Eat like a local by hopping on Waikiki’s new dining trolley
Tired of the same old eats in Honolulu? A new trolley service takes visitors to lesser-known restaurants that serve up authentic Hawaiian fare. The Honolulu Dining Express starts at 3 p.m. daily and takes 55 minutes to complete a loop of stops.
Hop on, and you can dine at:
►Rainbow Drive-In, a locals’ favorite for its plate meals, including Hawaiian specialty loco moco, a scoop of rice topped with a hamburger patty, an egg and gravy.
►Leonard’s Bakery, probably best known for its malasadas, a yeast-based doughnut brought to Hawaii by Portuguese laborers.
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►Market City Shopping Center, home to a number of eateries, including Cafe Kaila, popular for its all-day breakfasts; Formaggio Wine Bar, serving more than 50 wines by the glass; Gina’s B-B-Q, with huge plate lunches suitable for sharing since they include an entree, three scoops of rice and four sides; and Thai Issan Cuisine, with meat, fish and vegetarian dishes from northeastern Thailand.
►Waiola Shave Ice is just across the street from the stop at the Safeway supermarket.
►Haili’s Hawaiian Foods, a family-run restaurant serving authentic Hawaiian dishes since 1950.
►Side Street Inn, which serves island-style eats including rice and noodle dishes as well as steak, pork and ribs.
The trolley leaves hourly from the International Market Place along Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki’s main drag.
Rides cost $2 each way. Or you can buy a pass — $45 for adults, $25 for children younger than 12 — that allows travel on all tour lines operated by Waikiki Trolley.
Info: Honolulu Dining Express
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