Oahu Guide
Waikiki Eats 🍜
Great all American breakfast with ocean views. Only two blocks away!
37 locals recommend
Eggs 'n Things Waikiki Beach Eggspress
2464 Kalakaua AveGreat all American breakfast with ocean views. Only two blocks away!
My favorite place to eat. Great bar with good bar food. Oceanside views! Perfect for young groups after a day in the us.
100 locals recommend
LuLu's Waikiki
2586 Kalakaua AveMy favorite place to eat. Great bar with good bar food. Oceanside views! Perfect for young groups after a day in the us.
Arguably the best place for food and drinks in Waikiki. Beachfront dinning with live music. Enjoy delicious food with your tropical cocktail. Don’t forget to order their famous Hula pie!
311 locals recommend
Duke's Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua AveArguably the best place for food and drinks in Waikiki. Beachfront dinning with live music. Enjoy delicious food with your tropical cocktail. Don’t forget to order their famous Hula pie!
Oahu Mexican Grill (OMG)
2520 Kalakaua AveGreat burritos with Oceanside views!
Right down the street from Pau Hana Place. Sooo delicious!
Ramen spot by Masaharu Morimoto offering an array of Japanese noodles, appetizers & sakes.
6 locals recommend
Momosan Waikiki
2490 Kalakaua AveRight down the street from Pau Hana Place. Sooo delicious!
Ramen spot by Masaharu Morimoto offering an array of Japanese noodles, appetizers & sakes.
Awesome udon! Served instantly. Cheap food as well. Very popular with the locals and tourists.
176 locals recommend
Marukame Udon Waikiki
2310 Kūhiō Ave.Awesome udon! Served instantly. Cheap food as well. Very popular with the locals and tourists.
My favorite place to have musubi. Spam musubi is a popular snack and lunch food composed of a slice of grilled Spam sandwiched either in between or on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with nori. You’ve gotta try one while you are in Hawaii. They also have great prices! Definitely a local favorite.
50 locals recommend
Musubi Cafe IYASUME
2427 Kūhiō AvenueMy favorite place to have musubi. Spam musubi is a popular snack and lunch food composed of a slice of grilled Spam sandwiched either in between or on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with nori. You’ve gotta try one while you are in Hawaii. They also have great prices! Definitely a local favorite.
Local fast food burger joint. There are spots to sit down. Definitely get a burger. The burgers are awesome, the chicken is not.
9 locals recommend
Teddy's Bigger Burgers Kapiolani
1646 Kapiolani BlvdLocal fast food burger joint. There are spots to sit down. Definitely get a burger. The burgers are awesome, the chicken is not.
Outdoor cafe next to the park and right in front of the ocean. Live music occasionally. This is an outdoor restaurant. The food is pretty good but you can find better. However you can’t beat the location and the scenery. Worth a go!
51 locals recommend
Barefoot Beach Cafe @ Queen's Surf Beach
2699 Kalakaua AveOutdoor cafe next to the park and right in front of the ocean. Live music occasionally. This is an outdoor restaurant. The food is pretty good but you can find better. However you can’t beat the location and the scenery. Worth a go!
Hard to find the entrance but they place has great views. The food is okay. Nothing special. This place makes up for the food with its great atmosphere. Good for drinks and appetizers!
100 locals recommend
Tikis Grill & Bar
2570 Kalakaua AveHard to find the entrance but they place has great views. The food is okay. Nothing special. This place makes up for the food with its great atmosphere. Good for drinks and appetizers!
Sightseeing ⛰
** COVID ANNOUNCEMENT** OPEN but check hours, as they may have changed.
Close to Waikiki, Diamond Head is a volcanic crater. The trail is moderate in difficulty. Trail length is 1.6 miles round trip. You will probably spend 1-3 hours at Diamond Head. There are beautiful views of Southeastern Oahu.
Additional Info:
- Open 6 am to 4 pm
- Closed Monday through Wednesday
- Restrooms available
- Food concession available
- Picnic Tables available
- Entrance Fee - Cash only
- Parking Fee - Cash only
- No mountain biking
- No Dogs allowed
- No fires
250 locals recommend
Diamond Head
** COVID ANNOUNCEMENT** OPEN but check hours, as they may have changed.
Close to Waikiki, Diamond Head is a volcanic crater. The trail is moderate in difficulty. Trail length is 1.6 miles round trip. You will probably spend 1-3 hours at Diamond Head. There are beautiful views of Southeastern Oahu.
Additional Info:
- Open 6 am to 4 pm
- Closed Monday through Wednesday
- Restrooms available
- Food concession available
- Picnic Tables available
- Entrance Fee - Cash only
- Parking Fee - Cash only
- No mountain biking
- No Dogs allowed
- No fires
COVID status: OPEN
About a 28 min drive from Pau Hana Place.
400 acres of tropical plants along with a man-made freshwater lake, hiking trails & free campground.
Open Daily 9-4pm.
Admission and parking is free.
Many different spots to pull off and park to explore more areas. You can download a map via QR code at the main visitor center.
Can bring food for a nature picnic!
If you are taking a car you need to be out by 4pm.
135 locals recommend
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
45-680 Luluku RdCOVID status: OPEN
About a 28 min drive from Pau Hana Place.
400 acres of tropical plants along with a man-made freshwater lake, hiking trails & free campground.
Open Daily 9-4pm.
Admission and parking is free.
Many different spots to pull off and park to explore more areas. You can download a map via QR code at the main visitor center.
Can bring food for a nature picnic!
If you are taking a car you need to be out by 4pm.
Built in 1968 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants of Oahu. Located under the Ko’olau Mountains. This building is a replica of the 950 year old temple Uji in Japan. $5 per adult and $2 a child.
105 locals recommend
Byodo-In Temple
47-200 Kahekili HwyBuilt in 1968 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants of Oahu. Located under the Ko’olau Mountains. This building is a replica of the 950 year old temple Uji in Japan. $5 per adult and $2 a child.
Features island villages that represent six Polynesian islands. Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. Also has a Luau, nightshow and market place. A full day experience.
547 locals recommend
Polylnesian cutlural center
Features island villages that represent six Polynesian islands. Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. Also has a Luau, nightshow and market place. A full day experience.
Breathtaking views! According to Hawaiian legend, there was a giant lizard who lived in Laie, who would kill anyone who dared to trespass on its property. Check it out. One of my favorite spots. Great for whale watching in the winter.
88 locals recommend
Laie Point State Wayside Park
Hawaii 83Breathtaking views! According to Hawaiian legend, there was a giant lizard who lived in Laie, who would kill anyone who dared to trespass on its property. Check it out. One of my favorite spots. Great for whale watching in the winter.
Fun for everyone but especially great for families with kids. Train ride, maze and Garden walk. Great food. Known for their Dole Whip.
179 locals recommend
Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha HwyFun for everyone but especially great for families with kids. Train ride, maze and Garden walk. Great food. Known for their Dole Whip.
Green World Coffee Farms
71-101 Kamehameha HwyMoanalua Gardens Park
2850-A Moanalua Rd24 acres of beautiful historical gardens.
4,000 beautiful acre private reserve. So much to do here.. ATVs, zip-line, kayaking and horseback riding. You could easily spend a whole day here. Known for filming locations such as Jurassic Park, Lost and 50 First Dates.
289 locals recommend
Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha Hwy4,000 beautiful acre private reserve. So much to do here.. ATVs, zip-line, kayaking and horseback riding. You could easily spend a whole day here. Known for filming locations such as Jurassic Park, Lost and 50 First Dates.
In Honolulu, a short drive from Waikiki. Beautiful place for a picnic. Panoramic views of Honolulu.
116 locals recommend
Tantalus Lookout Puu Ualakaa State Park
Nutridge StreetIn Honolulu, a short drive from Waikiki. Beautiful place for a picnic. Panoramic views of Honolulu.
Koko Crater Botanical Garden
7491 Kokonani StSnorkeling 🤿
COVID ANNOUNCEMENT:
NOW OPEN AGAIN
It is one of the premier destinations on Oahu if you want to get acquainted with hundreds of tropical fish and marine life. It offers an overall great experience whether your a beginner or an avid snorkeler and it's for people of all ages.
Guests will be required to watch a 9 min video on ocean-life safety.
$3 parking. $12 entry fee. Unless active duty or Hawaii resident.
Kids under 12 are free.
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY
Hours:
Opens 8 am
No entry after 2 pm
Lifeguards want everyone heading out of the water around 3 pm
Closes at 4 pm
Lockers and snorkels are available for rent.
Make sure you bring REEF SAFE sunscreen.
You can bring just about anything you’d like to the beach. You can bring your own food and drinks.
531 locals recommend
Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaʻole HighwayCOVID ANNOUNCEMENT:
NOW OPEN AGAIN
It is one of the premier destinations on Oahu if you want to get acquainted with hundreds of tropical fish and marine life. It offers an overall great experience whether your a beginner or an avid snorkeler and it's for people of all ages.
Guests will be required to watch a 9 min video on ocean-life safety.
$3 parking. $12 entry fee. Unless active duty or Hawaii resident.
Kids under 12 are free.
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY
Hours:
Opens 8 am
No entry after 2 pm
Lifeguards want everyone heading out of the water around 3 pm
Closes at 4 pm
Lockers and snorkels are available for rent.
Make sure you bring REEF SAFE sunscreen.
You can bring just about anything you’d like to the beach. You can bring your own food and drinks.
Can be dangerous in the winter months. Shark’s Cove isn’t known to contain sharks. Located in Pupukea between Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline, this spot has been a local north shore secret for years. Plan on seeing plenty of fish, turtles, eels, and sea urchins here, but those with sensitive feet may need water shoes to get past the rocky area to access the shore.
191 locals recommend
Sharks Cove
Can be dangerous in the winter months. Shark’s Cove isn’t known to contain sharks. Located in Pupukea between Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline, this spot has been a local north shore secret for years. Plan on seeing plenty of fish, turtles, eels, and sea urchins here, but those with sensitive feet may need water shoes to get past the rocky area to access the shore.
On the eastern side of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s north shore lies Kuilima Cove, one of the best spots for beginner to intermediate snorkeling on the island. It’s a beautiful beach for lounging, which makes it a perfect options if not everyone in your group wants to get in the water. Since it’s right next to the hotel, the facilities are much better here than at other beaches on the list
Kuilima Cove
On the eastern side of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s north shore lies Kuilima Cove, one of the best spots for beginner to intermediate snorkeling on the island. It’s a beautiful beach for lounging, which makes it a perfect options if not everyone in your group wants to get in the water. Since it’s right next to the hotel, the facilities are much better here than at other beaches on the list
Also known as “Electric Beach” because of the electrical plant that shoots warm water into the sea that the ocean life loves, Kahe Point is best left for advanced swimmers. The current is strong, so getting in and out can be a workout even if the surf looks small. Plus, there’s no lifeguard. Turtles, fish, small sharks and dolphins enjoying hanging out by the warm water coming out of the pipe, which you check out to on the right side if you’re a strong swimmer. Kahe is also a popular spot for scuba diving and spearfishing.
19 locals recommend
Kahe Point Beach Park
92-301 Farrington HwyAlso known as “Electric Beach” because of the electrical plant that shoots warm water into the sea that the ocean life loves, Kahe Point is best left for advanced swimmers. The current is strong, so getting in and out can be a workout even if the surf looks small. Plus, there’s no lifeguard. Turtles, fish, small sharks and dolphins enjoying hanging out by the warm water coming out of the pipe, which you check out to on the right side if you’re a strong swimmer. Kahe is also a popular spot for scuba diving and spearfishing.
It’s best to snorkel here when the water is calm, as the fine sand can make the visibility a bit cloudy. Parking can be a little tricky, so you can either find street parking in the residential area (look out for signs to avoid parking tickets) or park in the Kailua Beach lot and walk. Shoot for a weekday because weekends get super busy and parking can be impossible. The entire Kailua Bay is a protected feeding ground for the endangered honu, so expect to see a turtle or two munching seaweed off the rocks.
70 locals recommend
Lanikai Beach
It’s best to snorkel here when the water is calm, as the fine sand can make the visibility a bit cloudy. Parking can be a little tricky, so you can either find street parking in the residential area (look out for signs to avoid parking tickets) or park in the Kailua Beach lot and walk. Shoot for a weekday because weekends get super busy and parking can be impossible. The entire Kailua Bay is a protected feeding ground for the endangered honu, so expect to see a turtle or two munching seaweed off the rocks.
Luau’s 🐖
COVID: Now OPEN again
Make reservation ahead of time on their website.
Check-in begins at 5 pm
Luau starts at 5:30 pm
Ends around 7:45 pm
Open Mon, Wed, Friday, Sunday
37 locals recommend
Chief's Luau
400 Farrington HwyCOVID: Now OPEN again
Make reservation ahead of time on their website.
Check-in begins at 5 pm
Luau starts at 5:30 pm
Ends around 7:45 pm
Open Mon, Wed, Friday, Sunday
COVID: Now OPEN
Another popular Luau spot on the island.
Make reservations ahead of time either via phone or through their website.
Because of Covid, there is a maximum of 5 people per group.
42 locals recommend
Germaine's Luau
91-119 Olai StCOVID: Now OPEN
Another popular Luau spot on the island.
Make reservations ahead of time either via phone or through their website.
Because of Covid, there is a maximum of 5 people per group.
Windward (East Side) Beaches 🏝
Year 2015, voted as the number 1 beach in the US. Soft white sandy beach with amazing turquoise colored ocean and hundreds of towering ironwood trees, great for those who want shade.
101 locals recommend
Waimanalo Beach
Year 2015, voted as the number 1 beach in the US. Soft white sandy beach with amazing turquoise colored ocean and hundreds of towering ironwood trees, great for those who want shade.
Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Kailua. Clean bathroom and showers. Some shaded areas. Usually calm waters and soft sand. No coral. There is a parking lot but it can get full very fast. Street parking available but you might have to walk a bit. Good place for swimming, SUP or kayaking
200 locals recommend
Kailua Beach Park
526 Kawailoa RdLocated in the beautiful neighborhood of Kailua. Clean bathroom and showers. Some shaded areas. Usually calm waters and soft sand. No coral. There is a parking lot but it can get full very fast. Street parking available but you might have to walk a bit. Good place for swimming, SUP or kayaking
Lots of parking. Many people kayak or SUP to China Man’s Hat from here. No lifeguards. China Man’s Hat island has a little hike as well.
7 locals recommend
Kualoa Beach
Lots of parking. Many people kayak or SUP to China Man’s Hat from here. No lifeguards. China Man’s Hat island has a little hike as well.
Very calm waters, great for swimming. Ocean is clear enough to see fish swimming at the shore. Shallow enough to easily walk further in. Smooth sand floor without the worries about stepping on rocks.
16 locals recommend
Kāhala Beach
Very calm waters, great for swimming. Ocean is clear enough to see fish swimming at the shore. Shallow enough to easily walk further in. Smooth sand floor without the worries about stepping on rocks.
Limited parking. Most find street parking then walk over. Great place to snorkel. Usually calm, not many waves typically. Very soft sand! Lanikai pillbox hike is right down the road.
70 locals recommend
Lanikai Beach
Limited parking. Most find street parking then walk over. Great place to snorkel. Usually calm, not many waves typically. Very soft sand! Lanikai pillbox hike is right down the road.
Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaʻole HighwayAlso called Cockroach or Eternity beach. A great place to swim close to shore for experienced swimmers. However, a big caution: Don’t swim out too far, because the current quickly gets strong and the irregular tidal changes makes it very dangerous. Parking is by Halona Blowhole lookout point (beautiful scenery) and then a short walk down some rocks.
Halona Beach Cove is the place where the love scene from the 1953 movie “From Here to Eternity” took place, between Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancester.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty and no showers or restrooms.
23 locals recommend
Halona Beach Cove
Also called Cockroach or Eternity beach. A great place to swim close to shore for experienced swimmers. However, a big caution: Don’t swim out too far, because the current quickly gets strong and the irregular tidal changes makes it very dangerous. Parking is by Halona Blowhole lookout point (beautiful scenery) and then a short walk down some rocks.
Halona Beach Cove is the place where the love scene from the 1953 movie “From Here to Eternity” took place, between Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancester.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty and no showers or restrooms.
Also called Sandy’s or Break-neck Beach”, as it causes more injuries per visitor than any other beach on Oahu. Immensely popular among experienced local bodyboarders and bodysurfers. Don’t recommend for swimming but it’s a pretty area to stop. Lock your car doors.
133 locals recommend
Sandy Beach
Also called Sandy’s or Break-neck Beach”, as it causes more injuries per visitor than any other beach on Oahu. Immensely popular among experienced local bodyboarders and bodysurfers. Don’t recommend for swimming but it’s a pretty area to stop. Lock your car doors.
Waikiki Fun 🏖
Cromwell's Beach
Kahanamoku Beach
Queen's Beach
Ala Moana Beach
Sandy bottom. Coral about 60 feet out if you want to do some light snorkeling. Good place to bring kids.
57 locals recommend
Kaimana Beach
Sandy bottom. Coral about 60 feet out if you want to do some light snorkeling. Good place to bring kids.
Kapiʻolani Regional Park
3840 Paki AveGreat place to hangout and picnic or hammock.
West Side 🤙🏻
Hawaiian Electric Beach Park
92-201 Farrington HwyMakua Beach