Nineteenth-century Hawaiian royalty used to come to the Honolulu neighborhood of Waikiki to relax and surf, just as scores of tourists do today. That's because this area's famous beach (which is a string of several beaches dotting the island's southwest coastline) is the go-to spot for its soft, honey-colored sand and the high waves that lap the shores during the winter months. But you don't have to be a surfer to appreciate Waikiki Beach; just lie back on a beach towel, relax and gaze up at the majestic Diamond Head State Monument in the distance. When you need a break from the beach itself, there are scores of shops and restaurants lining the adjacent Kalakaua Avenue. The street is home to some of the world's most exclusive (read: expensive) designer boutiques, including Cartier, Coach, Hermès and Louis Vuitton. Many of the best Oahu hotels also overlook Waikiki Beach.
Located northwest of downtown Honolulu in the Central Oahu region of the island, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is the final resting place of 1,177 sailors killed during the Pearl Harbor attack. The sunken battleship is still visible from the memorial floating above it. Travelers recommend arriving before 7 a.m. if you plan on getting a walk-up ticket (only 1,300 are distributed per day on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7 a.m.). You can also reserve one up to 60 days in advance on the monument's ticket portal. Note: Both kinds of timed passes are free, but a $1 service fee applies for tickets acquired online. Tours of the USS Arizona Memorial – which are available between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily – include a documentary about the ship, a 15-minute visit to the memorial and boat rides to and from the site. For $7.50, you can also opt for a one-hour audio tour that offers a more in-depth look at the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Travel about 15 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu to the Windward Coast and you'll discover two of the island's most popular beaches – Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach. Of the two, Lanikai is more tranquil, offering relatively calm waters and a mile of white sands. This family-friendly beach is also within view of the Mokulua Islands, a haven for kayaking and surfing. Beachgoers praise Lanikai Beach's "gorgeous" setting, adding that its location in a mostly residential part of Kailua makes it less crowded and more relaxing than Waikiki Beach. But the beach's Kailua address is also its biggest drawback: Several visitors warn that parking in the area is limited. Some also report seeing jellyfish while visiting, so keep an eye out while swimming and snorkeling.
this unique crater was created 300,000 years ago during a single volcanic eruption that spewed ash into the air. That ash settled over thousands of years, and today, Diamond Head State Monument's ridgeline is one of the most recognizable features of Oahu's skyline, not to mention home to one of the island's most scenic hiking trails. Though the 760-foot hike up this tuff cone is somewhat taxing if you're out of shape, travelers say you'll be rewarded with a surreal view of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean once you reach the summit. But keep in mind that this natural wonder is one of Honolulu's most popular attractions, so consider arriving early to avoid the crowds and beat the heat. Also, remember to bring plenty of water, since no water fountains are available on the trail. For a different perspective, consider opting for a helicopter tour. Many of the island's air tour outfitters fly directly over the crater.
Stretched across nearly 2 miles of Koko Crater in the Windward Coast region of Oahu, this hiking trail features more than 1,000 steps made from abandoned railroad ties. At the trail's summit, visitors will find panoramic vistas of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Diamond Head State Monument. Recent hikers cautioned that the Koko Crater Trail is steep and difficult to traverse, so travelers who are not in the best of shape may want to hike elsewhere. Many also stressed the importance of coming prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and hiking shoes. What's more, some suggested visiting on a dry day since some parts of the trail are slippery, especially when they're wet. Others recommended arriving early to avoid crowds and peak temperatures. Those who don't mind the challenges that come with hiking this trail will be rewarded with "spectacular" views at the top, according to reviewers.
Less than 6 miles northeast of the Koko Crater Trail lies the 2-mile-long Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. Easier to trek than the one at Koko Crater, this free trail overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is a prime spot for spotting seabirds and whale watching between November and May. The path also leads to the red-roofed Makapu'u Lighthouse, which was built in 1909. Visitors love that the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is paved and features ample benches, making it easy for travelers of all ages to explore. Many also rave about the trail's "amazing" views, adding that bringing a camera is a must. But remember, this path is mostly exposed to the sun and wind, so dress appropriately, wear sunscreen and pack plenty of water. Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources recommends allotting at least two hours to complete this hike.
This approximately 100-foot-tall waterfall, which sits 5 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu, is easily accessible. All you need is proper footwear, insect repellant, drinking water and the stamina to hike about 1½ miles on a well-worn path. The rainforest scenery is otherworldly, with enormous prehistoric ferns and the snaking roots of banyan trees. It's no wonder why Steven Spielberg filmed scenes from "Jurassic Park" here. You probably won't see any dinosaurs, but be prepared: The path to the falls can be quite slippery with mud, so wear sturdy hiking shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. If you're new to hiking, past visitors said this is the trail for you. It'll get your blood pumping, but you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the falls. To enjoy the beauty of the falls without rubbing elbows with hordes of tourists, previous travelers suggested arriving before 10 a.m.
There are many places in Honolulu to put down some cash and pick up some souvenirs, but none are as extensive as Ala Moana Center. Located northwest of Waikiki Beach and roughly 2 miles southeast of the city center, this behemoth open-air shopping center boasts a collection of high-end stores like Chanel and Versace, department store staples like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, and tourist-kitsch shops like 'Auana Quilts and Island Magnets. Its 350-plus shops and restaurants can take as little as an hour or as much as a whole day to explore. Although some visitors warn that items sold at Ala Moana Center can be quite pricey, many enjoy shopping here. Others rave about the dining options available on-site, especially the Japanese Village food court on the first floor, and say the afternoon hula show cannot be missed.
Hanauma Bay is still one of the best places on the island to swim with the fishes (in the living sense). Get here right when it opens at 6 am to snag a parking spot and snorkel when the water is clearest. Note: The bay is closed every Monday and Tuesday to give the fish and reef a rest.
Your first stop along the North Shore will be charming Haleiwa, about a one-hour drive from Waikiki. More than the laid-back surf town it seems, Haleiwa is filled with local style and country ambiance, as well as cool surf shops and boutiques, charming art galleries and understated restaurants housed in plantation-era buildings. Rich with island history, Haleiwa is now the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Here you’ll find surfers fueling up on shrimp or other delicacies at one of the town’s abundant food trucks before hitting the famous beaches of Waimea Bay, Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach.
Kualoa Hawaii is a 4000 acre Private Nature Reserve and working cattle ranch on the island of Oahu. You can explore Kualoa daily with several tours including a Jurassi Valley Zipline, Movie Site Tour, ATV's and Raptors, Horseback, Ocean Voyaging, Fishpond, Garden, Beach Activities, and even a new Food Tour. Over 50 movies and TV shows have been filmed at Kualoa over the years, including Jurassic World and Jurassic Park, LOST, 50 First Dates, Godzilla and Kong Skull Island.
Serving traditional, local Hawaiian food since 1946, this family-owned business is renown to locals and now tourists alike.
Leonards Bakery is one of the best places to eat in Oahu for a sweet treat. You must try their speciality malasadas. Although traditionally Portuguese, these sugary balls of dough have become a staple sweet treat in Oahu thanks to the Leonard’s family and are one of the many traditional Hawaiian foods you must try!
This must-visit foodie destination has inspired thousands of rave reviews and is one of the few places to eat in Oahu (and beyond) that actually lives up to the hype. Leave the overpopulated Waikiki Beach for the day and head for one of the two Giovanni Shrimp Truck locations on the infamous North Shore of the island.
From snorkeling with manta rays to hiking the Diamond Head Summit Trail, who has the time to sit down for a meal? While there is no shortage of places to eat in Oahu to pick up delicious treats, musubi are the perfect snack to throw in your beach bag.
Waiola holds all the nostalgia for locals of a box of Kraft Dinner, but it also offers a mind-boggling selection of flavours and is the best bang for your buck. A large cone/cup with up to 3 flavours will set you back a mere $3! Might as well go HAM and order macadamia nut ice cream in the middle or mochi toppings.
This modest hole-in-the-wall on Kapahulu Avenue sells eight kinds of poke, the most popular comes with the shop’s “secret shoyu” made with premium shoyu and a secret blend of seasonings. The spicy ahi, another favorite, combines mayonnaise, ginger and masago. The poke bowls are the way to go; you can add your own toppings, from pickled onions to Korean taegu (spicy-sweet dried cuttlefish).
This is the home of Seiji Kumagawa—Honolulu's Sushi Nazi, who prefers that diners eat omakase-style, letting the chef send out his choices of his favorites for the night,
Each teishoku set includes your choice of miso soup (red or white, with clams, Japanese negi leeks or tofu) and premium rice. The selection includes white, mixed rice with clams and dashi, or five-grain with a hint of wasabi. The best part? Rice (and cabbage) is unlimited and you may select among all types. After placing your order, you get a small mortar and pestle so you can grind freshly toasted sesame seeds for your tonkatsu sauce, which you also have a choice of.