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2023 Travel Update: As of 2023, Hawaii is open for tourism by both vaccinated and unvaccinated US citizen travelers without Covid-specific documentation or testing. It also essentially is open to vaccinated non-US citizen travelers with proof of vaccination but no additional testing although some exceptions apply. Nevertheless, be sure to double check the official state of Hawaii requirements and national CDC requirements for up-to-the minute details.

Kapahulu Avenue — literally the "worn-out soil" in the Hawaiian language — is a major commercial thoroughfare packed with restaurants and shops and just around the corner from the resort district of Waikiki.

The Hawaiian meaning is a good hint that this street has been a well-worn route for a long time. Kapahulu at least once was referred to as "The Strip" as well; it isn't hard to imagine American muscle cars cruising up and down the avenue in the 1960s.

By global standards, Kapahulu is not a great street on foot. Traffic is too high speed, crosswalks could be better, and sidewalks are too narrow. It is littered with drive-throughs and there are not enough trees. By American standards, though, it could be worse. It has sidewalks.

Diligent city officials are hard at work trying to improve Honolulu and travelgasm.com humbly proposes that Kapahulu would be a particularly good candidate for a "road diet." If Kapahulu had its vehicle lanes narrowed and replaced with wider sidewalks, trees, and a proper bike lane or two, it would be a much better experience for tourists and locals alike. We look forward to improvements.

Despite its flaws, Kapahulu is well worth the trek for its abundance of delicious, local food at more reasonable prices than those in Waikiki.

Famous Restaurants on Kapahulu Avenue

Although there also is a scattering of local shopping, the best reason to visit Kapahulu Avenue is for a meal. Let's eat!

Seven well-regarded restaurants follow, organized on our map below:

1. Leonard's Bakery - Definitely the most famous eatery on Kapahulu, so famous that Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo sells shirts with Leonard's logo across Asia. Leonard's has been popping out Portuguese-style malasadas and other pastries since 1952.
2. Kaimana Farm Cafe - Likely our personal favorite on Kapahulu, Kaimana offers a wide range of Hawaiian-inspired breakfasts, salads, and plate lunches using fresh, local ingredients; plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
3. Waiola Shave Ice - Since 1940, a second location of Honolulu's most famous Hawaiian-style snow cone with a smooth texture and plenty of cane sugar.
4. Haili's Hawaiian Foods - Since 1958, this local legend is most proud of its traditional Hawaiian favorites like lau lau, kalua pig, ahi poke, and poi. It is open for lunch (10 AM-2 PM) and closed Mondays.
5. Ono Seafood - Since 1995, this hole-in-the-wall poke joint would be easy-to-overlook if it weren't for its bright orange color scheme. Simple, fresh fish with a variety of "secret" sauces; one of our favorites in Honolulu. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
6. Zippy's Kapahulu - Mainland Americans often try to compare this local Hawaiian chain to Denny's, and that's not far off for decor, but sells it far short for its food. It's not glamorous, though. It's a family place with an affordable menu of Hawaiian, American, and Asian fusion; very much genuine Honolulu.
7. Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill - A cocktail and wine bar that also is well known for its creative pupu platters (appetizers) as well as soups, salads, pizza, and pasta. Open for dinner (5 PM-10 PM).

If you insist on buying an Hawaiian shirt in Honolulu, Kapahulu Avenue also is the home of Bailey's Antiques and Aloha Shirts. Founded in 1980 — and with an astonishing 15,000 shirts on offer starting at US$10 and up — Bailey's reportedly boasts the world's largest selection of aloha shirts. We believe it.

Below, along with the places mentioned above, we have mapped out the best bus stop to begin your exploration of Kapahulu. Keep an eye out for vehicles.

How to Get Here: Take TheBus route 13, 14, or 18 to Kapahulu Ave and Olu St (Stop 4130) for a convenient starting point in the heart of the action (near Leonard's Bakery). As a visitor in Honolulu, route 13 from Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki likely will be the most logical; stand on the makai side of the street — toward the sea — to go toward Kapahulu Avenue. Route 24 from Diamond Head might also be useful.

travelgasm.com's Kapahulu Avenue Map (Full Screen)

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