Hawaii's Share Your Table

Kaimuki is one of Honolulu's oldest residential neighborhoods, and it shows in some of the houses perched on the steep roads up to Maunalani Heights and in the faded facades of the businesses lining Waialae Avenue. The original pronunciation of Kaimuki is “Ka-imu-ki,” meaning “the ti oven,” based on the legend of menehune building their ti ovens in the hillsides. We have yet to catch a glimpse of one of these menehune, but perhaps their ovens have been incorporated into the eclectic restaurants and food markets tucked into Kaimuki's many corners. 

Along with Chinatown, Downtown and Waikiki, Kaimuki is one of the few walkable neighborhoods in Honolulu. Within a five-minute stroll, one could pass a park, café, library, several wide-ranging shops and numerous restaurants serving different cuisine at different price points. During the day, Kaimuki is a haven for cheap lunch options such as burritos, pho or fresh sandwiches. This might be why it is such a popular spot for students (or adults) playing hookey.

But in the evening, the neighborhood transforms into the perfect place for a special night out. After parking in one of the convenient parking lots, a happy couple, celebrating friends or a large family can ramble along Waialae Avenue until they find the perfect restaurant for that evening.

Check out the slideshow for some of SYT’s favorite locales in Kaimuki.