Originally from California, Frank moved to Honolulu in 2002, to work at Halekulani. He is a member of Les Clefs-d’Or, the renowned and exclusive International Association of Hotel Concierges. His membership is proudly on display through the symbol of Les Clefs d’Or, or the golden keys, which Frank wears in his lapel. He has fallen in love with our city, our island and our state, and takes advantage of our spectacular weather to get out and enjoy Oahu’s diversity every chance he gets.
You have the amazing amenities of an urban city yet you’re in the heart of a tropical Hawaiian paradise. The concentration of native and combined cultures on Oahu creates an island of diversity celebrated through art, food, music and dance. We live in a city that embraces all cultures and backgrounds. When you visit us, you become part of the beautiful mosaic known as Honolulu.
One of my favorite activities is visiting the Waikiki Aquarium. I love the corals – you can stare at them forever. I’m from the Monterey Bay area originally, where we have The Monterey Bay Aquarium, and their corals don’t come close to the 100% live corals we have here. The tanks at the Waikiki Aquarium are all open air so the corals receive natural light, the way they would if they were just off the shores of Waikiki.
I also love visiting Waimea Valley on the North Shore of Oahu. You’re surrounded by the essence of Hawaii, both in nature and in culture. The flowers and trees shade what I think is the most beautiful walkway on Oahu.
Kahuku Farms on the North Shore of Oahu is also one of my favorite places. You can take tours of the farm, and stop at their café.
The brunch at Koko Head Café is amazing. Chef Lee Anne Wong is a magician in the kitchen. A must try is her Kimchee, bacon and cheddar cheese scone. She also makes a Maker’s Mark milkshake that’s spectacular.
For the best ramen, I go to Lucky Belly in Chinatown. They offer duck spring rolls, oxtail dumplings and the pork belly bao is a dream.
Joy’s Special at House Without a Key is my favorite sandwich in the entire State of Hawaii.
I’d begin with brunch at Koko Head Café. It’s in downtown Honolulu. Then I’d drive to Kailua to visit my godson and we’d go to Lanikai Beach and share an acai bowl at Lanikai Juice.
After taking my godson home, I’d have a nap, go for a run around Diamond Head, meet up with friends at Manifest downtown then have dinner at Lucky Belly. I’d end the evening listening to jazz at The Dragon Upstairs, in Chinatown.
At the Waikiki Aquarium, the corals receive 100% seawater from our shoreline. Their habitat has been recreated to be as close to nature as possible, so the corals here thrive.
In the Waimea Valley, you can explore the restored Hawaiian Heiau (Heiau means temple) and village, which are a testament to the preservation of Hawaiian culture.
Kahuku Farms on the North Shore of Oahu is a working farm that allows visitors to tour the property and learn about the history, people and crops of this special place.
Koko Head Café is dedicated to brunch. Open from 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. daily, it offers a delectable range of items, from baked treats to skillet specialties.
Lucky Belly, in Chinatown, is open for lunch and dinner. Their menu is a true blend of the best of Oahu, from ramen bowls to oxtail dumplings.
House Without a Key is our more casual restaurant. Try the coconut cake, a favorite for generations, or the fish of the day, fresh and delectable.
