Happy Aloha Friday, Oʻahu!
If you need a reset that feels far (but doesn’t require a flight), the North Shore has one of the best “easy yes” days: a shaded valley walk that ends at a waterfall. This week: Waimea Valley + Waimea Falls, kamaʻāina staycay deals worth bookmarking, two ono comfort picks, and a short list of events to plug into your weekend.
Waimea Valley + Falls, The Shaded North Shore Reset 💧
Waimea is one of those places that makes you slow down on purpose. You get a breezy stroll through botanical gardens and cultural sites, and the payoff is the falls at the end—lush, cool, and totally different energy from the beach.
Best time to go: morning. Waimea Valley is currently open Tuesday–Sunday, 9AM–4PM (closed Mondays), and lifeguards make the swim call for the day at 9AM.
How the walk feels: the trail to the falls is about 3/4 mile (around 30 minutes), paved the whole way with gentle hills—easy with keiki and a good “take your time” pace.
Waterfall status (don’t guess): swimming/viewing depends on daily conditions—call (808) 638-7766 for the status.
If you want the easiest version: there’s a shuttle from Hale Hōʻike to the falls (first shuttle 9:45AM; one-way is $10 per person; ticket sales end 2PM).
Local note: kamaʻāina/military rates are way better—Adult $10 (with valid ID at admission).
Safety note (quick reminder): if you do swim, lifeguards require life vests (they provide them).
Kamaʻāina Corner: Local Deals & Finds 🤙
Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts (Waikīkī)
Kamaʻāina promotion with perks like complimentary daily parking (one vehicle), a daily food & beverage credit, and no resort fee—plus early check-in/late check-out when available. (Savings vary by dates/availability.)
View the Ka Laʻi Kamaʻāina offer
Wayfinder Waikiki (Waikīkī)
Waived daily resort fee, 50% off overnight parking, 15% off Redfish purchases, two welcome drinks, and early check-in when available—plus a portion of proceeds supports Friends of Hōkūleʻa & Hawaiʻiloa.
View the Wayfinder Kamaʻāina Rate
ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach (Waikīkī)
Save up to 25% on your stay, 50% off the resort fee, self-parking included for one vehicle, 10% off at Swell, and a $10-per-night donation to a local nonprofit (plus early/late when available).
See the ʻAlohilani Kamaʻāina offer
Waikiki Malia (Waikīkī)
Kamaʻāina rate includes 20% off room rates, waived amenity fees, and 50% off parking (one vehicle).
View the Waikiki Malia Kamaʻāina Rate
Kaimana Beach Hotel (Kaimana / Diamond Head side)
Up to 25% off, 50% off resort fee + nightly valet, 10% off at Hau Tree and Sunset Provisions, plus a $10 nightly donation to a local nonprofit.
View the LOVE HAWAI‘I Kamaʻāina Exclusive
ʻOno Picks: Best Food on the Island 🍽️
Asahi Grill Kakaʻako (Kakaʻako)
If you want a bowl that feels like an instant reset, this is the move. Their oxtail soup is rich and herb-y, and the kind of comforting that makes you slow down for a second. Pro tip: add ginger for that extra kick—and if you’re dining in, the large is big enough to split. See more here.
What to order: Oxtail soup (add ginger).
📍Where: 515 Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI 96814.
Feast by Jon Matsubara (Mānoa)
Salt Beef Watercress is simple in the best way: brined beef simmered for hours into a deep, savory broth, paired with peppery watercress—and hot rice on the side. The kind of dish you’ll think about later. See more here.
What to order: Salt Beef Watercress (with rice on the side).
📍Where: 2970 East Mānoa Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822.
Support Local: NAHE WAHINE 👗
Founder story: NAHE WAHINE is a Native Hawaiian-owned fashion brand created by owner/designer Bergindy Kaopua, known for limited-run pieces that are designed and made in Hawaiʻi (so you’re not seeing the same styles everywhere).
What they do: Modern aloha wear and Polynesian fashion with a small-batch approach—rooted in Hawaiʻi, made with intention.
Why it matters to locals: It’s a way to wear island style that feels current, while keeping dollars with a local creator and supporting Hawaiʻi-made production.
Link: https://kakaakokasuals.com
📍 IG: @nahewahine
Pau Hana Plans: What’s On This Week 🎶
The Green — Fri–Sat, Jan 23–24 | Blue Note Hawaiʻi, Waikīkī
Shows listed at 6:30pm + 9:00pm (doors 5:00pm / 8:30pm).
Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleball Party — Fri, Jan 23 | Pickles at Forté, Downtown Honolulu
5–9pm. One-year birthday bash: glow games, local vendors, food/drinks, raffles, and music.
Living History Day at Battleship Missouri Memorial — Sat, Jan 24 | Pearl Harbor, Honolulu
9am–3pm. Kamaʻāina + military free admission to the ship (plus interactive exhibits + special displays).
Kakaʻako Farmers Market — Sat, Jan 24 | Ward Village (919 Ala Moana Blvd.), Kakaʻako
8am–12pm. Fresh produce, flowers, grab-and-go goodies, and lots of food stalls.
East Side Jam — Wed, Jan 28 | Blue Note Hawaiʻi, Waikīkī
5:00pm (doors at 5). Local lineup night featuring Tavana, Kawika Kahiapo, Ryan Perez, Asaiah Scott & Sam Ites.
Mahalo Nui 🌺
Choose the kind of weekend that gives back. Waimea is a reminder to move slow and mālama ʻāina, kamaʻāina deals keep dollars local, and local food + Hawaiʻi-made brands support real people here at home.
If you’ve got a kamaʻāina deal, a new food spot, or an event we should feature next week, hit reply and send it our way.
Local saying of the week: ʻIke aku, ʻike mai, kōkua aku, kōkua mai — “Recognize and be recognized; help and be helped.”
Until next Friday, keep living aloha 🌺
