Kailua vs. Anna Miller's

[nkereina]

We'll be venturing off Aulani property to visit Kualoa Ranch one day during our trip. On the way back from the Ranch, we'd like to stop for dinner somewhere casual that's on the way. My initial plan was to visit Anna Miller's restaurant since it appears to be right off the highway and about halfway. However, after listening to last week's Dis Unplugged show, I'm now considering going slightly out of the way to check out the town of Kailua. Which would you pick, and why? If your choice is Kailua, any restaurant recommendations?

FWIW, we have a full day tour at the Ranch planned with three activities. We'll be there early morning, have lunch at the Ranch, and I believe will finish up around 3pm. We'll likely be somewhat tired and maybe dirty/sweaty from the ATV and Jungle tours. We'll also have about a 90 minute commute back to Aulani, if not longer with the traffic. These factors are making me lean towards Anna Miller's, unless Kailua is really worth it.

Thanks!

 

[alohamom]

Kailua is worth it for the beach but I am not so sure if it is worth detouring just for restaurants. The main street is quaint, laid back and lovely but if you are finishing up at Kualoa at 3pm you might only just get to Kailua with an hour or two of light before sunset. There are a few places to eat in the area like the original location of Aloha Salads http://alohasalads.com/about (there is also one is Kapolei closer to Aulani) and Teddys Bigger Burgers http://www.teddysbb.com/home
There is also a CPK and Subway and lots of other little places. There is Buzz's Steakhouse but I have never been and I think it is a little more upscale for the area (still casual but "no tank tops after 4:30 LOL) http://www.buzzsoriginalsteakhouse.com/
One place on my list for next trip is Deans Drive Inn, I saw it featured on Food Network and thought it looked worth a try http://www.yelp.ca/biz/deans-drive-inn-kaneohe-2 and it is in that general area http://www.guyfieri.com/hotspots/tv/deans-drive-inn/

 

[wanderlust7]

Kailua Beach (and nearby Lanikai Beach) are beautiful. On a weekday, late afternoon (which was when we went last time), it will probably be virtually deserted. It's very different from the beach at Aulani and well worth a stop. What better way to get rid of dirt and sweat than by going in the ocean? If you go to the beach, then have dinner nearby, by the time you're done (8ish?), there probably won't be much traffic.

On the other hand, if you to to Anna Miller's, say get there around 4 pm? Is that kind of early for dinner? And if you're done around 5-6, I think you'll hit traffic going back to Aulani.

 

[nkereina]

Great points! Thank you both!

 

[hilarys]

Kailua beach is beautiful and definitely worth a stop. We went there with our local friends in November and despite it being a rainy day it was fabulous. Kids could walk out pretty far and the surf was gentle but there were waves to splash and boogie board in. The beach is also good because it has parking and facilities. Afterwards we went to a Strip Mall that had Subway, Aloha Salads (i think), a great shave ice place and some other very casual places to eat. there is also a Maui Tacos right in downtown Kailua which is great.

 

[Aviator621]

If going through Kailua, would recommend Haleiwa Joe's (Haiku Gardens)--was always one of our favorite places to go when I was stationed on the island. Good food and incredible views




Another option is to return via the North Shore and H2; much longer but you can find some spectacular beaches, and visit Haleiwa itself which is a great little town with lots of good restaurants including the original Haleiwa Joes. You can also stop at Matsumoto Shave Ice--a must do.

http://www.haleiwajoes.com/

http://matsumotoshaveice.com

 

[alohamom]

If going through Kailua, would recommend Haleiwa Joe's (Haiku Gardens)--was always one of our favorite places to go when I was stationed on the island. Good food and incredible views
http://www.haleiwajoes.com/

WOW-this is amazing, thank you so much, I checked out the website and it is now top of my must go to places to eat list!

 

[DSNYDREAMER]

We have been to Anna Millers a few times for breakfast and loved it. We tried it for lunch and dinner and neither was great. I personally won't do it again for those meals but would return for breakfast. Another vote for Haleiwa Joes and Matsumoto. We enjoyed lunch there after a shark tank adventure....and the shaved ice is a must do (at least twice) on each trip!!

 

[nkereina]

Thanks again for the replies. @DSNYDREAMER and @Aviator621 -- we had planned on visiting Haleiwa Joes and Matsumoto on a different day while we are in the North Shore. Which locations are better to visit? We were looking at Cinnamon's as our restaurant in Kailua - those red velvet pancakes look amazing!

Another thought I had was eliminating our Kualoa Ranch ATV tour, which would mean we wouldn't have to be at the Ranch until 1pm since we'd only be doing the movie sites tour and jungle tour. I was thinking we could leave Aulani around 7am and drive to Kailua, spend the morning there, and head to the Ranch around noon. On the way back from the Ranch, we could stop at Anna Miller's for dinner. Any thoughts on this plan? Would 2-3 hours in Kailua be enough time? Is traffic going to really cut our time short? This would be on a Wednesday.

Thanks all!!!