Oahu Adventure Guidebook

Scott
Oahu Adventure Guidebook

Neighborhoods

Lived in this neighborhood for nearly 10 years and loved it! Walk around the streets and you will see the markets to get fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and lots of food options around.
45 locals recommend
Chinatown
45 locals recommend
Lived in this neighborhood for nearly 10 years and loved it! Walk around the streets and you will see the markets to get fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and lots of food options around.
Fun neighborhood with tons of events and food.
45 locals recommend
Kaka'ako
45 locals recommend
Fun neighborhood with tons of events and food.
Older neighborhood but local businesses and eateries line both sides of (Waialae Avenue). Lots to choose from.
17 locals recommend
Kaimuki
17 locals recommend
Older neighborhood but local businesses and eateries line both sides of (Waialae Avenue). Lots to choose from.
Come and explore the best of Kailua Town!
Kailua Beach
Come and explore the best of Kailua Town!
Haleiwa is up the North Shore of Oʻahu where the big surf events happen in the winter season. Great area to just visit to explore the area, look around the little shops, and enjoy the vibe of the slower paced town
62 locals recommend
Haleiwa Alii Beach Park
62 locals recommend
Haleiwa is up the North Shore of Oʻahu where the big surf events happen in the winter season. Great area to just visit to explore the area, look around the little shops, and enjoy the vibe of the slower paced town
Big surf happens here especially in the winter. Nice area to explore different beaches. Chill area to drive and stop by whatever catches your eye. This area is where 50 First Dates was filmed.
North Shore
Big surf happens here especially in the winter. Nice area to explore different beaches. Chill area to drive and stop by whatever catches your eye. This area is where 50 First Dates was filmed.

Sightseeing

Beautiful town! You'll love it!
78 locals recommend
Kailua
78 locals recommend
Beautiful town! You'll love it!
This is a must when on Oahu! Soak up the history!
263 locals recommend
Iolani Palace
364 S King St
263 locals recommend
This is a must when on Oahu! Soak up the history!
Another incredible place to visit and learn about Hawaii and the Pacific!
361 locals recommend
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St
361 locals recommend
Another incredible place to visit and learn about Hawaii and the Pacific!
Get out of the city and head to Turtle Bay Resort for incredible views, relaxing beaches, a bite to eat and more!
175 locals recommend
Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy
175 locals recommend
Get out of the city and head to Turtle Bay Resort for incredible views, relaxing beaches, a bite to eat and more!
Scenic point of ocean and blowhole!
81 locals recommend
Halona Blowhole Lookout
8483 HI-72
81 locals recommend
Scenic point of ocean and blowhole!
U.S.S. Arizona Historic Marker
1 Arizona Memorial Place
22 locals recommend
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
319 Lexington Blvd
22 locals recommend
Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
Think of a smaller version of Sea World but with Hawaiian style and a local flair
131 locals recommend
Sea Life Park Hawaii
41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy
131 locals recommend
Think of a smaller version of Sea World but with Hawaiian style and a local flair
If you do the Pillbox Hike in Kailua, you should kayak out to the small island where this bird sanctuary is since you are in the vicinity. Sometimes you will see sea turtles on your journey there.
21 locals recommend
Mokulua Islands State Seabird Sanctuary
21 locals recommend
If you do the Pillbox Hike in Kailua, you should kayak out to the small island where this bird sanctuary is since you are in the vicinity. Sometimes you will see sea turtles on your journey there.

Food scene

Great bar for a cocktail
42 locals recommend
THE MODERN HONOLULU
1775 Ala Moana Blvd
42 locals recommend
Great bar for a cocktail
One of my favorite places to sit down, enjoy happy hour and people watch.
13 locals recommend
Basalt
2255 Kūhiō Ave.
13 locals recommend
One of my favorite places to sit down, enjoy happy hour and people watch.
Great evening vibes upstairs
10 locals recommend
The Laylow, Autograph Collection
2299 Kūhiō Ave.
10 locals recommend
Great evening vibes upstairs
Great spots for Asian food, medicine/dried goods/herbs, boba dim sum, Vietnamese, Chinese food (Hong Kong, Taiwanese).
Chinatown Cultural Plaza
100 N Beretania St
Great spots for Asian food, medicine/dried goods/herbs, boba dim sum, Vietnamese, Chinese food (Hong Kong, Taiwanese).
Be sure to check this out while in town!
138 locals recommend
KCC Farmers’ Market
4303 Diamond Head Rd
138 locals recommend
Be sure to check this out while in town!
One of my all time favorite cheap eats!
Cho Dang Restaurant
One of my all time favorite cheap eats!
Great Dim Sum Spot!
Tai Pan Dim Sum
100 N Beretania St
Great Dim Sum Spot!
Another Dim Sum Spot!
Fook Lam
100 N Beretania St
Another Dim Sum Spot!
Great Dim Sum
12 locals recommend
Legend Seafood Restaurant
100 N Beretania St
12 locals recommend
Great Dim Sum
Love the ambience here and the bar is great! Food was okay, but well worth the trip!
The Pig and The Lady
Love the ambience here and the bar is great! Food was okay, but well worth the trip!
Come stop here for happy hour or dinner. They have a lilikoi foam mai tai that's amazing!
7 locals recommend
Merriman's Honolulu
1108 Auahi St
7 locals recommend
Come stop here for happy hour or dinner. They have a lilikoi foam mai tai that's amazing!
My favorite place to get coffee and an açaí bowl! A short walk from The Ilikai Marina
10 locals recommend
Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
1777 Ala Moana Blvd
10 locals recommend
My favorite place to get coffee and an açaí bowl! A short walk from The Ilikai Marina
Great restaurant!
6 locals recommend
Eating House 1849 Waikiki
2330 Kalakaua Ave
6 locals recommend
Great restaurant!
A Honolulu gem that's been around forever!
Duc's Bistro
A Honolulu gem that's been around forever!
Perfect spot in Waikiki to get great food on a budget! I would eat here every day!
176 locals recommend
Marukame Udon Waikiki
2310 Kūhiō Ave.
176 locals recommend
Perfect spot in Waikiki to get great food on a budget! I would eat here every day!
Great coffee! I frequent the one on the big island weekly!
Kona Mountain Coffee
2005 Kālia Rd
Great coffee! I frequent the one on the big island weekly!
Another Korean favorite!
So Gong Dong Soondubu
745 Ke’eaumoku St
Another Korean favorite!
Great cheap eats!
34 locals recommend
Bangkok Chef
1627 Nuuanu Ave
34 locals recommend
Great cheap eats!
All time favorite Korean plate lunch place! Their meat-jun is incredible! Large portions and decent prices
Sam's Delicatessen
1627 Nuuanu Ave
All time favorite Korean plate lunch place! Their meat-jun is incredible! Large portions and decent prices
A local favorite for best bar food! A must try!
32 locals recommend
Side Street Inn
1225 Hopaka St
32 locals recommend
A local favorite for best bar food! A must try!
Tropics Waikiki Pub
11 locals recommend
100 Sails Restaurant & Bar
100 Holomoana St
11 locals recommend
Han no Daidokoro / Kakaako
Best cocktails Iʻve ever had!
EP bar
Best cocktails Iʻve ever had!
Go and visit this place! Their Kalbi burger is the stuff that dreams are made of!!!
Piko Kitchen + Bar
Go and visit this place! Their Kalbi burger is the stuff that dreams are made of!!!
Another dim sum spot thatʻs good too. Regular Chinese food is pretty tasty as well!
6 locals recommend
Mei Sum Dim Sum
1170 Nuuanu Ave
6 locals recommend
Another dim sum spot thatʻs good too. Regular Chinese food is pretty tasty as well!
Good place for Chinese food in Kaimuki
14 locals recommend
Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant
3553 Waialae Ave
14 locals recommend
Good place for Chinese food in Kaimuki
In Kahala Mall and there is another location in Kailua. Salads are definitely delicious! A must!
Aloha Salads
In Kahala Mall and there is another location in Kailua. Salads are definitely delicious! A must!
Smaller sushi place but itʻs all you can eat and for a fair price. Parking can be difficult at times so street parking is limited. Best to call to get the details on best times to go and where to find parking. Go early and come hungry!
Kats Sushi
Smaller sushi place but itʻs all you can eat and for a fair price. Parking can be difficult at times so street parking is limited. Best to call to get the details on best times to go and where to find parking. Go early and come hungry!
In Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Parking is free up to 3 hours with any purchase (check with restaurant to see if this still valid).
8 locals recommend
Noi Thai Cuisine
2301 Kalakaua Ave
8 locals recommend
In Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Parking is free up to 3 hours with any purchase (check with restaurant to see if this still valid).
A recent award winner in 2022 for best brunch category. Very good
28 locals recommend
Café Kaila
2919 Kapiolani Blvd
28 locals recommend
A recent award winner in 2022 for best brunch category. Very good
A dimly lit swanky bar with a speakeasy vibe specializing in whiskey & inventive cocktails. Another award winning bar for 2022! No main entrees just appetizers and great drinks!
12 locals recommend
Bar Leather Apron
745 Fort St
12 locals recommend
A dimly lit swanky bar with a speakeasy vibe specializing in whiskey & inventive cocktails. Another award winning bar for 2022! No main entrees just appetizers and great drinks!
In the Ala Moana Shopping Center and voted best dim sum for 2022 and best Chinese food.
7 locals recommend
Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
7 locals recommend
In the Ala Moana Shopping Center and voted best dim sum for 2022 and best Chinese food.
Authentic Hawaiian food! Top choice!
86 locals recommend
Helena's Hawaiian Food
1240 N School St
86 locals recommend
Authentic Hawaiian food! Top choice!
So good and recommended! A place to order a whole bunch of ala carte items and share! So good!
Izakaya Torae Torae
1111 McCully St
So good and recommended! A place to order a whole bunch of ala carte items and share! So good!
A must go. Gets busy but great place for sushi. Wonʻt disappoint.
15 locals recommend
Yanagi Sushi
762 Kapiolani Blvd
15 locals recommend
A must go. Gets busy but great place for sushi. Wonʻt disappoint.
Awesome place for your carb fix for Ramen, Udon, or Soba.
Noods Ramen Bar
Awesome place for your carb fix for Ramen, Udon, or Soba.
3 locations (Ala Moana, Kaimuki, and Pearlridge Shopping Center). Delicious ramen and local style Japanese appetizers
Goma Tei Ramen Ala Moana
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
3 locations (Ala Moana, Kaimuki, and Pearlridge Shopping Center). Delicious ramen and local style Japanese appetizers
A superb Thai place in Hawaii Kai. Close driving distance from Hanauma Bay.
27 locals recommend
Maile's Thai Bistro
333 Keahole St
27 locals recommend
A superb Thai place in Hawaii Kai. Close driving distance from Hanauma Bay.
Cash only. Out of sight Mediterranean food. The souvlakis and salads are amazing and that Tzatziki. Get extra! I have never been disappointed here. Right off Kahala Mall headed East Honolulu.
49 locals recommend
Olive Tree Cafe
4614 Kilauea Ave
49 locals recommend
Cash only. Out of sight Mediterranean food. The souvlakis and salads are amazing and that Tzatziki. Get extra! I have never been disappointed here. Right off Kahala Mall headed East Honolulu.
One of the best Korean Barbecue spots on the island!
Million Restaurant @ Kapiolani
One of the best Korean Barbecue spots on the island!
Craving Indian? This will do the trick.
31 locals recommend
Cafe Maharani
2509 S King St
31 locals recommend
Craving Indian? This will do the trick.
Simply amazing. Everything is good here. Donʻt forget to order a lassi drink!
Himalayan Kitchen
Simply amazing. Everything is good here. Donʻt forget to order a lassi drink!
This is a no-frills takeout thatʻs nice on the pocketbook. Expect long lines during lunch hours and the portions are huge. Get a mixed plate with Mac salad. Chili is pretty good too. Local style food/plate lunches.
85 locals recommend
Rainbow Drive-In
3308 Kanaina Ave
85 locals recommend
This is a no-frills takeout thatʻs nice on the pocketbook. Expect long lines during lunch hours and the portions are huge. Get a mixed plate with Mac salad. Chili is pretty good too. Local style food/plate lunches.
Hawaii is not really known for great Mexican food, but this place is actually decent. They have birria tacos, street tacos, gorditas, sopes, chimichangas, tortas, burritos, tortas and many more. Good selection of various items and even serve Mexican breakfast items. Would give it a try if you are craving Mexican food.
Serg's Mexican Kitchen
Hawaii is not really known for great Mexican food, but this place is actually decent. They have birria tacos, street tacos, gorditas, sopes, chimichangas, tortas, burritos, tortas and many more. Good selection of various items and even serve Mexican breakfast items. Would give it a try if you are craving Mexican food.
Another great Pho place! Wonʻt disappoint
Pho Saigon Restaurant
1538 Kapiolani Blvd
Another great Pho place! Wonʻt disappoint
Another decent Mexican place.
Los Chaparros Mexican Restaurant
2140 S Beretania St
Another decent Mexican place.
Another Vietnamese restaurant that I would recommend!
6 locals recommend
Pho 1 Vietnamese Restaurant
1617 Kapiolani Blvd
6 locals recommend
Another Vietnamese restaurant that I would recommend!
One of my favorite Korean restaurants. Absolutely delicious!!!
6 locals recommend
Sorabol Korean Restaurant
1525 Ke’eaumoku St
6 locals recommend
One of my favorite Korean restaurants. Absolutely delicious!!!
Korean fusion with some twists here. Definitely worth the visit and try! Also, try Choiʻs Garden on Rycroft Street. Great place thatʻs unassuming and gives large portions. Good for takeout.
O'Kims
1028 Nuuanu Ave
Korean fusion with some twists here. Definitely worth the visit and try! Also, try Choiʻs Garden on Rycroft Street. Great place thatʻs unassuming and gives large portions. Good for takeout.
Great for a fancy date night. Also consider Michelʻs at the Colony Surf, Mamaʻs Fish House. All great choices!
7 locals recommend
Merriman's Honolulu
1108 Auahi St
7 locals recommend
Great for a fancy date night. Also consider Michelʻs at the Colony Surf, Mamaʻs Fish House. All great choices!

Luau

Loved this Luau! The location and experience are perfect!
114 locals recommend
Paradise Cove Luau
92-1089 Ali'inui Dr
114 locals recommend
Loved this Luau! The location and experience are perfect!
If you're looking for a full day cultural adventure with a spectacular show this is the one for you!
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy
If you're looking for a full day cultural adventure with a spectacular show this is the one for you!
Very walkable from the Condo. Great performances, food and is designed to honor our veterans and active military.
Hale Koa Luau
Very walkable from the Condo. Great performances, food and is designed to honor our veterans and active military.

Hikes

More of intermediate to advanced, but the view from up top is spectacular! Prepare to get muddy!
58 locals recommend
Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Kuli'ou'ou Valley Trail
58 locals recommend
More of intermediate to advanced, but the view from up top is spectacular! Prepare to get muddy!
Gorgeous up top! Well traveled so trail is well worn and can get dicey here and there. Cn be slippery if there were recent rains so be careful. Go early to beat crowds
178 locals recommend
Pillbox Hike
265 Kaelepulu Dr
178 locals recommend
Gorgeous up top! Well traveled so trail is well worn and can get dicey here and there. Cn be slippery if there were recent rains so be careful. Go early to beat crowds
A hike with ropes and various inclines up so be prepared to get dirty at times. The views at the very top are sometimes above the clouds so they go right through you. Absolutely breathtaking!
6 locals recommend
Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail
2390 Okoa St
6 locals recommend
A hike with ropes and various inclines up so be prepared to get dirty at times. The views at the very top are sometimes above the clouds so they go right through you. Absolutely breathtaking!
Can get busy with lots of people and very interesting hike with a tunnel, stairs, old bunkers at top. Even if touristy, itʻs still a must! :)
261 locals recommend
Diamond Head Crater Hike
Kapahulu
261 locals recommend
Can get busy with lots of people and very interesting hike with a tunnel, stairs, old bunkers at top. Even if touristy, itʻs still a must! :)
Nice but busy hike. Go early and bring some bug spray
8 locals recommend
Manoa Falls Trail
Na Ala Hele
8 locals recommend
Nice but busy hike. Go early and bring some bug spray
Enter stair master of your dreams (or nightmare lol) and the views from the top are outstanding! Suggestion: plan to go in the morning or evening, wear shoes, bring water and take in all the sights from the top!
115 locals recommend
Koko Head
115 locals recommend
Enter stair master of your dreams (or nightmare lol) and the views from the top are outstanding! Suggestion: plan to go in the morning or evening, wear shoes, bring water and take in all the sights from the top!
East side of Honolulu. Great scenic drive along the coast to get there. Many scenic points to pull off to the side. Such a beautiful hike with many photo opportunities! Night drive is great too with little light pollution and can pull off to watch the night sky.
261 locals recommend
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
261 locals recommend
East side of Honolulu. Great scenic drive along the coast to get there. Many scenic points to pull off to the side. Such a beautiful hike with many photo opportunities! Night drive is great too with little light pollution and can pull off to watch the night sky.
On the west side of the island.
7 locals recommend
Waimano Falls
O‘ahu Hawaii, USA
7 locals recommend
On the west side of the island.
Moderately challenging as one portion is straight uphill but worth the scene at the end. West side of Oahu
37 locals recommend
Maili Pillbox
37 locals recommend
Moderately challenging as one portion is straight uphill but worth the scene at the end. West side of Oahu
Trail is open with no cover. Sunscreen up and bring lots of water and some snacks. Hot on the west side of the island. Beautiful scenery along the hike and see nesting areas towards the end. Sometimes there are Hawaiian monk seals relaxing on the sand.
Kaʻena Point Trailhead (West Side)
Trail is open with no cover. Sunscreen up and bring lots of water and some snacks. Hot on the west side of the island. Beautiful scenery along the hike and see nesting areas towards the end. Sometimes there are Hawaiian monk seals relaxing on the sand.

More Restaurants

Highly rated Mediterranean restaurant!
6 locals recommend
Istanbul Hawaii
1108 Auahi St
6 locals recommend
Highly rated Mediterranean restaurant!
This restaurant has been around since the early 90s and still serves awesome Vietnamese food! Stuffed chicken wings, fresh rolls, pho, peppered catfish are all delicious
22 locals recommend
Hale Vietnam Restaurant
1140 12th Ave
22 locals recommend
This restaurant has been around since the early 90s and still serves awesome Vietnamese food! Stuffed chicken wings, fresh rolls, pho, peppered catfish are all delicious
Cantonese food done well. And yes, get the lobster!
Lobster King
1380 S King St
Cantonese food done well. And yes, get the lobster!
You want your Taiwanese fix. This one will do it. Garlic pork noodles (get extra sauce) and the spicy beef noodle soup. Bomb!
Season's Ice & Eatery 秀蘭小館
You want your Taiwanese fix. This one will do it. Garlic pork noodles (get extra sauce) and the spicy beef noodle soup. Bomb!
Eat here for your ramen in Waikiki (International Market Place 3rd Floor) or if you're shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center there is one there near the food court.
9 locals recommend
Goma Tei Ramen
Kalākaua Avenue
9 locals recommend
Eat here for your ramen in Waikiki (International Market Place 3rd Floor) or if you're shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center there is one there near the food court.
Another Place in Chinese Cultural Plaza in Chinatown. They are known for their Minute Chicken cake noodle. And it's $14.50. Good portion size. You'll love it!
Lee Ho Fook Restaurant
Another Place in Chinese Cultural Plaza in Chinatown. They are known for their Minute Chicken cake noodle. And it's $14.50. Good portion size. You'll love it!
Szechuan Chinese food. Really good!
Chengdu Taste
Szechuan Chinese food. Really good!
Not many options for Italian, but this one hits the spot
10 locals recommend
La Cucina Ristorante Italiano
725 Kapiolani Blvd
10 locals recommend
Not many options for Italian, but this one hits the spot
Definitely hits the spot to cool off!
58 locals recommend
Waiola Shave Ice
3113 Mokihana St
58 locals recommend
Definitely hits the spot to cool off!
Burgers, salads, pizza beer. Go here after snorkeling Hanauma Bay and your tour of beaches on the East side of the island coast (Makapu'u, Sandy Beach, Halona Blowhole).
89 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Co.
7192 Kalanianole Highway
89 locals recommend
Burgers, salads, pizza beer. Go here after snorkeling Hanauma Bay and your tour of beaches on the East side of the island coast (Makapu'u, Sandy Beach, Halona Blowhole).
Another spot to eat after snorkeling Hanauma Bay and your tour of beaches on the East side of the island coast (Makapu'u, Sandy Beach, Halona Blowhole).
Greek Marina
7192 Kalanianaʻole Hwy
Another spot to eat after snorkeling Hanauma Bay and your tour of beaches on the East side of the island coast (Makapu'u, Sandy Beach, Halona Blowhole).

Food Scene

Famed spot for good shave ice. Long line usually but worth it after walking around the beach town of Haleiwa!
104 locals recommend
Matsumoto Shave Ice
66-111 Kamehameha Hwy
104 locals recommend
Famed spot for good shave ice. Long line usually but worth it after walking around the beach town of Haleiwa!