We always get a little giddy when we get the inside scoop on a dreamy travel destination, and today’s City Guide is one that is taking us away to the islands. It’s pretty safe to say that each of us has been caught up in daydreams of a getaway filled with sun and sand on any given day, and Salt & Wind’s latest travel guide is giving us just the right excuses to make those dreams a reality! Aida is sharing all the best-kept secrets of the island with us today, and we can’t wait to let you in on the travel tips we’re saving for our next getaway. Let’s dive in…

Hi! Aida here from Salt & Wind with another City Guide and travel-inspired recipe. I’m so excited because I’m sharing a place that has become my home-away-from-home, Honolulu. Hawaii is good anytime of year, but I personally love it during the holidays where palm trees and surf means it’s anything but a white Christmas. Each island is definitely worth a visit, but I’m partial to Oahu. Thanks to the full-on metropolis that is Honolulu, Oahu has the culture, conveniences, and shopping of a big city but you're never more than a few minutes from dipping your toe into teal blue waters.

And now more than ever Honolulu is at her best—with a new generation of chefs redefining the local cuisine, creative artisans crafting local goods, boutiques that rival the best of resort shopping, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, and a cocktail scene that’ll have you rethink your idea of a tiki drink, there’s so much to discover it’s really worth a week vacation (even more if you want to go to North Shore!). Here are some can’t-miss spots in Honolulu.

WHERE TO STAY

Royal Hawaiian With its unmistakable salmon pink exterior and the groves of banana palm, the Royal is as classic as it gets. Walking the halls of the almost century-old hotel gives you a glimpse of the tropical paradise that first made Hawaii so loved. The Modern HonoluluHonestly, I’ve adored this place since the day it opened, for its registration desk (um, hello, broken surfboard collage), poolside bar, contemporary design, and overall chic feel. If you don’t stay there, at least go for dinner at Morimoto where you’ll have some of the freshest fish on the island.

The Surfjack HotelThis newly-opened boutique hotel represents everything I love about Oahu right now: innovative food (at Mahina & Suns), local artisans (at Olive & Oliver), and creative design. It’s the smallest of the hotels here but what it lacks in size they more than make up for in hospitality.

WHERE TO EAT

Koko Head CafeIf there’s one meal that Hawaii locals love most, it’s brunch. The best brunch places across the island have nonstop lines from the moment they open and Koko Head is no exception. With seriously indulgent contemporary but locally-inspired food (think cornflake French Toast and Loco Moco skillets), you’ll want to make sure you bring your appetite!

Kaimuki Superette Down the street from Koko Head, my friend Ed Kenney has not one but three restaurants. There’s California-Italian food at Town, high-end local food at Mud Hen, and to-go food at Kaimuki Superette. Just like the sister restaurants, Superette is all about celebrating local farms and local flavors with seriously good bites like the Octopus Salad Sandwich. The Pig and Lady There's no shortage of great Asian food on Oahu, but Pig and The Lady stands out for its incredible contemporary take on Vietnamese classics. If you can't snag a table at their Chinatown location, then stop by their booth at the Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market on Saturdays.

WHERE TO MAI TAI

Mai Tai Bar Royal Hawaiian For years I've been searching for the best Mai Tai on Waikiki and it’s really hard to decide on a favorite! What I can say is that, with a beachside bar and live music, you’ll never be disappointed by the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian. The Manifest Smack dab in the heart of Chinatown, this bar is all about proper cocktails—but, while they mix a great cocktail,theydon't take themselves too seriously.

Bar Leather ApronMixologist Justin Park is one of the most respected bartenders in the State and one sip of his Mai Tai and you’ll understand why. Bar Leather Apron is a small bar but the service and drinks are phenomenal.

WHERE TO SHOP

Rebecca Beach Hawaii chic at its best, Rebecca Beach now has three locations, each carrying cheerful island-appropriate outfits.

Owens & Company In the heart of Chinatown, this eclectic boutique specializes in handmade creationsfrom independent designers, many based in Hawaii. Roberta Oaks If you need to bring something home for your man, head over to Roberta Oaks where you'll find updated versions of vintage aloha shirts (a.k.a. Hawaiian shirts).

INSPIRED EATS

There’s so much amazing food in Hawaii that I discover something new on every trip. But no matter what, I come back to the classics and I start every trip toasting it with a Mai Tai. Until you can get to Hawaii, you can stir up a Passion Fruit Mai Tai to get a little taste of the tropics. Get the recipe on Salt & Wind here.

As if we didn’t already love Hawaii enough before, we do even more now! Thanks again to Aida of Salt & Wind for sharing her insider travel secrets with us—to say we are dreaming of these islands would be an understatement. Now excuse us while we book a little getaway. Until next time…

Xx Team GM

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