Kaimuki Neighborhood - Image 1
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Kaimuki Honolulu

4.6
·491k reviews·Honolulu, United States

Kaimuki: Honolulu's vibrant neighborhood known for its authentic eateries, unique shops, and local charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Kaimuki Neighborhood - Image 1

Kaimuki Honolulu

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kaimuki: Honolulu's vibrant neighborhood known for its authentic eateries, unique shops, and local charm.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Kaimuki is a foodie's paradise with an authentic local vibe, offering diverse culinary delights."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Pointers

Parking can be tough, especially on weekends. Consider walking or using rideshare if possible.

🍜 Foodie Paradise

Kaimuki is packed with amazing eateries. Don't miss out on local favorites and international cuisine!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kaimuki Shokudo

Kaimuki Shokudo

11th Ave

Savor comforting soba and izakaya-style dishes in a lively atmosphere. A must-try for authentic Japanese flavors.

Instagram+1
Totoya Hawaii

Totoya Hawaii

12th Ave

Indulge in incredibly fresh and authentic Negitoro bowls, a taste of Japan right in Honolulu.

Instagram
Vintage Books Hawaii

Vintage Books Hawaii

Waialae Ave

Enjoy creative cocktails and delicious small plates like kimchee and taco flights in a unique setting.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Kaimuki offers a more authentic Honolulu experience away from the Waikiki crowds. Explore its vibrant streets for unique shops and eateries. Parking can be challenging, so consider walking or using rideshare services, especially during peak times. Reddit

Culinary Adventures Await

This neighborhood is a food lover's paradise, boasting a diverse range of local eateries and international flavors. From casual lunches to upscale dining, Kaimuki promises a delicious journey. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend lunch
Why
Explore diverse eateries
Crowd
High
When
Late night
Why
Izakaya and bar scene
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

have fun in hawaii 🌊☀️ #oahu #hawaii #honolulu #oahulife #honoluluhawaii #hawaiitips #traveltips #vacationtips #whattodoinhawaii #thingstodoinoahu #hawaiiadvice #oahutips #thingsyouneedtoknowforhawaii #thingstodoinhawaii #whattoknowbeforegoingtohawaii #honolulutips #fyp #foryoupage #viral #trending #relatable #imjustagirl #girls #girlcore #girlythings #girlygirl #hawaiihack #travelhacks #vacationh...
@elyzasummer
42.9K likes • 717.8K views

🚗 Parking Pointers

Parking can be tough, especially on weekends. Consider walking or using rideshare if possible. Reddit+1

🍜 Foodie Paradise

Kaimuki is packed with amazing eateries. Don't miss out on local favorites and international cuisine! Reddit

The shrimp looked so GOOD though… 😭😭 ✅ SAVE This for your next trip to Hawaii Food Details: 👇🏾 📍Leonards Bakery: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 The BEST place on the island to get fresh malasadas! They are donuts rolled in sugar with filling of your choice. My favorite was the mango and custard flavor. They have locations all throughout the island. Lines can get long! 📍Giovanni's Shrimp Tru...
@hasanguy
38.5K likes • 390.6K views
Authentic Negitoro Bowl Spot in Honolulu @totoyahawaii 🍚🐟🇯🇵 ◦・◦・◦・◦・◦・◦・◦・◦・◦・◦・◦・◦・ 📍 1127 12th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 9.5/10☆ Super fresh seafood bowls with ingredients sourced from Japan! I really enjoyed the food here - authentic and high-quality. Take Bowl $24.90: signature negitoro (tuna, scallop, squid, kazunoko, green onion, cucumber, sesame) rice, nori, and miso soup on the side Ma...
sierraslayeats
495 likes • 17.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Neighborhood

Embrace the local charm by exploring Kaimuki on foot to discover hidden gems. Reddit

🎶 Live Music Vibes

Some spots offer live music, adding to the lively evening ambiance. Instagram

📍 @kaimukishokudo — Kaimuki, 11ave. Kaimuki Shokudo started off as a soba house during the day and turns into an izakaya at night. They turned me into a soba lover because I would never eat soba before but now i crave it for comfort meals 🤤 With their izakaya menu it’s really hard to go wrong with picking. From going so often though I’d say some of favorites are the Okinawan Potato Salad, Buri D...
eatsbyren
544 likes • 26.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Pointers

Parking can be tough, especially on weekends. Consider walking or using rideshare if possible. Reddit+1

🍜 Foodie Paradise

Kaimuki is packed with amazing eateries. Don't miss out on local favorites and international cuisine! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Neighborhood

Embrace the local charm by exploring Kaimuki on foot to discover hidden gems. Reddit

🎶 Live Music Vibes

Some spots offer live music, adding to the lively evening ambiance. Instagram

🛍️ Unique Boutiques

Discover local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs and gifts. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kaimuki is celebrated as a vibrant culinary hub with a strong sense of local community. Visitors rave about the diverse and authentic food offerings, from Japanese specialties to creative small plates. While parking can be a challenge, the neighborhood's walkable charm and unique shops make it a rewarding destination for those seeking an authentic Honolulu experience.

What People Like

Exceptional food variety
Authentic flavors
Local neighborhood feel

What People Dislike

Difficult parking
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Waikiki, you can take a short drive or a bus (TheBus) to Kaimuki. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available and convenient. TikTok

Yes, Kaimuki is a very walkable neighborhood, especially around the main streets like Waialae Avenue and 11th Avenue. It's a great way to explore the local shops and restaurants. Reddit

While walkable, having a car can be beneficial for exploring further afield on Oahu. However, within Kaimuki itself, walking or using rideshare is recommended due to parking challenges. TikTok

Yes, TheBus operates several routes that serve the Kaimuki area, making it accessible from other parts of Honolulu and Oahu. TikTok

Parking in Kaimuki can be challenging, especially during peak hours and weekends. Street parking is limited, and paid lots can fill up quickly. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Kaimuki is a neighborhood, not a ticketed attraction. You don't need tickets to explore the area, but individual restaurants or shops may have their own entry policies. Instagram

There are no entrance fees to visit Kaimuki. You'll only pay for food, drinks, shopping, or any specific activities you choose to do. Reddit

Business hours vary greatly. Restaurants and shops typically open mid-morning and close in the evening, with some izakayas staying open later. It's best to check individual business hours online. Instagram

For popular spots like Kaimuki Shokudo or Totoya Hawaii, reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy times, as they can get crowded. Instagram+1

Exploring the streets, window shopping, and enjoying the local atmosphere are free activities. Some parks, like Christmas Tree Park, offer nice views. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Kaimuki is renowned for its diverse culinary scene. Don't miss out on soba noodles at Kaimuki Shokudo, fresh seafood bowls at Totoya Hawaii, and creative small plates at Vintage Books Hawaii. Instagram+2

Kaimuki Shokudo offers excellent soba and izakaya fare, while Totoya Hawaii specializes in authentic Japanese seafood bowls. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Kaimuki has many great lunch options, including Nana Ai Katsu for katsu, Shaloha Pita for Mediterranean, and Okata Bento for drive-in style meals. Reddit

For budget-friendly eats, consider Okata Bento, Shaloha Pita, or exploring the various food trucks and smaller eateries that offer great value. Reddit

Yes, Pipeline Malasada is a popular spot for sweet treats. Kaimuki Shokudo also offers a classic honey toast dessert. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The colorful streets, unique shopfronts, and beautifully presented food at restaurants like Totoya Hawaii and Kaimuki Shokudo offer great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Christmas Tree Park, located mauka (uphill) from the main Kaimuki area, offers some nice views of the city and surrounding landscape. Reddit

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset can provide beautiful lighting for street photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant colors of the food. Instagram

Generally, yes, but be respectful of other diners and staff. Some restaurants might have specific policies, so it's always good to ask if unsure. Instagram

While not as prevalent as in some other Honolulu neighborhoods, keep an eye out for local art and unique architectural details that can make for interesting photos. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kaimuki offers a more relaxed, neighborhood feel that can be great for families. While it's not a theme park destination, the variety of food options means you can likely find something to please picky eaters. Consider casual spots like Okata Bento for a quick and easy meal, or Shaloha Pita for flavorful wraps. Reddit

For a bit of local flavor and a change of pace, exploring the shops and enjoying a treat like malasadas from Pipeline Malasada can be a fun outing. If you're looking for a scenic spot, Christmas Tree Park offers some views and a place to stretch little legs. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Kaimuki can be surprisingly budget-friendly if you know where to look. Skip the tourist traps and head to local favorites like Okata Bento for affordable and filling meals, or Shaloha Pita for delicious and reasonably priced Mediterranean plates. Reddit

Many of the smaller eateries and food trucks offer excellent value. Also, keep an eye out for happy hour deals at some of the izakayas or bars. Exploring the neighborhood on foot and enjoying the atmosphere is a free activity that adds to the experience. Instagram

🍜 Food Enthusiasts

Kaimuki is your culinary playground! Prepare for an exceptional dining experience with a focus on authentic flavors. You absolutely must try the soba and izakaya dishes at Kaimuki Shokudo and the incredibly fresh seafood bowls at Totoya Hawaii. Instagram+1

Don't miss out on other highly-rated spots like Nana Ai Katsu for their katsu, Shaloha Pita for Mediterranean delights, and Vintage Books Hawaii for innovative small plates and cocktails. Be ready for potential waits at popular spots and consider making reservations where possible. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Culinary Journey Through Kaimuki

Kaimuki has firmly established itself as a premier dining destination in Honolulu, drawing locals and visitors alike with its diverse and high-quality food scene. The area is particularly celebrated for its authentic Japanese cuisine, with spots like Kaimuki Shokudo offering comforting soba and a lively izakaya experience, and Totoya Hawaii serving up incredibly fresh Negitoro bowls that rival those found in Japan. Instagram+1

The culinary landscape extends beyond Japanese flavors. You can find delicious Mediterranean fare at Shaloha Pita, satisfying katsu at Nana Ai Katsu, and classic drive-in style bento boxes from Okata Bento. For a more casual yet trendy experience, Vintage Books Hawaii provides creative cocktails and inventive small plates like kimchee and taco flights. InstagramReddit

Exploring Kaimuki is a gastronomic adventure. It's recommended to check individual restaurant hours and consider making reservations, especially for dinner or on weekends, as popular establishments can get quite busy. The vibrant food culture here makes it a must-visit for any food enthusiast in Honolulu. InstagramReddit

Navigating Kaimuki: Parking and Transportation

One of the most frequently discussed aspects of visiting Kaimuki is the parking situation. Many residents and visitors note that parking can be quite challenging, particularly during peak hours and on weekends. Street parking is limited, and paid lots often fill up quickly. This has led to a common piece of advice: be prepared to walk or utilize rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Reddit+1

While parking can be a hurdle, Kaimuki is a very walkable neighborhood. The main streets, such as Waialae Avenue and 11th Avenue, are lined with shops and restaurants, making it enjoyable to explore on foot. For those venturing to Kaimuki from other parts of Honolulu, TheBus public transportation system offers convenient routes. TikTokReddit

If you plan to explore beyond Kaimuki, having a car can be beneficial for accessing other parts of Oahu. However, for the purpose of experiencing Kaimuki itself, embracing the walkability and utilizing rideshare services can often be a more stress-free approach than battling for parking. TikTok

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