Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Azure
SEAFOOD $$$
$$$
(
921-4600;
www.azurewaikiki.com
; Royal Hawaiian, 2259 Kalakaua Ave; mains $38-52, 5-course
tasting menu $75; 5:30am-9pm)
At this award-winning oceanfront kitchen, seafood
fresh from Honolulu's fish auction, such as Kona lobster,
onaga
(red snapper) and
ono
(white-fleshed wahoo), is exquisitely prepared with finishing touches like red Hawaiian
sea salt and organic farm produce on the side. Wrought-iron Moroccan lamps glowing
above white leather banquettes add an exotic element to the already swoon-worthy atmo-
sphere. Reservations recommended.
BLT Steak
STEAKHOUSE, SEAFOOD $$$
$$$
(
683-7440;
www.e2hospitality.com/blt-steak-waikiki/
; Trump International, 223 Saratoga Rd;
mains $26-52; 5-10pm Sun-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat)
A trendy NYC import, chef Laurent
Tourondel's steakhouse has top-choice cuts broiled at 1700°F and finished off with herb
butter and no fewer than nine sauces. The daily blackboard of specials shows off fresh
catches like Hawaiian lobster and a raw bar of oysters. With walnut floors, chocolate-
colored leather chairs and an outdoor patio, the atmosphere is date-worthy. Reservations
recommended.
Nobu
JAPANESE, FUSION $$$
$$$
(
237-6999;
www.noburestaurants.com/waikiki
;
Waikiki Parc, 2233 Helumoa Rd; shared dishes
$5-48, mains $30-40; restaurant 5:30-10pm Sun-Thu, to 10:30pm Fri & Sat, lounge 5pm-mid-
night daily)
Globe-trotting Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's elegant seafood tapas tastes right
at home by the beach. Broiled black cod with miso sauce, new-style sashimi with spicy
sauces drizzled on top, and Japanese-Peruvian
tiradito
(seviche) rank among Nobu's sig-
nature tastes. A low-lit cocktail lounge serves appetizing small (truthfully, microscopic)
bites and 'sake-tinis.' Reservations advised.
Drinking & Nightlife
Waikiki is tourist central with all the telltale signs, such as fruity umbrella drinks and
coconut bikini bras. But underneath all of the commoditized cheesiness, authentic
Hawaiian music and hula dancing have made a joyful comeback, especially at beachfront
bars. If you're after spring-break party spots and dive bars, hit Kuhio Ave after dark. For
