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Things You Must Do In Hawaii
19
items From Lei’d to Luxe: My Hawaii Birthday Faves You Have to Try
Map
Sections
4
What I Ate in Paradise
What I Did (Besides Eat)
Don’t forget your souvenirs!!
Where To Stay In Hawaii
What I Ate in Paradise
If you’re staying in Waikiki, make Duke’s breakfast buffet a non-negotiable. It’s beachfront, breezy, and everything you want on a slow Hawaiian morning. Fresh island fruit, made-to-order omelets, fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and local touches like...
Duke's Waikiki
If you’re celebrating something special or just want a dinner with that wow factor, this is the place. The food was great (the steaks and lobster mac did not disappoint), but the real star? The VIEW. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over Waikiki and...
The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood
Elevated Vietnamese fusion that deserves all the hype.
Creative, flavorful, and unforgettable. From the pho French dip to the smoky eggplant, this place delivers flavor with every bite. Great for foodies, date nights, or girls’ brunch. The menu is bo...
The Pig and The Lady
Classic Hawaiian soul food… this is a must.
If you want to taste real Hawai‘i, come here. The lau lau, kalua pig, and pipikaula short ribs are unmatched. It’s no-frills, just flavorful, authentic, James Beard recognized local food. Cash only and wort...
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Quick, crispy, and crave worthy.
A hole-in-the-wall banh mi spot that’s absolutely worth stopping for. The bread is light and crunchy, the pickled veggies are on point, and everything feels fresh. Great prices, fast service, and perfect when you nee...
LE'S BANH MI
Local ingredients, chef energy, and subtle flexes.
This is where you go for Hawaii forward dining that still feels warm and local. The octopus, ulu, and smoked fish dishes are thoughtful and well seasoned. The space is cute, and the cocktails are cre...
Mud Hen Water
Tropical cocktails + solid food = easy win.
You’ll get good drinks, solid happy hour apps, and a great time. It’s a little commercial but still fun. The garlic truffle fries and Mai Tais with liliko‘i foam? So good. Great for big groups and vacation ...
Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki
Local spot with potential, but some red flags.
Affordable and generous portions, but… some reviews mention hygiene concerns and food quality inconsistencies. Definitely not the place for adventurous first timers. If you go, stick to the basics.
Olay's Thai Lao Cuisine
Fancy on the outside, forgettable on the plate.
Dim sum with nice plating but overpriced and lacking flavor. If you’re really craving Chinese food, there are better spots nearby. It’s giving mall glam without the taste to back it up.
Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
What I Did (Besides Eat)
If you’re looking for something that feels straight out of a movie, because it literally is.. Kualoa Ranch is the spot. The tours take you through jaw-dropping valleys, iconic filming locations (hello, Jurassic Park), and some of the most scenic part...
Kualoa Ranch
The Dole Plantation is one of those stops that’s perfect if you want something easy, touristy in a good way, and full of pineapple everything. We rode the Pineapple Express Train (super cute and relaxing), explored the garden maze, and of course, loa...
Dole Plantation
If you’re in Waikiki, this hike is a must. Diamond Head is one of Oahu’s most famous trails, and once you reach the top, you’ll understand why. The views are breathtaking—a full panoramic look at Waikiki, the coastline, and even parts of the island’s...
Division of State Parks | Diamond Head Summit Trail
Don’t forget your souvenirs!!
If you’re looking to stock up on souvenirs without breaking the bank, this is the spot. The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is like a flea market meets cultural fair—tons of vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry and sarongs to local snacks, t-shir...
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
The International Market Place is a must-see if you’re in Waikiki and want a mix of shopping, dining, and culture all in one spot. It’s a blend of high-end stores, local shops, and eateries. We explored the open-air shopping area, grabbed some unique...
International Market Place
Where To Stay In Hawaii
If you want a modern, thoughtfully designed Honolulu hotel that feels polished, peaceful, and culturally rooted—without the chaos of Waikīkī crowds—this is it. Perfect for couples or city explorers who love a side of spa and serenity with their surf ...
Honolulu, Waikiki, Hotel | Renaissance Honolulu Hotel and Spa
Luxury Without the Loud
Halekulani is calm, classy, and quietly iconic. The oceanfront views are unreal, the service is polished but personal, and everything from the fine dining to the spa is rooted in Hawaiian elegance. It’s not trendy, it’s timele...
Halekulani Hotel
Private, Peaceful & Pure Bliss
Tucked away from the busy Waikīkī strip, The Kahala feels like a hidden sanctuary. You get beachfront luxury, dolphin lagoons, and impeccable service without the resort noise. The rooms are huge, the robes are plush...
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Trendy with a View
Alohilani is where modern design meets laid-back island living. Chic rooms with floor to ceiling windows, two rooftop pools, and a full-blown aquarium in the lobby? Yes, please. It feels fresh, lively, and fun… ideal for girls trip...
Alohilani Resort | Waikiki Beach
Underrated Gem with Sunset Goals
Prince Waikīkī is the lowkey luxury hotel that delivers big. Ocean facing rooms, incredible harbor views, and one of the best infinity pools in Honolulu. Their attention to detail is unmatched.. plus, the food (especi...
Prince Waikiki