When you live in a neighborhood as vibrant as Kakaako, recommendations on fun things to see and do are endless. This walkable town is best known for its eclectic art scene, local shopping and assortment of eateries and coffee shops. Join our employee, Melissa T. from Human Resources, as she shares her top five favorite things to do around her town.
1. For some local flavor: Kakaako Farmers Market
I love going to this farmers market because there’s a wide variety of vendors I can enjoy. With over 100 booths to peruse, there’s something for everyone! From good food and drinks, to clothes, plants and fresh produce, there are so many great ways to support local.
You can usually find me grabbing green juice smoothies from Omao Man. For food, Youpo Noodles is amazing! They serve hand-pulled noodles that are full of flavor and spices.
Kakaako Farmers Market at Ward Village
Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
See vendors and parking information on their website.
2. For art lovers: Kakaako street art
Perhaps what Kakaako is most known for is its colorful murals, painted by the talented artists of POW! WOW! Worldwide. They host an annual festival right here in Kakaako, where many of the beautiful murals get refreshed each year. It’s fun to walk around the neighborhood to see new artwork or simply appreciate ones I’ve seen before. I think that it makes Kakaako extra special to have these larger-than-life size works of art decorating our urban and industrial architecture. It truly brings out the creative and hipster vibes that Kakaako is known for.
POW! WOW! Worldwide Murals
See their website for more information on past and present murals.
3. For a cute gift: Mari’s Urban Garden
If you live on Oahu, this is a shop you need to check out! Mari’s Urban Garden opened in early 2021 and is a cute little store that serves as the storefront for Mari’s Gardens Mililani aquaponics and hydroponics 18-acre farm. Pop in to peruse their large variety of plants and plant accessories. The prices are reasonable to get the perfect plant-lover fix, and the team is extremely friendly!
Mari’s Urban Garden
See their website for location and hours.
4. For drinks with friends: Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room
Kakaako is the place to go if you’re looking for some breweries to explore. I really like Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room because their service is amazing. They also serve Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), which is an absolute must-have if you haven’t tried it before. Aside from their dine-in option, they also have fridges full of different grab-and-go beers and seltzers, including unique brands that can’t be found at a local grocery store. I love coming in here to grab drinks for special occasions or gatherings.
Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room
See their website for location and hours.
5. For the perfect date: Kakaako Waterfront Park
This park is conveniently located across from Kakaako shops and always has lots of parking. It’s the perfect place to picnic with friends and loved ones after work to watch the sunset. Grab takeout from a near-by business at SALT Kakaako and walk over to enjoy a view of the water and surfers dancing in the golden afternoon light. Some of my favorite takeout options include Redfish Poke and Pioneer Saloon.
Kakaako Waterfront Park
Google Maps location
Redfish Poke
See their website for location and hours.
Pioneer Saloon
See their website for location and hours.
