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.

Hawai’i Plantation Village

The era when more than 400,000 immigrants and Hawaiians labored on sugar and pineapple plantations is memorialized in the 30 original structures gathered to create this living history museum. Tours are led by volunteers, many of whom are former plantation laborers or descendants of workers.
Hawai’i Prince Golf Course

Affiliated with the Hawai’i Prince Hotel, and played frequently by visitors from Japan, this Arnold Palmer-designed course offers 27 subtly challenging holes. The flattish terrain is bedeviled by winds, tight fairways, and lots of water.
Hawai’i Prince Hotel Waikīkī

Every room at this marina-front hotel overlooks the picturesque Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. There are two award-winning restaurants: Prince Court offers Hawai’i cuisine, Hakone traditional Japanese. The hotel is right by the huge Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikīkī nightlife, and downtown Honolulu.
Hawai’i Sports

Also at Maunalua Bay, offering a variety of rental equipment.
Hawai’i State Farm Fair

Sponsored by the Hawai’i Farm Bureau Federation, this county-style fair is held in mid-July to the delight of locals and visitors alike. Perennial favorites are the Country Market, which sells fresh produce from Island farms, the 4-H Livestock Exhibition, and the Plant Sale.
Hawai’i Theatre Center

This one-time movie theater has been wonderfully renovated, and now offers a full and varied season of everything from hula hālau fundraisers to visiting dance companies.
Hawai’i Theatre Center

The historic 1922 movie palace, the interior of which has been fully restored, is a perfect Rococo jewel box and fills a much-needed niche for a smallish, acoustically sound theater facility in Honolulu. The Hana Hou! (Encore!) Hawaiian Music Series offers first-rate traditional and contemporary Hawaiian concerts.
Hawai’i’s Hidden Hideaway

A short walk from Lanikai and Kailua beaches, these privately owned units are comfortably furnished and well-equipped. All have views of the ocean or the landscaped gardens.
Ha’iku Stairway

The 2,210-ft ascent to a Ko’olau peak here is via a metal staircase built by the military for a now-defunct communications facility. Newly repaired and ready for use after falling into disrepair, the trail is closed temporarily at the time of writing while a dispute over parking in the neighborhood is resolved. Not to be attempted by the weak of heart, the stairway offers views normally available only to ardent hikers.
Heaven on Earth Downtown Day Spa

The place of respite for harried downtown workers is equally agreeable to harried tourists in need of a stress-relieving massage. Owner Lora Nakai wants the feeling of wellness to last, and encourages therapists to impart helpful tips to clients.

Jump to top

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