Guest Post by Amy Sherman
Meet Amy Sherman
Amy Sherman is a freelance food and drinks writer, editor, and cookbook author. She is currently the editor-in-chief of the Cheese Professor, Alcohol Professor and Chocolate Professor, Olive Oil Professor, and the president of Bay Area Travel Writers. She has contributed to publications including AFAR, Architectural Digest, Fodor’s, Food Network, Martha Stewart, San Francisco magazine, Via, Westways and Wine Enthusiast. She is the author of several books including Williams-Sonoma New Flavors for Appetizers and A Microwave, A Mug, A Meal, and Wine Passport Portugal. Culinary travel is her favorite kind of travel, follow her on social media @cookingwithamy. She has been going to Oahu since she was a pre-teen.
Q: Where is your favorite place in the world to travel to?
A: Oahu is my happy place! I try and go every year or so. I lived in Italy for about a year and I love it there as well. But it’s hard to choose just one because I have been to so many incredible places. A few other countries that come to mind are Turkey, Morocco, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Greece, Portugal, France, Switzerland, and Croatia.
Q: What are your top travel hacks or tips?
A: Pack light! And do not check your bag if you don’t really need to so when you arrive you can hit the ground running instead of waiting in baggage claim. Also no one but you cares what you are wearing on vacation and no one is going to notice if you wear the same thing twice!
Q&A GUEST POST with Amy Sherman: Honolulu 🌴
Q: Can you provide an overview of Honolulu?
A: Honolulu is dreamy! It’s so many things. It’s a city with fascinating history, architecture (if you like architecture check out the AIA tours) and culture. It’s by far the biggest city in Hawaii, it’s the capital city and home to over a million people if you count the entire metro area.There are tons of arts and cultural festivals. A couple of my favorite are the Honolulu Triennial and the Hawai’i International Film Festival. It’s also one of my favorite food cities in the world.
Q: Why should people visit Honolulu?
A: Well if you are American it’s an important city from a historical standpoint. But it really has it all, fantastic food, a cool art scene, a funky Chinatown, diverse neighborhoods, and of course, gorgeous beaches and fabulous weather.
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Honolulu?
A: There’s always the chance you’ll have a bit of rain but the weather in Honoiulu is idyllic year round. I prefer going in the fall or the winter because it is less crowded but anytime is good. \
Q: How many days should you spend in Honolulu to truly experience it?
A: Part of the charm of Hawaii is the slower pace. You shouldn’t try to cram too much in. Plan on coming back to experience more! But I think a week to 10 days is ideal and allows you to squeeze in a day or two to explore other parts of the island like Kailua and the North Shore.
Q: What should you not forget to pack when visiting Honolulu?
A: Comfy flip flops, sunblock, a sun hat, multiple bathing suits. I bring shoes for going for an early morning walk. It’s a very casual place so shorts and t-shirts will work pretty much most places.
Q: What airport do you fly in/out of? Any specific airport tips?
A: There is just one main airport, HNL, and if you get stuck there due to delays there is a surprisingly lovely little garden to hang out in.
Q: When you arrive, is it best to rent a car or can you get around the island via taxi/Uber? How’s public transportation?
A: I always rent a car. I know they have a good bus system and plenty of ride shares, but I like exploring neighborhoods and going off the beaten path. The trick is parking, which in Waikiki is very expensive. The best deal on parking is at the Waikiki Banyan (assuming your hotel is close by). I always find amazing deals on car rentals through this aggregator site (not a sponsored link and I’m not sure how I originally found this site but I rarely pay more than $20 a day).
Q: What hotels in Honolulu do you recommend? Any super unique accommodations?
A: I really love the little boutique hotels that have popped up in the last 10 years or so. I like Vive Hotel which is convenient and affordable and has a lot of amenities like beach chairs and boogie boards that you can borrow. I also like the Shoreline. If you want an apartment, the Waikiki Banyan is a sure bet and you can find a place through either Aston or Vrbo. If you’re doing Hawaii right you’re not spending much time in your room so I don’t recommend splurging. That said, it’s worth taking the free Moana Surfrider Hotel Historic tour and walking through The Royal Hawaiian Hotel for the grandeur.
Q: What are some must-do activities while in Honolulu? Any unique tours?
A: I am fascinated by the complicated history of Hawaii. A visit to the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the US, is a must. Hawaii’s Plantation Village is an outdoor museum that was recommended to me by a chef who told me he sends all his new employees there. I love the funkiness of Hawaii so exploring Chinatown, catching a movie or double feature at the Movie Museum (a theater with only 12 seats and all recliner leather BarcaLounger style seats) are always on my itinerary. If you have kids, the Bishop Museum of natural history is really worthwile. I’ve heard the Waikiki Aquarium is good for kids too. Do not miss the free Kuhio Beach Hula Show on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Q: What are some not-to-miss sights in Honolulu?
A: People watching on Kalakau Avenue in Waikiki, Sansouci Beach, Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, I love wandering around Kaimuki and Chinatown. Don’t miss the Honolulu Museum of Art (the cafe is lovely too)! If you have the time, book a ticket to Shangri La which was the home of Doris Duke and is now a museum. I also always squeeze in a visit to the Foster Botanical Gardens. The KCC farmer’s market has gotten overrun with tourists, so head to the one in Kailua or Honolulu instead.
Q: What are the best beaches in the Honolulu area? Best for snorkeling? Best for swimming? Best for surfing?
A: Hanauma is the place for snorkeling. I like Waikiki Beach for swimming or Sansouci Beach. Also if you want to see the giant turtles plan on driving up to Lanikea on the North Shore. Another favorite beach for swimming is Waimea Bay also on the North Shore.
Q: What’s the performing arts and arts scene like in Honolulu? Any not-to-miss performance or art galleries?
A:Chinatown has quite a number of galleries and First Friday is a great event if you want to check out a bunch of them. In addition to the Honolulu Art Museum, the Capitol Modern: Hawaii’i State Art Museum is a must.
Q: Where can you find the best shopping with local boutiques and artisan goods? Any specific stores to visit?
A: Chinatown has a lot of boutiques, some vintage shops and lei shops. It’s definitely where you should buy your leis. Roberta Oaks is a favorite boutique also Tin Can Mailman for vintage Hawaiiana. The places in Waikiki are mostly chains so I avoid them. But Avanti Hawaii is great for aloha shirts based on designs from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
Q: Let’s talk food! What are some must-eat dishes? What are your favorite restaurants?
A: I truly believe that the cuisine of Hawaii is the greatest and most overlooked of all regional cuisines in America. I adore the food and its incredible mix of cultures and unique dishes. Honolulu has great Chinese food, local food and the best Japanese food outside of Japan including izakaya, ramen, sushi and more. Where else are you going to find an authentic Okinawan restaurant? I created a Honolulu Dining Map because there are simply too many places to list. I always want to eat at new places but some local favorites that you shouldn’t miss: Ethel’s Grill for take out lunch, great Japanese and local food, the tuna tataki is legendary but so is the mochiko chicken. Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a must for traditional food, try everything! For sushi, Sushi ii is incredible, order mostly the specials and book ahead. Pioneer Saloon or Rainbow Drive Inn for plate lunches, which are another local favorite specialty. The Pig and the Lady for moden inspired modern takes on Vietnanese food. Leonard’s Bakery for hot malasada donuts.
Q: What’s your favorite spot for breakfast?
A: Kapa Hale, Koko Head Cafe, Nami Kaze are all outstanding!
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop in Honolulu?
A: Sorry I don’t drink coffee. But I am a chocolate fiend so I can recommend both Lonohana and Manoa.
Q: Let’s talk drinks! What’s your favorite drink order in Honolulu? Best bars to visit?
A: Something fruity and fun like a daiquiri or a mai tai. Sunset drinks are great at a hotel on the beach or with a view. A couple favorites are Hau Tree – a lovely bar with a view of the ocean on the quiet end of Waikiki and also Pint and Jigger which has no view but great drinks.
Q: What’s a great day trip from Honolulu? Best way to get there? Must-do activities and must-eats spots while there?
A:This is why I rent a car, to go explore the island. Head up the Kahala coast towards the North Shore. Stop anywhere that appeals! There’s a blowhole, lots of quiet beaches, Kailua Beach is really nice and so is the town of Kailua. Go to Cinnamon’s or Over Easy for breakfast or brunch.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about visiting Honolulu?
A: Talk to the locals! People are really nice on Oahu. Don’t just talk to a concierge, talk to the valet, wait staff, housekeeper, anyone you meet when you’re out and about, and ask them for their recommendations. Check out Honolulu Magazine for local events. Enjoy Waikiki for what it is, but go explore. My typical days include a walk very early when it’s cool out, then maybe a swim. I usually go out to breakfast or brunch. I head to a park or an arts or cultural destination then have a snack and maybe a nap! I might go to the beach again for an hour or two, get a drink and go out for dinner.
