Pleasing the Palate on Oahu’s Windward Shore
Kailua Town on Oahu’s windward shore is one of Hawaii’s nicest communities, set on beautiful Kailua Bay with its long crescent of white sand and protected waters which are a mecca for watersports enthusiasts. Kailua is also known for its abundance of dining options, from delis and fresh-but-fast-food to fine dining including an array of international options. Awaiting your palate is Chinese, Thai, Moroccan, Italian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Hawaiian food and more – more than 100 places to dine in all.
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Here are a few of Kailua’s finest eateries:
Cinnamon’s Restaurant (315 Uluniu St.; 7am-2pm) offers what many consider to be Oahu’s best pancakes which come in various styles and flavors. Try the Guava Chiffon ala mode, a real island-style treat. The pancake menu provides many choices including cinnamon-apple, blueberry, banana, carrot and more.
If you are enjoying a beach day in Kailua stop by Island Snow shave ice shop for a refreshing treat. This is where President Obama brings Sasha and Malia when he has vacations here every winter. Last year Obama ordered a lemon, cherry, and passion guava shave ice. This year he chose the flavors lemon-lime, cherry and melona.
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For dinner try Buzz’s Original Steakhouse (413 Kawailoa Rd.; 11am-10pm) across from beautiful Kailua Bay. Open for lunch and dinner, they serve kiawe charcoal broiled burgers and make an amazing Teriyaki Steak Burger. Buzz’s also offers fresh fish burgers. On the dinner menu of this impressive steakhouse is an array of fine steaks from New York to Top Sirloin to Prime Rib. Other choices include Rack of Lamb and a variety of fresh seafoods including sashimi and poke.
At Maui Tacos (539 Kailua Rd.; 9am-9pm) in Kailua town you can get great combo plates, Surf Burritos, Maui Taco Salads, Mexican traditional food, vegetarian dishes, and their Signature Maui Tacos.
Next door is Teddy Bigger Burgers (10:30am-9pm) where they specialize in 100% fresh ground chuck charbroiled to order. Locals love their sweet and tangy Super Sauce as well as their Teriyaki made from scratch along with fresh buns and produce.
Pizza lovers will enjoy Papa John’s (200 Hamakua Dr.; 11am-11pm) at the Safeway Shopping Center in Kailua, and they deliver.
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If you are in the mood for Italian try Assiago Italian Restaurant in the Kailua Business Center (354 Uluniu St.; 11:30am-2:30pm/5pm-9:30pm) where the lunch menu features home made cold antipasto and prosciutto as well as a delicious artichoke peperonata which combines artichoke hearts with roasted peppers. The dinner menu at Assiago is exceptional with such appetizers as Grilled Portobello Mushroom with Eggplant, Fresh Clams Scampi Style, and Hot Carpaccio. For the main course try the Chicken Alla Parmigiana or the Sausage Alla Pomodori.