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.

Missionaries Arrive

April 19, 1820 is a momentous (some would say notorious) date, when the first American missionaries arrived in Hawai’i. The first group was made up of 23 New England Congregationalists, and they landed at Kailua on Hawai’i. Over the next 20 years, many more Christian missionaries would follow, taking up residence on all the major islands.
Moanalua Gardens

This non-profit environmental education center in historic Kamananui Valley offers walks and operates an award-winning school program. The free Prince Lot Hula Festival takes place each July on a traditional grassy hula pā (mound) in the shady park.
Moi

Once enjoyed exclusively by ali’i (royalty), this small, delicate fish is now on menus throughout the islands.
Mokulē’ia Beach Colony

This one-bedroom, one-bath, fully furnished Polynesian-style vacation cottage is in a beachfront “colony” of homes near a secluded white-sand beach. Other amenities include a pool, playground, barbecue, and tennis courts.
Molly’s Smokehouse

This rare source of Texas-style barbecue is widely patronized by southerners from nearby military bases.
Moloka’i Sweet Potatoes

With their brilliant purple flesh, these wonderful potatoes add color as well as flavor to dishes.
Morning in Chinatown

Early Morning

Chinatown is best enjoyed right after breakfast, when the stands overflow with locally grown fruits and vegetables, imported Asian goods, Pacific fish, freshly made noodles, and every possible part of the chicken and pig. Wear comfortable shoes, dress for sunshine, and park at one of the less expensive municipal lots on Smith or Maunakea Streets.

The area between River and Nu’uanu, Beretania and King is great for small gifts — sandalwood soap, painted fans, kitchen tools, Chinese pottery, dried persimmons, and red-and-gold good luck banners. You can watch the butchers chop char siu (barbecue pork) so fast it looks like sleight of hand. Buy some fresh fruit to take back to the hotel.

Late Morning

When you’ve had enough, head mauka (toward the mountains) on River Street until you meet up with North Vineyard Street. There you’ll find the gorgeously arrayed Kuan Yin Temple and cool, green Foster Botanical Gardens . Explore a bit before turning back toward Chinatown for lunch.

Try one of the popular restaurants in Chinatown, such as A Little Bit of Saigon (Vietnamese, on Nu’uanu), Mei Sum (dim sum on Smith), Little Village Noodle House (Chinese on Smith), To Chau ( pho soup on River), or the stuffed French bread sandwiches at Ba-Le (on King).
Mount Ka'ala Trail

A challenging hike up Mount Ka'ala in Waianae, HI. After a 3,600 ft elevation gain you end at a satellite base on the highest point of O'ahu.
Mount Ka’ala

This, the tallest peak on O’ahu at 4,020 ft, is a preserve where indigenous birds and boggy plants prosper in the mist. On its slopes and at its feet, sandalwood once prospered, before the forests were decimated by Hawaiian royalty greedy for Chinese silks and other trade goods.
Mt. Ka’ala Natural Area Reserve

This preserve is alongside a military reservation and readily reached by road. However, the paved route is off-limits to civilians, who must climb challenging trails to reach the misty bog in a bowl-like hollow atop O’ahu’s highest peak. The area has become a safe haven for native plants and wildlife; a boardwalk allows viewing without causing damage to the fragile ecosystems. It’s best to consult detailed hiking guides before setting out.

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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