Top To- Do's on O'ahu
As our time on the island is coming to an end. I have been reflecting on our favorite things to do out here in paradise.
First thing, when visiting any of the islands be sure to respect the ‘Aina(land). Throw away your opala (trash, garbage, rubbish). When I go on hikes I take an extra bag to pick up trash because so many people just toss things like no big deal. Well, it is a big deal! So please don’t litter & pick up after yourself. The amount of masks that are being disposed of anywhere & everywhere is very concerning & it is only getting worse as tourism increases.
A few months ago I went on a hike with Noa & my dad while he was visiting us. Then someone just let trash fly right by their feet, from person to person. (There were a total of six people it was flying around)The chip bag literally hit a woman in the leg. So there I was struggling to grab a bag that could have flown into the ocean at any time. All while pushing my newborn in her stroller. I asked a man to step on the bag so I could pick it up to throw away in the trash can that was right behind them at the lookout point we were passing on our way out. It blew my mind how none of them tried to throw it away themselves. So pack in everything that you pack out & please leave things better than you found it.
A little aloha can go a long way. You are a guest, so be respectful & learn from the beautiful Hawaiian Culture. To receive aloha you must give it. Just because you are spending a pretty penny on vacation doesn’t go very far. I have seen firsthand how rude & disrespectful tourists can be. (I worked in the heart of Waikiki for almost 4 years, trust me I know). Don’t get me wrong not all tourists are like that. But as with anything you know, it only takes a few bad apples to ruin things for everyone else.
Please never underestimate the ocean. There are plenty of cliffs & rocks that, may seem like the perfect place, to get a great picture for social media. But one big wave & things can change in an instant. It’s dangerous & so many people do reckless things for “ the gram “ so please be careful. If you see a group of people looking at you with phones out recording, then you’re probably doing something you shouldn’t be. If the water is murky do not go in. Shark breeding season is May-August. DO NOT TOUCH MONK SEALS OR THE SEA TURTLES!!! I repeat DO NOT do this, so many videos on socials go around of tourists messing with the protected wildlife. Please don’t be one of those tourists. Trust me your video will get circulated fast around the island & your trip will be ruined. Not to mention the hefty fine you will get if you fail to listen to this warning.
The weather can change on a dime out here so, when you’re looking at your weather app it’s never 100% accurate enough to truly plan if you will get rain or not. The rainy season is from November-March. Hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th. So April, May, September & October are the months where it’s the clearest.
Now that I’m done with my little spiel let’s get to this list!
• Hiking– Lulumahu falls(waterfall hike, moderate) Koko Head ( Eastside, moderate) Diamond Head (Easy/moderate, but don’t go on this hike if you are claustrophobic. There is a portion of the hike where you go through a mining area) Lanikai Pillbox ( Easy/moderate this is my favorite sunrise hike but gives a great view of The Mokes any time of the day. If you aren’t an early bird)Makapuku Lighthouse (Easy hike on the east side & is paved that’s why I was able to take Noa on this hike in her stroller)
• Snorkeling– Sharks Cove (North Shore) Electric Beach (Westside) Hanauma Bay ( just opened back up after being closed from March 2020- December 2020, due to the pandemic) **please buy & wear reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii’s state law banning the sale of over-the-counter sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect Hawaii’s marine environment goes into effect on Friday, New Year’s Day 2021.**
Lolani Palace– This is the only royal palace in the US. The residence of the rulers of The Kingdom of Hawai’i. Fun fact Lolani Palace had electricity before the White House. If you can I highly recommend to take the time & truly learn about The Kingdom of Hawai’i while you visit.
• Pearl Harbor: This is free & I highly encourage everyone that can visit Oahu to make a stop here. As it is an important part of history. Do this early as tickets for the ferry run out quickly. Do not take any purses or bags into the park as they are not allowed. If it is open I suggest taking the tour of the Bowfin Submarine. I want to say it’s $10 for adults $7 for children. I may be off by a few dollars since it has been closed due to the pandemic. Also in the area is Battleship Missouri if you want to visit that as well before or after Pearl Harbor since the parks are so close.
Beaching it: Now hear me out Waikiki beach is always packed with tourists but I still say to visit it at least once on your trip to Oahu just for the experience. ( if you are staying in Waikiki ask your hotel if they have beach chairs for you to check out. Most hotels offer beach chairs as part of resort fees) there are a few places that you can rent chairs & umbrellas by the hour on the beach so you won’t have to carry beach chairs around.
• Lanikai Beach: translates to heavenly beach & that is so accurate. The sand is so soft & the water is pretty calm the majority of the time. I suggest going on a weekday morning because it gets really crowded in the afternoon & on weekends. Parking is also an issue as you have to find parking in the residential area. There is no parking lot. If you can’t find parking Kailua beach park is right next to it & is a great second option.
• Sandy’s: this a beach for experienced surfers & if you want to boogie board a helmet & fins are necessary. Seriously if you aren’t experienced do not try it’s really dangerous. But if you just want to hang out it’s cool to watch everyone ride those waves.
• North Shore: Waimea Beach Park where, if you are brave enough you can jump off the famous rock into the ocean. The waves can get up to 30ft some parts of the year so always remember “when in doubt don’t go out”. If jumping off a giant rock to take a plunge into the ocean isn’t your thing then hanging out on the shore is just fine. While you’re out on the North Shore there are a few spots that deserve an honorable mention; Sharks Cove ( mentioned earlier in the snorkeling section), Chun’s Reef, Banzi Pipeline, Turtle Bay.
Sorry can’t give away all of the good spots, the locals still need to have a few places to enjoy that aren’t super packed with tourists. Mahalo for understanding. Honestly, there is so much to do that even a week does not give you anywhere near enough time to do this entire list.
Now for the Grindz (food)
Friendly reminder to eat local always when visiting the island. When the pandemic hit lots of restaurants had to shut their doors forever. Some of the restaurants were opened for 50+ years & still had to close due to all of the closures COVID-19 brought.
Waikiki
Rainbow Drive-In – a solid local chain with good prices & good plate lunches.
Teddy’s Bigger Burger– local burger chain, think of Five Guys but from the island & better.
Shore Fyre- great food, music & drinks. They fill up fast on nights that they have live music, so get there before sunset. Can’t go wrong with the Mauna Kea Nachos with pork (share these for sure), 50/50 loco moco, & a mai tai.
Maui Brewing Co.– just order beer & pupus (appetizers) honestly there are breweries with better food. This is just right on the Main Street in Waikiki.
Dukes Waikiki– there is always a line so be prepared, they opened a sister restaurant above it, Hula Grill. So check there if you want a shorter wait with a similar menu. Save room for dessert & get the hula pie to share.
Marukame Udon– there is almost always a line here but the udon is made fresh & you can see them making it as you go through the line. The pricing is great but it tastes even better!
Shirokiya Japan Village Walk– plenty of food vendors to choose from so bring your appetite. Ramen, gyoza, curry, bentos, musubi, crepes there is so much to choose from. If this is opened back up definitely go. (re-opening has been pushed back several times since March & is expected to reopen on August 31st, 2021)
Kono’s– local chain order a bomber & the pineapple lemonade.
Honolulu
Moku Kitchen– anything you order here is great. I recommend the butternut squash ravioli, potstickers & truffle fries for pupus & do not leave without getting the monkeypod mai tai with the lilikoi float. This is located in Kaka’ako & there are plenty of great restaurants/ breweries in the area to explore.
Nico’s Pier 38– this one is for the seafood lovers
**Breweries ***
Aloha Beer
Honolulu Beerworks
Waikiki Brewing (Kaka’ako)
Lokahi Brewing Company
Lucky Belly (China Town)– everything here is delicious & I mean everything. Get the oxtail dumplings to start if they haven’t sold out, the belly bao & any bowl of ramen. Plus they have an awesome selection of sakes. Make a reservation or get there early because they fill up fast & the restaurant has a small intimate setting.
The Pig & The Lady (China Town)– need a Pho fix this is the place!
Bob’s BBQ (Kalihi)– great prices & even better plate lunches. Bob’s does not disappoint. Servings are massive so try a few things to share.
Poke By The Pound– get poke obvi
Kaimuki
Koko Head Cafe- this is one of my favorite breakfast/ brunch spots. Make a reservation or you will be waiting a long time if you even get to make it in. They are only open until 2:00pm. Always order the fried dumplings to start. The Elvis’ Revenge is my absolute favorite but everything they have is delicious.
Noods Ramen Bar– the garlic fried rice, garlic chili gyoza & any ramen you pick is great. Plus they have vegan options!
The Surfing Pig– this is Kono’s sister restaurant but, like the older more sophisticated sister. Get a smoked cocktail the Smoking Pig or the Smoked Rosemary Mezcal Margarita.
Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery– in the mood for something sweet? Well, you are in for plenty of treats! She’s so strawberry is my go-to ice cream but all of their flavors will get you to come back for more. If ice cream isn’t your thing they have cake bombs, cookies, pastries (the lilikoi bar yum) & malasadas. IMO Pipeline has better malasadas than the oh-so-popular Leonard’s. If the Malamode is back, order one & you’re welcome in advance.
Fresh Catch– I know it took me a while to get to Poke,& Seafood but this is a great place to go. They have a few locations that you can check out. It was even on Guy Fieri’s Diner’s, Drive-ins & Dives.
The North Shore
The Food Trucks- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is the main attention grabber & a Haleiwa staple. But visit the other trucks if the line is too long for you.
Haleiwa Joe’s– go for dinner & get there early or you will have to wait a long time. The prime rib always sells out.
The Sunrise Shack– if you want a nice cool acai bowl or smoothie after a long day on the beach this is the place to go.
Kahuku Land Farms Stand– so much fresh fruit to chose from (add Li Hing if you like a sweet/ sour combo) & get the fried banana lumpia.
The Dole Plantation– you have to get the dole whip of course! There are actual food options though if you make the stop. Honestly, it’s like a giant gift shop with a maze & train ride. Not a must-see for me but it is for others.
Okay, okay now I don’t want to overwhelm you so I will stop here with the food recommendations. So many great places so little time.
Let’s talk luaus if you haven’t been to one & want to go I say do it. But if you have been to one already I say pass, go do something you haven’t done. Whenever I had family or friends visiting for the first time almost everyone wanted to go to one. So you would guess I have gone to many luaus & that is correct. Here is my list of suggestions;
Chief’s Luau– The Chief is funny & you are guaranteed some laughs at this luau. They also were the first luau to open back once restrictions eased up. Something to take note of is that they have the most fire dancers.
Paradise Cove– ton’s of pre-luau activities for the family but I’m not sure what still is done after reopening. This luau is right off of the water & has a great view on the west side.
Germaine’s Luau– One of the longest-running luaus on the island. Smaller setting so anywhere is good seat & is on the more affordable side. This luau is also right by the beach so you can get some great pictures before the show starts.
Hale Koa Luau– This Luau is at the military hotel so you have to be eligible to purchase tickets. Tickets are slightly cheaper than other luaus but not by much.
The Polynesian Cultural Center– This is the most traditional & by far the most educational luau experience you can get. I recommend setting an entire day dedicated to this if you decide to attend this luau.
Hopefully, this list wasn’t too long for you! We have so much love for the island I could go on & on with things to do, but I wanted to streamline things since typically visits last around a week. If you get the chance definitely island hop, go for it. The other islands are at a much slower pace than O’ahu. But what else would you expect when Honolulu is known as “The Gathering Place”. If you see something that I missed or want to share something you love about the island please comment below. I am also happy to answer any questions you may have. Mahalo nui loa for stopping by & taking the time to read this post.