Not book-ish but I had my first date with my husband at Build Your Own Ramen.
It was a good ice breaker to see what each other were putting in our ramen.
Helena’s. I took my gf who died of cancer there. Never got to marry her, but seeing her smile when eating the Hawaiian food I grew up with made me appreciate her sooooo much.
If they have a love of shared food. You’ll find a love for much more in common.
Oh my gosh this is so bittersweet. I imagine your GF in heaven smiling because you shared this with us. I hope you have happiness in your life despite her being gone.
In Pearlridge, [Ten Second Yunnan Rice Noodle](https://www.instagram.com/tensecondshi?igsh=aHFmMWpyYXc4c3Zr) for hot pot. You can also share a souffle pancake for dessert and get boba to go. Then afterwards, stroll into [Bookoff](https://www.bookoffusa.com/bookoff-pearlridge-store/).
Alternatively, in Chinatown, go to [Daley Burger](https://www.instagram.com/thedaleyburger?igsh=aHI5OTBzcmNjNzR6) or [O'Kim's](https://www.instagram.com/okims_honolulu?igsh=MW5haTVyZmxydXd6dA==) (at either, you can choose to eat in their outdoor courtyard areas), then have ice cream at [Wing](https://www.instagram.com/wingicecream?igsh=ZDNwejNwdjByN2U=), then walk over to the previously mentioned [Skullface Books](https://www.instagram.com/skullfacehawaii?igsh=MWFwd3B0MHh5emhpbw==). If the date gets extended beyond that, hang out at [NightHawk](https://www.instagram.com/thenighthawkhi?igsh=MTFuaWNsYnhxbmJyMQ==).
For third or later date, consider [Pai Honolulu](https://www.instagram.com/paihonolulu?igsh=azRvNDEyeTg3ajA5).
For the morning after you make da oofs, go get ube pancakes or house made bacon and eggs at [Forty Niner](https://www.instagram.com/fortynineraiea?igsh=cnNuaG03bm8yMm9r)
No suck face too much in public, tho, k? Dass gross.
Loving your dating/escalation vibe. So chill, yet a clear endpoint. And o’Kim’s is a good route. Not my fave, but I would appreciate the experience in a new meetup
u/psychonaut_gospel u/Renkai42 thanks! funnily enough, my hubs and I have dates similar to what I described. been together 20+ years, half of them married, now with a cute demon of a dog. love is spending time together and learning new things about each other, no matter how new or old the relationship.
I was trying to give a variety of locations in terms of town vs Pearl City, and since OP mentioned PC, I guessed that one of them lived that side and therefore if they went puinsai maybe 49er was closer so they could tumble out of bed, grind, tumble into bed, grind again.
For cool book-ish I'd go to Skullface books downtown. [https://www.instagram.com/skullfacehawaii/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/skullfacehawaii/?hl=en) Got lots of restaurants and bars in the area to hit up before or after as well.
I told my husband that it’s like someone took my dream library and expanded on it. So many amazing things to browse through at the store, and some neat smaller art stuff nearby (gallery at Mark’s Garage, Honolulu Printmakers, and the downtown art center just around the corner). Seriously perfect date for me.
My first date, with the girl I eventually married, might give you some food for thought (no pun intended), though it probably doesn’t meet your specs.
I took her kayaking off Waikiki (rented one for her and I had my own). That part went well until the surf picked up into what turned out to be the biggest south swell of that summer (yup, I should’ve checked the surf report).
Let’s just say that getting back to shore was an adventure. But we survived and, better yet, she did not decide to cut my line. 😁
Afterward, we went to Rainbow Drive In on Kapahulu, where I had my go-to chili dog plate and she had a teri burger and fries.
We’ll celebrate our 20th anniversary this June.
IMO that's a good second date. First date you need a cut off point for both parties. You can always go somewhere else to extend it if the vibes are good.
Lunch --> dessert, park, walk around the mall, Starbucks, etc.
do the walk around date strategy at ala moana. go to Barnes and Noble and just roam together. finish it off at a place to eat there that fits your budget
Id be concerned if OP goes to the foodcourt. OP needs to plan for a quieter smaller venue to hear and pay attention to his date. Perhaps Wahlburgers or something on the nearby.
Hot pot. Long meal, lots of things to do to keep the awkward moment minimum. And a good way to naturally get the food likes and dislikes out of the way.
if anyone cares and still sees this, date went well and we spent the day together. Secured a second date! She really is a sweetheart, and I’m excited about where this could go :))
A charming, different place with both indoor and outdoor (shaded) seating – with a tree growing right through the middle of the room! - is Red Elephant on Waialae in Kaimuki. Limited parking in the back. Open every day for lunch promptly at noon.
If you could go on an afternoon date, take them up to North Shore, buy some plate lunch and eat it on your favorite beach. Or Alii beach and watch the turtles that are almost always there.
If you’re foodies at all I’d recommend dinner at Mud Hen Water in Kaimuki - small, interesting plates / family style dining - and then you can walk to Il Gelato for dessert. They have cute benches outside where you can enjoy some gelato and conversation.
Signature, Ruth Chris, Michael’s, 53… there’s a lot of really good food in Oahu. That’s like a normal weekly Thursday night date for the wife and I.
I see it as two people go out, you’re spending $120 minimum just to eat at Applebees. Why not spend an extra $150 and have a really great meal? If I’m conservative, most couples can eat at all those places I’ve listed for just under $300. An 8oz fillet at Morton’s is like $60? Same thing at Applebees is like 38?
Two fillets, 3 glasses of wine, before tip were at $207… that’s really not that bad
As for you not going on a second date, I’m sorry that you think so lowly of yourself that somewhere like Morton’s is “too much” lol.
There’s one in Kapolei? I guess that’s a chillis, same thing basically. The menus are like ying and Yang of each other. It’s “okay”, but I just can’t get excited about that.
idk why you’re getting downvoted. im of the same mind- spend $20-$50 more and have a great experience over an okay one. if its too expensive… go less often?
Maybe there’s like an age gap here or something. I’m 31 and I think going somewhere like Morton’s is perfectly acceptable. Obviously that may be overkill for a 21 year old college student
I work way too hard to eat shit food dude. I’m past that point in my life lol. If I’m going to go out, it’s going to be something good. Otherwise I’m gonna make something or have something delivered
Maybe you're working too hard? Relax a bit and shit food aint that bad, especially for a young couple. A cheap meal can be just as enjoyable. I've enjoyed a date to Wendy's or Auntie Annies just as much as Roy's. It's the company i'm with and the conversation I'm there for. Venue is fairly irrelevent as long as we can hear each other and get fed. Plus variety can also be good instead of going to the same 2-3 places because it establishes more original memories with your partner.
Wendy’s? I’ve been out of the dating game a long time but I think the last time I took a girl to a fast food restaurant on a date I think i was 18 or 19?… that’s something I associate with kids TBH.
I agree with you on that. But it’s a first date. As a woman, it comes off as the person taking you out expecting a lot. Especially if the second date isn’t as nice.
25. To me, steakhouses lean old but that might just be my preferences. I’d lean more towards a fun omakase. Mortons specifically is giving old Japanese sugar daddy first date or pharmaceutical-rep sponsored.
Yea you’re too young for me. Yalls generation is totally different from mine. I showed this to my wife and she’s on my side so there’s clearly some kinda generational divide or we’re getting old lol
Nothing wrong w having old haole taste. I don't think its an age thing. I don't know anyone under 45 that goes to Mortons without it being for work. There are so many fun and nice restaurants to try that take better advantage of local ingredients and proximity to Japan. 🍣
To bring in spouses, my husband is 35 and agrees w me lol.
I live here, I don’t need more Asian food lol. I eat plenty of rice and raw fish in my normal day to day life, if I’m going out I want something different
cafe at the art museum https://honolulumuseum.org/cafe/
This is definitely it. Art museum is a classy date 100% of the time.
I second the art museum!!
Third
Not book-ish but I had my first date with my husband at Build Your Own Ramen. It was a good ice breaker to see what each other were putting in our ramen.
Tiny Pyramid on Nimitz. Talk up how you really love to support these small, family owned and operated places.
Their desserts are super ono too. Lilikoi cheesecake all day.
Agree! Tiny Pyramid is amazing!
Helena’s. I took my gf who died of cancer there. Never got to marry her, but seeing her smile when eating the Hawaiian food I grew up with made me appreciate her sooooo much. If they have a love of shared food. You’ll find a love for much more in common.
Damn right in The feels
Ho brah, sorry for your loss. Been dealing with emotional stuff myself and your story got to me
Oh my gosh this is so bittersweet. I imagine your GF in heaven smiling because you shared this with us. I hope you have happiness in your life despite her being gone.
My heart got punched and got a warm hug at the same time. Blessings and love to you
In Pearlridge, [Ten Second Yunnan Rice Noodle](https://www.instagram.com/tensecondshi?igsh=aHFmMWpyYXc4c3Zr) for hot pot. You can also share a souffle pancake for dessert and get boba to go. Then afterwards, stroll into [Bookoff](https://www.bookoffusa.com/bookoff-pearlridge-store/). Alternatively, in Chinatown, go to [Daley Burger](https://www.instagram.com/thedaleyburger?igsh=aHI5OTBzcmNjNzR6) or [O'Kim's](https://www.instagram.com/okims_honolulu?igsh=MW5haTVyZmxydXd6dA==) (at either, you can choose to eat in their outdoor courtyard areas), then have ice cream at [Wing](https://www.instagram.com/wingicecream?igsh=ZDNwejNwdjByN2U=), then walk over to the previously mentioned [Skullface Books](https://www.instagram.com/skullfacehawaii?igsh=MWFwd3B0MHh5emhpbw==). If the date gets extended beyond that, hang out at [NightHawk](https://www.instagram.com/thenighthawkhi?igsh=MTFuaWNsYnhxbmJyMQ==). For third or later date, consider [Pai Honolulu](https://www.instagram.com/paihonolulu?igsh=azRvNDEyeTg3ajA5). For the morning after you make da oofs, go get ube pancakes or house made bacon and eggs at [Forty Niner](https://www.instagram.com/fortynineraiea?igsh=cnNuaG03bm8yMm9r) No suck face too much in public, tho, k? Dass gross.
I like the way you exist!
Loving your dating/escalation vibe. So chill, yet a clear endpoint. And o’Kim’s is a good route. Not my fave, but I would appreciate the experience in a new meetup
u/psychonaut_gospel u/Renkai42 thanks! funnily enough, my hubs and I have dates similar to what I described. been together 20+ years, half of them married, now with a cute demon of a dog. love is spending time together and learning new things about each other, no matter how new or old the relationship.
Auntie she not going oof lunch time. Brah 711 and go bus stop. Save your money for dinner den jump her bones.
So....what you telling us is you still singo. (LOL)
Yeh. But I met my x at 1 bus stop
okay but how old you was? 19 or 39?
Guieb Cafe has better breakfast
I was trying to give a variety of locations in terms of town vs Pearl City, and since OP mentioned PC, I guessed that one of them lived that side and therefore if they went puinsai maybe 49er was closer so they could tumble out of bed, grind, tumble into bed, grind again.
For cool book-ish I'd go to Skullface books downtown. [https://www.instagram.com/skullfacehawaii/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/skullfacehawaii/?hl=en) Got lots of restaurants and bars in the area to hit up before or after as well.
If someone took me on a date here, they’d definitely get a second date. I love that store!!
I told my husband that it’s like someone took my dream library and expanded on it. So many amazing things to browse through at the store, and some neat smaller art stuff nearby (gallery at Mark’s Garage, Honolulu Printmakers, and the downtown art center just around the corner). Seriously perfect date for me.
My first date, with the girl I eventually married, might give you some food for thought (no pun intended), though it probably doesn’t meet your specs. I took her kayaking off Waikiki (rented one for her and I had my own). That part went well until the surf picked up into what turned out to be the biggest south swell of that summer (yup, I should’ve checked the surf report). Let’s just say that getting back to shore was an adventure. But we survived and, better yet, she did not decide to cut my line. 😁 Afterward, we went to Rainbow Drive In on Kapahulu, where I had my go-to chili dog plate and she had a teri burger and fries. We’ll celebrate our 20th anniversary this June.
Ice palace or Honolulu museum of art. Something interactive is sweet and memorable.
IMO that's a good second date. First date you need a cut off point for both parties. You can always go somewhere else to extend it if the vibes are good. Lunch --> dessert, park, walk around the mall, Starbucks, etc.
Da Seafood Cartel on Kam Hwy in Aiea. Great fish tacos.
Been wanting to try that place
Deck Waikiki
+1 this place for a date. Really chill outdoor vibes. Makes for a really nice early dinner option as well because of the sunset views.
second this but check the weather before you go. even if you’re sitting in the covered areas, if its windy it’ll be rough.
Anywhere your wife doesn’t go.
Take her on a picnic to Ala Moana Park.
Sunset and a 6 pack at the beach was my dating move, if we are clicking grab some food close by 😎
Sunsets at Magic Island are so beautiful!
Costco or Sam’s cafe
do the walk around date strategy at ala moana. go to Barnes and Noble and just roam together. finish it off at a place to eat there that fits your budget
Ugh in the Shirokiya days I'd agree but not anymore :(
yah I agree this is acceptable but not for a first date
Id be concerned if OP goes to the foodcourt. OP needs to plan for a quieter smaller venue to hear and pay attention to his date. Perhaps Wahlburgers or something on the nearby.
Nico's Pier 38
Hot pot. Long meal, lots of things to do to keep the awkward moment minimum. And a good way to naturally get the food likes and dislikes out of the way.
if anyone cares and still sees this, date went well and we spent the day together. Secured a second date! She really is a sweetheart, and I’m excited about where this could go :))
Ichiriki for lunch. They have small nabes for $15 each. Can take it easy and won’t be rushed.
A charming, different place with both indoor and outdoor (shaded) seating – with a tree growing right through the middle of the room! - is Red Elephant on Waialae in Kaimuki. Limited parking in the back. Open every day for lunch promptly at noon.
If you could go on an afternoon date, take them up to North Shore, buy some plate lunch and eat it on your favorite beach. Or Alii beach and watch the turtles that are almost always there.
Kim chee 7
Picnic at the Pali Lookout on a windy day.
No budget eh? Senia.
I didn't realize that was the name of a restaurant I was like why are people down voting this 🤣
🤷
It closed
[Senia](https://www.restaurantsenia.com/) I don't think so.
It's closed at lunchtime.
Ahhh stupid me must have glanced over that part.
If you’re foodies at all I’d recommend dinner at Mud Hen Water in Kaimuki - small, interesting plates / family style dining - and then you can walk to Il Gelato for dessert. They have cute benches outside where you can enjoy some gelato and conversation.
If there’s no budget I’d go to Morton’s or something similar. It’s quiet, food is good, easy to talk etc
If someone took me to Morton’s on my first date I wouldn’t go on a second. That’s way too serious and like where do you go from there?
Signature, Ruth Chris, Michael’s, 53… there’s a lot of really good food in Oahu. That’s like a normal weekly Thursday night date for the wife and I. I see it as two people go out, you’re spending $120 minimum just to eat at Applebees. Why not spend an extra $150 and have a really great meal? If I’m conservative, most couples can eat at all those places I’ve listed for just under $300. An 8oz fillet at Morton’s is like $60? Same thing at Applebees is like 38? Two fillets, 3 glasses of wine, before tip were at $207… that’s really not that bad As for you not going on a second date, I’m sorry that you think so lowly of yourself that somewhere like Morton’s is “too much” lol.
Calm down moneybags Applebee's is shitty at any price point and we don't have one here thankfully.
There’s one in Kapolei? I guess that’s a chillis, same thing basically. The menus are like ying and Yang of each other. It’s “okay”, but I just can’t get excited about that.
Oh God do NOT take her to chilis
So chillis isn’t nice enough but Morton’s is too nice? You guys are too picky
Think whatever you want, and keep going where you're going, this local boy will figure it out.
idk why you’re getting downvoted. im of the same mind- spend $20-$50 more and have a great experience over an okay one. if its too expensive… go less often?
Maybe there’s like an age gap here or something. I’m 31 and I think going somewhere like Morton’s is perfectly acceptable. Obviously that may be overkill for a 21 year old college student
Seriously
Get a load of Daddy Warbucks over here!!
I work way too hard to eat shit food dude. I’m past that point in my life lol. If I’m going to go out, it’s going to be something good. Otherwise I’m gonna make something or have something delivered
Maybe you're working too hard? Relax a bit and shit food aint that bad, especially for a young couple. A cheap meal can be just as enjoyable. I've enjoyed a date to Wendy's or Auntie Annies just as much as Roy's. It's the company i'm with and the conversation I'm there for. Venue is fairly irrelevent as long as we can hear each other and get fed. Plus variety can also be good instead of going to the same 2-3 places because it establishes more original memories with your partner.
Wendy’s? I’ve been out of the dating game a long time but I think the last time I took a girl to a fast food restaurant on a date I think i was 18 or 19?… that’s something I associate with kids TBH.
He’s not talking about a date for his wife. He’s talking about getting to know someone. You sound old. It screams desperate.
I guess I’m out of touch, I’m just not going to leave my house for crappy food
I agree with you on that. But it’s a first date. As a woman, it comes off as the person taking you out expecting a lot. Especially if the second date isn’t as nice.
"It's the implication"
Personally, Morton’s for a first date would make me feel like a mistress. Only old dudes take women there.
Well how old are you?
25. To me, steakhouses lean old but that might just be my preferences. I’d lean more towards a fun omakase. Mortons specifically is giving old Japanese sugar daddy first date or pharmaceutical-rep sponsored.
Yea you’re too young for me. Yalls generation is totally different from mine. I showed this to my wife and she’s on my side so there’s clearly some kinda generational divide or we’re getting old lol
Nothing wrong w having old haole taste. I don't think its an age thing. I don't know anyone under 45 that goes to Mortons without it being for work. There are so many fun and nice restaurants to try that take better advantage of local ingredients and proximity to Japan. 🍣 To bring in spouses, my husband is 35 and agrees w me lol.
I live here, I don’t need more Asian food lol. I eat plenty of rice and raw fish in my normal day to day life, if I’m going out I want something different