An Oahu Itinerary, Izzy's over LOJ'S, Must-Have NYE Bubbles + more…
Reconsider: Oahu, Hawaii.
For many of us living in California, the truth is we don’t see Hawaii as a bucket list. The proximity to go to Mexico or Hawaii sometimes makes us not truly appreciate it enough. On top of that, people that go often tend to get funny with Hawaii and start to judge people for where they go. In my family, it was always about the solitude and raw rugged beauty of Kauai. As I got older, I started to find myself getting a little island fever after a few days on that majestic islands. Maui was for honeymooners. The big island is for the ultra-wealthy or the adventurous divers and car campers. Oahu, and Waikiki in particular were always easy to rag on. Crowds. First time beachgoers. Luxury boutiques. An urban city. Then in my 30’s it clicked: I want the natural beauty by day, and the ability to eat well, get social, find a crowd - then turn it up and rage until 4am should I so choose. That’s Oahu. That’s Waikiki. That’s what this article can or cannot create.
Best Waikiki Hotels For All Ranges:
$ White Sands Hotel - Throwback - think ACE Hotel vibes. Fun as hell. Boys Trip-worthy. Green Lady. 8 min walk to beach. Great restaurants very close.
$$ Alohilani - Sexy. One block off the beach. Major value for the price. My usual.
$$$ The Royal Hawaiian - The Pink Palace needs no introduction. It’s the crown jewel of Waikiki. I say grab a drink and look around but rooms are pretty tired.
$$$$ Halekulani - If you’re a hotel snob, this is the only one for you. It’s still owned locally and the hospitality shows. Location is rare for relaxing in Waikiki.
IF I WAS YOU for one of the days:
In Hawaii, your body naturally wakes up early. From either the The White Sands Hotel or Alohilani, walk to the Hideout at the Laylow Waikiki and settle in for a coffee to wake up. Today you’re going to skip their epic avocado toast, cause you have other plans. Finishing up coffee or taking it with you while you walk to your rental car parked on Ala Wai Blvd - rare free overnight street parking - closest to your hotels cross street, saves $50+ a day. If you’re at Royal Hawaiian or Halekulani just valet or it’s a trek! Have a car for at least two of your days on the island. Then you’re going to skip the coastal drive for the way pack as you head to Kailua to have breakfast at the rightfully popular restaurant, Over Easy. You can’t go wrong on the menu, but the Kailua Pork is a specialty. Ask if they have a Papaya special - you’ll love it. Then pop by the famous beaches of Kailua or Lanikai (O.G. Corona Beer, beach commercials) but you may get bored if it’s crowded, or save it for another night of Steaks and Martinis at Buzz’s famous steakhouse. It’s lively, tasty, boozy, and just perfectly relaxing.
After Over Easy, hop back in the car and head to Makapuu Beach. Some will hike to the lighthouse. Very few will brave the trek to the secret tide pools. But the beach alone is my absolute tranquil happy place. The water can be rough for those not used to waves, but man is it the softest water, and the most powdery sand. The volcanic rock mixed with the well-watered flora just makes the blue water pop just right.
On your way home you’re gonna take the coastal drive, and stop at the Leonard’s Food Truck location and get a custard or coconut cream filled Malasada. You’ll thank me for it.
Get back to Waikiki. Take a nap. Hit a pool. If you crave some epic sushi in an unpretencious and off the beating path vibe, Sushi ii is some of the islands best. Then have a Mai Tai at the HeyDay Tiki Bar until the secret of Waikiki’s speak easy scene within 100ft is open and you can ask the reception of the The White Sands to show you the way to The Green Lady. Then stumble home and sleep like a baby, or head to China Town and party until the wee hours. The choice is yours!
Kailua Pork Hash at Over Easy.
The NYE BUBBLES YOU NEED
Let's celebrate—whether it's a party, a dinner with friends, or just a great night in, nothing beats real Champagne to make it fun.
My client JJ Clifton of Avanelle Wine Company has been tipping me off to the best new spots for nearly 20 years—State Bird, Trick Dog, Single Thread, you name it—he always knew first. Now he's teamed up with Angie at Birba, the super hot wine bar just down the street from our San Francisco salon in Hayes Valley. Cozy vibe, great wines, delicious food, and that garden patio? Perfection.
For the holidays, they're offering us a special Holiday Champagne Trio of true Grower Champagnes—artisan bottles from family farmers who grow, harvest, and craft their own wines. Far superior to mass-market brands like Veuve Clicquot.
The lineup:
Voirin-Jumel Brut l'Assemblage
Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blend; stone fruit, pastry, spice, chalk. Crisp and vinous.
$49.99 bottle / $44.99 in 3-pack
Henriet-Bazin Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
Grand Cru Pinot Noir; sappy fruit, spicy aromatics, luxurious finish.
$64.99 bottle / $59.99 in 3-pack
Guy Charlemagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Pure Chardonnay from Le Mesnil; elegant, focused, harmonious class.
$74.99 bottle / $69.99 in 3-pack
Mixed Holiday Trio
One of each bottle — $174.99
Limited availability!
Interested?
Purchase from Birba’s online shop —> here.
Enjoy responsibly!
Cheers to good times!
Go Eat: Izzy’s > LOJ’s
San Francisco loves a comeback story. Especially when it’s served with a martini, great lighting, and a room full of people who know exactly why they’re there.
Lately, the city’s been buzzing about a quiet rivalry: Little Original Joe’s versus Izzy’s—two old-school SF institutions, both recently refreshed, both packed nightly, both claiming their place in the modern Italian-American and old-school steakhouse revival. Think tuxedoed servers, nostalgia layered with polish. Very New York. Very if you know, you know.
I’ve spent time in both rooms. And while LOJ’s may be the louder crowd favorite, for me, the edge goes to Izzy’s.
Let’s start with the vibe: Little Original Joe’s—LOJ’s if you’re a regular—leans into its legacy hard. It’s buzzy, energetic, and undeniably popular. There’s comfort in that familiarity, like slipping into a jacket you’ve owned for years. The food hits the notes you expect, the crowd is lively, and it feels very San Francisco in the way only a neighborhood staple can.
But Izzy’s? Izzy’s feels intentional.
After its recent remodel, walking into Izzy’s instantly reminded me of Carbone in NYC—that elevated, cinematic take on Italian-American dining where every detail matters. The lighting is warm and flattering. The design is layered, rich, and confident without trying too hard.
Service is where Izzy’s really separates itself. Polished but relaxed. Attentive without hovering. There’s a rhythm to the room that feels curated rather than chaotic. You’re not rushed, but you’re also not forgotten. It’s the kind of place where you notice how good you feel sitting there, and that matters.
And then there’s the energy. Izzy’s attracts a crowd that appreciates nuance: people who notice the glassware, the music, the spacing of the tables. It’s less about being seen and more about being present. That subtle confidence is hard to fake—and even harder to beat.
LOJ’s wins on popularity. Izzy’s wins on elevation.
Much like travel, design, or personal style, the choice comes down to what you value. Familiar versus refined. For me, it’s always about the details—the ones you feel more than see. The way a room holds you. The way service flows. The way everything comes together without asking for attention.
That’s why, in this battle of the hottest revamped old-school SF restaurants, Izzy’s takes it.
Not because it’s trendier.
Not because it’s trying harder.
But because it knows exactly who it is—and delivers it beautifully.
New York steak with classic sides - Izzy’s Own Potatoes and Creamed Spinach
Helping Your Stylist Thrive!
As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on everything we’ve created together at DAVID JAMES — the growth, the artistry, and the incredible community that supports our salons.
One of the most meaningful ways you can support our stylists and our team is by sharing your experience. While we truly appreciate feedback left through our booking system, Google Reviews have the greatest impact on helping our stylists stay busy, grow their careers, and continue doing what they love.
If you’ve had a great experience, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a Google Review. It only takes a minute, but it truly makes a difference — and feels like a holiday gift to our entire team.
Easily leave a Google Review here!
Your kind words help future guests find us, support our stylists directly, and allow us to continue delivering the experience you expect from DAVID JAMES.
Thank you for trusting us, supporting our team, and being part of our community. We’re so grateful for you.
— The DAVID JAMES Team
Now Listening: ‘Head First’ by Snazzy
I can’t say I know much about the artist Snazzy, except this is one of those songs that sets a mood perfect for these early dark and chilled nights. I peaked through some other songs of his and for the small amount out, recognized a few. Not a lot is known personally about Snazzy, but I hope this becomes a repeat on your favorite mix.
