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.

Royal Mausoleum

The mausoleum is overseen by Hawai’i’s only hereditary state office because the sacred duty to look after the graves is based on genealogy. It contains the bones of post-contact Hawaiian royalty, except for Kamehameha Nui, who was interred in an unknown Hawai’i Island location in accordance with custom, and Liholiho, whose grave is at Kawaiaha’o. A koa -lined coral block chapel dating to 1865 forms the cemetery’s centerpiece, surrounded by the graves and vaults of the various family groups.
Roy’s Ko Olina

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi perfects his Hawai’i fusion cuisine, while bringing the excitement of the open-plan kitchen to the islands.
Roy’s Restaurant

The flagship of the sprawling Roy’s Restaurant empire continues to deliver its trademarks: high-energy atmosphere, a dramatic open-plan kitchen, and a menu that ranges from salsa to Szechuan.
Roy’s Restaurant

Roy Yamaguchi founded the first O’ahu restaurant of note more than a decade ago. And here he offers the same spicy mixture that is his signature – creative cuisine that roams from Japan to Mexico.
Rumours Nightclub

This dress-up club, popular with locals and Japanese tourists, is packed with young things in tight outfits dancing to Top 40 pop and local rock.
Ryan’s Grill

Munch your way through the delicious pūpū (snacks) menu and be mesmerized by the colored bottles in the backbar.
S. Tanaka Plantation Store

Garishly repainted in a style that might shock the original owners, this plantation-era general store is now a small antiques and collectibles mall.
Sacred Falls, Kaliuwa’a

Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful and beloved landmarks on O’ahu, located in Punalu’u, is likely to be off-limits for the foreseeable future. A tragic landslide in 1999 that killed eight people forced closure of the park. The state has found no practical way to assure safety in this narrow, cliff-lined defile.
Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch, and Crab

Sam Choy creates updated versions of islanders’ favorites, notably seafood. The huge portions and laid-back style are dearly loved by a loyal local clientele.
Sand Island Restaurant and Bar

Off the beaten path, this club offers blues and rhythm & blues for a 30s-up, beer-drinking, leather-clad crowd.

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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