Local Resources
Best After Hours Place
Liliha Bakery
515 Kuakini St., Honolulu
(808) 531-1651
Open all hours Tuesday through Sunday, Liliha Bakery offers local home-style grub like stew bowls. Step back into the 60s with countertop service.
Best Cheap Date
Iolani Palace
364 S. King St., Honolulu
(808) 538-1471
Take a guided or self-guided tour and show your date the home of ancient Hawaiian royalty. Every Friday during lunch hour, the Royal Hawaiian Band plays for free.
Best Club
Esprit Lounge in the Sheraton Waikiki
2255 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
(808) 944-4422
As popular as the Waikiki Beach it overlooks, Esprit is lively, upscale and jamming with DJs as well as live rock and hip-hop acts.
Best Creative Date
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu
(808) 395-2211
Follow the signs to one of the most beautiful natural marine reserves in the world. Hint: venture around the left-side to the blowhole, but watch your step!
Best Place for a Laugh
Society of Seven at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel
2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
(808) 923-0711
This popular ensemble puts on a fast-paced show featuring show tunes, local songs, impersonations and hilarious comedy skits.
Best Place for Coffee and Dessert
Leonards Bakery
933 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu
(808) 737-9951
Leonards is famous for its malasadas (Hawaiian doughnuts). The cream-filled one is really good; just be prepared for a bit of a sugar overload.
Best Place To Buy a Gift
The Little Hawaiian Craft Shop
2201 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
(808) 926-2662
This shop in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center has lots of little knick-knacks, but the koa woodcarvings by local artists are the best.
Best Restaurant for a Second Dinner Date
Sarentos Top of the I
1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
(808) 955-5559
If you can divert your attention from the mind-boggling views of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline from the top of the Ilikai Hotel, try the Osso Bucco or lobster ravioli.
Best Restaurant for First Dinner Date
Don Hos Island Grill
101 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
(808) 528-0807
Yes, the Tiny Bubbles man himself has a casual place to hang at the Aloha Tower Marketplace. The memorabilia on the walls always makes for a good conversation starter.
Best Restaurant for Lunch or Brunch First Date
Best Special Occasion Restaurant
La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel and Resort
2199 Kalia Rd., Honolulu
(808) 923-2311
La Mer is very sophisticated, very romantic and very French. And the panoramic view of Diamond Head is a perfect setting for any special intimate occasion.
TOP FIVE DATES
Be Tourist for a Day
Take a day trip to another island. Go to Kauai and tour the Na Pali coast. Or, visit Maui and take a long walk through Lahaina. Its not a cheap date, but its a lot of fun to see how completely unique each island is.
Chill Out
Ice Palace
4510 Salt Lake Blvd., Aiea
(808) 487-9921
There arent too many chances to see ice in Hawaiiwell, except in drinks. Even if you dont like to skate, or simply cant, the Ice Place is a great place to keep cool on blistering summer days.
Follow the Whales
Wild Side Specialty Tours
Waianae Boat Harbor, Slip A-11, Honolulu
(808) 306-7273
See the whales up close December through March. Its absolutely mind-boggling to see animals this smart and this big swim this fast and jump completely out of the water.
Go See Pali
The Pali Lookout, Windward Oahu
The breathtaking lookout provides a spectacular view of the Koolau mountain range. But grab your date on hold on tight; it is so windy that adults are actually advised to hold the hands of children.
Swim with Flipper
The Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel
5000 Kahala Ave., Honolulu
(808) 739-8888
Take your date for a swim with six bottlenose dolphins in this twenty-six thousand-square foot natural lagoon. You will never look at dolphins the same again after swimming up close with them.