Guidebook for Honolulu
Food Scene
One of the best Hawaiian food places on the island. The pipikaula short ribs and fried butter fish are a must here! Keep in mind this place is cash only.
86 locals recommend
Helena's Hawaiian Food
1240 N School StOne of the best Hawaiian food places on the island. The pipikaula short ribs and fried butter fish are a must here! Keep in mind this place is cash only.
A cheap, local plate lunch spot. If you're on a budget, but looking for generous portions, Rainbow's is definitely for you. I recommend the mix-plate.
85 locals recommend
Rainbow Drive-In
3308 Kanaina AveA cheap, local plate lunch spot. If you're on a budget, but looking for generous portions, Rainbow's is definitely for you. I recommend the mix-plate.
This popular udon place, located in crowded Waikiki, make their own noodles - a rarity for ramen restaurants in Hawaii. You know this place is good because Japanese tourists flock to eat here.
176 locals recommend
Marukame Udon Waikiki
2310 Kūhiō Ave.This popular udon place, located in crowded Waikiki, make their own noodles - a rarity for ramen restaurants in Hawaii. You know this place is good because Japanese tourists flock to eat here.
Next to Helena's, if you're looking for the local cuisine of the islands, Ono's is the place. The Laulau and kalua pig are delicious. Keep in mind this place is cash only.
49 locals recommend
Ono Hawaiian Foods
726 Kapahulu AveNext to Helena's, if you're looking for the local cuisine of the islands, Ono's is the place. The Laulau and kalua pig are delicious. Keep in mind this place is cash only.
North shore is known for its shrimp trucks, and I think Fumi's is one of the best. I highly recommend the spicy garlic shrimp.
24 locals recommend
Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp
56-777 Kamehameha HwyNorth shore is known for its shrimp trucks, and I think Fumi's is one of the best. I highly recommend the spicy garlic shrimp.
Nico's Pier 38
1129 N Nimitz HwyThe furikake ahi (tuna) here is amazing!
Great pies. Great plate lunches. I recommend the Loco Moco (brown gravy over a hamburger and bed of rice).
183 locals recommend
Ted's Bakery
59-024 Kamehameha HwyGreat pies. Great plate lunches. I recommend the Loco Moco (brown gravy over a hamburger and bed of rice).
One of the best restaurants in Hawaii. It's pricey, but the food quality is second to none. It's ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
23 locals recommend
Alan Wong's Honolulu
1857 S King StOne of the best restaurants in Hawaii. It's pricey, but the food quality is second to none. It's ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
Boot's & Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen
The pancakes are delicious!
Kona Brewing Co.
7192 Kalanianole HighwayGood local beer and food in Hawaii Kai.
Shopping
The best poke (raw fish) place on the island. I recommend the poke bowl with spicy ahi. It's less than $10 and you get a free drink. How can you go wrong?
87 locals recommend
Ono Seafood
747 Kapahulu AveThe best poke (raw fish) place on the island. I recommend the poke bowl with spicy ahi. It's less than $10 and you get a free drink. How can you go wrong?
Leonard's does the best malasada (Portuguese doughnut) on O'ahu. They have different flavors, but the "original" is my absolute favorite.
230 locals recommend
Leonard's Bakery
933 Kapahulu AveLeonard's does the best malasada (Portuguese doughnut) on O'ahu. They have different flavors, but the "original" is my absolute favorite.
The poi doughnut here is to die for. Get there early, however, because they run out of them very quickly.
14 locals recommend
Kamehameha Bakery Inc
1284 Kalani StThe poi doughnut here is to die for. Get there early, however, because they run out of them very quickly.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
66-111 Kamehameha HwyWorld famous shave ice! You have to have it with ice cream.
Another great spot for shave ice. In my opinion, I think this place serves better shave ice than Matsumoto's... and it's in town!
58 locals recommend
Waiola Shave Ice
3113 Mokihana StAnother great spot for shave ice. In my opinion, I think this place serves better shave ice than Matsumoto's... and it's in town!
Drinks & Nightlife
Featured on Anthony Bordain's "No Reservations," Side Street Inn is famous for their local-style food and large portions. I recommend the garlic chicken, fried pork chops, and kim-chee fried rice.
80 locals recommend
Side Street Inn Kapahulu
614 Kapahulu AveFeatured on Anthony Bordain's "No Reservations," Side Street Inn is famous for their local-style food and large portions. I recommend the garlic chicken, fried pork chops, and kim-chee fried rice.
A cool and hip bar located in town. They have unique and delicious drinks. I recommend the smoking gun and the P&J old-fashion.
35 locals recommend
Pint and Jigger
410 S King StA cool and hip bar located in town. They have unique and delicious drinks. I recommend the smoking gun and the P&J old-fashion.
The tater tot nachos are a hot-stopper, but so damn delicious. The service is pretty good, too!
19 locals recommend
Home Bar & Grill
1683 Kalakaua AveThe tater tot nachos are a hot-stopper, but so damn delicious. The service is pretty good, too!
The Manifest
32 N Hotel StA cool, hip bar, serving high quality drinks.
Sightseeing
The best snorkel spot on the island. Please note: it's closed on Tuesdays.
531 locals recommend
Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaʻole HighwayThe best snorkel spot on the island. Please note: it's closed on Tuesdays.
In my opinion, Lanikai is the best beach on the island. The sand is soft, it's good for swimming, and the views are spectacular. Be patient because parking may be difficult.
276 locals recommend
Lanikai Beach
In my opinion, Lanikai is the best beach on the island. The sand is soft, it's good for swimming, and the views are spectacular. Be patient because parking may be difficult.
Pearl Harbor
A must-do if you're on Oahu. Get there early to beat the crowds.
One of the best beaches on Oahu's famous North Shore. In the winter you can go see the giant waves - good for spectating, but not for swimming.
389 locals recommend
Waimea Bay Beach
One of the best beaches on Oahu's famous North Shore. In the winter you can go see the giant waves - good for spectating, but not for swimming.
You've been eating too much? This hike will help. It's a natural stairmaster and you'll burn anywhere from 800-1000 calories during this hike. Plus, the views at the top are spectacular.
40 locals recommend
Koko Head District Park
423 Kaumakani StYou've been eating too much? This hike will help. It's a natural stairmaster and you'll burn anywhere from 800-1000 calories during this hike. Plus, the views at the top are spectacular.
A great sunrise hike near famous Lanikai Beach. You're going to have to wake up early to get there, but it's well worth it.
178 locals recommend
Pillbox Hike
265 Kaelepulu DrA great sunrise hike near famous Lanikai Beach. You're going to have to wake up early to get there, but it's well worth it.
Kind of a touristy hike, but it has great views at the top nonetheless. Please note there is a fee to enter the park.
347 locals recommend
Diamond Head State Monument
Kind of a touristy hike, but it has great views at the top nonetheless. Please note there is a fee to enter the park.
A paved, pretty mild hike with views of the lighthouse, Rabbit Island and the east side of the island.
261 locals recommend
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse TrailA paved, pretty mild hike with views of the lighthouse, Rabbit Island and the east side of the island.
Everything Else
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana BlvdThe largest shopping mall in Hawaii.
The only outlet mall on O'ahu. You get some pretty good deals here.
167 locals recommend
Waikele Premium Outlets
94-790 Lumiaina StThe only outlet mall on O'ahu. You get some pretty good deals here.
Arts & Culture
Consolidated Theatres Ward with TITAN LUXE
1044 Auahi StThe nearest movie theaters.
Essentials
Foodland
2939 Harding AveThe nearest grocery store.
Costco Wholesale
4589 Kapolei PkwyIf you need to buy things in bulk.
Open Tuesdays: 4p-7p
Open Saturdays: 7:30a-11a
You can find some delicious and healthy food here. You'll also be supporting Hawaii's local farmers.
138 locals recommend
KCC Farmers’ Market
4303 Diamond Head RdOpen Tuesdays: 4p-7p
Open Saturdays: 7:30a-11a
You can find some delicious and healthy food here. You'll also be supporting Hawaii's local farmers.
Whole Foods Market
629 Kailua RdHealthy grocery store nearby.