Activities
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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!
South Shore
South shore beaches are easily accessible from Waikīkī, and most have plenty of parking.
North Shore
Get there by 8 am to find street parking before foot traffic gets heavy.
West Side
The drive is far and parking is often limited, but sunsets are excellent. DISCLAIMER: West side beaches are known for car break-ins and sketchy behavior. Visit with caution.
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.
Sweets
- Waiola Shave Ice - popular local spot for shave ice
- Kamehameha Bakery - best known for poi malasadas
- Liliha Bakery - famous for chantilly-frosted cocoa puffs, it's also good for a dine-in lunch and dinner
- Leonard's - a must stop for tourists and locals to get malasadas
- Brug Bakery - get there before the mochi donuts sell out
- McDonald's Hawai‘i - snag a fried apple pie or a seasonal haupia or taro pie
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
- Ono Seafood - get fresh, never frozen ahi poke
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
- Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden (1)
- Makiki Loop (3)
- Puʻu Pia (3)
- Kuliʻouʻou Ridge (4)
- Maunawili Trail (5+)
Waterfalls
- Waimea Valley (1)
- Manoa Falls (2)
- Lulumahu (permit req) (4)
Activities and sightseeing
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!
Museums, Zoos, & Gardens
Enjoy leisurely walking tours while learning about plants and animals as well as Hawai‘i's rich and complicated history.
Shopping
Shop at the world's largest outdoor mall, enjoy designer outlets, or window shop on a beach boardwalk.
Entertainment
Enjoy dinner and a show.
Drive the island
Go cruising and enjoy some beautiful sights. Start in Waikīkī and try these stops along the way.
