O’ahu, Hawaii

Aloha from O’ahu!

Aloha from the Hawaiian Island of O’ahu! O’ahu is an adventurous destination for active vacations and leisurely itineraries. The ocean invites surfers to ride breaking waves and snorkelers to spot marine life in lively coral reefs. Hikers take to rigorous trails along mountains ridges, volcanic craters and lush forests. Sunny days are made for relaxing on pristine beaches, sipping mai tais and watching sunsets. Vibrant rainbows arch over the skyscrapers of Honolulu after tropical showers. 

Honolulu

Honolulu is a big city with tropical vibes and access to some of the O'ahu’s best beaches, hiking trails and farmers markets. Its neighborhoods and streets are hubs for Hawaiian culture, cuisine and nightlife. 

Waikiki.  Famed for its palm lined beaches, luxury high-rises and oceanfront hotels, Waikiki is at the center of Honolulu. It’s an energetic place popular with both travelers and islanders. Many visit to relax at its beaches, shop the busting streets, sip cocktails at tiki bars, order from food trucks and dine at restaurants. 

Kalākaua Ave.  Brimming with luxury brands, clothing boutiques, souvenir stores, surf shops and hotels, Kalākaua Ave. is the commercial artery of Waikiki. It comes to life each night with an eclectic mix of street performers, tarot card readers, karaoke stands, typewriter poets, bible salesmen, human statues and exotic animals. 

Chinatown.  A historic neighborhood known locally for its weekend nightlife scene and authentic Chinese restaurants. The most lively area is on Hotel St. between Smith St. and Nuuamu Ave.

Relax on the Honolulu’s Beaches 

Honolulu is a famed beach destination lined with sandy shores, turquoise waters, surf breaks and coral reefs. Its beaches offer a range of places to enjoy the island vibes. 

Waikiki Beach.  Palm trees and luxury hotels line the beach’s golden sands and aquamarine waters. It’s a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and water activities. Vacationers sip on tropical cocktails and couples watch picturesque sunsets. Surfers take lessons and ride gentle waves. Rowers experience the “Hawaiian roller coaster ride” on outrigger canoes. Catamarans ferry passengers on sightseeing tours along the coast.

Surf Rentals.  Rent surf boards from Moku Hawaii, a nearby surf shop with better priced boards than those available on Waikiki Beach. They also provide secure storage for personal belongs. 

Kapaemahu (The Stones of Life).  A sacred spot in Hawaiian folklore marked by four lava stones at Waikiki Beach. They’re believed to hold the healing knowledge brought to the islands by Polynesian healers. The full story can be learned by watching Kapaemahu, an animated short film. 

Queens Beach.  The tan sand beachfront along Waikiki’s southern end is a relaxing place to gather with friends. The beach attracts volleyball players and onlooking sunbathers. Meanwhile snorkelers search for tropical in the reef and along the pier. A boardwalk leads to the nearby Barefoot Beach Cafe offering Hawaiian bites. 

Fort DeRussy Beach.  The shoreline of Fort DeRussy Beach is a laid back place away from the crowds of Waikiki. It’s a spacious spot to sunbathe, enjoy a swim and view the Friday night fireworks. Walk the boardwalk to the Koa Oasis Booze Shack for a variety of takeaway cocktails garnished with orchids. 

Magic Island.  An artificial peninsula with a lush city park and protected sandy lagoon. It’s a popular spot to picnic, gather with friends, watch the sunset and enjoy the Friday night fireworks. 

Waikiki Friday Fireworks.  Weekends in Waikiki kick off with a firework show, held on the beach of the Hilton Hotel every Friday at 7:45pm. The show is visible from multiple places including Magic Island and Fort DeRussy Beach. 

Places to Shop 

Waikiki is a popular shopping destination with countless places to shop. We shopped for Hawaiian goods like tropical clothes, surfboards, ukuleles and souvenirs. 

Surf Garage.  A reputable surf shop specializing is new and used surf boards and accessories. The family run shop is the perfect place for first time buyers or experienced surfers. They also ship to the “mainland.” 

Ukulele Puapua.  A tiny shop selling a range of Hawaiian ukuleles. They offer free 30 minute lessons to learn strumming basics. Reserve a spot a day in advance. 

Avanti Hawaii.  A clothing store specializing in vintage style Hawaiian prints utilized across silk Aloha shirts, dresses and accessories. 

Hawaii Hat Shack.  A small boutique near Waikiki Beach specializing in embroidered baseball caps, bucket hats and floppy beach hats. 

Vibrations 'Ohana.  A gay friendly clothing shop with vibrant and patterned shirts, low cut shorts and swim briefs.  

ABC Stores.  A chain convenience store selling snacks, beverages, beachwear and souvenirs. They’re located on practically every corner of Waikiki.  

Mai Tais & Tiki Bars 

The Mai Tai, considered the ultimate tropical cocktail is synonymous with Hawaiian resort culture. We sampled versions at about every tiki bar in Waikiki, coming up with a list of our favorites. 

Mai Tai Bar.  A beachfront bar at the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel credited with inviting the Hawaiian Mai Tai, a twist on the classic made with pineapple juice in lieu of lime juice. 

Duke’s Waikiki.  A beach front bar with all around Hawaiian vibes. Order the Duke’s Mai Tai, their house version made with fresh fruit juices and rums. It was our favorite on the island! Buy a handmade floral lei from a vendor near the host stand after 7pm. 

Arnold’s Beach Bar.  An off the beaten path tiki bar with inexpensive tropical cocktails, live music and free popcorn. They make a perfectly balanced traditional Mai Tai. 

Rumfire.  A beachside hotel bar with tropical cocktails, Hawaiian pupus and flaming tiki torches. Come for their Mai Tai Flight with your choice of three different versions of the famed cocktail. 

Cuckoo Coconuts.  An umbrella covered parking lot turned restaurant and bar with tropical cocktails, fried bar food, live music and tiki vibes. Their House Mai Tai is more juicy than boozy but won’t fail to sneak up on you. 

Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand.  A tiki style gay bar in Waikiki popular with both locals and tourists. Visit mid day for their Happy Hour Mai Tai, returning later in the night for live music, drag performances, strong tropical cocktails and bar snacks like nachos. 

Skull & Crown Trading Co.  A speakeasy style tiki bar decorated with vintage nautical artifacts. Their menu features a range of signature cocktails like the  Dagger Mai Tai, made with “redacted ingredients.” Make a reservation!

Merriman’s.  An elevated restaurant known for their happy hour specials and inventive cocktails. Try the Merriman’s Mai Tai, their house version made with macadamia nut orgeat and lilikoi (passion fruit) foam. 

Tiki’s Bar & Grill.  A restaurant and bar overlooking the palm lined shores of Waikiki Beach. Tropical cocktails are served in take home tiki mugs. Order the Hula Girl Mai Tai with an extra rum shot for a boozy experience! To eat, try the Hawaiian pupus like coconut shrimp, poke wontons and seared tuna. 

Aloha Amigo.  A vibrant Mexican style cantina in Waikiki serving a range of traditional tacos. Pair an order with the Spicy Mezcal Mai Tai for a cocktail that blends Mexican and Hawaiian flavors. 

Places to Eat in Honolulu 

In addition to the menus at the above tiki bars and restaurants, there is no shortage of places to eat in Honolulu. From food-truck parks to beachfront cafes and high-end restaurants, here are some of our favorites:

The Sunrise Shack.  A healthy spot to begin the day with a smoothie bowl and strong coffee. Visit one of many locations around O’ahu. 

Musubi Cafe Iyasume.  A small cafe specializing in Hawaii’s famed Spam Musubi and Japanese Onigiri. Expect to see a line out the door for the flavorful snacks.

Sam's Kitchen.  A hidden poolside restaurant at the Bamboo Waikiki Hotel known for its garlic shrimp, a Hawaiian staple. Service may be slow but it’s worth the wait!

Maguro Brothers.  A seafood spot in a food hall specializing in freshly prepared sashimi platters and generously sized poke bowls. 

Maui Brewing Company.  A Hawaiian brewery offering a selection of craft beers made with island flavors like citrus, pineapple and toasted coconut. Sip on a pint or order a flight while listening to nightly live music over dinner. Try the macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi.

Orchids.  An upscale restaurant at the Halekulani Hotel with a romantic dining room. It’s the perfect place to come for a celebratory dinner, glass of champagne and famed coconut chiffon cake. 

Hawaiian Aroma Caffe.  A cafe at the Beachcomber Hotel serving tropical waffles, acai bowls and Kona Coffee. 

Kai Coffee Hawai’i.  A coffee shop with bold and flavorful brews of Hawaiian coffee. Visit one of their locations across O’ahu for a macadamia nut or coconut latte. 

Island Vintage Shave Ice. Shave ice is a Hawaiian treat popular across the islands. Come here for tropical fruit flavors like lilikoi, coconut, lychee, yuzu, acai and mango. 

Barefoot Beach Cafe.  An oceanfront cafe near Queens Beach with vegan breakfast dishes, smoothie bowls and coffees. Hawaiian music plays throughout their outdoor patio as customers relax with a meal and drink. 

Waikiki Food Truck Park.  Food trucks are commonplace across O’ahu with some of the best variety being at the Waikiki Food Truck Park. The park brings together over two dozen food trucks offering everything from poke, tacos, barbecue, garlic shrimp, vegan meals, international dishes, bubble tea, churros and smoothies. Take food to-go or dine under the thatched umbrellas picnic tables. 

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is a residential neighborhood of Honolulu defined by its volcanic crater, recreational activities and weekend farmers market. 

Diamond Head Crater.  Towering above Waikiki is one of O’ahu’s most iconic sights, the Diamond Head Crater. A trail leads from the floor of the extinct volcano to its rim, switchbacking past lookout points until reaching the summit. Panoramic views look towards the skyscrapers of Honolulu and the gradient blue coast.

Reservations.  Non islanders need a reservation to visit the crater. Bookings can be made online with Hawaii State Parks up to 30 days in advance. 

Diamond Head Beach Park.  The secluded shores flanking Diamond Head Crater are the perfect place to sunbathe away from the crowds. Surfers catch waves breaking on the reef while snorkelers explore its underwater life. 

KCC Farmers Market.  One of Honolulu’s most beloved farmers markets attracts dozens of vendors and hundreds of visitors each week. Merchants sell locally produced goods including roasted macadamia nuts, raw honey, fresh fruits & vegetables, baked breads & pastries, jars of pickles & preserves, plants & cut flowers. Food stands serve Kona coffee, fruit juices, smoothie bowls, all types of mochi and a range of international street food. The market is held across from Diamond Head Crater every Saturday morning from 7:30-11am. 

Hawaii Kai

Hawaii Kai is an area spanning the southeast coast of O’ahu. It is a bustling area with access to protected bays, coastal formations, pristine beaches, volcanic craters and hiking trails. 

Koko Head.  A volcanic crater with rigorous and scenic hikes along its slopes and a botanical garden spanning its inner crater floor. 

Koko Crater Railway Trail.  Leading up the steep slopes of Koko Crater is an abandoned railway converted into a trail. Hikers use railroad ties like stairs to reach the summit with rewarding views of the island’s volcanic landscape and coastline. It’s a strenuous trek, taking about 30 minutes one way. 

Koko Crater Arch Trail.  Few hikes are as adventurous as the trek to the Koko Crater Arch! Begin by crawling through the Halona Beach lava tube, minding yourself, as it narrows towards the end. Exit the lava tube and scale up the rocky cliffs to reach the crest of the volcanic ridge. A trail leads along the crest to a golden patch of rock. Veer left before the steepest part to approach the arch from the side. 

Koko Crater Botanical Garden.  The floor of Koko Crater is home to a botanical garden with a variety of flora and fauna. A trail loops through groves of plumeria & hibiscus trees, gardens with desert cacti & dry palms and sections of Hawaiian & African plants. Wild mongooses roam free while red-crested cardinals fly between trees.

Hawaii Kai Lookout.  A roadside lookout with picturesque views of Koko Crater. Stop for a photo en route to or from Hanauma Bay. 

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.  The eroded crater of an extinct volcano frames the turquoise waters of Hanauma Bay. Beneath its surface are colonies of algae covered rocks, colorful corals and a variety of tropical fish, including endemic species only found here. Snorkel throughout the bay and relax onshore. 

• Good to Know.  Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it at the beach kiosk. Don’t wear fins in shallow waters to avoid kicking algae covered rocks and corals. Wear reef safe sunblock. 

• Tickets.  A limited number of visitors are allowed into the bay between Wednesday and Sunday. Tickets are released by the Department of Parks and Recreation at 7am two days in advance. Tickets often sell out within minutes. Be ready to book and prepare for a back up time and date if sold out.

Sandy Beach.  Aptly named for its golden sand shore, Sandy Beach is a relaxing place to swim, sunbathe and body surf. Pack a picnic or order poke, shaved ice and Hawaiian juices from the parking lot food truck. 

Halona Beach.  A small but adventurous beach nestled between jagged coastal cliffs near the Halona Blowhole. The tide creates a natural wave pool in the beach’s protected cove. A narrow lava tube leads from the beach to the Koko Crater Arch Trail.

Halona Blowhole Lookout.  A seaside lava tube that ferociously sprays seawater into the air during high tide and strong surf. It’s viewable from a roadside parking lot.

Makapu’u.  The far eastern tip of O’ahu is defined by its volcanic ridges, seaside landscapes and beaches. 

• Makapuʻu Beach Park.  Tan sand shores line the turquoise cove of Makapu’u Beach. It’s a popular spot for experienced body surfers and boogie boarders. A lookout on the volcanic cliffs offer sweeping views of the scenic beach and coastline. 

• Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail.  A paved walkway lined with scenic views of distant Hawaiian islands and the deep blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The trail ends at a lookout point of Makapu’u Beach and the Makapu’u Lighthouse. 

• Makapu’u Tide Pools.  Sea grasses, small corals and spiky urchins thrive in the shallow tide pools. Tiny fish swim and jump between pools while crabs scurry along lava rocks. Echos of crashing waves reverberate off volcanic cliffs while air rushes through blow holes and lava tubes. 

• Getting Here.  The rocky trail to the tide pools begins beyond the signs at the third lookout point along the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. 

China Walls.  The lava rock ledges and seaside cliffs of China Walls are a beloved place amongst locals. Hawaiians gather during golden hour to watch the sunset, vibe to island music, cliff jump and surf. We watched whales spouting and witnessed the green flash as the sun set below the horizon.

Kona Brewing Hawaii Kai.  The beers of Kona Brewing are a staple of the Hawaiian Islands. Their tap house in Hawaii Kai offers pints and flights of exclusive brews, seasonal flavors and drafts like Kona Big Wave or Longboard Lager. Try the pineapple topped Hawaiian pizza or sharable pupus. 

Leonard’s Bakery.  A bakery known for their flavorful Malassadas, a puffy Portuguese donut covered in cinnamon sugar and often filled with a custard or jam. They’re popular across O’ahu. Visit the historic location in Honolulu or their food truck in Hawaii Kai. 

Kailua

Kailua is a large beach town on O’ahu’s Windward Shore with lengthy white sand beaches, small offshore islets, scenic hiking trails and farmers markets. 

Kailua Beach.  Powdery white sand covers Kailua’s lengthy shoreline making it a tranquil place for beach walks and seaside picnics. Turquoise waters and ocean views invite beachgoers in for a swim and kayakers on a voyage to the Moku Islands.

Good to Know.  Beware of Portuguese Man-O-Wars on windy days. 

Moku Islands.  The Mokus are two protected islets and a sanctuary for seabirds, endangered Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles. Kayakers can land on Moku Nui, the larger of the two islets. On shore is a small sandy beach and rocky tide pool where sea animals lounge. The conical hillside is covered in burrows from nesting birds. Rent kayaks from Kailua Beach Adventuresfor half or full day excursions.

Lanikai Beach.  Palm trees sway above white sand shores while sunbathers bask in the sunshine. The Moku Islands rise from the turquoise hued waters as waves break beyond the reef. Colorful fish and green sea turtles swim between lively corals as snorkelers drift overhead.  

Lanikai Pillbox Trail.  A short but steep trail leads to a series of graffitied military bunkers perched on the volcanic ridge beyond Lanikai Beach. Lookout points boast picturesque views of the seaside neighborhood below and nearby Moku Islands. The trail continues further along the ridge with views of the island’s rugged interior. 

Good to Know.  Wear sturdy shoes and be cautious of the loose gravel. Park at Kailua Beach and walk to the trail head located at this Map Pin.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden.  Few places transport visitors to the Jurassic Period like O’ahu’s famed HoʻomaluhiaBotanical Garden. Cloud covered mountains, lush volcanic ridges and dense rainforest characterize the verdant landscape. Nature trails meander through tropical gardens to lakeside lookouts. 

Kailua Farmers Market.  Local vendors set up a weekly farmers market in the Kailua Town Center with a range of produce stands, mobile kitchens and live music. Come here to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, juices and international meals. The market is held each Thursday from 4-7pm. 

Kalapawai Market.  A chain of “small town markets” located along the Windward Side of O’ahu. Their aisles are stocked with snacks, beverages, beach goods and island decor. The Kailua location prepares sandwiches in their deli while the barista brews a range of hot and iced coffees. 

Ocean Excursions  

Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail Along Oahu's Waikiki Coast. Sunsets in Hawaii hit differently, especially on a boat! We boarded a catamaran as the crew served mai tais and margaritas. The boat cruised along the coast with the sail unfurled and Hawaiian music playing. The golden glow of the sun illuminated Waikiki’s skyline and the island’s rugged mountains. The sun began to set as bottlenose dolphins played in the bow waves if a scene from a movie. Book with Moana Sailing Co on Viator. 

Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast of O’ahu.  We joined the crew from Indigo Ocean Hawaii on a half day excursion from Waikiki to swim and snorkel with wild dolphins along Oahu’s Leeward Coast. A playful pod of Spinner Dolphins greeted us in the shallow waters outside of the marina. They porpoised one after another, occasionally jumping from the water and twirling into the air. After an hour at sea, a pod of Spotted Dolphins gathered in the deep open water. With snorkels on, we jumped from the boat and watched as they swam past. On the voyage back to the marina, migrating humpback whales sent spouts of water into the air before rising their tails and diving into the depths. Book on Viator. 

Getting Around

There are multiple ways of getting around O’ahu depending on where you’re staying and everything you plan to see. We primarily explored the city on foot and island by scooter. 

On Foot.  Waikiki is very walkable and an enjoyable way of exploring the neighborhood, getting to the beaches, shopping and discovering restaurants and bars. 

Scooter.  Vespas and Mopeds are the best individual way of getting around Honolulu and coast. We rented a pair of scooters from Waikiki Moped Rental, a reliable and well reviewed shop with affordable options. 

Good to Know.  Scooters are not allowed on the island’s main freeways or inner island highways: H1, H2, H3, 61 & 62. 

Uber.  Ride shares like Uber are ideal for getting between the airport and city as well as across town. Expect airport rides to cost $50 and city rides to cost between $10-$20. 

Rental Car.  Driving is best way to explore all areas of the island on your own time. Rentals, gas and parking are extremely expensive. 

Waikiki Trolly.  A tourist trolly offers routes to around Honolulu and the South Shore of O’ahu. Single and multi-day passes make getting around convenient if not renting a scooter or car. 

Where to Stay

Waikiki is a convent place to stay when visiting Honolulu. Its skyscrapers and beachfront hotels are home to countless vacation rentals and luxury accommodations. We split our time between two locations in Waikiki. 

Waikiki Monarch Hotel.  An apartment complex on the north side of Waikiki with hundreds of vacation rentals. Our comfortable unit had a small kitchen and ocean views. The building is a short walk away from the Waikiki Food Truck Park and Fort DeRussy Beach. Apartments are available for rent on Airbnb. 

Aloha Suites Waikiki.  A small hotel in the center of Waikiki with well equipped apartment rentals. Our unit had a full kitchen, outdoor balcony and high speed wifi. It’s located less than 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach. Apartments are available for rent on both Airbnb and Booking. 

When to Visit 

Early December.  The sweet spot to visit O’ahu is early December between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The crowds are smaller and the temperature is comfortable. Humpback whale begin their migration increasing the chances of seeing them anywhere around the island. 

For Next Time… 

The Hawaiian Islands keep calling us back! On our next trip to Hawaii we plan to rent a car and venture to the North Shore of O’ahu, visit Hawaiian cultural sights and make our way to the islands of Kauai and Maui.

• Haleʻiwa.  A colorful and historic town on the North Shore with small cafes, surf shops, boutiques and markets. 

• Waimea Bay Beach.  A North Shore beach with a large rock, popular for jumping from. It has a calm surf during the summer and big waves during the winter. Dolphins and sea turtles can frequently be spotted off shore.  

• Ko Hana Distillery.  O’ahu’s only sugarcane rum distillery. They offer tours, tastings and cocktails. 

• Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau.  The stone ruins and platforms of an ancient Hawaiian temple. It’s located walking distance from Waimea Bay Beach. 

• Bishop Museum.  Hawaii’s main cultural and natural history museum with Hawaiian artifacts, science exhibits and art galleries.