Activities

stylized map of Oahu with famous sites

Beaches, Restaurants, Shops

There's so much to do and see on O‘ahu! Below is a list of our top recommendations.

Explore beaches

Some beaches are for advanced swimmers only. Ask us for safety tips!

Magic Island lagoon

South Shore

South shore beaches are easily accessible from Waikīkī, and most have plenty of parking.

Shark's cove lagoons

North Shore

Get there by 8 am to find street parking before foot traffic gets heavy.

Ko Olina lagoons

West Side

The drive is far and parking is often limited, but sunsets are excellent.

a beach in Kailua at sunset

Windward Side

These beaches offer different activities and views of smaller coastal islands.

Good eats

Get out of Waikīkī and explore these easily accessible food choices just a short drive away.

glazed mochi donuts

Sweets

Fish and Poke (rhymes with "okay")

  • Foodland - where the average resident gets a good poke bowl. Sign up for free member card or enter Paul or Jessie's cell number at checkout for best prices.
  • Fresh Catch - pricier, but even fresher poke
  • Nico's Pier 38 - the day's catch with an ocean view for a reasonable price

Lunch & Dinner

  • L&L Hawaiian BBQ - big portions of teri chicken, BBQ beef, and mac salad
  • Gina's BBQ - Hawai‘i-style Korean food to-go
  • Teddy's Bigger Burger - standard and speciality burgers with flavors like pineapple, grilled onions, and avocado
  • Golden Pork - the best black garlic ramen
  • Adela's Country Eatery - not close to Waikīkī, but worth the drive for noodles topped with decadent ingredients
  • 7-11 - no ordinary 7-11, the ones in Hawai‘i carry bentos, dim sum, and spam musubis
  • Highway Inn - dishes that harken back to traditional Hawaiian fare

Fancy Restaurants

  • 100 Sails - buffet-style hand rolls, poke, salads, and prime rib overlooking the boat harbor
  • 53 By the Sea - go for a nice brunch or a lavish dinner by the sea
  • Rigo - a nice date night restaurant with Spanish food
  • Orchid's - oceanfront brunch and dinner restaurant in Waikīkī

Take a hike

There are hundreds of walks and hikes on the island. Here's a list of popular tourist hikes and some of our personal favorites from least difficult (1) to most difficult (5). Stick to difficulty 1 for kids under five.

Ocean

Forest

Waterfalls

Paul and Jessie at Manoa Falls

Activities and sightseeing

a woman ziplining

Adventure

Go ziplining or drive a UTV across Jurassic Park. Snorkel in an extinct volcano. Scuba dive with turtles. There are all kinds of adventure tours!

sharks at Coconut Island

Museums, Zoos, & Gardens

Enjoy leisurely walking tours while learning about plants and animals as well as Hawai‘i's rich and complicated history.

exterior of International Marketplace

Shopping

Shop at the world's largest outdoor mall, enjoy designer outlets, or window shop on a beach boardwalk.

family paddling on the river at Polynesian Cultural Center

Entertainment

Enjoy dinner and a show.

Paul and Jessie hiding beneath a log at Kualoa Ranch
Magic Island lagoon
Jessie and Paul's family eating shave ice