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.
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A smallish hotel offering studios and suites with standard, contemporary island decor; the upper floors of this high-rise have great views. There’s a swimming pool, sun deck, and whirlpool, and access to the nearby spa at the Hyatt Regency (see Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Resort & Spa). The beach is a short walk.
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A shallow coral reef extending out from the beach fronting Ke Nui Road throws up waves of tremendous power and steepness – so powerful that no one thought they could be ridden until the 1960s. Injuries from wiping out on the reef are numerous, but surfers can’t resist these monsters. “Banzai”, by the way, was the final cry of Japanese kamikaze pilots.
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Just off the beach once known as Paumalū, the Banzai Pipeline is the name given to a spectacular winter surf break, the result of a shallow coral reef that serves as a sudden stopping point for deep water currents sweeping inland. The name Banzai comes from the battle cry of Japanese warriors, and was first applied to the waves here during the narration of the late 1950s film Surf Safari .
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Banzai Beach encompasses the shoreline between Ke Waena and Ke Nui Roads off Kamehameha Highway. Here, broad expanses of sand fringe a rocky shore, over which the surf boils. The most famous of the wild surfing breaks is the tubular Banzai Pipeline, which attracts the greatest risk-taking surfers. Lifeguards are kept very busy here because of the steeply sloping ocean bottom and the irresistible allure of huge winter surf.
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Everything for bicycles, including rentals and repairs. You’ll also find custom boards by Bill Barnfield and stylish casual wear.
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Open to the public on weekends and national holidays, this beach park within a military reservation is prized for its broad shelf of powder-fine white sand, turquoise waters and ironwood-shaded campgrounds. Perfect for novice surfers, but watch out for stinging Portuguese man o’war jellyfish.
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Though located on a military installation that includes an army reserve camp, an area where Marines practice amphibious landings, this sprawling beach and campsite with ample parking is a public facility on weekends and holidays. Many consider it the best of the Waimānalo beaches; bodyboarding, boogieboarding, and surfing are prime. Camping here is by permit only.
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Granddaughter of Kamehameha I, whose name lives on in the Bishop Museum.
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The deal here is burgers – BIG burgers.
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This state museum in Honolulu offers a fascinating insight into Hawaiian culture. Its Science Garden represents the unique Hawaiian land divisions called ahupua’a.
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Hotel price categories
For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
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