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.

Ohelo Road

Stylish women’s clothing boutique, featuring very chic imports.
Olive Tree Café

One of the few Mediterranean restaurants in the islands, this spot routinely wins awards for its great Greek fare and casual style.
Olomana Golf Links

Though it’s called a links, this much-played windward side course is in view of, but not right by, the ocean. It’s pretty, with the mountains as a backdrop and a network of ponds, but keep your eye on the ball and watch out for those little lakes.
Only Show in Town

Antiques and collectibles from all eras in Hawai’i history, as well as a beguiling miscellany of other times and places.
Original Glider

Rent a glider at Dillingham.
Outrigger Rainbow Classic Basketball Tournament

A favorite holiday tournament features the beloved University basketball team competing against Mainland counterparts.
Outrigger Trading Co.

Don’t miss this eclectic emporium on the second floor of the Marketplace offering intriguing gift items, decorative pieces, and arts and crafts.
Outrigger Waikīkī on the Beach

This oceanfront hotel is the jewel in the crown of the Outrigger chain. The 500 guest rooms feature Polynesian decor. And the hotel’s main ballroom has been home to the glitzy Society of Seven show for a quarter century. The beachfront Duke’s Canoe Club restaurant is wildly popular and often hosts great contemporary Hawaiian entertainers.
O’ahu Cemetery

The gravestones of this hillside resting place founded in 1844 read like a who’s who of Hawai’i history, from the humble to the high-class. Nanette Napoleon, “the cemetery lady,” has written a guidebook and leads periodic tours – both are worth seeking out.
Pacific Beach Hotel

In the center of Waikīkī, this hotel has a 280,000-gallon aquarium a full three stories tall that provides the decorative inspiration for the property. Features include a tennis court, pool and whirlpool, salon and spa, and lobby shopping.

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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