Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalu - Honolulu, HI Area Guide

Nestled in Honolulu, Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalu has a hand in its history. Makiki became renowned on July 11, 1842 when Punahou school opened. This missionary school stretches over 200 acres of land given by a grant from Governor Boki. It sits near the site of the Kapunahou water spring. The neighborhood also houses the Claus King of Sugar Spreckels Victorian-style mansion, which later transformed into the St. Louis Alumni Clubhouse. King William Charles Lunalilo opened the Lunalili Home to house the poor and elderly people of Hawaiian decent. Two Makiki organizations constructed a Makiki community, including information about the educational, recreational, cultural, service contributions and annual events in the neighborhood.

The Honolulu Museum of Art lies 3 miles away and celebrates the arts scene through exhibits and exquisite paintings. Take a scavenger hunt through the galleries, catch a movie at the Doris Duke Theater and attend the annual Bollywood Film Festival.

Several tempting dining options surround Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalu, especially near downtown Honolulu. Aloha Cones serves premium sushi, salads and poke creations. All poke bowls come with a small crab salad. Most importantly, everything tastes fresh. Regulars rave about the spicy ahi and hamachi salad and the spicy tuna sushi mini bowl. Come hungry and leave full.

For authentic Hawaiian Food, dine at Helena's Hawaiin Food. This establishment has been serving customers since 1946, and received the James Beard Award in 2000. Diners can't say enough about the deep fried butterfish, pipikaula short ribs, lomi salmon and fried ahi. Many agree that this establishment has the best Hawaiian dishes on the island. Be sure to check for hours and days of operation, as this restaurant doesn't keep a regular, open-seven-days-a-week schedule.

Another option for Hawaiian and Asian cuisine is Alan Wong's Restaurant a mere 2 miles away. Try the ginger crusted onaga or the macadamia crusted lamb chops. The twice-cooked short ribs make mouths water, and the fresh catch of the day always features tasty island favorites.

When you want to enjoy the nightlife scene, many bars and entertainment venues lie within a few miles of the neighborhood, specifically in downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. Find locals hanging out at King's Pub, throwing back cheap beers while relaxing after work. This dive bar hosts a daily power hour from 5-6 p.m., which consists of $1 beers, pizza and well drinks. Listen to live music or come on Friday and Saturday for free karaoke.

Check out the Brewseum and learn about the history of local bars in Honolulu, as well as the scattered World War II memorabilia, while chugging down a cold one. Arnold's Beach Bar and Grill hosts a friendly local crowd and daily, live music from 4-7 p.m.

About 60 percent of residents prefer to drive their own vehicles, and slightly over 10 percent utilize TheBus, which is Makiki's and Honolulu's major source of public transportation. Commuters reach the city center of Honolulu in approximately 12 minutes via Tantalus Drive. If traveling to other parts of the island, locals gain easy access to Interstate H-1. Call ahead for cab service in the immediate Makiki neighborhood, but once you reach downtown, cabs surround the area. Uber also provides service to most sections of Honolulu. Free, residential street parking is available, but be prepared to pay fees downtown. Walking and biking make great options as well, as most streets have sidewalks for pedestrians. With the congestion of traffic downtown, walking and biking can prove to be the best options. Bike paths run along Waikiki Beach.

Take in the gorgeous weather while spending time at local parks. Thomas Square Park stretches over an entire city block, and houses a fountain, native Hawaiian plants and a free picnic area. Kids burn off energy by playing a game of soccer, football or Frisbee on the open field. The park welcomes dogs, so bring the pooch out for a stroll as you go for a walk or jog around the grounds. Throughout the year, locals enjoy shopping at the on-site plant sales. The park also hosts the annual Siberian Husky Club of Hawaii Speciality Show in October.

Booth District Park features a kid-friendly playground and a public pool with an on-duty life guard. Get some exercise by playing a game of basketball or volleyball at the on-site courts. Take the pooch for a walk, run in the large field or play a game of catch. The park houses an indoor facility with a basketball court, and sponsors annual summer camps for kids for a required fee.

The cost of living in Makiki checks in at 8 percent less than Honolulu's average. Renters pay about $1,090 each month to dwell in a one-bedroom residence. If you decide to jump aboard TheBus for a ride into the city, a one-way fare costs $2.50. Expect to pay 18 percent higher than the national average when you fill up your gas tank, and a beer at a local bar typically costs $9.50.

All types of shopping experiences await those in the Makiki area. Head out to Ala Moana Center for upscale shops, department stores and Hawaiian surf shops. Shop at Dior, Fendi, Jimmy Choo and Prada when you want a high-end shopping experience. For department-store shopping, swing by Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.

When you want to escape chain stores, several opportunities for boutique shopping lie in proximity to the neighborhood. Bamboo Sky specializes in trendy women's clothing and jewelry. Discover well-known brands such as Mink Pink and Jeffrey Campbell, Wildfox and Reverse. Mahina Boutique in Waikiki showcases adorable dresses, tops, shoes, handbags and accessories. Eye-catching jewelry, including cute cocktail rings, draw customers into this exquisite boutique. House of Aria Downtown stocks maxi dresses, rompers, tops and accessories perfect for any occasion.

Residents enjoy supporting local vendors at area farmers markets. About 5 miles away sits Honolulu Farmers Market, open every Wednesday. Customers marvel in the fresh, local produce, freshly squeezed lemonade and ready-to-eat food. With free parking and amazing products, you can't go wrong at this market. KCC Farmers Market, located 5 miles away in Kaimuki, features beautiful flowers, food tents, pineapple and sausage vendors and much more. The market only opens on Saturdays, so be sure to get there and take advantage of the awesome deals. For those who prefer a supermarket for their grocery needs, Safeway and Foodland stores serve the area.