When In Oahu

Oahu is the island that many tourists say, "I'll look around, but I'd rather stay at (add name of other Hawaiian Island here). Now, I am a bit biased (I lived in Honolulu from 6 months to 7 years old), but Oahu is actually is a great place to visit and live. You have the beautiful ocean and countyside, plus you have something that the other islands do not have...a large, fun city. Many would agree that the other Hawaiian Islands do not have the best restaurants (save for the Big Island). But Honolulu has some real gems, and lots of them.

On my most recent trip while visiting my best friend Marvin, his wife and my friend Masako and their new little baby, Dylan Cho and his mother Barbara, I had some of the best meals that I have eaten in a long time. Here are some of the highlights.

Sorabol - A fantastic Korean Restaurant. The menu is huge, with so many dishes that you could go for a couple of weeks and have something new each day. We had quite a feast there...instead of bread they brought out Kim Chee (the best I have ever had) and other salad novelties (more places should replace boring bread with something more special to their cuisine); a Korean version of poke with mixed greens, ahi and a chili paste; Chicken with vegetables (the only non-spicy thing we had which made it a refreshing alternative); an excellent Bee-bim Bop; stir-fried Octopus in a kind of smoky and spicy sauce; and a Clay Pot soup with tofu and other delights that knocked all of us out of our socks (literally, it was that spicy). Obviously, if you are not into spicy food, this is not the place for you. But if you are adventurous like me, this is a must try. Note: They ended the meal with a sweet rice drink that tasted like it came from the Gods. Four Smacks.

Hakone - Within the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki lives Hakone, a wonderful Japanese restaurant that serves an all-you-can-eat buffet on Friday and Saturday nights that boggles the mind (and quickly fills the stomach). They have a sushi bar; delicious sashimi; Japanese pickles; Oden (a Japanese stew that is to die for); tempura soft shell crab and other delights; oysters; salads; and much much more. And if you can save the room, I didn't, they have desserts as well. It is expensive, but well worth it. Just exercise before you go to bed to work off all that food you ate. Three and a Half Smacks.

Nuuanu Open Market - Literally a small open shed like restaurant that has some great Thai food. It has one of the best renditions of pad Thai I have had in a long time and it's green curry is full of flavor. It also has the best thai ice tea...ever! This is an inexpensive restaurant that has some excellent food. A real find. Three and a half Smacks.

So when in Oahu, remember that there are some good eats to have as well as some great adventures (Shark's Cove...excellent snorkeling. Sunset Beach...great surfing).

- JB


Sorabol - 805 Keeaumoku St., Honolulu, HI 96814; (808) 947-3113

Hakone - Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, 100 Holomoana St., Honolulu, HI 96815; (808) 956-1111

Nuuanu Open Market - 1627 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817; (808) 585-8839