At Anna's, you'll find breakfasts so good they're available 24 hours a day. This is a favorite place with local families, and often parents and children will be the dominant sort of diners here. Celebrated for its delicious, affordable fare, the eatery serves up everything from steak and eggs to waffles and chicken fried steak. A vast array of omelets is available, stuffed full of good things, and the pancakes draw constant raves from loyal customers. If you're around at other times, try their hot entrees or burgers, and don't make the mistake of leaving without trying a slice of fresh fruit pie.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Anna Millers is lively and affordable, offering home style food. It's a favorite with local families.
Jade's expert tip: Make sure to try a homemade fruit pie that Anna Miller's is famous for.
Kono's in Haleiwa is a family run breakfast and lunch spot centrally located in historic Haleiwa on the North Shore. A small deli like eatery, you can call in and order before and pick it up or enjoy it there. They welcome walk in orders, also to be eaten on site or to take on the road. The menu includes breakfast items that deviate from the standard fare with various breakfast burritos and bagels, smoothies, and coffees. A toy box in the back offers plenty of entertainment for children. Surf videos play on the flat screen TV, and outdoor seating offers a place to people watch.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Kono's offers quick and delicious breakfast and lunch meals and offer a kids toy area at the back of the restaurant.
Jade's expert tip: Weekend mornings are quite busy, it's a good idea to call ahead and order.
It's dinner and entertainment rolled into one at this Japanese hot spot. Vivacious chefs chop, slice, and sauté steak, chicken, shellfish, and vegetables right before your eyes in an exuberant display of teppanyaki cooking. It's just the place to visit if you're in the mood for an evening of sociability and fun. If you need a sushi fix along the way, don't despair – they'll set you up with an assortment of your favorite rolls. The superb bar begins serving drinks at 5pm, including sake and Japanese beer. The fished served on the menu is all fresh and locally caught. (808-941-4444)
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Kids will love the lively atmosphere and especially the teppanyaki cooking that takes place table side.
Jade's expert tip: Don't forget to make reservations.
In tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's renowned swimmer, surfer and Olympic athlete, this casual restaurant offers patrons a wealth of island culture. Memorabilia, live Hawaiian music, and fresh local seafood are among the attractions that have folks returning again and again. Food is served all day, and lunchtime brings fresh fish, steaks, burgers, pizza, and sandwiches. A midday buffet features kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, just-caught fish, and a salad bar. The hula pie, a house special, is not-to-be-missed. Dinner reservations are a must, and this is a perfect place for a fun group dinner or date night. Dress up a bit, but keep it island style.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Duke's is a Honolulu hotspot but welcomes families. The open air restaurant and lively atmosphere make chatty children blend right in.
Jade's expert tip: Make reservations for dinner.
Cafe Haleiwa is a North Shore staple, owned and operation by a family who's lived there for decades. The cafe has been open for over a decade too, and is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Until recently the cafe served breakfast only, which was always good. The breakfast menu offered standard breakfast fare like pancakes and eggs, in addition many Mexican breakfast dishes. Just a few months ago Cafe Haleiwa opened for dinner, and is now one of the best dinner spots in the town. Their food is gourmet and still decently priced. The dinner menu offers unique dishes such as savory thyme cheesecake served with greens and fruit, ginger potato soup, and main dishes of fresh local fish, ribs, and steak. It's bring your own beer and wine here, which can be purchased next door at the adjacent wine shop.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Cafe Haleiwa welcomes families for their breakfast and dinner menus and the lovely outdoor seating area makes dining with kids a little easier.
Jade's expert tip: Ask to sit outside, it makes it a little easier with kids.
A terrific alternative to fast food, Andy's has built its reputation on affordable, healthy fare. Since 1977, the casual place has served up vegetarian-oriented food that's not only good for the body but tastes great too. The selection of sandwiches features fresh ingredients, and everything is prepared in-house, as are the smoothies, crammed with lush fruit and natural juices. Breakfast also incorporates island produce, in waffles, muffins, and more. Hot or cold, you're certain to find something delectable at Andy's. And if you're determined to have protein that's not soy-based, they also offer turkey, roast beef, and chicken. The home baked goods are by the front door.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Andy's offers healthy yet fast meals that most importantly are affordable, making a great place for those with several mouths to feed.
Jade's expert tip: Don't miss the homemade baked goods too.
Lei Lei's Bar and Grill sits right on the golf course at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. Like a bar and grill would be, it's laid back and casual, yet somewhat upscale and classy. There's a putting green out front where the kids can hang out (in full view) if they get restless, and views of the golf course and the mountain range offer gorgeous sights. Unlike the other restaurants at Turtle Bay, this one isn't right in the resort. The full bar can serve up anything you'd like, but their famous for mai tais and Lei Lei's lemonades. The menu has a broad spectrum of great food - burgers, pastas, salads, local fish specials with sides of mashed potatoes, ribs, and the list goes on.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Lei Lei's has a children's menu and a putting green by the outdoor tables that make it entertaining for kids while parents can relax.
Jade's expert tip: There's a different menu for lunch and dinner.
Many say this is hands down the best luau on Oahu. They can feed up to 1,200 guests at one time, so get ready to party down! Except of course, since the Polynesian Cultural Center is part of the Mormon Church there's no alcohol in any drinks here. The dancing, fire acts, and other entertainment is fun and at times a little over the top. They'll probably try to get a lot of people at tables to come up and participate, so if you're shy you better hope it's not you! But there's a LOT of food, lots to see, and you'll leave so stuffed you won't want to eat for the rest of your vacation. If you're looking for a luau, this is you're best bet.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: This is luau and the grounds it's on is all about entertainment and is practically a theme park kids will love.
Jade's expert tip: It can be a good idea to hit the North Shore beaches and end the day at this luau.
Located right on the edge of both the ocean and pool at Turtle Bay Resort, The Point is the place you'll want to hang at to get your night started with cocktails or to wrap up the day with an ocean side dinner. With amazingly strong mai tais with a special Turtle Bay mix, an array of local beers on tap, and a huge selection of signature tropical drinks, The Point is the best place on the North Shore for lunch of dinner by the sea or sunset drink. You can hang out of a couple hours after dark enjoying the big screen TV with sports and chatting with the friendly bartenders. Entertainment at dark varies on different nights of the week, including live music, fire knife dancing, hula dancing and other shows. You can watch surfers catch waves right there and go for a stroll along the water's edge. This is a perfect place to get the night started whether you're staying at the hotel or just passing through the North Shore.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: The Point is located directly over the ocean, with a pool, dining tables and bar in full view of a surf break and the sunset.
Jade's expert tip: Cocktails are served from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., food is served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a luau takes place every Sunday.