My Top 5: Favorite Places to Eat and Drink on O‘ahu Right Now

I was born and raised in Hawai‘i, so I have always known food as a way to bring people together. There is something so special about supporting local eateries, especially since I come from a family of small business owners and live in a neighborhood teeming with old and new food spots. And as a student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, I know you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great meal. From coffee shops to Japanese food to my love for a hearty sandwich, here are my Top 5 places that I can’t wait to share with you.

The Curb

But first, coffee! Kaimukī is my spot, and of the many coffee shops in the neighborhood, The Curb stands out to me because of their smooth, delectable lattes. Each espresso shot is full-flavored, with numerous milk options and syrups to add. My go-to order is an iced latte with macadamia nut syrup and oat milk; try saying that five times fast. The poi banana bread is also a great on-the-go snack. The friendly staff go out of their way to talk to every customer and get to know their community. Pro tip: When you buy a bag of coffee, you get a free drink!

Open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3408 Waialae Ave. Ste 102, (808) 367-0757, thecurbkaimuki.com, @thecurbkaimuki

SEE ALSO: We Checked Out the New Sushi King in Kaka‘ako

Sconees Bakery

When I was a child, my mom would wake up early in the morning to go to Sconees Bakery on 12th Avenue. Her favorite ham and cheese rolls were so popular they always sold out by 9 a.m. (they still do). To this day my mom and I still go to Sconees to get baked goods for our friends and family. Our boxes always include ham and cheese rolls, liliko‘i and guava bars, blueberry scones and blueberry coffee cake. Pro tip: Bring cash, they don’t take credit or debit cards!

Open Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1117 12th Ave., (808) 734-4024

SEE ALSO: Comfort Food for the Soul: My Top 6 Restaurant Picks on O‘ahu Right Now

Andy’s Sandwiches & Smoothies

Photo: Thomas Obungen

I’m always very hungry after a long day of classes, which means a drive down Mānoa Road to Andy’s Sandwiches. Andy’s is a longtime family-run business known for its sandwiches, smoothies and acai bowls. My uncle’s go-to order became my go-to order: When he asked me to pick up a hot turkey mushroom sandwich for him one day, I decided to try one too. I’ve never looked back. The sandwich has shredded turkey with melted cheese over a bed of mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes and sprouts on wheat bread. Don’t even get me started on the papaya seed dressing that comes with. I must have ordered this sandwich more than 50 times, and I’m sure I’ll order it at least 50 more.

Open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2904 E. Mānoa Road, (808) 988-6161, andyssandwiches.com, @andyssandwiches

Maguro-Ya

I grew up sharing my family’s love of Japanese food, and when I’m looking for fresh ‘ahi and beautifully battered tempura, I always go to Maguro-Ya in Kaimukī. This place specializes in ‘ahi dishes. My dad and I always order the Maguro Poke, which is fresh ‘ahi with a bite of raw onion and delicious creamy dressing on a bed of lettuce—an absolutely delightful appetizer. The servers are always so kind and make my dad and me laugh when they tell us, “See you next week!” The food is delicious, and the menu has a large selection of standard Japanese dishes and a huge variety of ways you can order ‘ahi, including deep-fried bones and a nigiri plate featuring ‘ahi eight ways.

Open Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 5 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m., 3565 Waialae Ave., (808) 732-3775, maguroyakaimuki.com, @maguroyakaimuki

SEE ALSO: ‘Ahi, ‘Ahi, ‘Ahi, ‘Ahi, ‘Ahi, ‘Ahi, ‘Ahi, ‘Ahi: 8 Ways to Try ‘Ahi Sushi at Maguro-Ya

Thrills Soft Serve

For me, dessert is not even an option—it’s a must-have. When I want something sweet and creative I head to Thrills Soft Serve on Pi‘ikoi. I love Thrills for their innovative way of making dessert fun. From Squid Games themed toppings to using ube cookies in the ube crinkle ice cream sandwich, Thrills creates irresistibly Instagrammable soft serves that incorporate candies, cereal and popular Asian flavored milks. Flavors change monthly, so be sure to follow them on Instagram to know when they drop a new creation.

Open Sunday to Thursday from 1 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m., 510 Pi‘ikoi St., (808) 888-6860, @thrillshnl