DK Travel : Honolulu & O’ahu

O’ahu is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, and its conjoined hubs are the city of Honolulu and the world-famous Waikīkī Beach. The vast majority of visitors make Waikīkī their base, venturing out on day trips to take in Honolulu’s many cultural attractions, Pearl Harbor, and other parts of the island. The family-friendly beaches and parks of the South hore and Kāne’ohe District are in striking distance of Honolulu, while diehard surfers head for the North Coast. The Polynesian Cultural Center is also an easy day trip from the city.

Hawaiian Railway Line

The Hawaiian Railway Line is six restored miles of what were once 70-plus miles of track delivering people and supplies from ’Ewa to Honolulu. It operates Sundays, offering 90-minute round trips to the coast at Ko Olina and back. Take the train, then later drive back to Ko Olina to swim in the man-made lagoons in the shade of coco-palms. You can also have lunch or dinner at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa (see Azul).
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park

As if the miles of beaches aren’t enough, this inland water park forms another attraction, especially for children. They just can’t get enough of the tube cruises, six-story speed slide, beach volleyball, and special birthday area.
Hawaiiana Hotel

The most outstanding feature here is the very hospitable staff. The small courtyard pool surrounded by tropical gardens is where Kona coffee and pineapple juice are served each morning.
Hawai’i Bowl

Two top-ranked college football teams get in on the action each Christmas Day in sunny Honolulu.
Hawai’i Convention Center

A contemporary masterpiece of glass and soaring white columns, the Convention Center, across the Ala Wai bridge from Waikīkī proper, was dedicated in 1998 and contains dozens of artworks and more than a million square feet of meeting space. Lecture tours are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Hawai’i International Film Festival

The fact that renowned Chicago-based film critic Roger Ebert attends each year is enough to give HIFF some well-deserved national weight. Started in 1981 as a project of the East-West Center when seven films from six countries were screened, today HIFF screens approximately 100 international films at two-dozen locations on six islands.
Hawai’i Kai Championship Golf Course

This coastal course is a windswept beauty, with narrow fairways, lots of sand, and an ocean view from every tee. Be sure to sign your name on the leaves of the milo or “message” tree. A shorter Executive Course is also available.
Hawai’i Kai Towne Center and Hawai’i Kai Shopping Center

These side-by-side open malls offer grocery shopping, dive shops, boat charter firms, and restaurants, as well as banking and dry cleaning services.
Hawai’i Maritime Center

Down by Honolulu Harbor are a number of fascinating exhibits about Hawai’i’s maritime history, as well as a great viewing point from the top of Aloha Tower.
Hawai’i Nature Center

This non-profit conservation group’s mission is to encourage children to look after the environment. Weekend family programs including interpretive hikes, earth care projects and nature adventures are held at the center in a picturesque ravine in Makiki Valley.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–$200
- $200–$300
- $300–$400
- over $400