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.

Kukaniloko Birthing Stones

Bloodlines were all-important to ancient Hawaiians. In royal birthing areas like this, the upright stones served as support for the chiefly mother and also as chairs for the attendant priests and relatives, on hand to testify to the child’s lineage.
Kuli’ou’ou Beach Park

This family-friendly park on Maunalua Bay offers perfect picnic sites, restrooms, views and, at low tide, the opportunity for novice kayakers to take to the water. From Kalaniana’ole, turn right on Kuli’ou’ou Road, left on Summer Street and right again on Bay, which comes to a dead end in a parking lot.
Kumu Kahua

The focus of this 100-seat experimental theater is new work from around the Pacific.
Kū’ilioloa Heiau

This sacred site on Kāne’ilio Point is believed to have been a blessing point for travelers arriving and departing by canoe. Its name refers to a dog-god who protected voyagers.
Kyōyā

This shrine to fine Japanese cuisine won architectural awards. The sukiyaki prepared at the table is widely judged the best in Honolulu.
La Mer

The best and most authentically French restaurant in Hawai’i makes lavish use of both local seafood and imported delicacies to create “cuisine de soleil,” a cuisine of the sun with a distinctly Provençal bent. Formal dress.
La Mer

When you’re in the mood to savor each exquisite bite and watch the sun set, choose this classy French place.
Laie Inn

A two-story plantation-style hotel across the street from the beach is within walking distance of the Polynesian Cultural Center. The standard rooms include continental breakfast.
Lanikai

Developed as a beach retreat in the 1920s, Lanikai (reached by a beach road south of Kailua) is one of the most sought-after addresses on O’ahu. The neighborhood remains tight-knit, hosting community plays and an exceptional pre-Christmas craft fair.
Lanikai Beach

Frequently voted one of the world’s best beaches, Lanikai is reached through beach access trails in the ritzy Lanikai neighborhood along Mokulua Drive. It’s flat and sandy, quite narrow in spots, and popular for swimming, boating, diving, and snorkeling.

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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