LA to Honolulu need recs for non Chowhound

[SouthernFoodie08]

I have a non-CHOW friend (read: not adventurous eater) who is going to Honolulu for the Pro-Bowl. The last time she went, she and her friends went to chain restaurants. UGH!!

I have convinced her to try a local restaurant while she is there this time. But, I need your help in recommending places that will give local flavor but will still accomodate someone who is not an adventurous eater. It can even be a touristy place, as long as it is really good food, not super expensive and she can feel like "I ate at ______ in Hawaii"

Thanks for any help!

[KaimukiMan]

Agree with CGeo, Sidestreet is good, serve from the mundane to the adventurous, but all of it good. Big City Diner would be a good choice, as would Kakaako Kitchen. If they want to really get down and dirty a plate lunch can range from the familiar to the unusual - and it is about as far from gourmet as you can get, but still very satisfying. Rainbow Drive-In (hamburger steak, bbq steak<teriyaki>, boneless chicken<cutlet>, and chili dog plates are all very popular. Zippys is more prevalent, not really as "local", but open 24/7, none in Waikiki.

If they want to do Burgers there is Kua Aina, Teddy's, and The Shack to choose from.

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Rainbow Drive-In
3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Kakaako Kitchen
1200 Ala Moana Blvd # 135, Honolulu, HI

Side Street Inn
1225 Hopaka St, Honolulu, HI

Big City Diner
3569 Waialae Ave Ste 3, Honolulu, HI 96816

Big City Diner-Ward
1060 Auahi St Spc 4, Honolulu, HI 96814

Kua Aina Burgers
1200 Ala Moana Blvd # 665, Honolulu, HI

Teddy's Bigger Burgers
134 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Shack Waikiki
2255 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

[ROMB]

How about Mac 24/7?

[KaimukiMan]

Had a bad experience there, won't recommend it, would only go back under duress - but you already know about that... LOL

[curiousgeo]

Sidestreet Inn would be a fun place I would consider for a group. But it's a popular local bar that serves good pupus and not a restaurant in case that matters. Great local style food and a wide, interesting menu to choose from, ranging from steaks and pork chops to raw fish. Not cheap but not super expensive either. Best in the late afternoon for happy hour or in the evening. She would definitely be able to say she "ate at ______ in Hawaii".

[curiousgeo]

Sorry, hit the post button too soon. Lots of food photos on Yelp showing what is served.

http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/NfWO7P...