Fall 2008 - Issue 1

The Silversword: Home > Entertainment > Restaurants Just Near and Around School

Restaurants Just Near and Around School

Meagan McClellan, Staff Writer

Tired of the Silversword Cafe, Brother's Brew, or the Courtyard? You are not the only one. Since Chaminade does not give students a variety restaurants to choose from, I will try out different restaurants to give you a little diversity in your life, for a cheap price, and a delicious meal.

In this review, I tried restaurants near and around school. I mostly stayed in the Kahala, Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Diamond Head areas.

MAC Grill 24/7

As college students, we tend to get hungry at odd periods of the day. Since these odd cravings tend to occur late at night, it is always a let down to know that restaurants are closed, pizzas cannot be delivered anymore, and certain fast foods are closed for the night.
Fortunately for some, there is always Taco Bell, IHOP and 7/11 to save our cravings, but I have found a new place that is open 24/7. This place is relatively new to the island and is located in the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio. It is Mac 24/7.

The best way to describe this restaurant is a “fancy IHOP.” It is a hip coffee house (diner) that offers a variety of foods such as breakfast foods, sandwiches, and dinner platters.

I tried the “sweet and sticky chili chicken wings” for $9, which was decent, nothing too special.
The cupcake I tried was the “devil's food-peanut buttercup with shiny fudge frosting.” The chocolate and peanut butter was warm and melted in my mouth. The cupcakes are $6, but are worth the amount.
There is a variety to choose from on the menu. Our waiter recommended the pancakes or the gigantic saimin bowl.

I really enjoy the seating arrangements. This restaurant has special types of seating to fit every occasion. They have a bar to sit at and watch TV, booths where you and a couple of people can relax and watch TV, private rooms for parties, and high- rise seating with curtains for privacy. One side of the restaurant accommodates a classy atmosphere while the other side is more laid back. The décor of the restaurant is a unique retro look.
Although valet parking is available, I would recommend parking at the zoo and walking a couple of blocks down.
I highly recommend this restaurant.

Mac 24-7 Bar + Restaurant
Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio - lobby level
2500 Kuhio Avenue Waikiki Beach, HI  96815
Direct:  808.921.5564
http://www.mac247waikiki.com

Diamond Head Cove Health Bar

The Health Bar located near Diamond Head has a variety of tasty health foods. A favorite item at the Health Bar is the “Da Cove Bowl,” also known as the Açaí bowl. Açaí, for those who do not know, is a berry from Brazil.
The “Da Cove Bowl” consists of Açaí, strawberries, bananas, granola, and honey. This masterpiece is a thick berry smoothie with toppings of fresh strawberries, bananas, sprinkled with organic granola and covered with honey. It’s priced at $7.50.

The Açaí berry has become an extremely popular trend in people’s diet. It is said that it helps prevent premature aging, fights against diseases, and helps maintains a strong healthy heart.
Not only is it healthy for you, but it is also very delicious. The bowl is a perfect size. I would recommend coming to the Health Bar if you want fresh food. The Health Bar does not only offer just the Açaí bowl, they also offer fresh fish, salads, smoothies, wraps, kava and juices.
The Health Bar has a very laid back environment. It is relaxing and refreshing. Everything in the restaurant gives off a local, Hawaii vibe. I wish more restaurants in Hawaii were like the Health Bar.
If the Health Bar is too far of a walk for you, I tried Jewel or Juice on Waialae and they also offer the Açaí Bowl, which is just as good if not better.

Diamond Head Cove Health Bar
3045 Monsarrat Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
      808-732-8744
http://www.diamondheadcove.com/
Hours:
10 a.m.-midnight Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday (Kitchen closes at 10 p.m.); 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Friday, Saturday

The Quick n' Easy

Restaurant Prices Quality Last Thought Location
Aloha Salads $$ A Big really good salads, about $10 In Kahala Mall & In Ward Warehouse
Olive Tree $$ A Really good Greek food, recommend the chicken souvlaki BYOB Behind the Kahala Mall.
Cheeseburger in Paradise $$ B Variety of different style cheeseburgers On Kalakaua (zoo end)-in hotel
Down to Earth (café) $$ A Really good healthy food On King Street
Tiki's Grill $$$ C Food is pricey and alright, entertainment & view=amazing On Kalakaua (zoo end)-in hotel
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) $ A LOVEEEE the food here! Recommend Chinese Chicken Salad or BBQ Chicken Pizza One in Kahala Mall One in Ala Moana Mall
Buca di Beppo $$$$ A Italian Family Style Restaurant Perfect for large parties (birthdays) order and everyone shares... really good food! In Ward
Longhi's $$$$ B Has an amazing view; pricey food for the quality you get In Ala Moana Mall

Prices: $=1-4, $$=5-10, $$$=11-15, $$$$=16+
Quality Grade: A= A Must Eat, B= Pick This Place Over Others, C= Try at least once

Note to the Reader---

If there are any restaurants that you have been wanting to go to and you do not have the time, money or you’re worried about trying something new; e-mail me at cuhpress@chaminade.edu. I will gladly try it for you and review it. Also, if you disagree with one of my reviews and would like to give your opinion about a restaurant, let me know. Thanks!