Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu, Hawaii
For many reasons this is my favorite of all the Hawaiian Islands. The list below has been cultivated over the last 42 years. Our family considers this island our "home away from home" and it is our goto vacation spot above all else.
Oahu, Hawaii is home to 65 percent of the states population and is visited by over 10 million visitors each year.
Before You Hit the Island:
Straub Doctors on Call - 808-971-6000 There are several Walk In Clinics on the island
Ena Road Drop Off and Self Serve Laundry - 478 Ena Road Honolulu, HI 96815 808-942-3451 In business since 1980. We bring all of our clothes here before flying home. It is so nice to unpack clean and perfectly folded clothes.
Snorkel Bobs - 800-262-7725 Interested in packing light? Head over to their website and order up all your equipment needs to enjoy your paradise vacation. They have everything from beach chairs and coolers to the top of the line Snorkeling Equipment. We have tried to buy our own cheap ones and they don’t compare to the professional gear you can rent.
Hawaii Camera - 3457 Waialae Ave, Unit 203 Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii 96816 (808) 735-3838 - The last thing you want is to miss out on vacation photos because your camera has decided to break at the worst time. You could also rent a lens and get some great shots. Not to mention you might be able to pick their brain of some great places for fun family photography.
Oahu Photography Tours - Book yourself a tour before you go! It is a great way to buff up your skills and see the island. My daughter and I did several tours and loved it. If you have a non photographer in the group they can ride along for a small amount. iPhone and DSLRs are all welcome.
This Week Oahu Publication - Check out the online version before you go and pick one up at the airport of the hotel lobbies.
Where Oahu Publication - Check out the online version before you go and pick one up at the airport of the hotel lobbies.
Where to Stay:
Aulani Disney Resort - Impressive worthy of the Disney name and if you have young children and or are massive Disney people yourselves...this is your spot. As an avid Hawaiian lover I don't choose to stay here because the weather just isn't as nice and I don't want all the Disney distractions to keep me from all that the island has to offer. Even if you don't choose to stay on the location it is worth a swing by grabbing a bite, seeing their fabulous "rainbow reef" and catching a sighting of one of the Disney Characters on location.
The Colony Surf - 2895 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 923-8056 Rentals can be found on VRBO. A location that I have stayed in many times and a view that stays in your soul forever. This location is just far enough from Waikiki to have a peacefulness that you just can't get from the big hotels and resorts. Every Friday night fireworks go off over Diamond Head and you will have a front row seat.
5000 Kahala Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816
1.808.739.8888
The Kahala is by far the nicest place I have stayed on the island. It is a full service resort and spa and if you are looking to treat yourself, this is the place. They even have rooms right on their dolphin lagoon where you can fall asleep to the dolphins breathing. I will mention this later, but even if you aren't staying here I highly recommend visiting the property.
Westin Properties:
The Moana Surf Rider - 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 United States 808.922.3111 Reservations: 866.716.8112
The Royal Hawaiian aka The Pink Palace - 2259 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 808.923.7311 Reservations 866.716.8110
The New Otani: 2863 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 923 - 1555 Beautiful terrace for brunch.
Where to Eat:
3660 On the Rise 3660 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 (808) 737-1177 If you are looking for an adult dinner out give this place a try. I give low stars on atmosphere because it is located in a corporate center without a view. If you can get past the atmosphere, there is one dish there that I just can't find anywhere else. I love it so much that we have gotten it for take out and brought it back to our ocean view balcony. Ahi Katsu which is a Sashimi-Grade Ahi wrapped in Nori and deep fried medium rare, wasabi-Ginger sauce.
Buzz's Original Steak House 413 Kawailoa Rd
Kailua, HI 96734 - (808) 261-4661 The name of the game here is Poke Poke Poke!Duke's Waikiki - Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815 - (808) 922-2268 Location, location, location! Check out the website for the different menu options and call for a reservation that will land you super close to the beach.
Hula Dog - A hotdog like no other. From the specialty breads to the sauces and specialty relishes and unique mustards. All I can say is soon yummy and I wouldn't consider myself a hot dog fan. While you are there give their Lemonade and Shave Ice a try but I guarantee you come back for the dogs. Multiple Locations Inside the Food Pantry 2370 Kuhio Honolulu, HI 96815 808-634-2834 * Hula Dog Ware Center 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 808-634-2834 * Hula Dog Hale'Iwa 66-236 Kamehameha Hwy Haleiwa, HI 96712 *
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - The Shrimp Scampy is out of this world people and you can leave a little piece of yourself when you sign the truck so bring some breath mints and a permanent marker. 2 Locations on the North Shore *Kahuku-56-505 Kamehameha Hwy 96731 *Haleiwa-66-472 Kamehameha Hwy 96712
KEO's in Waikiki - Temporarily Closed
Matsumoto Shave Ice - 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy Suite #605 Haleiwa, HI 96712 (808)637-4827 Serving the North Shore since 1951! Our family has been enjoying their shave ice for decades and our family favorite from the menu is shave ice with ice cream on the bottom. If you have a child allergic to bees, don't sit near the trash cans.
Ono's Hawaiian Foods - I am told that it is the best authentic Hawaiian food on the island. Spicy Ahi and Ahi Poke Open Monday - Saturday 11am-8pm 726 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
808-737-2275Ted's Bakery 59-024 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712 - (808) 638-8207 Tons to choose from here and you will be able to tell by the sure volume of people that come through there that I am not alone in thinking this place is fantastic but if you go you must try one of their egg sandwiches. Crazy Good!Tiki Grill & Bar - 2570 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI 96815 * 808-923-8454 A menu that is sure to appeal to everyone in your group from burgers to Poke. The adults of the group might be interested in the full bar and live music and the kids are sure to delight in their souvenir frisbee "plates". Try to arrange your dinner reservations around sun set and get a table by the window.
Beaches:
Kailua Beach - Tranquil beach for paddle board and Kayaking. This beach also has the added bonus of being close to Kalapawai Market which has been serving Kailua and Lanikai residents since 1932. Their hours are 6am-9pm daily and can provide you with all your eatery needs.
Laniakea Beach - Perfect place to view green sea turtles.
Paradise Cove Public Beach - Kapolei, Oahu, HI - Swimming with Turtles and snorkeling. Located off Farrington Highway. There is a small parking lot and public access wedged between the Lanikohonua Cultural Institute and the paradise cove parking lot.
Waterfalls: Working on this list and will update soon.
Lighthouse:
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail - Waimanalo, HI 96795 (808) 387-7250 8AM–7:45PM Bring a lock :)
Next to Free things to do on Oahu:
Art In Motion - Wayne Gabaylo King's Village Waikiki
131 Kalulani Ave. #F 3-4
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(located on the 2nd floor) Wayne Gabaylo is the Worlds Only Juggling and Dancing Spray Paint Artist. This guy is just the best! He does 10 free shows a week down in Waikiki a week. Check out his website to see a video of what he does and get there early to get a front row spot. Wednesday - Sunday 7:30 pm & 9:30 pmByodo-in-Temple - 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744 808-239-8811
Haleiwa, Oahu of the North Shore - Sweet little surf town with an artsy vibe.
Hike Diamond Head - 6am - 6pm 18th Ave., Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 808-587-0300
Hula Show on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki - Free at sunset Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00pm in December and January and 6:30 pm other months weather permitting. Located Kal?kaua Ave near Uluniu Avenue across from the Hyatt Regency Waik?k?.
Go visit the Dolphins and the other in house animals at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Stay for lunch and swing in a hammock. It is such a gorgeous tranquil setting. It is also a great place to have Sunday Brunch.
Luau - I have been on a few of the more popular touristy Luau tours and I am not a fan. Especially the ones that require a bus ride. The Royal Hawaiian has a beautiful 'Aha'aina Luau every Monday Evenings and is the only beachfront dinner show. A bit on the pricy side but leaps and bounds better then all the rest. You use to be able to sit in the Mai Tai bar on the property and get a glimpse of the festivities but they have caught on to that and now charge north of $80 for "Cocktail" seating.
Touristy Things to Do but still worth it:
Bishop Museum -
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817
808.847.3511Hawaii Children's Discovery Center -
111 Ohe St, Honolulu, HI 96813(808) 524-5437 Like many of the Discovery Centers around the country there are many fun educational activities for young children. There is nothing outwardly Hawaiian but has been a great alternative to entertain young children during the heat of the day.Dole Plantation - 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy. Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786
808-621-8408 This "Plantation" started as a fruit stand in 1950 and has turned into quite a bit of Hawaiian marvelousness. Pineapple never tasted so good. This is a great place for the littles and the teens of your group. The train is fabulous for the whole family and the 21/2 acre Pineapple Maze with 14,000 Hawaiian Plants will challenge the teens of the group. Even if you don't want to take full advantage of the plantation make sure and stop it for a pineapple whip.Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - 7455 Kalanianaole Hwy Honolulu, HI Known for their world renowned snorkeling and their educational center where you can learn about Hawaii's Bay Marine Life
Honolulu Zoo - 151 Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 (808)-926-2622 One great feature of this zoo is that there is a playground that is almost completely in the shade.
Iolani Palace - Any Royal lovers in your group? This is the former home of the Hawaiian Monarchy. This is the only Official Royal Residence in the US.
Pearl Harbor - USS Arizona Memorial :
Waikiki Aquarium - 2777 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-9741Waimea Valley - 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy.
Hale`iwa HI 96712 (808) 638-7766 A 11/2 mile trail along world renowned botanical gardens and scenic waterfalls.
Souvenirs:
808 Clothing Company - Hawaiian printed shirts for Men and Women. They even have XXL shirts.
ABC Stores - Convenient stores on every corner that come in handy for a cold bottle of water or a last minute souvenir.
All Star Dips - Yumminess! Everything from dry rubs to soup starters.
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet - 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI96818 * 808-488 0924 Sundays 6:30-3pm is the best time to go. Best prices on the island for all things Hawaiian.
Da Secret Sauce - Check out their website for more info but who wouldn't like to add a new hot sauce to their collecting. Your "spicy" friends will thank you.
Etched Glass Hawaii - Fun Hawaii themes etched in all types of glassware.
Kaiulani Spices - You can find Chef Kai's spices all over the island and they make for a fun souvenir. You can also find great recipes on her website. For the record you have never met a nicer person. My daughter and I met her at the Made in Hawaii Convention in 2016.
Kawaii Mono - Looking for a unique gift, look no further! I bought an origami crane in a bottle for a six year old girl going through chemo. They have a lot of other great unique items as well. Instagram: @kawaiimono808
Lewis Koa Company - Beautiful items made out of Koa Wood. Everything from Furniture to Christmas Ornaments.
Liang of Hawaii since 1972 Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry Very high end but worth every penny. I have been buying what are sure to be my family heirlooms here for decades. I also have many friends and family members that have purchased items over the phone and have been very pleased. Fabulous customer service. Kahala Shopping Center 4211 Waialae Ave Suite 6040Honolulu, HI 96816 ph: 808-737-1955
Sparrow Seas - A variety of gold jewelry that will give you the perfect souvenir of the islands.
Shopping:
Royal Hawaiian Center - 2201 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 808.922.2299 - Just off the main strip of Waikiki, a strip mall of sorts housing some of the top brands of the world. What makes this shopping center special is its dedication to cultural heritage. Check the website for free concerts, leis making classes and a possible hula dancing class.
Ala Moana Hawaii's Center - Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814 808.955.9517
One of the worlds largest open-air shopping centers. Currently housing 340 shops and restaurants. Our first stop has always been the The Slipper House and we are crushed to hear that the mall has forced them to close after 54 years. I personally have been going there for 38 years and with news of the closure will probably never see a need to go to the Ala Moana Center during future trips. The Slipper House was unique and a part of our vacation traditions. I choose to not spend my vacation shopping at stores I can find just anywhere.
XCEL Factory Outlet - 66-590 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 (808) 637-3248 A UV Protected Rash Guard is an essential piece of clothing to any Hawaiian vacation. Trust me when I say a bad burn for any member of your family can put a real damper on your trip. Sizes start as small as size 1 for toddlers.
Bucket List
Blue Hawaii Photo Tours - I will definitely be trying one of these tours next time I head to the islands. Check out their website to see what tour fits you best and know when you are booking a portion of the proceeds goes towards saving sea turtles. Oh that makes me so happy.
Island X Hawaii - Coffee and Chocolate Factory 67-106 Kealohanui Street. C-1 Waialua, HI 96791 (808) 637-2624 Sunday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Manoa Chocolate Tour - 315 Uluniu Street , Set 203 Kailua, HI 96734 * 808-262-6789 (A bean-to-bar chocolate factory.
Menehune Mac Factory Gift Center - 707-A Waiakamilo Road 808-841-3344 Not sure how much of the "factory" you can see at this location but their website says you can buy their products at factory prices. I will report next time we head to the islands.
Mermaids of Hawaii - 808-354-9303 For all your friends and family that love mermaids! They literally have everything it takes to turn you into a mermaid and will have a photo shoot so your friends back home will believe it.
Scuba Diving -
Shrimp Shack - 53-360 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717 - 808-256-5589
Snorkling - (Dolphins and Sea Turtles)
Sunflower Fields in the North Shore of Oahu - Paalaa Kai Bakery is your landmark. The gate to enter is right across the street from it. Pioneer Hi-Bred, 67-172 Farrington Hwy., (808) 637-0100.
Sea Turtles -
Laniakea Beach - For almost 20 years Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles have chosen this beach as a place to come on shore for a little rest and sun. 21 turtles have been tagged by a volunteer group set up to track and protect the Honu.
State Laws:
Stay 5-6 feet away from the turtles.
Do not feed the turtles.
Keep the beaches clean and free of obstacles.
The best way to help turtles is to make sure they have a clear path to the water and back on land.
Hotline Turtle Emergency NOAA Fisheries - (808) 983-5730
If you think I missed anything, please comment below! I never stop searching for the best of the best on every vacation.