Holidays in Hawaii: How to feast like the President

There’s no better way to cool off in Hawaii than with shave ice. Credit: _e.t.

By Erin Behan

Why not travel in the president’s footsteps when it comes to food? Hawaii has some great restaurants, and like the locals, President Obama knows them well. No matter how you feel about his politics, his food choices couldn’t be more spot-on.

Consider the island fusion restaurant Indigo in Honolulu’s Chinatown. On one visit, the Obamas ordered a popular dinner item, the tasty sounding toasted black mustard and pepper crusted ahi tuna and a dim sum plate, according to USA Today. If you want to go casual, try the restaurant’s famous buffet lunch. For a nearby hotel, there’s Aston atthe Executive Centre.

Many of Obama’s favorite restaurants aren’t of the see-and-be-seen variety like Indigo. When it comes to a Hawaiian favorite–shave ice–the Obamas like Island Snow Shave Ice in Kailua, which shares space with a surf shop. Make like the 44th president and cool off with some lilikoi (species of passion flower) or li hing mui (salty dried plum).

The North Shore burger joint, Kua Aina Sandwich Shop, is known for two things: its avocado burger and Barack Obama’s visit. Though you’re unlikely to see Obama, you can definitely get a taste of the famously thick burger topped with slices of avocado and a side of fries. For a nearby hotel, try Ala Moana Hotel.

Then there’s thefamous Zippy’s. Obama’s not the only president to have a thing for the 24-hour family restaurant that’s famous for its chili; Bill Clinton has visited with his daughter Chelsea, as well. There are 25 locations across Hawaii.

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