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.

Jameson’s by the Sea

This longtime favorite steak and seafood restaurant has a gallery and gift shop, too.
Jeff Chang Pottery & Red Door Gallery

Jeff Chang sells his own work along with well-selected gifts, from jewelry to tabletop water fountains.
Jet Skiiing at Maunalua Bay

Jet-powered personal watercraft are a noisy – and some would say environmentally unsound – but enjoyable way to skim over the water with the feeling of flying. By law, jet skis are restricted to weekday, daytime hours. Ask about ski/parasailing combo packages.
John Burns

A strong statehood advocate, John Burns was elected in 1962 to his first of three terms as governor of the State of Hawai’i.
John F. Kennedy Theater

The campus theater includes a 600-seat main theater and a smaller Earle Ernst Lab Theater. The season includes plays and musicals, and Kabuki and Noh Japanese theater.
John Waihe’e

The first governor of Hawaiian ancestry, he led the state from 1986 to 1990.
Judd Memorial Trail

This easy one-hour trek in Nu’uanu Valley is a tribute to the forester Charles S. Judd, who planted the pines here in the 1930s. The pond is less picturesquely named Jackass Ginger after a donkey that used to be tethered in a nearby ginger grove.
Jungle Gems

Step into a world of incense and stone and lose yourself in eye-popping displays of crystals and polished beads, gold and silver jewelry, and samples of Hawaiian minerals.
JW Marriott ’Ihilani Resort & Spa

A sprawling property, it’s the only resort on the island’s leeward side. The rooms are large, with marble baths and high-tech systems to control the interior environment. There’s an 18-hole championship golf course and a huge spa.
Kāhala Beach

This secretive mile and a half of golden sand, hidden by the ritzy homes of suburban Kāhala, offers wading, snorkeling, reef-fishing, and sunbathing. To get here from Waikīkī, take Diamond Head Road until it becomes Kāhala Avenue. In the 4,400 to 4,800 blocks of Kāhala Avenue, watch out for seven narrow paths, marked by blue beach access signs (you’ll need to park on the street). The bigger stretch of Wai’alae Beach Park (with restrooms and picnic tables) is just beyond Kapakahi Stream bridge.

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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
Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
- under $20
- $20–$30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- $over $60