Photo: Halukelani Hotel
Let’s face facts: flights to Japan from anywhere in America are expensive. But if you are hell-bent on getting a real taste of what’s it like to be in the land of the rising sun, flying to Honolulu may just be the next best thing. With flights as low as around $400 from the West Coast of the United States to Honolulu during summer months, Japanophiles can meet Japan halfway: literally and figuratively, in the middle of the Pacific.
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Nippon’s influence on Ohau, and more specifically Honolulu, cannot be understated. The number of Japanese tourists flocking to the island is back on the rise, and over 300,000 Japanese live full time in Oahu (per 2010 census data), making the island an authentic taste of Japan for those who are craving an experience far beyond Los Angeles’ tiny enclaves of Japanese expats.
Case in point? Authentic Japanese-owned and run restaurants such as Honolulu’s new-ish udon paradise, Marukame. There is a line out the door here daily at the Sanuki-style noodle shop centrally located on Kuhio Avenue (one of two Honolulu locations), and once you eat here you’ll see why – the noodles are made fresh in front of your eyes as you grab a bowl, cafeteria-style.
Noodles not your thing? You may want to try a well-known dish in Japan (particularly in Osaka) called Okonomiyaki. Sure, one can get okonomiyaki in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, but it’s certainly not as tasty or authentic as you’ll find at Honolulu’s massive Chibo restaurant. The 1st location of this Japanese chain was opened in Osaka in 1967 by its founder and current president, Masatsugu Nakai. Today, there are around 60 Chibo locations worldwide, but the largest and only location in the United States is in Honolulu. A meal here is a must if you are craving the pancake-like dish done right.
Japanophiles seeking a taste of real Japan on Oahu needn’t restrict themselves to just dinner options either. Spots such as Heavenly (part of a Japanese chain) inspire with healthy Hawaii-meets-Nippon breakfast fare. Located inside the chic Shoreline Hotel near Waikiki’s main strip, a visit here in the morning is just what you’ll need to start your day right (try the kahuku shrimp).
Finally, no visit to Honolulu is complete without a visit to Shirokiya. The Japanese department store has both shopping (on the first level) and a large area for food vendors (on the second level). From Takoyaki to fresh sushi, all kinds of cheap, authentic Japanese fare can be found here.
From Japanese-owned hotels such as the Halekulani to famed Nippon retailers that line the area near Waikiki beach, a flight to Honolulu may just mimic a beach trip to Okinawa for American travelers, at half the cost. As the Japanese might say, ikimasu (let’s go!).
