Been to Oʻahu before—and want to explore neighborhoods outside of Waikīkī?

This is the podcast for you!

We recorded this from the lobby of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The luxe hotel is located a few miles east of Waikīkī, in an upscale residential area that makes this property feel exclusive yet so close to everything.

The view from our rooms at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

In this episode, we talk about three of our favorite neighborhoods just outside of Waikīkī: Kāhala, Kaimukī and Hawaiʻi Kai.

Kāhala is a residential neighborhood—where The Kāhala Hotel & Resort is located—that boasts the famous Waiʻalae Country Club, Kāhala Mall, and a great restaurant called Kapa Hale. (We interviewed chef Keaka Lee in this episode.)

Kaimukī is a fun, walkable neighborhood bursting with local boutiques, bakeries and restaurants, including Koko Head Café, Via Gelato, Daily Whisk Matcha, Da Shop, Talk Kaimukī and KCC Farmers Market.

East Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Kai: Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail, Koko Crater Tracks, Maunalua Bay, Island Brew Coffeehouse, Kawaii Ice Wave, Heavenly Island Lifestyle Hawaiʻi Kai, Kokonuts Shave Ice & Snacks, Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai, Koko Crater Botanical Garden and Paradise Poke. PRO TIP: Leonard’s Bakery runs a food truck at the Koko Marina Center, and you can get Leonard’s malasadas here without waiting in line!

If you’re interested in volunteering with Mālama Maunalua, read our story here.

And here are our tips for visiting Hanauma Bay.

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

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