Small local shop for authentic and delicious Musubi. They have a table or two if you want dine-in, but most people take their Musubi to-go to the beach. We loved it, but it might be a long wait (30 mins to an hour) so planned accordingly! They actually have multiple locations if this one is not close to where you stay,.
We liked the original flavor Malasada! Cannot guarantee anything if you decide to order the ones with fillings… also, parking can get pretty cramped. There's a Safeway right across the street and it's a 30min walking distance from Waikiki.
Cozy and cute local Vietnamese restaurant that has been around for 10 years. Both food and drinks are delicious! It’s our go-to every time we are in Oahu!
Must book in advance. The upscale Omakase in Ritz-Carlton Waikiki. The word on the street is that it’s the best they ever had (even for a Japanese!), but we haven’t got the chance to try it ourselves.
Must book in advance. We heard it’s really good, but we haven’t got the chance to try it ourselves.
- Matsumoto Shaved Ice
- Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
- Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken
- Marukame Udon Waikiki (franchise)
- House Without a Key
- Duke's Waikiki
- Ono Seafood
- Island Vintage Coffee or Shave Ice (downstairs)
A soft-sand beach with warmer water and fewer tourists. It’s beautiful out here and we loved it! Make sure to bring your own beach towels. If you're up for a hike, check out Lanikai Pillbox Trail right nearby!
Must book in advance. Beautiful Hawaii scenery featuring Jurassic Park tours and other activities.
Must book in advance. A 30-min hike to the lookout for the beautiful Honolulu coastline. The trail has no shade and can be a little steep at times, but it’s definitely worthwhile! Reserve your spot for entry here.
Must book in advance for USS Arizona.
Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands! Visit authentic villages, try Polynesian cuisine by reserving one of their Luau! Stick around to watch HĀ: Breath of Life, the symbolic story of Mana and his beloved Lani, punctuated by Polynesian dance, music and blazing fireknives.
Must book in advance. Cage dive with the sharks! We had the chance to do this on our first trip to Oahu. It's a cool experience and The North Shore Shark Adventures were awesome. Few tips: book the earliest slot and take a motion sickness medicine beforehand. Maybe keep a few ginger chews handy.
Must book in advance. Snorkel with Hawaiian marine life! We had a chance to see turtles and dolphins during our afternoon tour. Ko Olina Ocean Adventures were also awesome and we would rebook with them!
Must book in advance. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a stunning and unique destination located on the southeastern side of Oahu, Hawaii. Formed within a volcanic cone, this pristine marine ecosystem offers visitors an amazing place to snorkel and explore the diverse wildlife that inhabit the area! Fee and Reservations is required.
Take a step back in history and visit the ʻIolani Palace, a royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi beginning with Kamehameha III under the Kamehameha Dynasty and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani.
Oahu's golf gem
Fun spot for all ages! Chug, wander, shop, ride, taste, or stroll—there are plenty of ways to explore Dole Plantation.
Good alternative if you don't have time to go to Diamond Head and want the greenery view. It has a panoramic view of the windward coast of Oʻahu!