Amanda Zen - Thrillist

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Amanda Zen

Amanda was born and raised in Honolulu, got off the rock for college and explored the Pacific Northwest for several years before moving back home for good. She loves eating warm carbs, finding her inner Zen in yoga, singing obnoxiously loud and sometimes off-tune at karaoke.

Articles by Amanda

Beverage Director

The Best Bars in Honolulu Right Now

Given our bent towards traditional cocktails modified to incorporate fresh, local flavors, Honolulu is one of the best cities in America to go out for a drink.

By Amanda Zen

Best New Restaurants 2016

Honolulu's Best New Restaurants of 2016

2016 was a really good year for the Honolulu restaurant scene with lots of brand-spanking-new spots making names for themselves.

By Amanda Zen

Get Out of the City and Take the Best Day Trips From Waikiki

Don’t restrict your Oahu vacay to the 3.3 square miles known as Waikiki.

By Amanda Zen

The Best Places to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset in Oahu

Oahu is home to some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets on this planet.

By Amanda Zen

How Hawaii Sees the Rest of America

Since we're located, oh, a solid 2,400+ miles away from the West Coast -- pretty much smack in the middle of the Pacific Ocean -- folks who are local to Hawaii have a unique view of the continental US.

By Amanda Zen

The 8 Best Neighborhoods for Eating in Honolulu, Ranked

Hawaii's culture is a true melting pot, and this is reflected no place more dramatically (or deliciously) than in the smorgasbord of unique food options available in our city.

By Amanda Zen

Sake, Beer, and Meat on Sticks: We Found All the Best Izakayas in Honolulu

Izakayas are basically Japanese gastropubs or taverns that serve up delicious food -- meant to be shared family-style -- along with plenty of beer and sake.

By Amanda Zen

The Best Spots for Snorkeling in Oahu

One of the biggest perks of living in Hawaii is that the ocean's surface water temperature is typically 77-83°F, which lends itself perfectly to snorkeling explorations any time of year.

By Amanda Zen

The Best Places for Karaoke in Honolulu

Karaoke is kind of a big deal in Hawaii, so it makes sense that Honolulu is home to such a large number and wide variety of karaoke bars.

By Amanda Zen

Things People From Honolulu Are Sick of Hearing From Out-of-Towners

"Lucky we live Hawaii" is a phrase that could be perceived as snobby… and yet, somehow, we're OK with that, because it's also absolutely, completely true.

By Amanda Zen