O'ahu

Originally named “The Gathering Place” by the Hawaiians, O'ahu is the most crowded of all the islands. Honolulu is the 11th largest city in the U.S., so expect high-rises, freeways, and traffic. On the flip side, that also means fun nightlife, world-class restaurants, and lots of shopping—including the largest open-air mall in the world. Hotels range from 5-star luxury to seedy motels. Not into crowds? Simply get out of Waikiki. You can rent a house on a different part of the island (the North Shore is a great option) and enjoy O'ahu like we do. Hiking, waterfalls, surfing, diving… O'ahu is mega-equipped to provide just about anything you could wish for in a vacation. Car rentals recommended when taking day trips outside of Waikiki. Airport: Honolulu, direct flights to and from the mainland and international destinations.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

A couple of fun and easy hikes you can do (even with kids) are Manoa Falls and Diamond Head Crater. Each hike is close to Waikiki (within 20 minutes from most hotels). The Manoa Falls trail meanders through tropical rainforest and finishes at a spectacular waterfall. You can swim in the pool, but don't go in the water with open cuts (read warnings about Leptospirosis bacteria). Diamond Head is hot and sunny (it's a volcano after all!) but the views from the top are amazing. Bring mosquito repellant to Manoa Falls and sunscreen to Diamond Head. And lots of drinking water!

Which Island.com said...

Our favorite burgers on the island are at Kua Aina in Haleiwa. This place has been written up in all the guidebooks, so it can get crowded at lunchtime. But they moved to a bigger location a few doors down a couple years ago, so it's actually easier to get a table now than it was 5 or 6 years ago. Regardless, the giant 1/2 pound avocado cheese burgers and shoestring fries make any wait totally worthwhile. BTW, there's another location in town (Honolulu) at Ward Center, but we've always found that the extra drive to the North Shore makes the food taste better.

Which Island.com said...

____Beach Round-Up____


WAIKIKI
- Ala Moana Beach Park - this is a good spot to break in your tan. Also, if anyone wants to get some exercise in, this is a classic triathlon training spot.

- Kuhio Beach - You can take surfing lessons here, but it gets crowded.
http://www.hhsurf.com/hh/reservations.html


WINDWARD SIDE (KAILUA)
- Kailua Beach Park - miles-long white sand beach, plus you can rent kayaks or take windsurfing lessons here.
http://www.kailuasailboards.com/kayakrental.html
http://www.hawaiianwatersports.com/windsurfing/lessons/


SOUTH/EAST SIDE (HAWAII KAI)
- Hanauma Bay - nature preserve/snorkeling spot. There's a small entrance fee, but the views and the bay itself are SO pretty. the parking lot can fill up in the morning, so go around lunchtime when the early birds have burnt out. You can rent all snorkeling gear there. Bring food. Or, hit up Kona Brewing Co. for beers and snacks on your way out. It's just down the road in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center.

- Sandy Beach - gorgeous scenery and huge beach, but dangerous shorebreak. don't swim if the waves are at all big.


NORTH SHORE
- Haleiwa Beach Park - this is a great spot for surf lessons, and usually less crowded than Waikiki. Plus, you can say you've surfed the North Shore.
http://store.surfnsea.com/page.htm?PG=Surfing

- Sunset Beach/Pipeline - beaches wrap all the way along the North Shore. You can just pull off the road and stop at any of them. these are two famous surf spots, but be careful swimming unless it's calm.

- Pupukea aka "Shark's Cove" - awesome snorkeling spot. Lots of little tide pools and coves to explore. Don't worry, there aren't really sharks. Usually.

- Waimea Bay - one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Dangerous swimming if the waves are big. Pay attention to the signs.

Anonymous said...

MAKAPU'U LIGHTHOUSE HIKE

Out on the southeast shore (keep going past Hawaii Kai and Sandy Beach), this is a mellow hike along an old access road out to a lighthouse on the point. It can get hot, so bring water, sunscreen, hat... the usual. If there aren't too many whitecaps, keep an eye on the ocean for whale spouts during winter! The drive along this coastline, from Hanauma Bay to Makapu'u is the prettiest on the island. The beach below the lighthouse is also nice. Just watch the waves and be careful if it's big.

Which Island.com said...

An old friend was heading to Oahu with a pack of girls who like to get their drink on, so I rounded up some spots for them:

- Dukes in Waikiki. The classic Hawaiian happy hour experience. Don't miss the sunset. Live Hawaiian music.

- the Mai Tai bar in Ala Moana Shopping Center is a huge open-air bar that also has a good happy hour. Music can get loud.

- the original Mai Tai bar is at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki beach. They put "classy" umbrellas in their tropical drinks.

- Gordon Biersch in Aloha Tower Marketplace, kinda cheesy but great views of the harbor. Live music on weekends.

- Indigo Restaurant/Bar in Chinatown. Food is tasty, kinda pricey, but it turns to bar at night. On the first Friday of the month, it's the scenester headquarters for the art walk/gallery night in Nu'uanu.

- W Hotel - this is the most "upscale" spot on the list. it's where locals go to be "fancy" i.e. wear really short skirts.

LuminateDan said...

who do you think you are? Jacques Cousteau?
I tell you which island is the best!!!

Which island is YOUR favorite?

Secret beach? Tastiest plate lunch? Best snorkeling ever? Tell us about it! Click on the comments link under each island to share your own Hawaii tips and read what others recommend.