (tasted like tequila for some reason), potent laichi martinis, mojitos (didn't get a chance to try the mojitos though). pricey for hawaii but very enjoyable + interesting drink menu. probably nice views--but i wasn't looking i was drinking. pretty laid back and not too crowded at night, so not the place to go if you're looking for an actual bar type scene. closes early too. across from aloha tower. for cheap alcohol, i was going to moose's (?)--outdoor tables and benches in puck's alley--the most on my last trip. super touristy and expensive but nice is drinks at the banyan loungue in the white wooden hotel in waikiki.

oh and if you're there for a while, check out midweek newspaper/magazine that comes out on wednesdays, i think. they have lots of coupons for restaurants including many of the ones mentioned before.

[Dolemite]

Originally posted by sister

the "sushi nazi"'s sister restaurant in hawaii is supposed to be just as good there as the orig (orig very near giant robot store in LA). if you're a big roller, then lots of interesting dishes. i can't remeber the name though. if prices are comparable, that should run you around fifty a person. maybe more with lots of beer + tip.


Sushi Sasabune - on king near kee'aumoku

50 will get you like 5 dishes... expect to pay more if you want a full experience.

[Salami Swami]

Better grab a plate lunch from H.K.'s!!
Shit is sooooooo good, its on King Street near the Star Market in M0-ILI-ILI....the fried noodles are outrageous and the NY steak/teri chicken combo is the shizzle as well.
FUCK Rainbow Drive-In!
DON'T DO IT...Many people may steer you to this famous location for plate lunch, but is totally overrated and basically SUCKS big time, its wack.
Also for some more bomb shit, try Masu's Massive Plate Lunch up on Liliha if you're HUNGRY or just want to see what a ridiculously fucking huge plate lunch looks like, if you do, try to go early before the lunch crowd because they sell out of stuff quick.
DAMN, I LOVE ME A GOOD PLATE LUNCH with no salad, all rice of course.

[Dolemite]

Originally posted by Salami Swami
Better grab a plate lunch from H.K.'s!!
Shit is sooooooo good, its on King Street near the Star Market in M0-ILI-ILI....the fried noodles are outrageous and the NY steak/teri chicken combo is the shizzle as well.
FUCK Rainbow Drive-In!
DON'T DO IT...Many people may steer you to this famous location for plate lunch, but is totally overrated and basically SUCKS big time, its wack.
Also for some more bomb shit, try Masu's Massive Plate Lunch up on Liliha if you're HUNGRY or just want to see what a ridiculously fucking huge plate lunch looks like, if you do, try to go early before the lunch crowd because they sell out of stuff quick.
DAMN, I LOVE ME A GOOD PLATE LUNCH with no salad, all rice of course.

man - if you want massive - go to hungry lion on school and nuanu... order the aloha bowl, and consider yourself king if you finish it.

despite what some might say, I still think L&L has a greatplate lunch... their chicken katsu is the best, and their mac salad has that something special to it that makes it addictive.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by Dolemite

despite what some might say, I still think L&L has a greatplate lunch... their chicken katsu is the best, and their mac salad has that something special to it that makes it addictive.

L&L has a great BBQ chicken, and I always eat the curry katsu. But as far as chicken katsu goes, Grace's has them beat.

[kaihentai]

Sushi King is a nice place, and it's where the nationals go.
I personally recommend Sansei because it's taking sushi to the next level with the fusion thing going on. Do it family style, and do it with adventurous friends to really enjoy it. plus the Spam Musubi is the only $5000 menu item I've ever seen in my life.

As for plate lunches, I recommend different places for different reasons:

For lots of food: Masu's Massive Plate Lunch on Liliha, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, because you can weigh the thing and it would be AT LEAST 3 lbs. of food. Thing is, it's not necessarily the tastiest of the bunch.

For Chicken Katsu: I agree that L&L is the place, but since all branches are individually franchised, it can be inconsistent. The one I like is on King Street across the old Stadium Park in Moilili. They also have a 24 hour drive in at the airport.

For healthier- People would say I Love Country Cafe, but I disagree. There is NO SUCH THING AS A HEALTHY PLATE LUNCH. It's comfort food, that's it.

The fancy places? Roy's, no doubt. The original one in Hawaii Kai. Make it more affordable by doing it pupu style there and you still will eat well, and save a little (not much) money there. I think Sam Choy's is sort of like the Masu's of fine dining, big portions, little taste, but that's an opinion based on the Breakfast Lunch Crab place, so I could be wrong.

Besides, there's so much good places to eat in Hawaii, all you have to do is ask and see how into it they get when people talk about a place in Hawaii to eat. The more into it, the more likely it's a nice place to eat. JUST DON'T EXPECT MUCH FROM WAIKIKI. That place is just the worst place for food.

[kaihentai]

Here's some places that are not bad to try in my opinon...


HK's on King street in Moilili- I like the saimin, regular or fried.

Minato's- Japanese lunch boxes. The kara age is their dish to try.

Tanioka's fish market in Waipahu.

Yama's fish market in Moilili for Hawaiian plates. Though I never went there. Ono's Hawaiian Food seems to be the place. It's too crowded, because of the line waiting outside.

And Kapiolani Coffee Shop in Waimalu for Chop Steak. It's owned by the shop in Kam Bowl in Kalihi, where they are known for oxtail soup. But I like the chop steak.

[jsoy]

yeah...zippys...that place is great...uh..the only other store i remember is jellys or something..it had comics and records... that was awhile ago though...

[Gregs]

Don't forget your stop at Matsumoto's to get a shave ice. While you're there u can pick me up a t-shirt.

[Robocon^^]

I keep seeing people hiking up the Stairway to Heaven above H3. I don't think the hike is officially open, but the trail is back in shape from what I've heard. All the rusted out sections are supposed to be fixed now.

I still haven't gone up there yet. Sounds like a great spot for a panorama photo. I heard on a super clear day you can see all the way down to the Big Island.

[lynrei]

thanks for all the suggestions! im leaving in 15 days and all i will be doing is eating and beach. thanks guys!

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by jsoy
yeah...zippys...that place is great...uh..the only other store i remember is jellys or something..it had comics and records... that was awhile ago though...

Jelly's was bought out a couple of years ago. It's now known as "Cheapo Music". The merchandise is similar, but the Jelly's vibe is gone, so I rarely go there anymore. I remember back when Jelly's was real popular and Radio Free Hawaii was on the air. Those were the good old days.

[kamenriderv3]

"sheriff" norm has jelly's name back if i'm not mistaken. and cheapo did a chapter 11 recently. i don't know if things are the same like the radio free days. those were the days.....lots of good music and new stuff being introduced often.

lynrei: i recommend using sunblock lotion every day if you're going to be at the beach frequently. don't let a sunburn mess up your tan or your vacation. with the right conditions, you can sunburn with an hour of exposure.

[nikel]

i looked up some old playlists from radio free hawaii.
it's really too bad it didn't work out.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by nikel
i looked up some old playlists from radio free hawaii.
it's really too bad it didn't work out.

Yeah, radio here sucks now, plain and simple. Radio Free (http://starbulletin.com/2001/06/03/features/story9.html) introduced me to a whole lotta music that I still dig to this day. The DJs were awesome, funny characters. Especially Dave O' Day and Mad Mohammed, who wasn't really mad, but just a normal guy.

[kamenriderv3]

radio free gave the listeners the ability to vote for music. that was so cool. you could listen to bands that were unknown at the time. it gave the small bands the opportunity to shine when they would normally get ignored by other stations and venues.

the big plus is that they would play just about any kind of music. i remember them playing some song from tibet or some place like that and it was getting popular. i found out the cd was poorly made but the content was great.

[nikel]

there's not a half-decent college station? u of h...?

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by nikel
there's not a half-decent college station? u of h...?

Before Radio Free, KTUH was the only "alt" station in town. You can still catch the station on the internet, but it's not the same thing as what Radio Free was.

[Robocon^^]

I like KTUH for the most part, but i can only tune in when I'm in town (weak signal)

Radio Free was a good time.

[kaihentai]

I loved Radio Free. It's because of that station that I was willing to give a chance on all kinds of music, and with that amount of choices, my horizons were broadened. Who else in the islands would play MC Ren, Ministry, Frente, and the Beatles in one rotation. It rocked.

Mohammed's Show was hilarious, as I remembered an old Korean lady would call his show to get the 411. I also remember all the crank calls that he would get before they cracked down on them.
I remember this line, when there were some vegans on the show--"where do you draw the line from eating meat and eating p*****?" At that time it was hilarious.

Plus the smashing of the most overplayed CDs were the most refreshing things I've heard in radio.

[Mazinger V]

thrift stores:
Your best bet is hitting up Savers, especially the one in Dillingham. They have the best deals. Just make sure you go before all the Japanese tourists get all the good stuff. You should also check out 88 Tees in Waikiki, but it's kinda pricy.

-MV.

[RazeOner]

Originally posted by jinzoningen


Yeah, radio here sucks now, plain and simple. Radio Free (http://starbulletin.com/2001/06/03/features/story9.html) introduced me to a whole lotta music that I still dig to this day. The DJs were awesome, funny characters. Especially Dave O' Day and Mad Mohammed, who wasn't really mad, but just a normal guy. Damn! Dave was my boy back then.... havn't heard that name in a minute. Is he still playing anywhere? Wow, I havn't been back in a while.... worse I havn't spoken to any friends in years. One day...

[lynrei]

yes! thank you so much for that info. i think ive been too 88 tees in my last vist to oahu, thanks again!



Originally posted by Mazinger V
thrift stores:
Your best bet is hitting up Savers, especially the one in Dillingham. They have the best deals. Just make sure you go before all the Japanese tourists get all the good stuff. You should also check out 88 Tees in Waikiki, but it's kinda pricy.

-MV.

[lynrei]

okay, i need directions to OCEANS from waikiki. ive never been there, only pipeline, and heard the crowd is decent there. can anyone tell me cover charge, dress code - and etc?

[kamenriderv3]

Originally posted by lynrei
okay, i need directions to OCEANS from waikiki. ive never been there, only pipeline, and heard the crowd is decent there. can anyone tell me cover charge, dress code - and etc?

http://www.digitalcity.com/honolulu/bars/venue.adp?vid=37267

[RazeOner]

Was at Barnes & Noble picked up Surfer/Surfing? Mag and thought of this thread. I actually miss Hawaii. Used to go back once or twice a year.... I think it's been almost 3 years. BTW.... I didn't know Malia Jones got married?! To Colin even!!! Wow. Anyways wanted to say wutup to all the 808bots. Latahz.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by lynrei
okay, i need directions to OCEANS from waikiki. ive never been there, only pipeline, and heard the crowd is decent there. can anyone tell me cover charge, dress code - and etc?

The Ocean Club is okay. Used to go there regularly a few years ago. The food is decent and the crowds are there. Be prepared for a heavy dose of testosterone though-- the guys usually outnumber the girls 10:1.

Oceans has a $5 cover charge (if they haven't raised it) and for dress code, guys have to wear a shirt with a collar and for girls it's whatever. If you're under age 23, they won't let you in. Oh, and if you want a table, you better go early or else you'll be standing around all night and that sucks.

[lynrei]

under 23? i thought it was 21 and over?


Originally posted by jinzoningen


The Ocean Club is okay. Used to go there regularly a few years ago. The food is decent and the crowds are there. Be prepared for a heavy dose of testosterone though-- the guys usually outnumber the girls 10:1.

Oceans has a $5 cover charge (if they haven't raised it) and for dress code, guys have to wear a shirt with a collar and for girls it's whatever. If you're under age 23, they won't let you in. Oh, and if you want a table, you better go early or else you'll be standing around all night and that sucks.

[jinzoningen]

Last time I checked the age requirement was 23. I have no idea why either. Like 2 years will make a big difference on how much booze you consume?

[kamenriderv3]

i think its higher age limit to cut down on the riffraff....i mean customers. :)

i don't go to clubs any more but that place was packed when i went there. too many guys but thats good for females if you don't mind that overwhelming ratio.

wasssup razeoner! yeah. malia got married but it was with conan hayes. my coworker told me about that. he surfs competitively and knows the local surfer crowd.

[Salami Swami]

Like V3 said, Malia Jones is married to Conan.
Hayes that is.
I served them at the restaurant I work at a few months ago, and that dude is stoked, that's all I gotta say about that.
Oh, and the Ocean Club is totally wack, duh.
Talk about a swordfight, the ratio really is ridiculous as previously stated.
Thursday nites they let in 21 and over, I still fail to see how being a 23 and up establishment cuts down on the idiot factor, as if they hope to draw a more mature crowd by maiking it 23 and up.
What they do draw is donkeys.
Lots of them with aloha shirts and platinum chains and a gang of cologne.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by kamenriderv3
i think its higher age limit to cut down on the riffraff....i mean customers. :)


Yeah but 2 years is gonna make a big difference in the riff-raffage quotient? They may have well just bumped the age requirement to 30 if they wanted to keep out the unsavory ghetto types.

[kamenriderv3]

30 would be a great cutoff age limit. but i think they would lose out on money at that point. maybe its a balance of money and crowd control.

i would think once a dude gets to that legal age then he's all psyched because before that he was sneaking around or using fake id's. a couple years of freedom and he mellows a bit. just a theory which probably doesn't apply to everyone but it must help some.

salami is right about the donkeys. its kind of funny seeing guys with gold chains on the outside of the shirt.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by Salami Swami

What they do draw is donkeys.
Lots of them with aloha shirts and platinum chains and a gang of cologne.

Hey, stop calling me names. I don't even own an aloha shirt.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by kamenriderv3

salami is right about the donkeys. its kind of funny seeing guys with gold chains on the outside of the shirt.

I'm so glad I'm over that whole club thing. I rarely had fun at those types of places, but I'd go with friends just to get out of the house and get drunk.

[RazeOner]

Originally posted by kamenriderv3

wasssup razeoner! yeah. malia got married but it was with conan hayes. my coworker told me about that. he surfs competitively and knows the local surfer crowd.
Whatup KV3! Oops... Conan... that's who I meant... yah WhoTF is Colin?! Hehe. Send some sun my way!

[lynrei]

that's really weird. 23? i guess i have to call. im barely 21.

[kamenriderv3]

lynrei,

see user comments at http://www.digitalcity.com/honolulu/bars/venue.adp?vid=37267&type=userreviews

the second entry mentions the 23 and older limit (except thursday's college night).

[lynrei]

thanks for the lookout kamenriderv3. i really appreciate it.


Originally posted by kamenriderv3
lynrei,

see user comments at http://www.digitalcity.com/honolulu/bars/venue.adp?vid=37267&type=userreviews

the second entry mentions the 23 and older limit (except thursday's college night).

[kaihentai]

Where you need to go is Magoos for 16 beers on tap and good pizza. Down at University ave. The club stuff is always played. Go to the pubs, or at least RockZa or Femme Nu.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by kaihentai
Go to the pubs, or at least RockZa or Femme Nu.

Now there's two places I ALWAYS had fun at.

[Nedesco]

LYNREI!!!! i told if you need to get hooked up at pipeline, ocean, or waves just let me know. my cousins and my friends runs those 3 places. but if you want to chill and lounge, nick's fishmarket on sat night. go there for an hour and bounce. its right across the street from niketown & banana republic. ^_^ bring me back an "ABC" tshirt med.

[RazeOner]

Originally posted by jinzoningen


Now there's two places I ALWAYS had fun at. ;)

[Salami Swami]

Originally posted by jinzoningen


Now there's two places I ALWAYS had fun at.
The fuck you mean, "had fun at"????
You and I both know that the correct statement is
"Now there's two places I ALWAYS have fun at."
I always seem to get dragged, albeit mostly willing, to those spots, followed by a Deja Vu visit, (which is usually completely worthless) by my "baller-ish" friends with tons of money who are almost always down to spring for a lap dance or two.
Za and Femme Nu are top notch as always, but Deja is totally wack and should be avoided at all costs.
In fact, scratch everything I just said.
ALL strip clubs in Hawaii should be avoided at all costs.
Evil!
Bad!
Must resist!!
;)

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by Salami Swami

The fuck you mean, "had fun at"????
You and I both know that the correct statement is
"Now there's two places I ALWAYS have fun at."
I always seem to get dragged, albeit mostly willing, to those spots, followed by a Deja Vu visit, (which is usually completely worthless) by my "baller-ish" friends with tons of money who are almost always down to spring for a lap dance or two.
Za and Femme Nu are top notch as always, but Deja is totally wack and should be avoided at all costs.
In fact, scratch everything I just said.
ALL strip clubs in Hawaii should be avoided at all costs.
Evil!
Bad!
Must resist!!
;)


I must admit, I always fancied Exotic Nights in addition to those other two fine establishments. Although I'd often be paranoid because it felt like a gun fight could break out anytime due to the seedy nature of the crowd in there.

[Salami Swami]

oh HELLS YEAH on the Exotic Nights steez!!
That is my idea of a down and dirty good time!!
Fucking hottest, slutty mixed persuasion chicks that go the extra mile if you know what I mean.
Definitely the shit, forgot about that joint.
Gnarly fuckas in there for sure though, crowdwise.

[lynrei]

it is not my choice to go clubbing in hawaii. im going with a couple of girls, and one of them is a major clubber. i personally like the beach and more beach..and a few beers. any of you willing to post the address to these pubs?

[kamenriderv3]

pubs? :)

[Nedesco]

Nick's Fishmarket
Pipeline Cafe
Anna Bannanas
Wave Waikiki
Buzz's
Ocean Club

these are my recommendations for bar/resturant/lounge, thats what you ask for right? nick's is a great bar/lounge on sat, anna bana is a bar where all the college students hang out, waves is classic, always sweet there, buzz is a nice bar/resturant, ocean is where you want to take your clubbing friend. you gotta trust me lynrei, im originally from hawaii you know. :)

[kaihentai]

The touristy- Harbor Pub in Waikiki (not bad pizza); Shooters in Waikiki too

The nationals- Imanas

convenience- Mai Tai Bar (near shopping)

If you can't get in Oceans- Row Bar, or Sansei (at least there's good sushi to try)

Fridays- Willows (with an all you can eat pupu buffet; I guess my favorite places have food to eat too)

Daytime drinking- Royal Hawaiian Hotel Bar by the beach

Sleazy- Any korean bar on Kapiolani blvrd

Sorry- just realized my favorite drinking places are either gone, or can be defined as a club (I still would recommend the wave though.)

[Sukebe]

L&L=best chicken katsu?! What? My fav is Grace's, but I think almost anywhere has better katsu (and health code compliance)than L&L

Best katsu curry hands down is Sanoya's on the late night tip. I think everyone goes there for the service tho (HA!). Don't be scared to go pour your own water either... it's that or die of thirst. Also, don't mention the ladies mole.

For breakfast, you have to try Masa's by Hokama's Music and Taco Bell on King. Egg's N Things is also cool from what I hear, but be prepared to stand in line and make sure you know the fk'd up hours they keep.

How about Shirokiya for okazu or bento? I still think they have the best stuffs. Did I already say St. Louis Drive In?

How about Ritchie's Drive In for super cheap grinds? Saba shioyaki for less than $5 - w/ mac salad bonus!

Wham Bam Java Slam! My mom used to work w/ Dave O'day's mom at Hawaii Baptist Academy and she said Dave was actually a house painter w/ his own company, so I'm pretty sure he's doing that now instead of dj'ing. Lips Fujiyama was the man. Kathy w/ a K is still around. I think my mom's digital cable lets her get KTUH piped in, but she hates block programming.

I'm so homesick.

[nyonpadorje]

Wish I could have me some Liliha Bakery cocoa puffs...

[shibire]

My pick for sushi: Tokkuri-tei on Kapahulu Avenue. Don't forget to sample some of their other dishes especially the wasabi chicken.

Hiking: Manoa Cliffs Trail and Diamond Head.

Club: Martini Madness at Indigo, can't beat $2.50 martinis or Mortinis at Morton's (the food highly over priced but the martinis are only $3 from 5-7pm also there are free steak sandwiches). Oh and for a tiki bar go to La Marianas in Sand Island a bit hard to find but worth the drive. A live pianist!

[joetron2030]

Anyone here still live in Honolulu? I wish I'd thought to ask before my wife, kid and I went this past week.

[kamenriderv3]

*raises hand*

[Robocon^^]

shoots man...I live 2 miles from Waikiki...

[joetron2030]

Oh, man! i'm so sorry guys! I wish I'd thought of it before I'd left!

Next time, definitely! We have other friends there, too, and we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

From what I heard we came and left right after and before some bad weather. We were there from Wed. until Monday night.

[shammy718]

any cheap lodging in maui? how are the hostels?

[kamenriderv3]

not sure about maui but you may want to check bed & breakfast places.

[shammy718]

any particular one you recommend, v3?

[kamenriderv3]

sorry. never had an opportunity to try one there.

i used to go to maui a lot for work and they would pay for a hotel room if i needed to stay overnight.

if i find anything then i'll post it here. where in maui are you staying? lahaina? upcountry? hana?

[kamenriderv3]

http://www.hostelhandbook.com/usa/himaui.htm

northshore hostel and banana bungalow offer free tours. prices are great but i have no idea of what the actual hostels are like.

[shammy718]

thanks! check your box.

[Robocon^^]

Ready for the Nara show April 1st?

There's a free lecture at UH to kick things off...
Tuesday, March 29 / 7:30pm / UH Art Auditorium. Join curator Michael Rooks in a convresation with exhibiting artist Yoshitomo Nara.


http://www.50-50.com/~robocon/gallery/albums/album02/neh.sized.jpg

[kamenriderv3]

i might just go on the first saturday.

their business hours are kind of short, 10am-4pm.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by Robocon^^
Ready for the Nara show April 1st?


I like go, brah.

[Robocon^^]

Originally posted by kamenriderv3
i might just go on the first saturday.

their business hours are kind of short, 10am-4pm.

Ah...I'm working Saturday.

How about the first Sunday? They're doing a gallery tour that day with the curator.

Sunday, April 3 / 1:30pm / Contemporary Museum Gallery Talk with Exhibition Curator Kristen Chambers

[kamenriderv3]

shoots

[Robocon^^]

Sunday hours are kinda short though...noon-4 only.

Meet there at noon?

[kamenriderv3]

how bout 3:45pm?

nah. noon is fine.

[Robocon^^]

arright...

[plixel]

can i get in on this hott-nara action?

[Robocon^^]

OK...meetup Sunday, noon at the
Contemporary Museum in Makiki.
http://www.50-50.com/~robocon/gallery/albums/album02/doghed.thumb.jpg (http://www.50-50.com/~robocon/gallery/albums/album02/doghed.jpg)

[Robocon^^]

hmmm...if you showed up and I didn't see you...sorry...v3, his girlfriend and I were out front til 12:15, but there were a lot of people going through the exhibit...but as it was with the case of shibire maybe we needed to talk out loud about GRLounge and see whose head whips around.

[Made in Hawaii]

Howzit everyone! Just thought I'd say wassup to all the locals in the 808 state and to everyone who visited the 808 or will visit it someday.

[kamenriderv3]

howzit

[herrokitty]

shaka brahs

[Made in Hawaii]

I'm not sure if there is something like this but anyone had any live case of obake files?

[plixel]

Originally posted by Robocon^^
hmmm...if you showed up and I didn't see you...sorry...v3, his girlfriend and I were out front til 12:15, but there were a lot of people going through the exhibit...but as it was with the case of shibire maybe we needed to talk out loud about GRLounge and see whose head whips around.

sheet. sorry 'bout flaking. the missus had to go to go into work last minute and we're gonna check it out either this week or next. :\

[kamenriderv3]

just saw olelo channel 56's "waa! nihongo". it was an episode of "peach boy in hawaii". it was a live action of the momotaro story but set in hawaii. i think the target audience was for the kids but i thought it was pretty cool.

it was done entirely in the japanese language from dialog to songs. i was waiting for some subtitles like it was on kiku but they had none of that. i thought that was pretty bold but i didn't mind.

its not a sophisticated production but it was still good. probably the better shows i have seen on local access cable. that may not be saying much but i think its worth at least one viewing.

the humor is kind of dorky but still fun.

[Robocon^^]

http://cinemaparadise.org/

I wanna see the Schroeder-piano lady on the 30th...

And the Duane Peters doc on the 27th...

[Robocon^^]

saw Margaret Leng Tang on KHON news just now...no mini piano though. She was howling and banging on the insides of a grand piano. Looking all avante garde.

Got the day pass and gonna see her concert on the 30th.

http://cinemaparadise.org/img/films/img_sorcerussbig.jpg

[Robocon^^]

http://www.50-50.com/~robocon/gallery/albums/album02/tam.jpg

[slackerbot]

i guess this guy won't be coming back to Hawaii..

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050715/ap_on_fe_st/robbed_twice;_ylt=AnheRfOu4a85CX6o26OkMa6s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3NW1oMDRpBHNlYwM3NTc-

Man Says He Was Robbed Twice in 5 Minutes

Fri Jul 15, 6:47 AM ET

A tourist from Connecticut reported he was mugged twice within five minutes while walking Alii Drive, Big Island police said.

Derrick Schull, 50, was walking south on the oceanside-street at 3:25 a.m. Wednesday when a dark-colored sport utility vehicle pulled alongside him. Three men in their 30s got out, forced Schull to give up his wallet and drove away, police said.

Five minutes later, Schull reported that four males, including two juveniles, emerged from some bushes and demanded his wallet. When he told them he had no wallet, two of them started punching and kicking him, police said.

Schull suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention.

[jinzoningen]

^Tourists need to be informed that it's not only paradise, but a ghetto paradise.

[slackerbot]

is that a particularly "bad" area?

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by slackerbot
is that a particularly "bad" area?

It's an island. You are either living next to a ghetto area or living in one. That applies for most of the islands. Maybe only Kauai is the exception.

[kamenriderv3]

I don't know if I agree with the ghetto comment. Its hard to find something like that in the Hawaii Kai or the ocean-side of Diamond Head/Kahala area.

The Big Island has its bad spots but I don't know them specifically.

At least in Hawaii, you have more of a chance in getting a beating then killed. Old school violence.

[jinzoningen]

^Isn't Waimanalo right around the corner from Hawaii Kai?

As for Diamond Head, it could be argued that Waikiki is a ghetto. Lots of crime there.

The Big Island is sparse, but it is the wild wild west as far as crime goes.

[kamenriderv3]

i don't know if i would consider them next to each other.

actually wouldn't matter. criminals travel anyway. in stolen cars too.

[Sukebe]

I don't really agree with that ghetto comment either. (http://www.answers.com/jaded&r=67)

I think for most people, Hawaii is a pretty safe place. In fact, safer than most. Of course, if you are buying dope or engaging in some other shady activity your likelihood of experiencing trouble increases... but is it different anywhere else?

You have to admit, that story was not your typical Hawaiian vacation experience.

[slackerbot]

yeah, getting jacked twice in a 5 min time span is pretty rare anywhere.

[Robocon^^]

So did they ever catch that bicycle dude beating people over the head with bricks from behind and robbing them in my neighborhood?

[kamenriderv3]

i don't think so.

talk about low-tech robbery.

[stryfe]

eh?? kowaii...

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by kamenriderv3
i don't think so.

talk about low-tech robbery.

low tech drive-by, but very effective. I don't think he's been caught yet.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by Sukebe

I think for most people, Hawaii is a pretty safe place. In fact, safer than most. Of course, if you are buying dope or engaging in some other shady activity your likelihood of experiencing trouble increases... but is it different anywhere else?


You don't have to commit violent crimes to be considered ghetto. Just look at the way people dress and act and talk. I'd say the hillbilly ratio is high here in Hawaii.

Not saying I'm an elitist or anything though.;)

[angoraphobia]

Originally posted by jinzoningen


It's an island. You are either living next to a ghetto area or living in one. That applies for most of the islands. Maybe only Kauai is the exception.

yeah....north shore (hanalei, princeville)/south shore (poipu) are pretty unghetto-fiable but thats only due to the high haole content....other than that every town has its ghetto type areas

[angoraphobia]

Originally posted by jinzoningen


You don't have to commit violent crimes to be considered ghetto. Just look at the way people dress and act and talk. I'd say the hillbilly ratio is high here in Hawaii.

Not saying I'm an elitist or anything though.;)

its not just violent crime....the amount of people that do drugs or traffic drugs is pretty high there...i know on kauai meth/ice is wrecking the island...

[stryfe]

hawaii's rednecky.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by stryfe
hawaii's rednecky.

Mokes, brah.

Fostered by the ignorant "us versus the mainland haoles" mentality.

[stryfe]

is that what they're called? i thougt mokes were something else.

i need to be schooled in the local vernacular.

[Sukebe]

I might not be the biggest honky ever to live in Hawaii, but I can't recall having serious problems with the braddahs.

I think that, for the most part, local people are friendly and open. The stink attitudes are probably a reaction when people get all "high makamaka". How would you react to someone who automatically thinks they are better than you because of how much money they have (or pretend to have) or how you dress? Sure, a lot of it may be assumed or due to insecurity, but I doubt anyone gives you an easier chance at proving them wrong.

I never realized how poor Hawaii is (in general) until I spent some time in the Bay Area. I also never realized how little that means until I had to deal with the comparably shitty attitudes here 24/7 (see also - Santana Row/Stanford Mall/tantaran).

[angoraphobia]

Originally posted by stryfe
is that what they're called? i thougt mokes were something else.

i need to be schooled in the local vernacular.

theres also blahlah or something...but i think that term hasnt been used since the 80s

[stryfe]

Originally posted by angoraphobia
theres also blahlah or something...but i think that term hasnt been used since the 80s
would it help if i pulled out my pidgin to da max books?

[stryfe]

Originally posted by Sukebe
I might not be the biggest honky ever to live in Hawaii, but I can't recall having serious problems with the braddahs.

I think that, for the most part, local people are friendly and open. The stink attitudes are probably a reaction when people get all "high makamaka". How would you react to someone who automatically thinks they are better than you because of how much money they have (or pretend to have) or how you dress? Sure, a lot of it may be assumed or due to insecurity, but I doubt anyone gives you an easier chance at proving them wrong.

I never realized how poor Hawaii is (in general) until I spent some time in the Bay Area. I also never realized how little that means until I had to deal with the comparably shitty attitudes here 24/7 (see also - Santana Row/Stanford Mall/tantaran).
monetarily poor, but rich in spirit and community? you don't see too many blatant public displays of affluence and attitude like people on the mainland. one thing i've seen though is the mullet.

i never noticed it when i was small, but there's a lot of public housing on oahu.

[angoraphobia]

i dont think its that blatant....i think that a lot of it stems from the whole tourist/service industry facet of hawaii's culture.....the hotels, restaurants, tourist traps and all that....i think locals start to feel as if their lives revolve around catering to rich haoles...that can become very stifling and can make one feel inadequate and frustrated.

Most locals live in a modest 3 bedroom home (which you share with extended family members) with louver windows and a carport, sometimes the washing machine is outside as is the bathroom. your usual attire is board shorts, t-shirt and slippahs. you eat rice and some form of local favorite. you hang at the beach with your buddies trying to forget that you have to go back to work at the hotel etc. and cater to people who have nothing better to do with their lives except spend tons of money on their screaming spawn and complain that they dont have enough towels in their room or that its effing raining.....

but thats just one take....there are layers....the hawaiian sovereignty issue being the biggest....

[herrokitty]

where is the angry japanese guy factory in hawaii?

[kamenriderv3]

bathroom on the outside? i have only seen that chinatown.

[angoraphobia]

hunh...maybe thats only a kauai thing...

[kamenriderv3]

maybe there was a secret indoor bathroom in your house but your siblings wanted you to go to the outside one. :o

[angoraphobia]

damnit! they were always doing those kinds of things to me. i ate breakfast, lunch & dinner at the neighbors til i was 8 cause they told me thats where i should go for my meals!

[slackerbot]

hahahah :D

[kamenriderv3]

i noticed has some new businesses on hotel street. besides the new indie theater, there's indochine restaurant/store(?) right across them. a new mexican restaurant after the old club hubba hubba. bar35, next to the theater, is supposed to be a "new york style" bar.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by angoraphobia
i think locals start to feel as if their lives revolve around catering to rich haoles...that can become very stifling and can make one feel inadequate and frustrated.

Nah, most tourist traps here rob the tourists by jacking up the prices to ridiculous levels so it evens out. I think more of the frustration stems from when the white devils;) get the bright idea that they can move in and take over because the locals aren't sophisticated or "artikulett" enough to run things themselves.

[stryfe]

there's an article in today's la times about hawaiian sovereignty in waimanalo. included is the prerequisite 'haole go home!' quote.

[jinzoningen]

Originally posted by stryfe
there's an article in today's la times about hawaiian sovereignty in waimanalo. included is the prerequisite 'haole go home!' quote.

Those sovereignty idiots need to get over it already. The white man came and took the shit over, nothing can be done about it. It's almost like me demanding now that justice be served for the skateboard that was stolen from me when I was 7.

[stryfe]

i'm a self hating haole. that's probably why kv3 keeps telling me to not be so mahu.

[angoraphobia]

Originally posted by stryfe
i'm a self hating haole. that's probably why kv3 keeps telling me to not be so mahu.

really? i've heard him refer to you as 'his mahulani'...whats that about?

[kamenriderv3]

(*___*)

[plixel]

Originally posted by stryfe
hawaii's rednecky.

i affectionately refer to them as "brown necks".

[plixel]

Originally posted by kamenriderv3
i noticed has some new businesses on hotel street. besides the new indie theater, there's indochine restaurant/store(?) right across them. a new mexican restaurant after the old club hubba hubba. bar35, next to the theater, is supposed to be a "new york style" bar.

i think someone (not exactly sure who) is trying to spruce up downtown, but it seems like a waste of time... until they do something about the rampant drug use and homelessness.

it's been bad for a while, but ever since they kicked them outta Aala park.... *sigh* it just seems un-fixable.

edit: and it only seems like it'll get worse when they finish that ill-advised high-rise across the street from the park. Btw, who the hell would ever want to live in that spot (bordered by Aala Park, IHS, River street and Nimitz)?

[kamenriderv3]

i know a guy who bought a unit there. seems like a crazy idea but he thinks that there's enough chinese and vietnamese folks who will buy it if he decides to sell.

its in the middle of IHS, aala park and chinatown. not really dangerous but not a favorable location either. at least chinatown isn't what it was in the 70s or earlier.


btw, the downtown loft idea seems to be limbo. not enough incentives for the landlords to do construction and convert the infrastructure to accomodate living space. cost more to convert than what they will reap in profits. too bad.

[plixel]

i'm pretty bummed that the zoning change regarding lofts isn't doing much. I wonder what the problem is... they have to be the easiest things to refurb.

Anyone know someone in HPD? what's the point of having a downtown station when the only foot patrols they do are to give out effin' click-it-or-ticket citations?

[slackerbot]

don't dismiss it. there's a big "downtown revival" thing going on all over the country. it's getting kinda crazy here in the LA area. all these ghetto areas are being converted into posh lofts and condos, selling for like $500K.

if the local government is backing the revival in your downtown, then the drug and homeless problem will "go away" eventually. or at least become less of a problem.

[angoraphobia]

i was thinking the same thing.....cause its happening....in wild wild WEST OAKLAND!(?) also I think in So Cal in Santa Ana....Loft type live/work spaces are the thing i think....

[slackerbot]

invest now!

[Robocon^^]

I think the slowness of refurning the lofts has to do with the property owners who've owned the places for ages who aren't willing to sell or negotiate long term leases. Businesses don't want short leases where there's no protection from rents being bumped up.

Things could improve once the right incentives are in place. But that's between businesses, govt, and the land owners to work out.

[kaihentai]

I don't know if it's old or new... more like new to me.

There's this noodle shop on the corner of Hotel and (bethel?), right after those druggie looking businesses. My friend and his girl got me to try that place and it was off the hook and a good price. Deep Fried Fish Balls in Noodles was pretty good too.

As for the changing of Downtown, it was going to happen no matter what. Gentrification is always happening to some urban area. Expecting it to happen to Depot Road... Wait it already started...

[wonki wonki]

Thinking about flying into Honolulu for a week, maybe a little less, sometime second half of August. Anyone know of any good deals for flights/lodgings? Other general tips appreciated. Pretty much wide open in terms of planning.

[shibire]

I defer to Robocon or anyone else on this matter...I seem to be a shitty trip planner. I'm planning a trip to the Big Island this November and I'm already breaking the bank.

I usually check out expedia and http://www.pandaonline.com/, but I'm not much of a wheeler and a dealer.

[slackerbot]

me too. eventually i'd like to visit HI. maybe for 4 or 5 days. i'd like to split my days into something like this..

* do and see the typical tourist stuff
* eat, drink, and see GR peeps
* go mtn biking, hiking, and running
* sit on the beach and do nothing
* sit on the beach and do nothing

so make some suggestions for my itinerary! :)

[herrokitty]

I'll loan you my sailboat, just take off from venice beach.

[kamenriderv3]

don't about deals flying to hawaii. never had to plan trips in that direction yet. i can ask one of my friends who usually drops by.

i can take you on a hike or a drive around the island. it has to be on the weekend for that kind of event.

[Robocon^^]

If you book a package: flight, hotel, car, it should save you some money. Or not. I'd search on expedia, priceline, orbitz, etc...pandaonline is pretty good too sometimes.

Stuff to do: beaches and hikes are nice, go try different kinds of food, and just hang out. Relax, have fun, see things.

My schedule is kinda weird, but I have nice blocks of time off to do stuff.

[wonki wonki]

Thanks for the offers, folks. I'll be sure to be in touch if I end up in that direction. I have no idea yet. Might as well throw a dart at a spinning globe.