On The Go

November 6, 2014 | By Ali Resich

Refuel for your next Waikiki adventure and grab something to eat at one of these convenient pit stops.

Here in Hawai‘i, there’s always an adventure waiting to unfold! Whether setting out on a mountainous hike, or feeling the ocean breeze at breathtaking beaches, you’ll want a world of mouthwatering meals at your fingertips to come along for the ride. Luckily, Waikiki is home to glorious grab-and-go bites that you can savor while soaking up every minute of fun.

Pronto Pickle

PRONTO PICKLE | PHOTO: COURTESY PRONTO PICKLE

PRONTO PICKLE | PHOTO: COURTESY PRONTO PICKLE

In search of a quick bite? Look no further than Pronto Pickle, Hilton Hawaiian Village’s poolside eatery. Perfect for hotel guests looking to refuel before jumping back into the Super Pool, or simply for expert shoppers making good use of the Village’s stores, this dining spot ensures hungry visitors won’t find themselves in a pickle when it comes to good eats.

They can reach for a full spectrum of ready-to-go delights, from paninis, hamburgers and hotdogs to salads, fruits, desserts and beverages, including beer and wine.

Those with a sweet tooth will find fast relief in the plentiful creations of Pronto Pickle’s pastry chef, Jamon Harper. Be sure to try one of his top-selling treats, the Hamburger Cupcake, which presents fanciful vanilla cake decorated with colorful frosting to look like a savory burger. While the cupcake may play mind tricks, there’s no confusing its delicious flavor. It also has been known to be quite the photogenic dessert—that is, if you can snap away before temptation kicks in to take a bite.

You also can try gourmet burgers (the real deal!), shave ice and more at Pronto Pickle II, the popular eatery’s second installment located at the Paradise Pool, right off the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.

Pronto Pickle
Hilton Hawaiian Village
2005 Kalia Road [D:4 Waikiki Map]
(808) 949-4321

Musubi Café Iyasume

MUSUBI CAFÉ IYASUME

MUSUBI CAFÉ IYASUME

No trip to Hawai‘i is complete without some quality relaxation time spent on the sandy shores of Waikiki. Preparing for an epic beach day requires finding the right snack to make your fun in the sun last all day.

For such adventures, the Japanese have mastered the art of snacking as the creators of musubi, or balls of rice combined with nori (seaweed) wrappers and various fillings. You can find these and other authentic Japanese-style munchies at Musubi Café Iyasume’s two Waikiki storefronts: one on Seaside Avenue, and the other at Aqua Pacific Monarch Hotel on Kuhio Avenue.

Iyasume’s ready-to-eat musubis, bento boxes, mochiko chicken and more are light and easy to carry on the go.

“Most of our customers enjoy eating them before or after enjoying a wonderful, sunny day at the beach,” explains owner Toshiyuki Otake.

PHOTOS: JEFF SANNER

PHOTOS: JEFF SANNER

A visit to the shops also offers quick service, as well as the opportunity to try the ultimate Hawaiian snack known as Spam Musubi, which is kid-friendly and popular among locals. Revel in Spam Musubi teriyaki-style or with egg and bacon accompaniments. Regardless of which musubi you choose, your tummy will thank you.

Musubi Café Iyasume
2427 Kuhio Ave. [B:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 921-0168
334 Seaside Ave. [B:7 Waikiki Map]

ABC Stores

When visiting O‘ahu, it’s just a matter of time before you make a pit stop at Hawai‘i’s favorite chain of convenience shops, ABC Stores, to stock up on all your essentials. When getting your supply of sunscreen and bottled water, why not go for some tasty yet conveniently packaged meals as well?

ABC Stores has been Hawai‘i’s home for basics since 1964, when it opened its first shop on Kalakaua Avenue. It has since grown to include 77 locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Las Vegas, Guam and Saipan.

You can’t go wrong with any location, but a trip to the 205 Lewers St. branch, located near Waikiki’s picturesque Beach Walk, is undoubtedly worthwhile. Unlike other locations, the spacious shop is home to an Island Deli, complete with a full service selection of freshly made wraps, pizzas, prime rib and local favorites, among others. The shop is full of grab-and-go goodies, like egg salad sandwiches, seafood louie salads, pullman sandwiches and island-style lunch bentos. Before heading out, don’t forget to stop by the Fine Wine Department to select the perfect bottle to accompany your speedy meal.

ABC Stores
205 Lewers St.[D:7 Waikiki Map]
(808) 926-1811
*Multiple locations in Waikiki