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.

Shave Ice Stops

Three neighboring operations specialize in sweet, drippy shave ice. This treat is a legacy of the days when ice was shipped to Hawai’i from Alaska in giant blocks. The shavings, created when the blocks were cut, were treasured by children. In the 1920s, Chinese entrepreneurs created fruit syrups to pour over the ice, and Japanese craftsmen created a plane-like device to shave it. Latch on to the shortest line and enjoy.
Sheraton Moana Surfrider

Here the rich Hawaiian details combine with every modern comfort. Teatime on the Banyan Veranda will carry you back in time; enjoying contemporary Hawaiian entertainment in the same stunning setting is a highlight of any visit.
Sheraton Princess Ka’iulani

This comfortable hotel has all the advantages of a Sheraton without the oceanfront prices. It’s home to the revue Creation – A Polynesian Journey , a Japanese restaurant, and an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant.
Sheraton Waikīkī

Sleek and modern, this 1,700-room hotel towers over the prime location on the beach at Waikīkī – most of the rooms have spectacular ocean views. Don’t miss the glass exterior elevator to the Hanohano Room where, in the evening, you can enjoy Waikīkī’s sparkling lights.
Shiro’s Saimin Haven & Family Restaurant

This shrine to Japanese-style noodle soup and immense local plate lunches has to be seen to be believed. Founder and patriarch Shiro Matsuo has lined the walls with scribbled notes expressing his philosophy of life.
Shopping Mo’ili’ili/Kaimukī

Some of the most wonderful shops in the city are missed by many visitors. Head along South King Street in the 2700 block in Mo’ili’ili and on Wai’alae Avenue from 9th to 13th Streets in Kaimukī to discover everything from sophisticated hand-printed dresses to Hawaiian instruments and craft supplies.
Side Street Inn

After work hangout of Honolulu’s chefs, offering savory bar food.
Silver Moon Emporium

You’ll think you’re in SoHo or Hollywood when you step into this ritzy boutique packed with designer clothes and shoes of the wispy, whimsical type. This is where the movie, TV, and sports stars shop when they visit the North Shore.
Skydive Hawai’i

Also at Dillingham Airfield, solo flights for experienced skydivers and instructor flights for novices.
Slack-Key Guitar

The term slack-key refers to a style of playing the guitar in which the strings are loosened, producing a jangly sound. Gabby Pahinui was, perhaps, the most famous of Hawai’i’s slack-key masters – others included Raymond Kane and Sonny Chillingworth.

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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