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.

Mai Tai Bar

Very much a local favorite, offering live Jawaiian (local reggae) music, comfy couches, and a lounge style.
Mākaha

Site of the Mākaha International Surfing Contest, the beach here is steep-sloped and wide, with lots of golden sand and deep waters close to shore. The well-formed waves range from medium in the off-season to VERY large in the winter. Stray boards can be a hazard to swimmers.
Mākaha Beach

Mākaha (“fierce” in Hawaiian) lives up to its name, with high surf and a runoff pond behind the beach that periodically breaks through the sand bar and rushes into the bay. In the old days, it was infamous for a group of bandits who terrorized the area. Today, with the exception of when the surf is high, this is a safe beach for swimming.

Mākaha Beach
Mākaha Resort Golf Club

This course in a historic valley overlooked by the island’s highest point, Mt. Ka’ala, is worth the drive. Eight water hazards, 107 bunkers and a treacherous wind call for strategic thinking. An easier sister course is next door.
Makapu’u

The slow rolling shoulders of the waves and the lack of a reef below make this spot ideal for bodysurfing, plus board surfing is prohibited to prevent collisions. But watch out during high winter surf, and take heed of flag warnings from the lifeguards.
Makapu’u Beach Park

This park contains some of O’ahu’s beloved landmarks – the beach (a bodysurfer’s mecca), the nearby lighthouse, and the shore trail. Just over the rocks is “baby beach,” where pools are safe for children’s play. Manana – better known as Rabbit Island – is a dramatic landmark offshore.
Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Makapu’u Point is the spot where prevailing currents from the deep ocean are split by the land, resulting in interesting wave action. An easy but breezy one-mile walk along an abandoned road takes you to a World War II pillbox and Makapu’u Lighthouse. Watch for whales in winter.
Makeup

Every salon has experts on hand for a professional application of makeup.
Makiki Valley Loop Trail

This two-mile loop, incorporating short segments of three longer routes – Kane’aole Trail, Makiki Valley Trail, and Maunalaha Trail – was cleared, planted with native vegetation, and recently equipped with directional signs.
Malaekahana Bay State Recreation Area

This mile-and-a-bit of curving sandy beach is distinguished by bare-bones beach homes available for rent, a reef that keeps the inshore waters calm, and Goat Island, a wild and beautiful place that can be reached on foot at low tide; be sure to wear beach shoes.