Curator’s statement
Hawai'i is home to me, and there are many sites and experiences to see while visiting. Most people who come to Hawai'i will always ask what places to see and if you can do it all in one day. Hawai'i does have a mix of "touristy" things to do as well as other adventures that you can't experience year-round.
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Where to stay in Oahu
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Things to do in Oahu
Diamond Head: A volcanic tuff cone with stunning views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean.
Hanauma Bay: A popular snorkeling spot with a rich marine ecosystem. Tourists must book ahead of time for a time slot.
Halona Blowhole: A natural blowhole that shoots water into the air.
Sandy Beach: Known for its powerful shore breaks and body surfing.
Makapu'u lookout: Offers panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islets.
Waimanalo Beach: A beautiful, less crowded beach with white sand and turquoise waters.
Nuʻuanu Pali lookout: A historic site with breathtaking views of the Koʻolau Mountains and Windward Coast.
Byodo-In Temple: A replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan, set in a serene garden.
North Shore: Famous for its big-wave surfing spots like Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay.
Waimea Valley: A lush botanical garden and cultural site with a waterfall.
Dole Plantation: Learn about Hawai'i's pineapple industry and try the famous Dole Whip.
Kualoa Ranch: Offers a variety of tours including movie site visits and ATV rides.
Laie Point: A scenic lookout with views of offshore islands and rock formations.
Keep in mind that some of these places are only accessible by rental car as PUC vehicles (tour companies) are restricted from entering some of these locations.
Places to eat & drink in Oahu
Oahu offers a rich variety of local food spots that showcase the island's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food — A staple for authentic Hawai'ian cuisine, offering dishes like kalua pig, lomi salmon and pipikaula (dried beef).
Rainbow Drive-In — Famous for its plate lunches, including loco moco, mahi mahi and the iconic mixed plate.
Ono Seafood — Known for its fresh poke bowls, this spot is a must-visit for poke lovers.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck — Located on the North Shore, this food truck is renowned for its garlic shrimp plates.
Leonard’s Bakery — Home of the famous malasadas, these Portuguese donuts are a beloved local treat.
Alicia’s Market — Offers a variety of Hawaiian plate lunches and poke bowls, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Highway Inn – A great spot for traditional Hawaiian dishes like laulau, poi and beef stew.
Tamashiro Market — While primarily a seafood market, it also offers excellent poke and other local seafood dishes.
Waiola Shave Ice – A local favorite for refreshing shave ice with a variety of tropical flavors.
Zippy’s – A local chain that’s perfect for a quick meal, offering everything from chili to saimin to plate lunches.
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Travel Advisor
Scott Kamiya
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Hawai'i. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Mary Gill's guide, Best Places to Eat In Oahu, Hawai'i