Day 4 – Food for the Family
Casual Lunch or Dinner in Waikiki – Hula Dog (Ward Warehouse)
This will be a huge hit for the whole family. Fast, easy and so yummy, Hula Dog offers a Hawaiian twist on your average American hot dog. Although the price is a little steep for a hot dog, about $7, in my opinion it is money well spent. You’ve never has a hot dog like this before! There are a number possibilities with all the unique tropical relish and mustard combinations. Coconut, pineapple, mango…you can’t go wrong. And don’t forget the fresh squeezed lemonade!
If you’re indecisive, ordering your dog here might be a process, but the good news is that every choice is delicious, so you just can’t go wrong! You start by choosing which type of roll you want, the purple taro bacon roll is out of this world! Soft and fluffy, with a hint of bacon. It is a huge, enclosed roll and they slip the dog right inside. They make all their rolls in house! Then you choose between a veggie dog or a polish dog. Both are delicious! Then you get to decide which type of Roasted Garlic Lemon sauce you want, original, jalapeno, chili pepper or habanero. I’m telling you, they have this hot dog thing down to an art. And you’re not done yet, you then choose between six tropical mind blowing relishes! This is really my favorite part! Coconut, Mango, Papaya, Pineapple, Star Fruit and Banana Relish…in any combination you want! My favorite is the Coconut and Mango combo. I just love how the sweet relish balances out the salty dog! It’s a beautiful thing. And your final decision is between the Lilikoi or the Guava Mustard. The Guava is sweet but my favorite is the tart lilikoi (passionfruit).
Another little tip is that from Friday to Sunday they have a Hula Dog food truck that goes to the North Shore Market Place in Haleiwa. So, if you’re staying on the North Shore, or even just driving by on one of those days, then you’re in luck! One things certain, there’s nothing average about this hot dog! Map Website
Lunch or Dinner in Waikiki – Roy’s
A similar cuisine and price point to the main dining room at Duke’s is Roy’s Restaurant with a superior food quality and menu but much more inferior in location. Although not on the beach, it’s still right near the ocean, it is located behind a hotel without a view. But the food is worth it. It’s Hawaiian Fusion at it’s finest, with Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s unique creations. Although Roy’s is a chain restaurant, all of the Roy’s in the Mainland have been sold and so Chef Yamaguchi has only the Roy’s in Hawaii to oversee. Because of that I believe that not only does the Roy’s Waikiki benefit from spectacular, fresh Hawaiian ingredients, but also greater oversight of Roy himself.
The Hawaiian Style Big Eye Poke-tini is one of my absolute favorites. There are so many different textures and flavor notes. It’s a hit! The Hawaii Kai Crab Cakes are also fantastic. And the Waikiki Wedge Salad is one of the best salads I’ve had. The Beef Short Ribs are mouth watering and you can’t go wrong with the Macadamia Nut Tart or the Chocolate Souffle. The sauces on every dish are the real stars!
Definitely try to make a reservation early. But one great tip is that they serve the full menu at the Bar outside which is first come, first serve. It’s not a family friendly price point but it sure is a delicious for a fancy night out. Map Website
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