Met friends and family for meals while on Oahu, as many had vacationed in Hawaii over the holidays too.

Duke’s in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort was across from the hotel where my sister and her family stayed. We were between lunch and dinner when we stopped in for a meal, so we ate whatever was available. We all picked at Duke’s nachos ($17), coconut shrimp ($29) and the orders of Cajun fish tacos ($27 + $2 for the guacamole).

My friend and fellow Dame, a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, welcomed me with a beautiful lei before we walked to the Kaimana Beach Hotel for lunch at Hau Tree with ocean views and beachside ambiance.  There, I recommend the Ancient Grain Greek Salad ($22), mixed grains, lemon tahini, tomatoes, cucumber and feta.

And for those who want an authentic local taste, head to Cafe Morey’s for breakfast. I did so with my sister and b-i-l, as they enjoy going out for breakfast. At Morey’s, I tried to finish their breakfast plate containing 3 mini pancakes, Portuguese sausage, poached eggs, a potato cake and fruit salad ($23), but failed.

Duke’s Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-922-2268
dukeswaikiki.com/

Hau Tree & Sunset Provisions
Kaimana Beach Hotel
2863 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-921-7066
hautreemenus.com/hautree

Cafe Morey’s
3106 Monsarrat Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-200-1995
cafe-moreys.com/