Urban meets island in KAKA‘AKO. This Honolulu quartier is shifting from warehouse mecca to a trendy ARTS DISTRICT
attracting startups, young professionals and businesses. Eye- catching graffiti art — repainted annually by internationally acclaimed artists during POW! WOW! HAWAI‘I — adorns buildings and street corners, adding to the appeal of this chameleon neighborhood.
A colorful collection of cafés, boutiques, bars and open-air bazaars make Kaka‘ako a must-see for those seeking an alternative culture in the Pacific.
Tucked away in the AUAHI STREET vicinity, you’ll find hip cafés, shops and bars. PAIKO HAWAI‘I, a botanical boutique, is a fun place to get acquainted with local flora and fauna. Hungry? Choices abound in Kaka‘ako. For casual fare, HANK’S HAUTE DOGS offers up everything from the classic Chicago Dog (its most popular offering) to exotic Lobster Dogs. EARL KAKA‘AKO is known for its memorable sandwiches such as the Turkey Jam Sam and Cubano. If you feel like dining in, VEIN and MOKU KITCHEN are area favorites. For drinks, we recommend BEVY ’s handcrafted cocktails, the massive array of beers at VILLAGE BOTTLE SHOP & TASTING ROOM or HONOLULU BEERWORKS’ (over on Cooke Street) frothy microbrews.
If shopping is your style, visit WARD VILLAGE in Honolulu. Boasting more than 135 specialty shops and eateries and special events, in addition to monthly brunches, movies and hula. Also at Ward Village is the brand new SOUTH SHORE MARKET in Ward Village, an indoor market of local boutiques, vendors and restaurants that blend Kaka‘ako’s street art and city vibes.
