Oahu is like the entry gate into Hawaii. Most flights land at Honolulu airport, so this is most likely your first stop in Hawaii. Oahu is a nice mix of resort life, big city, food, and culture. It is the most populated island of Hawaii… and also the most touristy. But that doesn’t mean you cant enjoy the amazing stretches of white sand beaches, surfing, snorkeling, food trucks, and aloha culture! Here are some of our favorite places from our time in Oahu.
* = must do!
WHAT TO DO
*Walk around Waikiki – The life of the Oahu party, Waikiki is full of beautiful beaches, food, and nightlife. Grab a drink then walk down the oceanfront Kalakaua Ave to feel the Aloha energy of the city.
The Beach Bar @ Moana Surfrider – Beautiful outdoor space around a gigantic Banyan tree right on the water. Come for a beachside drink and enjoy the live music. $$$
Dole Plantation – Eh. I would only come here if you have small children or really really love pineapples. We swung by to try the famous “dole whip”, pineapple soft serve that tasted more like artificial pineapple flavoring. If you have kids, there are train rides and a maze. Overrated. $$
The North Shore – About one hour north of Waikiki, the North Shore is where all the big surfing action happens. Especially if you are here during the winter months, come watch some of the best surfers in the world tear up big waves. Stop by Hale’iwa, a very cute surf town, to grab some swim gear and healthy eats before heading over to Banzai Pipeline or Ho’okipa Beach to watch the big waves.
Laniakea Beach – Come early to check out some badass Northshore surfers. Keep an eye out for endangered green sea turtles in the water just off the shoreline on this narrow strip of beach!
*Hawaiian Food Trucks – Some of our favorite food in Oahu came from food trucks! These seem to be very popular in Hawaii with some delicious gems. Some of our favorites were Giovanni’s, Fasay, and Crispy Grindz. If you find yourself on the North Shore, there is a collection of food trucks in Kahuku right before Mālaekahana State Recreation Area. $
Kailua Beach Park – Full of wind-surfers and kite-boarders, this park is blessed with powder-soft sand, calm waters for swimming, and fewer crowds than neighboring millionaire Lanikai Beach. When the water is calm, you can even kayak to Kailua’s three offshore islands.
Lanikai Beach – Come here to see millionaire mansions and stroll on baby powder sand. Unfortunately, the beach is shrinking due to mansion walls.
*Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – One of the best spots to snorkel on the island! The reef is not in the same condition that it once was (like at all), but we still saw lots of fish! You can make a reservation ahead of time or show up for a first come-first serve time slot (we got a time slot right away around noon on a weekday, but would probably make a reservation if coming at a busier time or weekend). You can rent a locker and snorkel gear at the beach after entering.
Pearl Harbor Memorial – We didn’t go, but the Pearl Harbor Memorial is only about 15 minutes away from Honolulu.
Watch some Hula – You can’t leave Hawaii without seeing some real-life hula girls doing some real-life hula moves. Catch live music at the oceanfront bar House Without a Key or the 6 pm Kuhio Beach show at the Duke Kahanamoku statue. To get a taste of different Polynesian dance styles while enjoying a buffet Hawaiian dinner check out the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore.
Diamond Head Hike – We decided to skip this very popular 0.8mi hike to avoid tourists, but apparently it gives you great 360-degree views of the southern coast of the island.
WHERE TO EAT
Honolulu
Banán Waikiki Beach Shack – Vegan soft serve made from locally grown bananas. We had the “Local’s Only” which came with some delicious macadamia nut honey butter. Planning on taking some of that nut butter home because it was so good. $
Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar – Japanese restaurant with a large menu and multiple award-winning appetizers. We tried the panko-crushed ahi sashimi, Nobu-style miso butterfish, agedashi (lightly fried tofu with a mirin-soy dashi), and the wok-tossed local vegetables. All are good with small plates for sharing. $$
*Leonard’s Bakery – MUST TRY. Malasadas are Portuguese donuts. Leonard’s has been making them the exact same way since 1953. They are light, flaky, and especially good when fresh and still warm. We got the original malasada puff with custard filling. DELICIOUS. Always a line, but the line moves fast. Definitely stop by. $
Peace Cafe – Delicious vegan restaurant near the University of Hawaii campus. We had the Katsu Curry with breaded tofu and the pumpkin soup. Both dishes hit the spot. Everything on the menu sounded excellent. Portions are big and you can definitely share. $$
Nalu Health Bar – Looking for a healthier breakfast or lunch? Come to Nalu Health Bar for a tasty avocado toast, breakfast burrito, or sandwich/wrap to go. Nice option for a guilt-free to-go beach picnic. Their vinaigrette is really good. $$
Liliha Bakery – Come to try a coco puff, a Hawaiian cream-puff pastry.
Uncle Clay’s Pure House of Aloha – Shave ice with syrups made from real fruits.
North Shore
*Matsumoto Shave Ice – “Shave” ice, NOT shaveD ice, as the Hawaiians call it. This place is famous for its shave ice and has loads of flavors and toppings. We got coconut cream + papaya with mochi, condensed milk and the homemade azuki beans (Japanese red beans cooked in sugar). The azuki beans were superb. $
Crispy Grindz – Açaí food truck with multiple locations on Oahu. Trust me, we know açaí… and this was some darn good açaí. Definitely on the pricier side, but high quality with a nice crunchy granola. Very good! $$
*Giovanni’s Aloha Shrimp Truck – This is a must-try in Hawaii. I don’t even like shrimp, never have, and I enjoyed Giovanni’s! Smothered in garlic and butter, this shrimp melts in your mouth. Multiple food truck locations on the island. $$
Fasay Thai Wagon – Thai food truck that was right by our campground. Delicious papaya salad! $
Foodland Grocery Store – If you ask locals where the best poke is, many of them will point you to the grocery store! Foodland’s is a local grocery chain and their seafood counter has over 10 different poke options. While it wasn’t the best poke we’ve ever had, it’s a great place to stop by and grab a bowl on your way to the beach. We tried the Californian ahi, ahi chili, and shoyu. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by options! $
Farm to Barn Cafe and Juicery – Literally their farm is right behind the restaurant. Nice whole-food, plant-based options with a cute outdoor barnyard atmosphere. $$
WHERE TO STAY
Camping
Finding a campsite in Oahu was surprisingly challenging. First off, most campgrounds that you would want to stay at are only available on the east side of the island, not near Waikiki. All Oahu county and state parks are also closed on Wednesday and Thursday nights (not sure why?). Not all campsites are safe, as some may be close to the road or frequented by drunks or the homeless.
LonelyPlanet recommends camping at Malaekahana State Recreational Area, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, and Kea’iwa Heiau State Recreation Area. You must obtain a permit ahead of time as walk-ins are not available. **site**
For State Park reservations, go to HawaiiStateParks.Org. Campsites become available for reservations 30 days in advance.
For County Park reservations, check out Camping.Honolulu.Gov. Campsites become available for reservation two Fridays in advance.
Mālaekahana Beach Campground – Private gated campground on the North Shore. Campsites all have great views of the oceans and although they are a bit close to one another, the sounds of the waves crashing drown out much of the neighborly noise. This area is also a day-use park where many surf schools seem to be taking advantage of the calm waves, so be mindful of leaving anything unattended when not at the campground. Showers and bathrooms are available on-site. You can also rent basic cabins. Reservations required. Make sure you have a rain flap for the unpredictable sunshowers! $
MAP
Here’s our Google Map with all of the recommendations from above.
