We’re so excited to have you here to celebrate Pa’Hina’s Sweet 16!
If you’re traveling in from out of town, we hope you’ll take a little extra time to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest. From great food and shopping to waterfalls, mountains, and some of our favorite local spots, there’s plenty to explore while you’re here.
We’ve put together a few recommendations for where to stay, places to visit, and things to do to help you make the most of your trip.
Come for the celebration, stay for the adventure.
Where to stay
Hōkū is conveniently located in Portland, with plenty of lodging options nearby. Whether you’re looking for a hotel close to the celebration or want to stay somewhere that makes it easy to explore Portland during your visit, there are many options to choose from.
Below are a few suggested places to stay near Hōkū and throughout the Portland area.
Traveling with a larger family or group? Vacation rentals through Airbnb or Vrbo may also be a great option, especially if you’d like more space and the convenience of staying together.
Airport, transportation & parking
Flying In
Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). PDX is Portland’s primary airport and offers easy access to the Portland metro area.
Airport Code: PDX
Looking for flights? Use your preferred airline or travel sites like priceline to compare flight options into Portland.
Getting Around
Portland has several transportation options, including rental cars, rideshare services, taxis, and public transportation.
For an easy and affordable option, consider the MAX Light Rail. TriMet’s MAX system connects Portland International Airport with Portland and other parts of the metro area.
MAX Light Rail Information:
TriMet MAX Light Rail
Eat Like a Local
Restaurants, coffee & must-try food
Craft Beer — It’s an Oregon Thing
There are breweries everywhere! Here are a few worth checking out:
Great Notion https://greatnotion.com/
Brujos Brewing https://www.brujosbrewing.com/
Gigantic Brewing https://www.giganticbrewing.com/
ABV Public House https://abvpub.com/
Food Carts — Another Oregon Thing
Portland is also known for its food cart pods. There are tons throughout the area, but here are a few to get you started:
BG Food Cartel https://bgfoodcartel.com/
Cartside https://www.cartsidepdx.com/
Piedmont Station Food Carts https://www.facebook.com/PiedmontStationFoodCarts
Popular Portland Spots
These are some popular places visitors often enjoy:
Screen Door https://screendoorrestaurant.com/east-side/
Portland City Grill https://www.portlandcitygrill.com/
808 Grinds https://808grinds.com/
Din Tai Fung https://dtf.com/en/locations/tigard
Pine State Biscuits https://pinestatebiscuits.com/
Frank's Noodle House https://www.franksnoodlehousepdx.com/
Noodles Restaurant https://noodlesportland.com/
Koreana Restaurant www.yelp.com/biz/koreana-restaurant-beaverton
Excellent Cuisine https://www.excellentcuisine-or.com/
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine https://www.farmhousethai.com/
Happy Lamb Hot Pot https://happylambhotpot.com/
Prime Tap House https://www.primetaphouse.com/
Lardo https://www.lardosandwiches.com/
Something Sweet
Champagne Poetry Patisserie https://www.champagnepoetrypdx.com/
Toasted S'mores Bar https://www.toastedsmoresbar.com/
Salt & Straw https://saltandstraw.com/
Voodoo Doughnut https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/
Tipsy Scoop https://tipsyscoop.com/
Coffee
Less and more coffee 1003 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR
SORO SORO Coffee & Dessert 2250 E Burnside St Portland, OR 97214
Portland Cà Phê 2815 SE Holgate Blvd Portland, OR
Phin Caphe & Boba 3905 SW 117th Ave Suite G, Beaverton, OR 97005
Explore the PNW
If you want to do a little sightseeing while you’re here, these are some popular Portland-area spots worth visiting.
Multnomah Falls
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=30026
One of Oregon’s most famous waterfalls and a must-see if you’ve never been. Visiting the falls is free, although parking or timed-entry requirements may apply depending on when you visit.
Oregon Zoo
https://www.oregonzoo.org/
A great option for families and kids. Admission is required, so check the website for current hours, tickets, and featured animals or exhibits. Fun fact: The Guam Kingfisher can be seen at the zoo.
Pittock Mansion
https://pittockmansion.org/
You can visit the grounds and take photos outside, which is what many visitors do. The views overlooking Portland are beautiful on a clear day. There is an admission fee if you'd like to tour the mansion.
Portland Japanese Garden
https://japanesegarden.org/
A beautiful and peaceful place to explore while you're in Portland. Admission is required, and purchasing tickets ahead of time is a good idea.
The Grotto
https://thegrotto.org/
A beautiful and peaceful Portland landmark. The lower level is free to visit. There is a fee to take the elevator to the Upper Gardens — and we definitely recommend going up!
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
https://www.portland.gov/parks/governor-tom-mccall-waterfront-park
A great place to walk along the Willamette River, enjoy the Portland skyline, and take photos. Free to visit.
Worth the Drive
Day trips outside Portland/Vancouver
Astoria & The Goonies
About 1½–2 hours from Portland
A great full-day trip, especially for anyone who grew up with The Goonies. Much of the movie was filmed in and around Astoria.
Cannon Beach
About 1½–2 hours from Portland
https://www.cannonbeach.org/
One of Oregon’s most iconic coastal destinations and home to the famous Haystack Rock. Walk the beach, explore the little shops in town, grab something to eat, and enjoy the Oregon Coast.
Enchanted Forest
About 1 hour from Portland
https://www.enchantedforest.com/
A quirky, family-friendly Oregon theme park that’s especially fun for younger kids. There is an admission fee. If you’re planning to visit the Woodburn Premium Outlets, you can easily make both part of your day trip.
Hood River
About 1 hour from Portland
A cute little town along the Columbia River with restaurants, shops, breweries, and beautiful views. Make a day of it by stopping at waterfalls on your way there.
Mount Hood & Timberline Lodge
About 1½ hours from Portland
If you've never seen Mount Hood up close, it's worth the drive. Visit historic Timberline Lodge, enjoy the mountain views, and explore Government Camp. Since we'll be celebrating in April, be sure to check mountain weather and road conditions before heading up.
Seaside
About 1½ hours from Portland
A fun coastal town, especially if you're traveling with kids. Walk the Promenade, visit the shops and arcades, and enjoy the beach. Cannon Beach is only a short drive away, so you can easily visit both.
Silver Falls State Park
About 1¼–1½ hours from Portland
If you love waterfalls, this one is worth the drive. Silver Falls is known for the Trail of Ten Falls, and several trails actually take you behind the waterfalls. You don't have to do the entire trail to enjoy the park.
Tillamook Creamery
About 1½–2 hours from Portland
https://www.tillamook.com/visit-us/creamery
A popular Oregon tourist stop and a fun place to visit on the way to or from the coast. Explore the creamery, learn how Tillamook products are made, and of course, grab some cheese and ice cream!
Woodburn Premium Outlets
About 35–45 minutes from Portland
If shopping is more your thing, head south to Woodburn. There are lots of outlet stores, and remember — Oregon has no sales tax!
PNW Know Before You Go
Weather, what to pack & helpful tips
Spring in the Pacific Northwest is beautiful, but the weather can be a little unpredictable! If you’re traveling in for Pa’Hina’s Sweet 16, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Weather
April in Portland usually means mild spring temperatures with a mix of sunshine, clouds, and, of course, a little PNW rain. Check the forecast before you pack because the weather can change quickly.
What to Pack
Bring layers! A light jacket, sweater, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella or rain jacket are always good to have. If you plan to explore the waterfalls, coast, or mountains, pack something a little warmer too.
For the Party
Don’t forget your formal attire! Pa’Hina’s Sweet 16 is a Dress to Impress celebration. We recommend bringing your party outfit separately from your sightseeing clothes so you’re ready for the big day.
A Little PNW Tip
Don’t let a little rain stop you from exploring. Around here, we keep going! Some of Oregon’s most beautiful places are even prettier on a misty PNW day.
Save a Little While You Explore
Before paying full price, check for discounts! Groupon can be a great place to look for deals on local attractions, restaurants, activities, and entertainment.
If you qualify, also ask about military, veteran, senior, student, AAA, or other special discounts. Many attractions and businesses offer discounted admission or special rates, but they may not always advertise them — it never hurts to ask!
Before You Head Out
Hours, prices, parking requirements, discounts, and reservation policies can change, so always check the destination’s website before heading out.