Oahu Guidebook
Hiking
Diamond Head is a fairly easy day hike. The views from up top are stunning!
250 locals recommend
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is a fairly easy day hike. The views from up top are stunning!
Manoa Falls is an easy, nearby hike that winds through the protected and lush Manoa Valley. If you like plants, you can also visit the Lyon Arboretum while you are there. If you don’t have a car, you can take the public bus. You can catch a variety of buses from Kuhio St. (13, 18, 2, 8) and transfer to the 5, which takes you all the way there. Search on Google Map and it will show you the route.
34 locals recommend
Na Ala Hele: Manoa Falls Trail
Na Ala Hele: Manoa Falls TrailManoa Falls is an easy, nearby hike that winds through the protected and lush Manoa Valley. If you like plants, you can also visit the Lyon Arboretum while you are there. If you don’t have a car, you can take the public bus. You can catch a variety of buses from Kuhio St. (13, 18, 2, 8) and transfer to the 5, which takes you all the way there. Search on Google Map and it will show you the route.
The best website for hiking trails and road maps is maintained by the Department of Land and Natural Resources: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/nah/
Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife
1151 Punchbowl StreetThe best website for hiking trails and road maps is maintained by the Department of Land and Natural Resources: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/nah/
Things to do
You have the option to shuttle to/from the luau. It’s definitely worth taking the shuttle so you don’t have to drive.
114 locals recommend
Paradise Cove Luau
92-1089 Ali'inui DrYou have the option to shuttle to/from the luau. It’s definitely worth taking the shuttle so you don’t have to drive.
Luaus are also super fun! One of the best shows is at the Polynesian Cultural Center, but be aware that they do not serve alcohol with the meal.
547 locals recommend
Polylnesian cutlural center
Luaus are also super fun! One of the best shows is at the Polynesian Cultural Center, but be aware that they do not serve alcohol with the meal.
Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial. We recommend you make reservations in advance because the tours can fill up fast.
88 locals recommend
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
1 Arizona Memorial PlPearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial. We recommend you make reservations in advance because the tours can fill up fast.
World-famous snorkeling in a protected bay only a few miles away!
72 locals recommend
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
100 Hanauma Bay RdWorld-famous snorkeling in a protected bay only a few miles away!
A perfect option if you want a break from the sun. There are rotating exhibits and fun events.
252 locals recommend
Honolulu Museum of Art
900 S Beretania StA perfect option if you want a break from the sun. There are rotating exhibits and fun events.
One block away, in Queen Kapi’olani Park, at Lemon and Kapahulu, is the Honolulu Zoo. It is Oahu’s best family activity. Enjoy the 42 acres of plants and animals; a must for the keiki! Enjoy Wednesday night concerts during the summer, too. Bring your own food or purchase there.
334 locals recommend
Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahulu AveOne block away, in Queen Kapi’olani Park, at Lemon and Kapahulu, is the Honolulu Zoo. It is Oahu’s best family activity. Enjoy the 42 acres of plants and animals; a must for the keiki! Enjoy Wednesday night concerts during the summer, too. Bring your own food or purchase there.
Just down Kalakaua about a half a mile is the Honolulu Aquarium which is next to a living coral reef. It is the second oldest aquarium in the US! Included are about 3500 marine animals with a focus on Hawaiian and tropical Pacific aquatic life. There is a luau on Friday nights that includes admission to the exhibits.
197 locals recommend
Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua AveJust down Kalakaua about a half a mile is the Honolulu Aquarium which is next to a living coral reef. It is the second oldest aquarium in the US! Included are about 3500 marine animals with a focus on Hawaiian and tropical Pacific aquatic life. There is a luau on Friday nights that includes admission to the exhibits.
This recently revitalized market in the center of Waikiki has it all! Shopping, great food, and entertainment. Check out their events schedule. Free hula and storytelling every night at sunset. Michael Mina’s brainchild, The Street, is one of our favorite places to eat. It is a foodie’s food court dream! The 3rd level has several 5 star restaurants (reservations recommended).
212 locals recommend
International Market Place
2330 Kalakaua AveThis recently revitalized market in the center of Waikiki has it all! Shopping, great food, and entertainment. Check out their events schedule. Free hula and storytelling every night at sunset. Michael Mina’s brainchild, The Street, is one of our favorite places to eat. It is a foodie’s food court dream! The 3rd level has several 5 star restaurants (reservations recommended).
If you want to get away from the tourist epicenters and see how the locals are taking ownership of their community, check this neighborhood out. It is still up and coming. You will find amazing murals, hipster-minded shopping, craft beer, and some delicious eats.
32 locals recommend
SALT At Our Kakaako
691 Auahi StIf you want to get away from the tourist epicenters and see how the locals are taking ownership of their community, check this neighborhood out. It is still up and coming. You will find amazing murals, hipster-minded shopping, craft beer, and some delicious eats.
If you plan to go to North Store check out beautiful Waimea Valley for a taste of the way Hawaii used to be.
145 locals recommend
Waimea Valley
59-864 Kamehameha HwyIf you plan to go to North Store check out beautiful Waimea Valley for a taste of the way Hawaii used to be.
There are fireworks every Friday @ 7:45 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Simply walk out to the beach and you will see them. Check their website to confirm.
78 locals recommend
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
2005 Kālia RdThere are fireworks every Friday @ 7:45 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Simply walk out to the beach and you will see them. Check their website to confirm.
Beaches
The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Here in Waikiki they can get crowded, but you can still enjoy the clear, blue water, and even see turtles! The beach directly in front of us is perfect for swimming and little ones because there is no coral before the break wall. If you are looking for a less crowded beach area, walk towards the beach and turn left (towards Diamond Head). The beaches on the other side of the pier tend to be less crowded and less touristy. Keep walking all the way down and you will get to Kaimana Beach. This is a protected and quiet spot for swimming and beach bathing. All of the beaches have restrooms and showers.
57 locals recommend
Kaimana Beach
The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Here in Waikiki they can get crowded, but you can still enjoy the clear, blue water, and even see turtles! The beach directly in front of us is perfect for swimming and little ones because there is no coral before the break wall. If you are looking for a less crowded beach area, walk towards the beach and turn left (towards Diamond Head). The beaches on the other side of the pier tend to be less crowded and less touristy. Keep walking all the way down and you will get to Kaimana Beach. This is a protected and quiet spot for swimming and beach bathing. All of the beaches have restrooms and showers.
North Shore is a breath of fresh air, different from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. All of the beaches are great, but the most scenic (and most popular) beach on the North Shore is Waimea Bay – it is stunning! During the summer months, the bay is as calm as a lake, but in the winter, you can find giant waves here.
31 locals recommend
Waimea Beach
North Shore is a breath of fresh air, different from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. All of the beaches are great, but the most scenic (and most popular) beach on the North Shore is Waimea Bay – it is stunning! During the summer months, the bay is as calm as a lake, but in the winter, you can find giant waves here.
If you want to find a piece of beach all to yourself, go toward the west side of the North Shore and pick a spot across from the Dillingham Air Field in Waialua; you can be all alone out there.
17 locals recommend
Dillingham Air Field
69-415 Farrington HwyIf you want to find a piece of beach all to yourself, go toward the west side of the North Shore and pick a spot across from the Dillingham Air Field in Waialua; you can be all alone out there.
Sightseeing
If you want a ride that includes a guided tour you can catch a trolley! They have stops all over Waikiki: https://waikikitrolley.com/
Waikiki Trolley
Paoakalani AvenueIf you want a ride that includes a guided tour you can catch a trolley! They have stops all over Waikiki: https://waikikitrolley.com/
Shopping
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana BlvdThe largest open-air shopping center in the World
Groceries / Farmers Market
This is your closest full-sized grocery store. It is 1.3 miles away and has plenty of parking. 888 Kapahulu Avenue.
297 locals recommend
Safeway
888 Kapahulu AveThis is your closest full-sized grocery store. It is 1.3 miles away and has plenty of parking. 888 Kapahulu Avenue.
Foodland is located on the street level in Ala Moana Center. Target and Walmart are nearby.
81 locals recommend
Foodland Farms
1450 Ala Moana BlvdFoodland is located on the street level in Ala Moana Center. Target and Walmart are nearby.
Whole Foods sells high quality natural and organic products. This 72,000-square foot, two-level location has the largest hot bar in the region, and features over 900 unique locally made, grown or raised in Hawaiʻi products. Dining selections can be enjoyed on the go or at the indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Ward Whole Foods Market
388 Kamakee StWhole Foods sells high quality natural and organic products. This 72,000-square foot, two-level location has the largest hot bar in the region, and features over 900 unique locally made, grown or raised in Hawaiʻi products. Dining selections can be enjoyed on the go or at the indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The largest farmer's market in Honolulu. You can walk or bike there. 4303 Diamond Head Road https://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/project/farmers-market
138 locals recommend
KCC Farmers’ Market
4303 Diamond Head RdThe largest farmer's market in Honolulu. You can walk or bike there. 4303 Diamond Head Road https://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/project/farmers-market
City advice
Customs and culture
Cultural and Educational Events
Local calendar of cultural and educational events, many of which are free! http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Calendar/
Getting around
Transportation
Uber is available in Waikiki and the city bus is a fabulous way to get around as well: http://www.thebus.org/ There are several bus stops within walking distance of the condo (the closest is at the corner of Paoakalani and Kuhio). Each ride is $2.50 and includes a transfer pass to another line. The bus is a great way to get around. The buses are clean and air-conditioned. You must have exact change. You can also download the app: DaBus, but Google Maps works just as well.
Getting around
DaBus Routes
- Routes 19 and 20 go to and from the Airport
- Route 22 goes to Hanauma Bay (except on Tuesdays because the bay is closed)
- Route 9 goes to Pearl Harbor
- Route 8 goes to Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping center in the World
- Route 13 goes to the Safeway Grocery Store