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.

Kahala Mandarin Oriental

On a great swimming beach and close to plenty of golf, it is perhaps best known for its lagoon, where guests can mix with bottlenose dolphins through the Dolphin Encounters program. One of Hawai’i’s best restaurants, the award-winning Hoku’s, is also here.
Kahana Bay Beach Park/Kahana Valley

This deep, green valley is state-owned watershed land, fronted by an eight-acre city and county park. The park has a sandy beach, bathrooms, picnic tables, lots of chickens (escaped fowl are ubiquitous all along this coast) and the remnants of two fishponds. Watch for fishermen wading out to catch akule (big-eyed scad).
Kahaunani Woods & Krafts

This small roadside stand owned by Tats and Leo Enos offers original-design koa baby rattles, wine bottle holders, stir-fry spoons, and all manner of gifts made from native woods, including koa , hau and milo .
Kahuna (Wizard) Stones

The four misshapen slabs at Kūhiā Beach represent four mysterious historical figures called Kapaemahu (“people of a changeable nature”). These men came to Hawai’i from abroad and lived with the islanders, curing and educating them. The stones were erected in their memory and have since occupied various locations, currently gathered at the beach formerly known as Ulukou.
Kailua

This country-chic town consists of a few blocks of shops and restaurants, peaceful ’60s-era neighborhoods, and a string of popular beaches. Park along Kailua Road and explore on foot to find interesting gift and clothing shops, and the “antiques corner” at Kailua Road and Hamakua Drive.

The beach at Kailua
Kailua Beach

Two miles of golden sand fringe Kailua Bay, which is divided into three sections. The northern-most beaches, Oneawa and Kalama, are accessed through Kailua neighborhoods and offer only roadside parking, while Kailua Beach Park offers parking lots, food concessions, a volleyball court, picnic tables, and lifeguard towers. You can surf, windsurf, swim, boat, kayak, canoe, snorkel, and dive here, and the view of Nā Mokulua (“the mokes,” as locals call these tiny islets) is the icing on the cake.
Kailua Beachside Bungalows

Close to beautiful wind-ward-side beaches and a short drive from activities, these one- and two-bedroom bungalows are decorated in island-style. All have full kitchens, barbecues, phones, and cable TV.
Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks

Another good firm.
Kaka’ako Kitchen

A plate lunch place owned by a high-end chef. Great pastries too.
Kaka’ako Waterfront Park

Honolulu’s newest park – in its most-changed neighborhood on the waterfront between Sand Island and Ala Moana Beach Park – offers grassy knolls, views from ’Ewa to Diamond Head, picnic pavilions, a walking path, and a chance to watch the surfers up close at the infamous Point Panic.

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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