Shelley’s guidebook

Shelley
Shelley’s guidebook

Sightseeing

Diamond Head is a short distance from Polynesian Hostel and offers amazing views of Waikiki and the South Shore of Oahu.
347 locals recommend
Diamond Head State Monument
347 locals recommend
Diamond Head is a short distance from Polynesian Hostel and offers amazing views of Waikiki and the South Shore of Oahu.
Hamama Falls is a beautiful waterfall hike that off the beaten path. Located at the back of a residential neighborhood the hike itself takes about an hour and a half to two hours. It is a little hard to get to by bus but we do offer a group hiking excursion every Tuesday for an additional cost.
8 locals recommend
Hamama Falls
8 locals recommend
Hamama Falls is a beautiful waterfall hike that off the beaten path. Located at the back of a residential neighborhood the hike itself takes about an hour and a half to two hours. It is a little hard to get to by bus but we do offer a group hiking excursion every Tuesday for an additional cost.
Lulumahu Falls is a favorite amongst locals and a GREAT half day hike. The hike begins in off the Pali Highway and goes through a beautiful bamboo forest before opening up to a clearing where you can see the green mountain range towering above you before reaching Lulumahu stream which will lead you to the falls.
38 locals recommend
Lulumahu Falls
4459 HI-61
38 locals recommend
Lulumahu Falls is a favorite amongst locals and a GREAT half day hike. The hike begins in off the Pali Highway and goes through a beautiful bamboo forest before opening up to a clearing where you can see the green mountain range towering above you before reaching Lulumahu stream which will lead you to the falls.
Makapu'u is one of my favorite places on the Island. I always suggest our guests start their day at Makapu'u! There is an easy 1.5 mile roundtrip trail that leads up to the Light house and offers breathtaking views of the Iwi Coastline (located on the south east side of the Island). After you take in the views the more adventurous traveler should hike down to the Makapu'u Tidepools. These pools are large enough to swim in but I suggest keeping your shoes on as there are sea urchins that you don't want to step on. After that just walk back up to the trail and head down the road to Makapu'u Beach to enjoy some body surfing and chill on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can access this all from the Hostel. Just catch bus number 22 from around the corner or stop in reception to ask directions.
261 locals recommend
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
261 locals recommend
Makapu'u is one of my favorite places on the Island. I always suggest our guests start their day at Makapu'u! There is an easy 1.5 mile roundtrip trail that leads up to the Light house and offers breathtaking views of the Iwi Coastline (located on the south east side of the Island). After you take in the views the more adventurous traveler should hike down to the Makapu'u Tidepools. These pools are large enough to swim in but I suggest keeping your shoes on as there are sea urchins that you don't want to step on. After that just walk back up to the trail and head down the road to Makapu'u Beach to enjoy some body surfing and chill on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can access this all from the Hostel. Just catch bus number 22 from around the corner or stop in reception to ask directions.

Food scene

South Shore Grill is a great local eatery that won't break the bank. Just a few minutes walk north of Queen Kapiolani Park it offers a low key atmosphere and escape from the crowds of Waikiki. Taco Tuesday's are a bit of local's right of passage so be sure not to miss out.
53 locals recommend
South Shore Grill
3114 Monsarrat Ave
53 locals recommend
South Shore Grill is a great local eatery that won't break the bank. Just a few minutes walk north of Queen Kapiolani Park it offers a low key atmosphere and escape from the crowds of Waikiki. Taco Tuesday's are a bit of local's right of passage so be sure not to miss out.
This spot at the International Marketplace offers a little bit of everything. Including a beer bar that serves $2 drafts every day.
57 locals recommend
THE STREET, a Michael Mina Social House
57 locals recommend
This spot at the International Marketplace offers a little bit of everything. Including a beer bar that serves $2 drafts every day.
This cafe is a favorite of ours for so many reasons. Located on the second floor of the Outrigger Reef Hotel. The caffe boasts some of the best coffee in Waikiki and some wonderful caffe treats as well as a bar for those late afternoon treats. It's a favorite place for us to work out of office as it also boasts a pool and free WiFi. This is truly a Hawaiian Cafe!
6 locals recommend
Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
2300 Kalakaua Ave
6 locals recommend
This cafe is a favorite of ours for so many reasons. Located on the second floor of the Outrigger Reef Hotel. The caffe boasts some of the best coffee in Waikiki and some wonderful caffe treats as well as a bar for those late afternoon treats. It's a favorite place for us to work out of office as it also boasts a pool and free WiFi. This is truly a Hawaiian Cafe!