Honolulu Academy Of Arts
The Honoluly Academy of Arts has a great selection of art and artifacts from around the world. Many of the works of art are historical in nature so it feels a lot like a museum. You could easily spend hours looking through each of the exhibits. There is always staff at hand to answer questions and the gift store carries a good range of books, shirts, and other artsy things. Parking can be a pain, so I would recommend taking the bus or walking. First Wednesday of every month is free.
Renton Inn
Renton Inn is a nice little motel, the rooms are relatively small, but they are clean and comfortable. The owners and staff are exceptionally helpful and friendly. Washer and dryers are available, and every morning you can pick up a newpaper at the front desk. The location is convenient, close to a major highway and not far from Seattle. The noise from the freeway isn't too overbearing, but there is also a train track in the back of the hotel, though it doesn't pass by too often. Pricewise it is fair, the motel is clean and very safe feeling & you can't beat that.
Tamashiro Market Inc
Easily recognized by its huge crab mascot, Tamashiro Market is the most recognizable fish market on Oahu. There is a good selection of fresh fish and seafood, and of course, a wide array of poke as well. The fish and seafood is extremely fresh and the prices are fair. My only concern is that in being able to bag your own crabs, many crabs are left limbless and flailing in their bins, I've even seen kids picking apart the crabs on purpose, which is a very depressing sight.
The Honolulu Zoo
I have been to this zoo several times, and I have always enjoyed it immensely. They even serve veggie burgers as the concession stand! The birds are especially impressive, with a wider array of birds than I have seen in any other zoo. The animals seem to be well taken care of, and are usually quite active. You can view most of the animals at a closer range than a lot of the other zoos I have been to. My only complaint is that there always seems to be a ton of mosquitos flying around, so be prepared with either long pants and sleeves or bug spray.
Oak Canyon Nature Ctr
I had been to Oak Canyon many times growing up, and I would definitely say that it helped to instill in me a great love of nature. The atmosphere of the center is very calm and safe, so it makes for a great family excursion. The trails aren't too steep or too extreme, so it's a great place for kids to hike as well as adults. The nature center offers a variety of programs for kids and offers group tours, though I never personally participated in either. Staff is always at hand, and they will answer any questions you might have without hesitation.
Growers Direct
Generally overlooked because of its proximity to Trader Joes, Grower's Direct is a great source for all your vegetable and fruit needs. The prices are fair and there is a wide selection, the quality is better than most chain grocery stores, so I would recommend at least taking a look if you haven't already. Also, it eases "compulsive" buying of snack foods or premade goods, as there is mainly only produce and the occassional bag of chips. There are generally lines, but the check out is speedy & the workers are decent.
Cal-Va Dairy Drive Thru Stores
Cute little full service drive thru dairy... an absolute gem. A very unique experience, and the only drive thu dairy that I know of. It seems like a bit of a novelty if you haven't experienced it before, but it is fact very practical and the prices are fair. There are no long lines to wait for, and you don't even need to leave your car to get what you want! Theres also a nice selection of candy within eyesight so the kids will love it.
Orange Army Navy Store
A decent sized store, with a good selection of clothing and equipment. I've bought hats here in the past & the prices have been pretty good for the most part. The location isn't so convenient in my opinon, as there are not really many stores in Orange Circle that aren't more of a "novelty". The atmosphere of the cicle (during hours when its not so busy) is generally very relaxed and not as hectic as many other places and it seems to reflect upon the store itself. The workers have never asked me if I needed help looking for anything, but seem to be okay in general.
T-Shirt Warehouse
An excellent selection of blank tee shirts, in a wide selection of colors and sizes. Great for those learning to screenprint and want shirts to test their skills on. Blank shirts are very economically priced (typically 5 for $10), and there is also ton of printed shirts (with the words "Huntington Beach" or with cartoons) for very low prices. They carry other types of clothing as well, including Dickies work pants. The staff is both helpful and friendly.
Tom's Farms
Tom's Farms is one of the overlooked gems of Southern California. A very rustic and country type environment with a lot to see and do. Not much in the way of an actual farm, but more like a shopping center of olde style goods and furniture. They have a good selection of both groceries and casual dining (hamburgers, pizza, etc.). And with a carousel and farm animals, baked goods and candy, it's a great place for both children and adults alike.
