Travel
Ray’s Café
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Travel
Best of Unpredictable Honolulu
What you’ve come to expect of Hawaii is pristine beaches teeming with vacationers, smiling hula dancers swaying to ukulele music, exotic local cuisine made from the freshest ingredients and did we mention the beaches – they’re consistently ranked among the top places in the world to squish sand between your toes and get a flawless tan. Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is both the capital and largest city in Hawaii, with a population of about a million people. While its “big city” status makes it less than ideal for a true hideaway-style vacation, the metropolitan environment of Honolulu means that visitors in search of the unpredictable – even in paradise – will have come to the right place. Think you know Honolulu? Let’s see if we can’t change your mind.
Chinatown
It would make sense that Honolulu, part of an island chain in the south pacific, would have close and strong ties to the Asian nations to the west. But while most people come for the surf, the sand or the seafood, they may not realize that downtown Honolulu is home to a vibrant, multicultural Chinatown that has been the gathering place for years for the Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Filipino and Koreans (among others). Locals flock to the neighborhood to buy up the freshest meats, fish, produce, vegetables, fruits and noodles. The area naturally sells Asian delicacies, special herbs and spices and even herbal medicines you can’t find in a grocer. Business people who work nearby are often spotted in Chinatown, enjoying a quick lunch between meetings. It’s also an ideal place to look for all manner of unique gifts and souvenirs, including jade and semiprecious gemstones.
The Mercury Bar
Described as “bar kitsch,” the Mercury Bar on Chaplain Lane in the Chinatown neighborhood is a beloved watering hole among both residents and students who attend the nearby Hawaii Pacific University. It’s an unpretentious blend of casual drinks, dancing and even a live show or two – past events have included karaoke with a band and a burlesque night. Would you expect anything less from an owner known as the “Angry Russian” (who is also a roller derby coach)? Plus the décor is in a state of constant change, and we’re not just talking about the copper heads which receive various flavors of adornment; sombreros one night, Caesar laurels the next.
Pacific Guardian Tower
Voted in 2005 by readers of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin as the “Ugliest Building in Honolulu” the Pacific Guardian Tower is a sight – that might make sore eyes sorer. The structure on Kapiolana Boulevard is referred to as the “Darth Vader Building” or “the Bat Cave” and its neo-gothic façade, finished in grey Lilla granite from Brazil, certainly wouldn’t look out of place in The Matrix. Yet, beneath all that (because it’s what’s on the inside that matters!), there are a number of offices, stores and businesses. If unique-looking buildings are your thing, also check out the place the Pacific Guardian Tower beat out for the top spot – the Queen Emma Building, known affectionately as the “wart building” or “pimple palace.”
Sensually Yours
We’ll keep this PG-rated for the kiddies, but if you’re of legal age and sound mind, make a trip to Sensually Yours on North Nimitz Highway, an adult novelty store without parallel in these parts. There’s a little something here for everyone, and what’s even better about this place is how non-creepy you’ll feel as you browse the aisles. In fact, what you might not have predicted is how the whole vibe in the store – if you’ll excuse the word choice – is one that promotes fun and the importance of having a good sense of humor.
Ray’s Café
When you picture yourself sitting down to dinner in Honolulu, there’s probably a good chance you see ornately carved pineapples, flower-abundant place settings, fish so fresh it still tastes of sea salt and an ocean view. It’s all well and good, but if you’re a landlubber by nature, run-don’t-walk over to Ray’s Café on North King Street in Kalihi for some of the best fried chicken you might ever encounter – anywhere. Soul food in Hawaii? Just go with it. Look for the white lettering on orange background that spells out “Ray’s Café” – or just follow the smart-looking hungry people.
Lastly, the most important thing to keep in mind when planning your unpredictably fun trip is to plan your itinerary accordingly. Of course, no one really wants to plan out their vacation because it’s supposed to be relaxed and non-structured. However, to truly have the best time while you stay in Honolulu, it’s recommended you book your hotel and rental car in advance, as well as any other reservations to popular restaurants or any sort of tours you may want to check out while you’re on vacation. If you do a little bit of pre-planning beforehand you will make the most of your trip in Honolulu.
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