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.

Maliko O Punalu‘u Bar & Grill

At this funky roadhouse the key ingredient is shrimp – steamed, tempura, and scampi-style. Lively bar at night.
Mamiya Theater

Mamiya, named after the pioneering heart surgeon who endowed it, is used for recitals, dance, and performances.
Manicure/Pedicure

The perfect way to end a day at the spa, manicures and pedicures always include a short hand and/or foot massage.
Mānoa Valley Inn

Built in 1919, this once-stately home is on the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds are positively gorgeous; the shady lanai is perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. The rooms are showing signs of age but retain some charm. A few share a bath.
Mānoa Valley Theatre

This small but highly respected theater is a former church hall out in a graveyard in misty Mānoa Valley.
Marsha Nadalin Salon & Spa

If chic and upscale Kahala Mall is on your list of shopping stops, you can be rejuvenated at this day spa right in the shopping center. Men’s services are available, too.
Massage

Shiatsu, Swedish, and Thai styles are available, but why not try Hawai’i’s traditional lomilomi or the newer Pāhaku (stone) massage.
Maunalua Bay Beach Park

This sun-baked park has picnic tables, restrooms, and some grassy areas for play. It’s a launching point for excursions onto Maunalua Bay, from outrigger canoe paddling and water skiing to fishing, diving, and snorkeling trips.
Maunawili Demonstration Trail

Requiring half a day and someone to pick you up at the end, the Maunawili Trail extends from Pali Highway above Kailua to a back road in Waimānalo. It is a moderately easy 10-mile hike for which you will be rewarded with a rain forest valley, then views of the island’s windward side.
Mel’s Market

For a flavor of what island grocery stores were like 50 years ago, visit Mel’s Market, a friendly one-stop store that offers hard-to-find ingredients for authentic lū’au dishes (salt meat and fish, raw crab, kukui nut relish, dried fish, and fish cake).

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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