Best of Oahu Newsletter

Zippy's Opens up in Vegas

Located in the southwest part of Las Vegas at 7095 Badura Ave, near Rainbow Boulevard and the 215 Beltway, the grand opening saw cars with eager customers lining up hours before the 10:10 a.m. opening.

The Las Vegas valley, often affectionately referred to as the "9th island," was chosen as the first location outside of Hawaii due to the substantial number of Hawaiians who either visit or call the valley home, making it the ideal spot to bring a slice of Hawaii to the mainland.

Zippy's is renowned for its fast-food restaurant and bakery, offering a menu that seamlessly blends Japanese, American, Chinese, and Hawaiian flavors, reflecting the rich history of Hawaii. Their diverse menu includes mouthwatering options such as Korean fried chicken, teriyaki beef, chili, hamburger steak, chicken katsu, SPAM or Portuguese sausage breakfast, Saimin, and an array of other delectable items.

Early Trash Pickups in Waikiki

Waikiki residents are taking a stand against the disruptive early-morning garbage pickups in their neighborhood. Fed up with the loud noises that disturb their peace, they gathered in unity on Sunday to rally for the passing of a new law that would prohibit trash pickups before 6 a.m.

The demonstration showcased their determination to reclaim their mornings and promote a quieter, more harmonious community environment. waikiki.html

Oahu November Events

There are some upcoming running events, night markets, Hawaiian band performances, and some fun seasonal events worth checking out.

There also lot's of other holiday events happening at Honolulu attractions, shopping centers, Farmers Markets, hotels, and other places...

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2+ Billion in Hotel Improvements

The hotels in Hawaii are going beyond routine maintenance and refurbishments, focusing on strategic repositioning to elevate their offerings to a higher level.

The renovation boom has not only contributed to increased construction spending and job creation but has also fueled growth in transient accommodations tax collections, which have surged from $100 million to approximately $1 billion in the last decade.

Visitors' desire for authentic experiences has also benefited local businesses, with tourists exploring a wide range of offerings, including affordable plate lunch options.

Overall, the reinvestment in Hawaii hotels has proven to be a win-win situation, providing visitors with enhanced experiences and bolstering the state's economy. hotels-in-oahu.html

New Lifeguard Towers

Waianae's Kahe Point Beach Park, popularly known as Electric Beach, has welcomed a new lifeguard tower, designated as "Tower 40," installed by the City and County of Honolulu.

This marks the first lifeguard tower to be set up at a beach in the area in the past 11 years. The tower will be staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in an effort to enhance safety and rescue operations.

The decision to install the lifeguard tower came after concerns grew over the years due to safety incidents involving beachgoers and snorkelers. The beach's rising popularity among both residents and tourists called for a more permanent safety solution.

On the day of the tower's installation, lifeguards were quick to take action, rescuing two people who encountered difficulties in the waters offshore.

Ala Moana Beach Park

Ocean Safety also installed a new 2-Man Lifeguard Tower at Magic Island. This will allow a 2nd lifeguard to help watch over this man-made lagoon beach during daily shifts.

86,000 Pounds of Marine Debris Collected

Looking ahead, Ocean Safety plans to replace four older towers across Oahu with the new model, similar to the one at Kahe Point Beach Park. Additionally, the city has plans to order six more lifeguard towers later in the year, further bolstering safety measures along the island's shores.

A Hawaii nonprofit organization has achieved a remarkable feat by clearing over 86,000 pounds of marine debris from the Pacific Ocean.

The conservation efforts were spearheaded by the Papahanaumokuakea Marine Debris Project, which diligently worked on a 30-day cleanup mission. The team focused on removing debris from shallow coral reefs and shorelines in the pristine Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, situated in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

The significance of this achievement is underscored by the fact that the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is home to thousands of endangered wildlife species and boasts an expansive 3.5 million acres of coral reefs.

The 16-person team strategically targeted three critical areas along the island chain: Maro Reef, Laysan Island, and Lisianski Island. From these locations, they successfully retrieved a staggering 57,240 pounds of debris from Maro Reef, 16,820 pounds from Laysan Island, and 12,040 pounds from Lisianski Island.

This monumental effort not only helps preserve the delicate marine ecosystem of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands but also serves as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine Debris Project in safeguarding our precious oceans and marine life.

Beloved Zippy's Chain Opening in Las Vegas

Zippy's is renowned for its fast-food restaurant and bakery, offering a menu that seamlessly blends Japanese, American, Chinese, and Hawaiian flavors, reflecting the rich history of Hawaii. Their diverse menu includes mouthwatering options such as Korean fried chicken, teriyaki beef, chili, hamburger steak, chicken katsu, SPAM or Portuguese sausage breakfast, Saimin, and an array of other delectable items.

After a wait of over four years, Zippy's has finally made an official announcement, revealing the opening date for its highly-anticipated Las Vegas location. Located in the southwest part of Las Vegas at 7095 Badura Ave, near Rainbow Boulevard and the 215 Beltway.

Initially, the restaurant will operate from 6 a.m. to midnight, catering to early risers and night owls alike. However, Zippy's has plans to transition into a 24-hour operation, ensuring that you can satisfy your cravings for their signature comfort food any time of the day or night.

The establishment will encompass a spacious 7,000 square feet, offering both dine-in and take-out options, along with a retail bakery for those seeking delicious treats.

Additionally, the location will house a state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot central kitchen and bakery to cater to its staff's needs. This exciting venture marks Zippy's first foray into the Las Vegas culinary scene, promising to bring a taste of Hawaii to the desert city.

Waiahole Poi Factory New Location

Owner Liko Hoe recently shared his insights on the eatery's expansion during an interview with HNN's Sunrise Weekends. He spoke about the remarkable journey of his business, highlighting how a local competition played a significant role in boosting its success.

In a press release, Hoe expressed his excitement about the new location, stating, "Windward Mall is rooted in Hawaiian culture and provides guests with a genuine kamaaina experience, making it the perfect home for Waiahole Poi Factory."

For those who have yet to experience the culinary delights of Waiahole Poi Factory, you can look forward to a menu brimming with native Hawaiian dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From savory beef luau to tender laulau and flavorful kalua pig, the offerings are sure to transport you to the heart of Hawaii. And don't forget to save room for the "Sweet Lady of Waiahole," a delectable treat that encapsulates the essence of the islands.

As we eagerly await the grand opening of this new location at Windward Mall, it's clear that Waiahole Poi Factory's commitment to preserving and celebrating Hawaiian culture through its cuisine continues to thrive. We invite you to join us in welcoming this exciting expansion and savoring the flavors of Hawaii at its finest.

Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu

There are some great protected reef spots around the island worth exploring including famous Hanauma Bay, Sharks Cove & Three Tables in the North Shore, and even a couple spots in Waikiki.

Oahu offers a world of underwater wonders waiting to be explored through snorkeling. Oahu’s diverse coastline has the perfect spot for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner eager to dive into this captivating realm. .

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Monkeypod Kitchen opens up in Waikiki

The restaurant, sprawling across a spacious 13,000 square feet in the lobby of the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Waikīkī Beach and Diamond Head.

Emphasizing a farm-to-table concept, Monkeypod Kitchen continues to uphold its commitment to locally rooted values and sustainability. In a unique move, this branch stands out by being the only one to serve breakfast, in addition to its regular lunch and dinner offerings, and also features a daily happy hour with enticing discounts on drinks, appetizers, and hand-tossed pizzas.

The decision to anchor the renovated hotel with Monkeypod Kitchen came after the iconic Shore Bird restaurant, known for its oceanfront views and grill-your-own-steak experience, closed in 2017 after 38 years of operation.

The restaurant's generous size and laid-back, open-air ambiance create a vacation-like experience for diners. Moreover, they have pledged to support the Polynesian Voyaging Society by donating a portion of sales from Pete's Island Wheat, a specially brewed beer. With its remarkable setting, extensive menu, and dedication to the community, Monkeypod Kitchen's new Waikīkī location has become a sought-after destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Soon to be added to the list of the Best Waikiki Restaurants... waikiki-restaurants.html

Oahu Popular Shows

Booking for new Oahu Shows and concerts have taken off for Blue Note Waikiki, Slack Key Lounge, Kana Ka Pila Grille, Waikiki Shell, Blaisdell Center, Hawaii Theatre and many hotel live music and entertainment venues. oahu-shows.html