Hello! I grew up on Oahu and have been back many times to visit and these are some of the things i’d recommend to anybody wanting to visit!! I list out my favorite restaurants, excursions, places to stay and more!
Sections
5
dining!
excursions!
hotels!
nature!
what to bring!
dining!
Matsumotos is a must have for shave ice in Hawaii! They have many flavors, you can even add ice cream!
Matsumoto Shave Ice
Dukes is in Waikiki along the beach! It has great seafood and steak and is an amazing place to eat if you want to see the ocean while dining! Every Friday there is fireworks in Waikiki so if you want to see fireworks I would plan around that!
Duke's Waikiki
leonard’s has the BEST malasadas (think hawaiian donuts)
Leonard's Bakery
giovanni’s shrimp truck has delish shrimp plates, the garlic shrimp is my fav!
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
haleiwa joe’s is an amazing restaurant with beautiful views of the haiku gardens! they have great seafood and steak
Haleiwa Joe's Haiku Gardens
if you want to try some authenitc hawaiian food you need to check out helena's!
Helena's Hawaiian Food | Serving great Hawaiian food since 1946!
excursions!
Haleiwa town is by the north shore on Oahu and has a lot of cute local shops, food trucks and beautiful beaches!
Haleiwa Town
Kualoa ranch is amazing! There are many things to do such as ride horses, ATV tours, or even just explore the area. Many movies such as jurassic park were filmed here
Kualoa Ranch
if you want to learn more about polynesian/hawaiian cultures you need to visit here!! there are so many activities to do such as a luau, trying different foods and learning things about the different cultures!
Polynesian Cultural Center
If you are interested in WW2 history pearl harbor is the perfect place to visit and learn about history! You can also tour the memorial and USS Missouri battleship
Pearl Harbor National Memorial (U.S. ...
The dole plantation is a fun day time activity! You can ride the train and tour the plantation as well as eat some amazing dole whip
Dole Plantation
parasailing is so fun! I did this twice and had a blast!
X-Treme WaterSports | Honolulu Parasailing Hawaii
the byodo in temple is a beautiful Japanese temple in kaneohe!
Byodo-In Temple
hotels!
if you are looking for a luxurious resort, four seasons is perfect for you! ko’olina (where the resort is located) isn’t as busy as waikiki, so this is perfect if you want a more calm place to stay!
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
this hotel is perfect for those who love disney! this is the perfect blend of tropical island and disney vibes!
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
If you want to stay in Waikiki while youre on Oahu, the sheraton is a great hotel to stay at and enjoy the city life of Waikiki as well as the relaxing nature of the beach!
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
I have stayed here numerous times! I love this hotel as there is always so much to do. They shoot off fireworks every Friday, it is always a super fun time, and right on the beach!
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort - Hilton Official Site
if you want a house to yourself or have a big group stay in a VRBO!
Oahu Vacation Rentals, Hawaii: house rentals & more
nature!
lanikai beach is a beautiful beach that is perfect for families, the beach is calm and super gorgeous!
Lanikai Beach (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
lanikai pillbox hike is a short and easy hike with stunning views of lanikai beach and the mokes!
Ka'iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail - Oahu
bellows is another beautiful beach that has good waves for boogie boarding! you can also camp here!
Bellows Field Beach Park
diamond head is a beautiful hike near honolulu with a view of the ocean and crater!
Division of State Parks | Diamond Head State Monument
the north shore has beautiful beaches where you can watch the sunset, surf, or even just relax!
North Shore Oahu
this is the hike to do if you are looking for a workout! it’s definitely challenging but it’s worth it with beautiful views
Koko Crater Tramway to Kokohead Lookout - Hawaii
this hike is SO cool! this was one of my favorite hikes I did when I lived in hawaii, the views are AMAZING!
ʻAiea Loop Trailhead
what to bring!
my favorite tinted sunscreen! it gives you a perfect glow and protects with 40 spf, this is perfect for acne girlies if you want to cover some redness!
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 - Tinted Sunscreen & Primer
this sunscreen is perfect for hawaii because it is reef safe!
blue lizard mineral sunscreen (reef safe)!
QUAY is my favorite sunglasses brand! they have so many choices for men and women
QUAY sunglasses!
one of my favorite casual things to wear while exploring the island are lululemon shorts! my favorites are the hotty hots!
Women's Shorts
these are my favorite belt bags! super easy to carry around your phone, money, and lip gloss while you are travelling around the island!
Belt Bags
this is another good sunscreen that doenst have harsh chemicals!
