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.

Little Village Noodle House

An adorable place, the menu offering a full range of regional Chinese specialties.
Local Fishes

A myriad variety of local fishes – like mahimahi, ahi, opakapaka, onaga – forms the foundation of Hawai’i cuisine.
Local Greens

Small farms grow dozens of varieties of lettuce and greens for Hawai’i’s restaurants.
Local Meat

Beef, lamb, even elk and venison are produced by Hawai’i ranches and used extensively by local chefs.
Loren Thurston

Transplanted mainland U.S. businessman and leader of the “Bayonet Revolution” of 1887, which ended the monarchy.
Lucy’s Grill & Bar

A truly Pacific Rim restaurant, Lucy’s offers well-prepared East-West dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. It has a lively bar, too, with a patio area – the only quiet place to talk.
Lyon Arboretum

Named for Harold L. Lyon, longtime director of botanical gardens in Honolulu, this University facility is both a field station and a public garden of tropical plants, native plants, conservation biology, and Hawaiian ethnobotany. Classes, workshops and outings are offered.
L’Uraku

Classic Japanese dishes are given a Continental flair here, in an interior splashed with bright colors. Their contemporary kaiseki (set menu) provides great value.
L’Uraku

The food is Japanese with a European flair, delicate in flavor, and beautiful in presentation.
Magic of Polynesia

Illusionist John Hirokawa weaves elements of Polynesian culture and “prestidigitational” puzzlement. (An understudy performs on Sun & Mon nights.)

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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