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.

Kaka’ako Waterfront Park/Point Panic

Unless you’re highly skilled on a board and ready to join the elite who paddle out to Point Panic every day, this park is strictly for spectators. There’s no beach, swimming is dangerous because the break crashes into the retaining wall, and sharks haunt the area. However, a broad pathway extends the length of the park offering great views, and picnic pavilions are clustered along it. This is also a favorite spot for watching celebratory firework displays over Waikīkī.
Kalākaua Avenue

Kalākaua is Waikīikī’s main thoroughfare, running along the ocean right up to the crater of Diamond Head. Halfway along the avenue are the “Pink Lady” and the “White Lady” – two landmark, oceanfront hotels with famous bars.
Kāla’au

Pairs of sticks of varying length that are struck against each other during dancing.
Kālua Pork

The centerpiece of any lū’au , or feast, is the whole pig, slow-roasted (kālua ) in an underground oven – an imu . The meat literally falls from the bones. The same cooking method works equally well with turkey, squash, and sweet potatoes.
Kāne’ākī Heiau

Located in a lush, park-like setting at the back of Mākaha Valley, this superbly preserved and restored sacred site was once a benign agricultural temple for the god Lono. It became a luakini (temple of human sacrifice) when Kamehameha I used the area as a gathering point for his troops while preparing for battle with Kaua’i.
Kāne’ohe District

A stunning region northeast of Honolulu, Kāne’ohe has a scenic coastline, lush gardens, state parks, and a Japanese-style temple to explore.
Kapa

Used throughout old Polynesia for clothing, blankets, and decoration, Hawaiian kapa is made from the bark of the wauke , or paper mulberry tree. The process, which is restricted to women, involves pounding the bark repeatedly into paper-thin sheets that are then decorated using bamboo tools and plant dyes.
Kapi’olani Bandstand

The current, vaguely Victorian stone structure – a spacious circular stage with a peaked roof held up by a series of pillars – is the fourth incarnation of a band-stand first built in the 1880s. It’s a popular venue for concerts and often used for informal jam sessions.
Kapono’s

Singer-guitarist Henry Kapono has made a great success of this pier-front bar, known for young-spinning island-style entertainment and partying into the night.
Kawainui Marsh

Rescued from proposed development in the 1960s, this 830-acre wetland offers abundant wildlife and archaeological sites. Access is available from a flood control dike but the city is contemplating an ambitious perimeter.