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Oahu Travel Guide
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items My mom’s side of the family is from Oahu & I would spend my entire summers here growing up while on summer vacation from school. I love coming back & bringing friends to all my favorite spots on the island! These are some of my favorite place...
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Sections
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Spots to eat!
Beaches
Hikes
Activities
Spots to eat!
The best places to eat on Oahu!
My favorite shaved ice spot on the island! My mom’s side of the family is from Oahu & growing up here this was always our favorite spot to come for shaved ice. They have so many options for flavors and toppings you can’t go wrong! Even if the lin...
Matsumoto Shave Ice
If we did not feel like driving to North Shore, Waiola was always our go to! This place is up there with Matsumoto but is very different. They have similar flavors but the ice from here is much softer and gives off a completely different texture. If ...
Waiola Shave Ice
A classic! If you are into filled donuts this is the place! Malasadas are a Filipino donut & you will never find a better one than here. There is the actual bakery which is off of Kapahulu & then there is also a food truck.
Leonard's Bakery
If you love acai bowls, this is the place to go! There are multiple locations on Oahu but this by far my favorite, especially because it is by my favorite beach. They are known for their acai bowls but they have other food like avocado toast & mu...
The Sunrise Shack - Kailua
A bakery & a diner. What more would you want in a place! They have the best pastries & desserts but their lilikoi pancakes are must try!
Liliha Bakery
A chain restaurant, but such a classic place. When you go, try their loco moco! They have so many different options for food, so you are bound to find something you will like!
Zippy's
The rumors are true… they do in fact have the best poke on the island. They have so many different snacks here as well. My favorite is getting some poke and Maui onion chips to eat with it!
Foodland
The BEST place for plate lunches on the North Shore! They do sell out fast, so if you go, make sure you get there early!
Da Bald Guy
There are so many different shrimp trucks on the island, and my family and I have tried them all. Jenny's is hands down our favorite place to go! So flavorful, and it is always consistent! There will be a long line, but it moves fast.
Jenny’s Shrimp Truck
Probably the most famous shrimp truck on the island! If I were coming to Oahu for the first time, I would come here at least once to try it. Very yummy, but again, there will be a long line.
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Beaches
One of my favorite beaches on the island! Clear water with little to no waves. Lanikai is on the eastern side of the island & is surrounded by a beautiful neighborhood! Parking isn’t the best so make sure you get there early
Lanikai Beach (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE ...
One of my favorite beaches on the island! Parking is insane, and you will most likely have to park (and pay) across the street. If you can find parking, it is free. There is a cool rock you can jump off when the tide is high, and there is a rock in t...
Waimea Bay Beach Park
A great beach to watch the surfers. However, I would NOT go swimming here!!! The waves can get super big, and the tide WILL pull you in. Even if you think you are a strong swimmer, you are not. If you want to come here to tan and watch some surfers, ...
Sunset Beach Park (2026) - All You MUST Know Before You Go (with ...
A classic. Go and explore more beaches, of course, but Waikiki is great to relax if you do not want to travel very far!
Waikiki Beach
This beach is on the windy side of the island. Sometimes the waves can get a little crazy, so always make sure there are people in the water before you go in. There are jellyfish here, depending on the time of the year, so look out for the signs befo...
Waimanalo Beach
My all-time favorite beach on the island. It is right next to Lanikai Beach, but, in my opinion, it is even better. Waves are always super calm, and it is one of the best places to swim! Again, parking is awful, and you will most likely need to park ...
Kailua Beach Park
Hikes
A great hike! I would recommend going early because once it gets hot, there is little to no shade. You do need to make reservations and will have to pay to park! I always recommend doing this at least once because the views are INSANE! Such a cool pl...
Division of State Parks | Diamond Head State Monument
A quick & easy hike! I suggest going for sunrise & you will have the most beautiful look over the ocean!
Ka'iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail - Oahu
Activities
One of my favorite places to take people for the first time! I have been coming here since I was a little kid, and I still have so much fun every time. While at Kualoa, you learn so much rich history about the Hawaiian Islands and their culture. Ther...
Kualoa Ranch
If you are staying in Waikiki this is the perfect place to do some quick shopping and get a bite to eat! They have so many different places to eat and some good shops too. It is walkable from any of the hotels in Waikiki so do not worry about a car o...
International Market Place
Another good spot for shopping and eating out! They have some great shops and activities, too. There is an outdoor bar, so if you are waiting for a place to eat, it is the perfect spot! They have some fun activities as well: bowling and an arcade!
Ala Moana Center
This is a must-stop if you have never been before. It costs $7 to park, but if you go with a Hawaiian local, then parking is free. It overlooks this beautiful forest and has some incredibly rich history. Depending on the time of the year, it can get ...
Nuuanu Pali Lookout - Oʻahu
This is the perfect place to go snorkeling on the island. You do need to make reservations, and I would book a tour to do so. You can book it online or check with your hotel to see if they can book it for you. If you are unable to book it, you can go...
Hanauma Bay State Park
Open every Wednesday and Saturday! This is one of the best places for souvenirs. They have so many different vendors with food and drinks, as well as many stands for shopping. I would highly suggest bringing cash for this!
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Such a beautiful place to visit if you have never been. Has so many different plants. You can walk or drive through.
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden | Department of Parks and ...