Island Vintage Coffee Waikiki, has Lauren's absolute favorite Acai bowl and coffee.. but order ahead to skip the looooong line! Order the Original Acai Bowl but add the Extra Liliko'i Honey for the ultimate hack!

Also, the Island Latte (balanced sweetness) Iced is the BEST!

Coffee culture in Hawaii is definitely a thing! Here are other notable coffee spots in Waikiki:

- Kona Coffee Purveyors has amazing pastries (get the Kouign Amann!!) but the line is long, so arrive super early before 7am or after the morning rush or just wait... the Kouign Amann is worth it :)

- Honolulu Coffee at the Moana Hotel - Joji's favorite coffee spot in Waikiki and Lauren's second favorite. Grab your coffee and pastries (the line goes fast) and walk through the lobby of the Moana Hotel to get to the rocking chairs in the back under the banyan tree for a relaxing morning

- Ali'i Coffee Co in Waikiki. Order a signature latte like The Queen – espresso, hazelnut syrup, toasted coconut flakes, steamed milk

- The Sunrise Shack has bullet coffee and pretty good acai bowls, if you want to try somewhere different from Island Vintage

- Bean About Town - A recent discovery but notable with their yummy island latte

1. Hula Grill

Hula Grill is located in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort in Waikiki. It’s usually one of the first places Ben and I go to when we get to Waikiki. It's an oceanfront dining experience with a laid-back, tropical ambiance.

Our fave menu highlights:

Appetizers: Poke Tacos and Crab & Macadamia Nut Wontons are popular starters.

Entrees: Their fresh island fish dishes, such as the macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi, are highly recommended. The Hula Grill burger is also a favorite.

Desserts: The Hula Pie is a must-try dessert.

Hula Grill focuses on using fresh, local ingredients, offering a mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes and contemporary cuisine.

2. Stix Asia

Stix Asia is a cool underground food hall in Waikiki, featuring a diverse range of Asian cuisines. It offers a ton of small restaurants that serve sushi and ramen to Korean BBQ and Vietnamese pho, making it a great spot for food lovers seeking variety. The atmosphere is casual and the convenient location makes it a popular choice for both quick bites and leisurely meals. Our favorite is the Musubi place, Nana Musubi, that has GREAT musubis - perfect for a snack on the go.

3. Monkeypod Kitchen

Monkeypod Kitchen at Outrigger Reef Beach Resort is another oceanfront restaurant with beautiful views and a cool, vibey interior. Be sure to order the Lilikoi Mai Tai (kula organic silver and dark rums, lime, house-made macadamia nut orgeat, bols orange curacao, honey-lilikoi foam)

4. Marugame Udon

We now have Marugame in the Bay Area, but this spot is the best in our opinion! Grab some delicious udon and fried tempura for a yummy meal. There are lines usually, but it's worth it!

5. Momosan Ramen & Sake

We love going to Momosan for the soft shell crab bao buns and the sake flights!

6. Tim Ho Wan

Lauren loves this dim sum place situated on the top of the Royal Hawaiian Center. She would eat frequently at this restaurant when she lived in Hong Kong, since it originated in Asia and was the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant in the world at one time.

7. Tiki's Bar and Grill

Tiki's Bar and Grill, located in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, offers a fun, tropical atmosphere with stunning ocean views. Ben and Lauren stopped here on one of their first trips to Oahu and had a blast listening to the live music and drinking and snacking on local pupus (appetizers).

Known for its island-inspired menu and refreshing cocktails, it’s a great spot for enjoying live music, sunset dinners, and a laid-back Hawaiian vibe. Popular dishes include the Coconut Shrimp and Kalua Pig Quesadilla.

8. Leonard’s Bakery

Head over to Leonard’s bakery for their famous Malasadas. Malasadas are Portuguese donuts without a whole. Try them plain or a flavor! Eat them fresh since they don’t keep well.

Get some exercise in nearby with the Diamond Crater Head Hike. This iconic volcanic crater offers killer views of Honolulu and the vast Pacific Ocean, making the trek well worth the effort, but make sure you make a reservation a couple days before!! Diamond Head Reservations

The trail takes you through some cool volcanic terrain, including tunnels and stairs that'll get your heart pumping. As you climb, catch sight of Diamond Head Lighthouse and killer views of the coastline.

Once you hit the top, you're rewarded with a 360-degree panorama. Check out Waikiki, the Honolulu skyline, and the lush green scenery that makes Hawaii so beautiful.

The Makapu‘u Point trail offers outstanding views of O‘ahu’s southeastern coastline. From the trail’s destination at Makapu‘u Head, one is rewarded with magnificent views of the windward coast and offshore islets, as well as the historic red-roofed Makapu‘u Lighthouse. You might even see hang gliders in the sky which makes for a stunning photo of this beautiful view. Note that the trail is exposed and dry - we suggest you walk the trail in the mornings because it gets HOT. Wear sunscreen (as always), hat and bring lots of water.

This is one of the first hikes Ben and Lauren did when traveling to Oahu together and the hard work to get to the peak is worth the views! The terrain changes along this up-and-back trail and the views at the end are stunning.

One of the best things about Waikiki is that you can simply walk outside of your hotel and stroll along the beach. Put on your cap and walking shoes and join the joggers and walkers in the mornings. From the Queen Kapi'olani Hotel, walk to the beach, turn left and walk to Diamond Head, or turn right and walk towards Fort DeRussy and Hilton Hawaiian Village. Work up a nice glow and reward yourself with an iced coffee and pastry. No better way to start your day in Hawaii.

And end your day with the island's best free activity with a Hawaii sunset in Waikiki. Check your app for the sunset's time and bring a towel and camera to catch a gorgeous sunset - you might even see the green flash!

Check out the beaches and the city center:

1. Kailua Beach Park:

Embrace the laid-back vibes at Kailua Beach Park. With its powder-soft sands and crystal-clear waters, it's an ideal spot for sunbathing, picnicking, or trying your hand at water sports like kayaking and windsurfing.

2. Lanikai Pillboxes Hike

For the adventurous, the Lanikai Pillboxes Hike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the turquoise ocean and Twin Islands. The moderate trail takes you through lush landscapes, rewarding you with a stunning vantage point and old army pillboxes from WWII.

3. Kailua Town Center:

Explore the charming Kailua Town Center, lined with boutique shops, local eateries, and cafes. It's a great place to discover unique souvenirs, indulge in delicious treats, and experience the local culture.

Haleiwa Town:

Experience the charm of Haleiwa on the North Shore of the island. This North Shore gem offers a blend of art galleries, surf shops, and eateries. Try the famous Matsumoto's shave ice, browse local art, and soak in the surf culture that defines this laid-back community. This is a bit of a drive but one of Ben and Lauren's favorite spots to check out!

Waimea Bay Beach Park:

Relax and soak up the sun at Waimea Bay Beach Park. This iconic North Shore beach is known for its golden sands and, during the summer, offers excellent swimming conditions. Take in the breathtaking scenery or try your hand at cliff jumping from the famous Waimea Rock. Lauren grew up coming to this beach and jumping off the rock whenever she and her family were in the North Shore! Bring shade because it gets super sunny.

Banzai Pipeline (aka Ehukai Beach Park):

Known as a mecca for surfers, the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore boasts powerful waves and hosts international surfing competitions. Even if you're not catching waves, witnessing the surfers' skills is a plus.