www.keikibeach.com. We may make a few
enemies by telling more people about Ke Iki, but operator
Greg Gerstenberger is such a dream, we can't help but promote
his good works. Besides, despite the fact the 11 cottages
just underwent a $1 million face-lift, Ke Iki is still an
excellent value. And who can forget those flawless stretches
of white-sand beach right outside your door?
Waikiki Prince, inexpensive to moderate,
(808) 922-1544,
www.waikikiprince.com. Even
the website for this 30-room Honolulu hotel (
www.waikikiprince.com) is uncommonly simple. But
that's where you'll find an offer for rooms from $45 a night! You
get a great rate and a clean, comfy room and are just a one-minute
walk from the beach. What's not to like?
DINING
Side Street Inn, inexpensive, (808) 591-0253. Want to know
where
Hawaii's top chefs hang out? Pop into this lively eatery
after hours and you may catch
Alan Wong or
Roy Yamaguchi digging
into a platter of barbecued ribs laced with lilik'oi (passion
fruit) syrup, mahi mahi crusted with furikake, or other surprising
morsels showcasing local flavors. The place may be unassuming, but
the food is anything but.
Waiola Store, inexpensive, (808) 949-2269.
Matthew Fox and his family may like their juices and smoothies, but
we prefer shaved ice - or shave ice, as they call it here. There
are lots of shave ice spots around town, but Waiola (look for the
ordering window outside) has more than 30 funky flavors to choose
from. Mix and match (coconut, condensed milk, and adzuki beans,
anyone?) for a refreshing potion that's cheaper than a
Starbucks.
ACTIVITIES
Hawaiian Fire Surf School, (888) 955-7873,
www.hawaiianfire.com. On the mainland, many of us are
familiar with the moving companies made up of off-duty
firefighters. In Hawaii, the firefighters teach people to surf. At
least they do at this popular surf academy, where the cost of
lessons ($97 to $139) includes transportation to and from the
beach, foam-covered surfboards, reef shoes, and, in case you've
wiped out one too many times, a shady tent and chair onshore.