Oahu, Hawaii: The Land of Aloha
Curated by Betsy Hughes
Guest Curated by Betsy Hughes, @betsersboo
The elevator pitch: Take a trip to the paradise of the Pacific. If you’re all about friendly welcomes, sunny beaches, natural island beauty, tropical fruits, local seafood, Hula dancers, or romance, Oahu is the place for you. Known as “The Gathering Place,” this small island has a little bit of everything for each person who visits.
When to go: The best times to visit Oahu are April-May and September-early October. This is when you will find the best weather, cheapest prices, and the fewest people.
Where to stay: If you want to be around shopping centers, world-famous beaches, and fun restaurants, stay on the South Shore in Waikiki! Some of the best hotels are The Royal Hawaiian ($439+, check prices here), Surfjack Hotel ($200+, check prices here), Moana Surfrider by Westin ($400+, check prices here), or The Laylow ($250+, check prices here). If you are looking for more of a quiet, tropical scene, head to the North Shore and stay at the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort ($600+, check prices here) or The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort ($300+, check prices here).
How to get around: The best way to get around Oahu is by car. There are several rental options when you get on the island. However, if you are staying in downtown Waikiki, walking is another great way to explore all the nearby shops, restaurants, beaches, and local gems.
TRIP OVERVIEW: Oahu, Hawaii: The Land of Aloha
What this is: an adventure for the explorer, the foodie, the beach lover & more
What this isn’t: a kiddo filled trip at the Grand Wailea
Day 1: HAPPY IN HONOLULU
Breakfast at Arvo Cafe
Learn to surf on Waikiki Beach
Lunch at Upstairs Waikiki
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Dinner at Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise
Day 2: PEACEFUL IN PARADISE
Breakfast at Banzai Bowls
Treat yourself to a massage at Turtle Bay Resort
Lunch at Foodland
Explore the Polynesian Cultural Center
Dinner at Seven Brothers
Day 3: SAY ALOHA TO ADVENTURE
Breakfast at Raised by the Waves
Tour Kualoa Ranch
Lunch at the Food Trucks in Kahuku
Hike Manoa Falls
Dinner at Duke's Waikiki
THE DETAILED GUIDE
Day 1: HAPPY IN HONOLULU
Arvo Cafe
Breakfast in Oahu
map | site | @a_r_v_o
Aesthetic and chic. Arvo Cafe is a delicious brunch cafe. The whole ambience is to die for as the cafe is decorated with plants, polka dots, and even has its own clothing shop connected to it. Wondering what to order? Try the Nutella Toast and Lavender Lemonade.
Learn to surf on Waikiki Beach
Friendly and famous. Queen’s Beach in Waikiki is one of the most famous places to surf the small waves in the world. Whether you’re just relaxing on the sand or catching some waves, surfing is a great activity for all ages. Be sure to rent a surfboard from one of the local surf shops in the area and take lessons from an instructor if you’re up for it!
Upstairs Waikiki
Lunch in Waikiki
map | reserve | site | @upstairshawaii
Special and sophisticated. Upstairs Waikiki is one of the newer restaurants and is definitely worth trying out. They have a very intriguing ambiance and the dishes are made by talented chefs. Enjoy a music bar with a top quality selection of Japanese sake.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
Cultural and tropical. If you’ve ever wanted to snorkel, this is the best place to go! At Hanauma Bay, you are guaranteed to see plenty of colorful fish. Be sure to lock in reservations in advance and get to the park early in the day to beat the crowd!
Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise
Dinner in Oahu
map | reserve | site | @starofhonolulu
Relaxing and romantic. Oahu has many cruise tours you can take during dinner time, but one I recommend in particular is Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise. Enjoy cocktails and a 3 course meal while you enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise that gives you a new perspective of Waikiki.
Day 2: PEACEFUL IN PARADISE
Banzai Bowls
Breakfast in Oahu
map | site | @bonzaibowls
Local and refreshing. You have never experienced Hawaii if you have never tried an authentic acaí bowl. Nestled across some of the most famous beaches on the North Shore, Banzai Bowls has a wide selection of acaí smoothies and fruit drinks.
Turtle Bay Resort
Get a massage at Turtle Bay!
map | reserve | site | @turtlebayresort
Serene and comforting. You don’t necessarily have to be staying at the Turtle Bay Resort to enjoy a massage there. The most talented masseuses provide you with the best services on the island. If you are looking for a way to detox and unwind from stress or chaos, come try this amazing experience out!
Foodland
Lunch in Oahu
map | site | @foodlandhi
Unexpected and flavorful. Would you believe me if I told you that the best place to try poké is at a local supermarket? Hear me out. Head over to Foodland anywhere on the North Shore and get yourself some poké Bowls. These stores include a wide variety of flavors you can get in your bowl! Definitely worth it to try at least once in your life.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Cultural exploration!
map | site | @polynesianculturalctr
Cultural and inspiring. If you want to understand a little more of Hawaii’s culture and history, take a trip to Polynesian Cultural Center. They provide delicious food trucks, experiences that teach you about the Pacific islands, and even a night show + luau with fire and hula dancers.
Seven Brothers
Dinner in Oahu
map | site | @sevenbrothers
Delicious and family-oriented. Seven Brothers is a family-owned gem on the North Shore of Oahu. It is a local favorite and has gained popularity over time. They serve fresh burgers and fries like you’ve never had before. My personal favorite is the “Shem-burger.”
Day 3: SAY ALOHA TO ADVENTURE
Raised by the Waves
Breakfast in Oahu
map | site | @raisedbythewaves
Eco-friendly and delicious. Raised by the Waves is one of the hidden spots on the North Shore that is so fun to eat at! This cute hole-in-the-wall cafe is perfect for breakfast or lunch. They have yummy smoothie bowls, waffles, toasts, salads, and more. I love getting the “Blue Room Smoothie” and turning it into an acaí bowl.
Tour Kualoa Ranch
Quick description e.g., Walk around this shopping street
map | site | @kualoaranch
Adventurous and breathtaking. Nestled along the lush green mountains, Kualoa Ranch is the perfect day activity. This picturesque ranch is home to many beautiful scenes of famous movies. If you’ve ever seen Jurassic Park, you’ll recognize this scenery. Take a tour around the ranch in the fun safari bus, check out the ponds, go horseback riding, and explore on ATVs.
Food Trucks in Kahuku
Lunch in Kahuku
map
Authentic and diverse. Along the North Shore, go experience the many food trucks of Kahuku. There are several places to eat at, and there are even some fun shops you can visit while you are there. My personal favorite places to eat are Giovanni’s shrimp truck, Fasai Thai Wagon, and Ono Yo.
Hike Manoa Falls
Hike the beautiful falls!
map
Beautiful and magnificent. If you are someone who wants some adventure in their vacation, take a hike to Manoa Falls. This 1.5 mile hike leads to a 150 foot waterfall that is absolutely gorgeous! It is perfect for families as well. Be sure to head there early in the morning to beat the hiking crowds.
Duke's Waikiki
Dinner in Waikiki
map | reserve | site | @dukeswaikiki
Good vibes and traditional. Eating dinner at Duke’s Waikiki is the most perfect way to end the trip. This famous restaurant sits right along Waikiki Beach, and you can watch the sunset from your table as you sip your drink. Enjoy live music, cocktails, and food that will make you know the trip was completely worth it!
What didn’t make the list?
A few additions!
Nosh at Banzai Sushi Bar
Grab pastries at Leonard’s Bakery
Overlook Kailua by hiking to Lanikai Pillbox
If you love Oahu, you’ll also love
Tahiti. Jaunt coming soon!
Nearby places to visit
Maui. A quick flight away - Jaunt coming soon!