By Kendra Benner
CHEST 2023 will be an action-packed meeting—full of clinical education, networking, and lots of fun—and even more adventure awaits during attendees’ free time in Hawaiʻi.
This archipelago of islands is not only a beautiful destination, but it’s also a unique and complex place deserving of special care and respect. While exploring Hawaiʻi, attendees should be mindful that they are guests visiting someone else’s home.
Supporting small businesses is a great way to get out of a comfort zone and try new things while also being a thoughtful traveler. Prepare your local itinerary with the help of Honolulu-based CHEST members, Janet Myers, MD, FCCP, and Sam Evans, MD, MS, FCCP, who have highlighted some of their favorite restaurants and activities in and around town.
Restaurants
Fête
2 North Hotel St, Honolulu
(3 miles from the Hawaiʻi Convention Center)
James Beard Award—need we say more? In 2022, Chef Robynne Maii of Fête won the award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific. It was the first time a Hawaiʻi-based chef had won a James Beard Award in nearly 20 years. The restaurant was a top pick of both Dr. Evans and Dr. Myers, who noted that the Korean chicken sandwich and fried chicken are marquee dishes. Reservations are recommended.
Highway Inn
680 Ala Moana Blvd, #105, Honolulu
(2 miles from the Hawaiʻi Convention Center)
Since 1947, this diner has been serving up traditional Hawaiian plates for dine-in and take-out. Make sure to try the iconic lau lau, which is pork and butterfish slow-cooked in lū‘au leaves. “Highway Inn is a great place for families, and it’s a quick ride from the conference center,” Dr. Myers said. In 2010, it was featured on Food Network by—who else?—Guy Fieri.
The Manifest
32 North Hotel St, Honolulu
(3 miles from the Hawaiʻi Convention Center)
Located in historic Chinatown, this artsy locale is a coffee shop by day and chic cocktail bar by night. The toast bar (yes, toast bar!) has seven eye-popping choices like almond butter banana on wheat and bruschetta with blue cheese. This Native Hawaiian-owned spot is home to an art gallery for Pacific Islanders to showcase their work.
Monkeypod Kitchen
2169 Kālia Rd, Unit 111, Honolulu
(1 mile from the Hawaiʻi Convention Center)
This popular local outpost opened a new location in Waikīkī in July. You might say there’s been excitement about the opening—the Instagram announcement got more than 6,000 likes. “Everything Peter Merriman does is fantastic. He’s chef-owner of numerous outstanding restaurants on all islands,” Dr. Evans said. Enjoy farm-to-table dishes like bulgogi pork tacos and seared ahi steak while you take in panoramic views of Waikīkī Beach.
Attractions
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St, Honolulu
(6 miles from the Hawaiʻi Convention Center)
Once the meeting ends, visit the Bishop Museum to see the largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts and natural history specimens in the world. The museum is named in honor of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. “The Bishop Museum is great for families to learn about the history of Hawaiʻi,” Dr. Myers said. You can also grab lunch at the Highway Inn’s open air café on the museum campus. General admission is $28.95 for adults and $20.95 for youth.
Honolulu Museum of Art
900 South Beretania St, Honolulu
(2 miles from the Hawaiʻi Convention Center)
After taking in the scientific content at the meeting, step into a completely different world at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Check out the exhibit, “Lauren Hana Chai: The Five Senses,” where Hawaiʻi-based painter and ceramicist, Lauren Hana Chai, explores how elements like Korean folk art and Buddhist temple architecture intersect with modern society. Dr. Myers recommended you save time for the museum gift shop. Admission is $20 for adults and free for kids.
North Shore of Oʻahu
North Shore, Waialua
(33 miles from the Hawaiʻi Convention Center)
If you have time, a trek up to the North Shore of Oʻahu is worth the journey. The North Shore is known for its laid-back feel and for being home to the world’s premier surfing competitions. “There are outdoor adventures, food trucks, shopping, and great scenery,” Dr. Myers said.
Outdoor Adventures
Water Activities
Waikīkī Beach
(1 mile from the Hawaiʻi Convention Center)
Dr. Myers’ top recommendation is anything on the water, especially at Waikīkī Beach, located on the south shore of Honolulu. “Go surfing, paddle boarding, or snorkeling. If you’re very adventurous, consider parasailing. Waikīkī has many options and places to rent equipment. Check out Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, too,” she said.
Guided Hikes With the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi
Waikīkī Beach on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Island of Hawaiʻi
If you’re extending your stay after the meeting, check out the guided hikes offered by the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, an advocacy organization dedicated to safeguarding Hawaiʻi’s natural resources. Trained guides can lead you safely on your trek and explain the islands’ unique flora and fauna. Learn more at sierraclubhawaii.org/outings.
Find other local businesses in the Native Hawaiian Business Directory and Shop Small Hawaiʻi.