OAHU

Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy. You are bound to find more than one of these during your visit to Oahu.

Hawaii, I have personally declared, is the best state in the United States of America for its landscape and aloha vibe and Oahu is one of several islands that make up the state.

Part of the reason why I love Oahu is there is a wide range of options.
City Slicker? Shopping, restaurants and city life are waiting for you in Honolulu.
Sunbather? Isolated beaches are along the shore at every turn.
Surfer? Head to the North shore for some of the best surfing in the world.
Nature lover? Take a hike up to a waterfall or to watch humpback whales.

STAY
Shoreline Hotel
A Joie de Vivre hotel with a very central location in Waikiki, just up the street from the Royal Hawaiian Center. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Rooms are bright and modern with both refrigerators and microwaves included-which comes in handy. There is limited valet parking, so get there early to snag a spot and avoid having to self-park somewhere else.

Hotel Renew
Hotel Renew is another great boutique hotel option located on the eastern end of Waikiki. The hotel also features modern décor although a much darker palette than the Shoreline. The pro to this location is there is inexpensive self-parking at the end of the block.

EAT
Leonard’s Bakery
Go for the malasadas. Get them plain (my preferred route) or try the Malasada Puffs, which are cream filled (coconut, chocolate, custard or flavor of the month). They are best when eaten right outside in the parking lot. I will admit that I am not the biggest fan of donuts, HOWEVER I am a huge fan of these. They are a lighter version, which in my mind cuts the guilt in half. If you are looking for something savory, try the Pao Doce Pup, a Portuguese sausage wrapped in sweet bread.

Liliha Bakery
Known for their CocoPuffs- a buttery roll filled with chocolate pudding and topped with chantilly cream. I wish they made a version with cream on the inside instead of chocolate. That would take these to the next level. The location is a bit out of the way from the main drag, but if you are headed to/from Kailua or Kaneohe, you can make an easy stop before hopping on the Likelike Hwy.

Diamond Head Cove Health Bar
Stop by here on your way back from Diamond Head hike. Try the Acai Bowl. Cash Only.

Island Vintage Coffee
Island Vintage is a popular breakfast stop and home to my favorite Acai bowl. My preference may be because it is just 2 blocks from the Shoreline hotel. Early morning routine: Pick-up a bowl to go and head to Waikiki Beach to enjoy with a view.

Iyasume Musubi
Iyasume Musubi is a small shop serving up specialty musubis. Several locations, one is right at the bottom of the steps from the Shoreline hotel. Stop here daily to pickup musubi’s as a snack for the beach or while out and about. There is a wide variety of musubis and bento boxes.

Murakame Udon
Nom nom-Love this place. Went twice during our last visit. Fresh udon noodles rolled and cut (by machine) right in front of your eyes as you wait. Not only do they have delicious udon, but also their tempura is tasty. The restaurant is setup cafeteria style and the line is long, but completely worth the wait. Be patient it moves fast and the tables turn over quickly.

Lucky Belly
Hip ramen spot in Downtown/Chinatown. Good Ramen, good drinks. Chinatown is a nice break from Waikiki and has a restaurant/bar scene of its own.

Bogart’s Café
Pickup sandwiches for the beach here after your hike at Diamond Head. Tuscan Chicken sandwich is recommended. They also are known for their fried rice.

Ono Seafood Takeaway
We did not make it here, however this comes highly recommended by friends for their Poke.

Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin
Tonkatsu is battered & fried pork and is the specialty considering the name. If you do not eat pork, there are seafood options as well that are just as delicious. Unless you plan on showing up early, make sure you have a reservation. Try going around 5:30-6:00 in order to grab a seat without a reservation. The curry is only served on select nights and is also delicious.

Shimazu Store
Best Shave Ice!!! Dreaming of the next time I can have this… If you are not familiar with shave ice, it essentially is a snow cone, however in Hawaii they are exceptional because the ice is shaved to a very fine consistency. Then syrup flavors are added and you have the option of also adding ice cream, tapioca, red beans and condensed milk, which takes the shave ice to another level. I recommend ice cream and condensed milk-pick your own syrup flavors.

Waiola Shave Ice
Another shave Ice spot in Honolulu. I will say that I preferred this over Matsumoto’s on the North shore, but Shimazu is still my favorite. Regardless, still good and no complaints.

Bubbie’s
Wide range of Mochi flavors,. Mochi are ice cream balls with a rice confection outer later. You can typically find Mikawaya brand in green tea, strawberry, chocolate and vanilla flavors at places like Trader Joe’s or Asian markets. Bubbie’s is famous because you can find unusual flavors like Peanut Butter Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Pumpkin, etc. There is always a line in the evening, but it moves fast.

Ono Hawaiian Foods
Ono Hawaiian Foods is a traditional Hawaiian food spot to try lau lau and other pork specialties.

Zippy’s
Mainstay in Hawaii. Hawaiian fast food that actually tastes more like homemade. Try the Fried Chicken plate that comes served up with sides of rice and either macaroni or potato salad. A must try at least once.

Rainbow
Another stop for the plate lunch/dinner. Not a chain like Zippy’s, there is only one location on Kapahulu.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
Famous North Shore food truck. Garlic shrimp.
Many other food options are also located on the same lot, so there are other options for the non-shrimp eater.

Kahuku Superette-Poke and Ted’s Bakery
Just down the street from Giovanni’s truck is a superette(mini mart). In the back of the store they have fresh poke that they serve over warm rice. Grab a drink and a slice of Ted’s pie from here to accompany your Shrimp.

DRINK
La Mariana Sailing Club
Make this pit stop on either your way from or to the airport. It is less than 5 minutes drive and a perfect way to start or end your trip. Only order a MaiTai and sit outside to take in the view of the Marina. The House or the Zombie (if you like them strong) is the way to go. Not recommended for food.

Tiki’s Grill & Bar
The 1944 MaiTai is the way to go. Good MaiTai’s in Waikiki.

REAL a gastopub
Craft beers and fried deviled eggs-what is there not to like? Not your typical Honolulu bar, located in a strip center just west of Waikiki. Go for the fried deviled eggs, you will not be disappointed. Try a craft Hawaiian beer.

Yataimura Beer Garden
Pitchers of Kirin for $8? Yes please! This “beer garden” is located in the center of a food court on the top floor of the Shirokiya department store at Ala Moana Mall. Food options surround the garden for your snacking pleasure.

EXPLORE
Waimea Beach
Beach located on the North Shore with a massive rock, perfect for climbing and jumping. Make sure you understand how deep the water is before jumping-especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

Haleiwa
Haleiwa is a surfing beach on the north shore. The town is really cute and worth driving through. We made a pit stop for Matsumoto’s shave ice while we were there. Our highlight was the sea turtle that surprised us as we were sitting near the water enjoying the view.

Byodo-In Temple
Temple built in 1968 that commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants. The grounds are a peaceful area with a koi pond with Black Swans, peacocks and other creatures. Ring the Sacred Bell or “Bon-sho” before removing your shoes and entering to see the Amida Buddha.

Royal Hawaiian
Royal Hawaiian shopping center hosts free cultural events including nightly live performances, lei making classes, ukulele classes, hula lessons, and more.

North Shore
Luckily, our friends recommended visiting the North Shore on our first trip and thank goodness. Renting a car and venturing out of Honolulu is a must. Hailewa Beach, Waimea Beach and Sunset Beach are all worth the visit. This is also where the best surfing on the island takes place.

Diamond Head State Park
Great hike with amazing views. It is a National Park and a must visit. Go early to avoid the crowds and tour buses. The trail up is narrow, so passing slower groups is not as easy if crowded. The round-trip hike takes about 50 minutes and has the most amazing views of Waikiki from the top. Definitely a must visit if you are in Oahu.

Waikiki Beach
More than likely you will have a hotel in Waikiki that is in walking distance of Waikiki beach. So this is on the list for convenience and a perfect place for sunsets or first thing in the morning as a backdrop for a run.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
This trail is all incline and a great workout. If you are lucky, you may be able to see humpback whales in the distance. We weren’t so lucky but we were able to catch distant views of Lanikai once we made it to the top. Great leg workout to help burn some calories for all the delicious food you’ll be eating non-stop.

Halona Cove Beach
I’ve saved the best for last… This place is my favorite on the entire island. Set google maps to Halona Blow Lookout and park in the lot. Climb down the rocks to the small beach where you can spend the day exploring the beach and the rocky terrain near the blowhole.