You booked your tickets! Now it’s time to start your travel planning. Don’t know where to start? Well, you’re in luck! You’ve found the spot for proven advice from people that currently live on the island to people that frequent it a couple of times a year.
This visitors guide will give you a sense of where to start your journey – where to eat and where to stay on Oahu.
What to do if it’s your first time visiting Oahu?
Before we get started on the recommendations we just want to give you a quick rundown of the island. An easy map to help understand where things are around the island
We highly recommend renting a car while on the island even just for a day. Some of our favorite memories were just of us driving around H2 towards the Windward Coast.
Hotels
First we’ll look at some of our favorite hotels on the island. Some in the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and others that are more secluded and relaxing.
Alohilani Resort – Waikiki
Alohilani Resort has just been newly renovated, but has more of a Las Vegas vibe going for it so no Hawaiian feels here. It definitely attracts more of a younger crowd with the fantastic roof deck, DJ and drinks
The hotel’s main lobby has a huge fishtank with a cool bar next to it. Also, it has a lot of designer stores right inside the hotel.
Location is great given that it’s in the heart of Waikiki and right across the street from the beach.
One of the best things about the Alohilani Resort is that you don’t have to stay at the hotel to use the rooftop! It is one of the very few hotels that will let you get a day pass to the pool and rent a cabana.
Sheraton Waikiki
Sheraton Waikiki is one of the more family friendly hotels on this list. It features some really cool sand sculptures in the lobby that are ever changing depending on the season.
You can grab ice cream from the shop downstairs and hang out next to the koi pond for a relaxing time with the kids and you don’t even have to be a guest to hang out in the lobby.
They also offer free ukulele lessons within their ukulele shop center!
Sheraton Waikikis infinity pool is gorgeous and great for sunsets. Unfortunately, the day cabanas can be a little on the pricier side at around $500. If you stay at the Royal Hawaiian you can share the Sheraton pool.
The hotel even has its own night club called Rum Fire but be aware there is a cover charge. Could be a cool night depending on the day and who the DJ is.
All in all a good hotel but can seem a little outdated in some areas.
Kahala Hotel & Resort
Kahala Hotel & Resort located somewhat in the middle of Waikiki and Hanauma Bay is a nice hotel but can be somewhat isolated from everything. Somewhat on the pricier side but could be a good contender for a honeymoon stay.
The hotel golf course is also a plus!
Solid location given that it is only a 15 min drive away from Waikiki but far enough from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. The beach is nice and much less crowded that any hotel in Waikiki.
We’d definitely consider this an older style hotel with furniture that is dated but classic.
If you are staying here we’d recommend making reservations at the hotels on the property given that you don’t have to stay at the hotel to be able to visit the stores and restaurants.
The hotel has some stores, one of which is the Kahala Macadamia Nuts store. Other than online, this is the only place to get them.
The breeze is always blowing through the hotel which is nice. You might even get lucky and see dolphins from your room
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
While this might not be the fanciest hotel in Waikiki it has definitely become one of our favorites. In terms of value it rank towards the top.
If you are able to use Hyatt Points it’s only 12k per night which might seem high but compared to all the others is actually a no brainer.
They are one of the few hotels that offer complimentary breakfast. While you might think its only cream cheese and bagels we were thoroughly surprised with a real breakfast with eggs, bacon and sausage. It might not seem like a lot but it adds up quick.
It is also one of the few hotels in Waikiki that does not charge a resort fee!
They do have a pool but its nothing to rave about and not very inviting. The good thing is that Waikiki beach is two blocks from the hotel.
It is located at the end on Waikiki so close enough to walk to all the popular places on Waikiki but far enough you wont have to deal with most of the Waikiki headaches.
All in all if you’re more worried about what you’ll be doing than where you’ll be staying I’d recommend Hyatt Place Waikiki.
Turtle Bay Resort
The Turtle Bay Resort can be found in the North Shore of the island about an hour drive from Waikiki.
It is a beautiful resort with so much to see. Relaxing and a lot less crowded than those in Waikiki but can get crowded at times being one of the only resort on North Shore. This hotel has an adults only pool so perfect for those honeymooners.
Turtle Bay is somewhat secluded so i’d recommend renting a car in order to be able to visit the rest of the island.
Prices for food can also be expensive so driving a couple of minuted to Ted’s Bakery or Haleiwa for some Surf N Salsa, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Hi Pie bakery and Matsumoto Shave Ice might be worth it.
Activities
Makani Catamaran
Makani Catamaran is a 5 minute drive from Waikiki and you board from a dock that’s wheelchair accessible. A majority of catamarans dock on Waikiki beach and you have to walk through the beach to get on them.
They make two daily trips, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. We’d recommend the evening one as when you are coming back you’ll get beautiful sunset shots.
Makani has a specialty drink called the high tide that you should definitely try. Be careful though because it is a doozy.
You can bring your own food on board which is nice. An evening cruise with some food, what could be better than that.
Speaking from experience we HIGHLY recommend you take some anti nausea medicine a couple of hours before your cruise. Even though you think you wont need it, take it. Rather be safe than sorry and miserable on an hour long cruise.
Paradise Helicopters
This is a great way to be able to see the whole island in a short amount of time.
You’ll have to drive to the north part of the island around Turtle Bay to start your tour.
You’ll get to see from the sand bars to Kualoa Ranch and Pearl Harbor. Seeing Pearl Harbor from the top is a different experience and you’ll be able to see the sunken ship under the water.
You are fully strapped in but if you are feeling adventurers definitely do the tour without the doors!
Polynesian Cultural Center
Hand down one of the best activities to do on the island. You are able to travel through different island villages representing different island cultures.
Make reservations for it when you plan your trip, they fill up fast.
Each island had a different presentations and games that will keep you engaged for hours.
If you are able to book the package with the luau as it is one of the best and authentic luaus on the island. Top 3 hands down.
If you book in advance you get a 10% discount and the family package is a great value and includes the luau and guided tour.
Depending on the tour you’ll start at noon and finish around 9pm with dinner included depending on your package.
Reef Pirates Diving
Wether it be scuba diving or snorkeling we’d definitely recommend Reef Pirates Diving!
They keep their charters small. No more than six people so you actually feel safe and not packed like a can of sardines like some other diving charters.
We ended up getting our scuba certification here and have nothing but good things to say about Sitoshi and the staff at Reef Pirates Diving.
If going underneath the water isn’t your thing you can definitely check out the Waikiki Aquarium
Luau
There are so many Luaus on the island and I feel like new ones keep popping up every couple of months.
Toa Luau is one of the top ones given that they include dinner and free activities during the luau. They have one of the best fire shows right next to the Polynesian center Luau.
The Ka Moana Luau, Chief’s Luau and Mele Luau Kopolei Hula Show are also great options.
Beaches
Makapu’u Beach
Located on the Windward coast right across the street from the Sea Life Park Hawaii.
Free parking and secluded so won’t be as crowded as Waikiki beach.
Waves can get pretty strong especially during the winter months and you have to time when you’re going into the water.
The beach is not for everyone but you can’t go wrong with the scenery and the lighthouse peaking over the cliff
Waikiki Beach
Although man made and crowded its definitely worth going to and taking in the views.
Will hands down be the most crowded beach on the island but the views of Diamond head make up for it.
Anything that you might need is not too far away with restrooms close by and ABC stores within walking distance.
It’s nice that Waikiki beach has plenty of restrooms because most of the beaches on the island don’t.
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
Waimanalo Bay located on the Windward Coast is a long stretch of white sandy beach with over 3 miles of pristine beach front, when added together with nearby Waimanalo Beach Park.
Has free parking, bench tables under the trees and clean bathrooms and showers.
Make sure to bring your own food as there are no concession stands or food trucks nearby.
The beach is located on the eastern windward side so you’ll definitely catch some fantastic sunrises
Gently sloping beach with beautiful soft sand and very close to our favorite beach Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is hard to get to as it has no street access and no street parking. It has bathroom but is so quiet secluded, beautiful and we feel worth the hassle .
Easiest way to Lanikai Beach is to park at the Kailua Boat Ramp and walk down Mokulua Dr to one of the beach entrances between houses.
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay might be one of the most popular beaches on this side of the island. This beach offers so much action and is unrecognizable between the summer and winter months.
During the summer months the waters are generally calm. You’re able to jump off the rock and lay by the beach. Make sure to bring an umbrella because there is hardly any shade.
In the winter the waves can get CRAZY. People fly in from all over the world to surf waves that generally start around 10 to 20 feet and can sometimes go over 30 feet.
Parking is free but with this beach being so popular it does fill up fast. We had to wait in the parking lot for a while waiting for someone to leave.
One of the nicer facilities with restrooms, beach showers and picnic tables.
Food
Moena Cafe
With it only being a 20 minute drive from Waikiki this is one of our favorite breakfast spots. Arrive early because they always have a wait list.
This is definitely an “If you know you know” type of spot and a local favorite. The pancakes are some of the best on the island.
We always get a specialty pancake to share between the two of us because oh man. Cinnamon Roll, Banana Chantilly, Strawberry & Milk, Mc Fruity Pancake.
Sunny Days/ Cream Pot
Both Sunny Days and Cream Pot are located near Waikiki minutes from each other.
Japanese Soufflé pancakes can be found all over Oahu but these two are some of the best. The texture of the pancakes are so good and so different from anything else we’ve tried.
They always have a line even before the restaurant open so be prepared to wait.
On occasions they will run out so arrive early!
YogurStory
Their Ube pancakes are the star of the show. The pancakes are purple, the sauce is purple all they’re missing is the purple plate.
The sauce is so good you can get extra but its going to run you $5 but its well worth it.
The portions of the rest of their dishes won’t disappoint either. You could definitely share their French toast.
My go to when we come here is the Kalua Pork Loco Moco or the Prime Rib Loco Moco
Hula Grill
Hula Grill is somewhat hidden given that its on the second floor. Right above Dukes restaurant
Food here is really good and would recommend them over Dukes as the portions aren’t too bad.
Island Vintage Wine Bar
In the hear of Waikiki but can be tricky to find. They serve some really good wine and have great food.
Their lunch options are healthy like cauliflower mash with a hint of garlic but also have some heavy hitters like their burgers.
Very affordable and have some great wine options as we’ve talked to Mark the head sommelier and he has something for everyone.
Don’t confuse it with the building they own next door called Island vintage coffee that serves some beautiful and delicious Acai bowls.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
Located in North shore and been in business since 1951. The flavors of their shave ice is hands down the best and has won best shave ice on the island multiple years.
There’s always a line. It moves fast but be prepares to wait.
** If you’re staying in Waikiki and cant make the drive three options that are still good are Lahaina Shave Ice (Best ice Consistency), Waiola Shave Ice (Great Price) and Island Vintage Shave Ice (In Waikiki but pricy) **
Ahi Assassin/ Ono Seafood / Alicias Market
The are the top three poke places on our list.
Ahi Assassin can be a little tricky to find as it is in the second floor of a complex and storefront isn’t too big.
All three places have poke that is fresh and delicious. Definitely recommend trying the poke as some of the sauces can be spicy and maybe not for you.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Open since 1946 you cant get any more authentic Hawaiian food than this.
Try the Kalua pork, pipikaula short ribs, laulau and lau chicken as they are amazing.
You can say its a hole-in-the wall restaurant thats on the outskirts of waikiki but don’t let that fool you as it is frequently visited by the locals and a must go to spot.
Papa Kurts
From regular burgers to ahi burgers and venison burgers you cant go wrong with any of them
Instead of going to a fast food restaurant check out Papa Kurts. A few blocks from the Ala Moana Shopping center.
They recently moved into the building inside the Margatitas restaurant but you cant miss it as its night next to the bar.
Parking can be difficult but they do have 15 min parking in the alley way in between Margaritas and the complex next door on Sheridan St.
Miro Kaimuki
If you want to have a special night in Oahu and want to celebrate with a nice dinner this is the place.
Chef Chris knows what he is doing and probably runs the best restaurant operation on the island.
Miro offers a Five Course prix fixed menu with optional add ons, get the bread. We were surprised at how well they catered to allergies and were blown away by the vegetarian options they brought out for my partner.
The menu changes monthly and they frequently have guest chefs from all over the world so if you can snag a reservation definitely check it out.
Hikes
Diamond Head
If you only had time to do one hike we’d recommend it be Diamond Head
Just minutes from Waikiki it is perfect even if this is your first time hiking as most of it is paved, well maintained and there are guard rails almost all the way up.
Just be advised that you do have to go through a tunnel so if you get claustrophobic you might want to skip this one. I made a video about it.
Yes it is touristy and does get packed but the views are nice. We recommend going first thing in the morning or right before they close.
Lanikai Pillbox
Located on the Windward Coast this is a harder hike. We’d say beginner to intermediate.
The views are worth it as you overlook Lanikai beach. The beginning of the hike is somewhat hard and the entry is someone hard to find. I made a video about it.
It gets a little challenging and you don’t have to climb all the way to the top to enjoy some good views. A beautiful hike that rewards you the higher you hike.
We don’t recommend doing it if it had just rained as parts are very slippery.
Parking can be very hard as there is no parking in front of the entry and nearby neighborhood doesn’t have much street parking.
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Located on the Windward coast this is an easy hike for the whole family.
The views are nice going up the whole way with it getting progressively windier the closer you get to the top.
Enough parking but make sure to hide valuable as there have been known to have some car break-ins.
Trail is open year round and generally takes an hour. Short uphill paved trail along the sea with gorgeous views of both the island and the ocean.
We hope this guide for your first visit to Oahu will be useful!