As we settle into the spring season, the days are getting noticeably longer here in Hawaii, giving us ample sunshine to hit the beach, explore the island, and even do a little shopping. Luckily, Oahu will soon open up vaccine eligibility to those 16 years and older, following close behind the outer islands and keeping us as a state right on track. With much of the general public taking this step to protect themselves, summer is already starting to look a little brighter.
Until then, we’ve rounded up the latest in delicious restaurant news as well as free activities you don’t want to miss.
Food-A-Go-Go Restaurant Week
If you haven’t already heard of the
Food-A-Go-Go Restaurant Week happening in Hawaii, you’ve still got some time left to take advantage of the dining promotions and special menus that are available through the weekend.
Food-A-Go-Go is a free community directory of Hawaii restaurants that was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep people updated on which eateries were open for takeout, delivery, and/or curbside pickup. To celebrate the one-year anniversary since its launch, the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation announced the Food-A-Go-Go Restaurant Week in conjunction with the “Bid It to Win It for Ag Education” online auction. This effort helps support Hawaii’s local restaurant industry and raise funds for agricultural education in our public schools.
Check out which Waikiki Beach Walk restaurants are participating below.
Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
Specializing in the timeless cuisine of Southern Sicily,
Taormina is offering the chance to try their luxurious truffle carbonara at 50% off as well as a 4-course prix-fixe menu during lunch and dinner, which includes the chef’s carpaccio, your choice of pasta, a filet di manzo as the main course, and a homemade tiramisu to finish. Patio seating is available upon request.
To view Taormina’s Restaurant Week menu, click
here. To book a reservation, call (808) 926-5050 or visit their website at
https://taorminarestaurant.com.
Photo credit: Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
Roy’s Waikiki
Highlighting the unique, seasonal flavors of the Pacific with classic French culinary techniques, chef Roy Yamaguchi’s original dishes are what many instantly think of when seeking out Hawaiian fusion cuisine. As part of Food-A-Go-Go’s Restaurant Week,
Roy’s Waikiki is featuring a refreshing
Kampachi Crudo with yuzu kosho, white soy, and jalapeno for $21.
To make a reservation, call (808) 923-7697 or visit them online at
https://www.royyamaguchi.com/roys-waikiki-oahu.
Giovanni Pastrami
Photo Credit: Giovanni Pastrami (Facebook)
Giovanni Pastrami is coming in hot with their Food-A-Go-Go Restaurant Week special. For $40, you can enjoy a hearty appetizer sampler platter with eggplant parm bites, pastrami cheddar sliders, and the new “KFC” Korean fried cauliflower. Then, move on to your choice of any small pizza followed by a house-made dessert flight of strawberry cheesecake, haupia bread pudding, and a fudge brownie sundae.
Book a table at Giovanni Pastrami this weekend by calling (808) 923-2100 or going to their website at
https://www.giovannipastrami.com.
What’s New at the Shopping Center
Yard House
A couple of beloved appetizers are finally back at
Yard House Waikiki! Making its grand return is the Cali Roll Stack, a plate that’s both creamy and crunchy with a heaping pile of succulent crab, avocado, serrano peppers, nori, and masago on a crispy rice cake. Another familiar favorite that’s back on the menu is their rich four-cheese spinach dip — a great way to start off the meal.
Or if you’re searching for something a little different, then try Yard House’s brand-new firecracker shrimp! Whichever you choose, there’s definitely a beer on tap that will pair perfectly.
Give them a call at (808) 923-9273 or take it to go with convenient curbside pickup. For more information, visit
https://www.yardhouse.com/locations/hi/honolulu/waikiki-waikiki-beach-walk/8316.
Free Waikiki Activities
Live Hawaiian Music
Join us every Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free live music performance right in Waikiki. Presented by Waikiki Beach Walk’s cultural director and kumu hula, Blaine Kia, Ku Ha'aheo showcases both classic and contemporary styles of Hawaiian music and dance. The event is also live streamed on the Waikiki Beach Walk
Facebook and
Instagram pages, so you can enjoy it from the comfort of home.
Beach Walk Farmers Market
Every Monday from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., the shopping center’s front lawn plays host to a weekly farmers market selling food, gifts, and locally made crafts. Conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki, the Beach Walk Market is a wonderful way to support local Hawaii businesses and chat with the artisans while picking up a snack or a cool souvenir for yourself too.
The Royal Room
Set up on the second floor next to Hele Mai Salon,
The Royal Room is Waikiki’s newest cultural exhibit created in partnership with the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. This hybrid space is part gallery and part classroom, focusing on the history of Hawaii’s rich musical heritage and the traditional art of Hawaiian feather lei making. The showroom is free to browse and offers workshops, classes, and a retail section with items like ready-to-buy handmade feather leis as well as Hawaiian music CDs.
Hula Classes
Start the week off right with a Ka Lei Hula class every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza Stage. Learn about Hawaii’s treasured storytelling dance by swaying your hips and dancing along to some of our favorite Hawaiian songs during this free hula lesson.
To sign up, visit the
Ka Lei Hula Eventbrite page and reserve your spot. On the day of the class, we will be checking temperatures and enforcing social distancing guidelines, so bring your face mask and your dancing slippers for a fun, yet safe hula dancing experience.