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.

Slipper Lobster

Smaller than their Maine cousins; it is the sweet tail meat that is prized most.
Soar Hawai’i Sailplanes

Operates at Dillingham Airfield.
Society of Seven

Long-running variety show relying on show tunes, ’60s hits, and costumed pratfalls.
Sony Open

Prestigious PGA Tournament played in January.
South Shore

The South Shore of O’ahu has among its attractions several popular beaches, walking trails over Koko Head, and an underwater park at Hanauma Bay.
South Shore Tour

Morning

A South Shore circular driving tour makes for a wonderful all-day itinerary. From Waikīkī, take H1 to the Wai’alae exit and start the morning with croissants at the Patisserie and shopping at Kāhala Mall; shorts and sandals are just fine even at this ritzy mall.

Continue south, and finish off the morning with a water adventure at Maunalua Bay (see Maunalua Bay Beach Park), such as water-skiing or diving. (Reserve ahead at water activity shops at Hawai’i Kai Towne Center or Koko Marina Center.) Alternatively, for a more sedate pursuit, take the binoculars and go birdwatching on the edge of the Paikō Lagoon State Reserve .

Back on Kalaniana’ole, grab a quick lunch at Kona Brewing Co. or one of a dozen inexpensive, interesting eateries at Koko Marina Center .

Afternoon

Cruise slowly around the island’s edge, stopping to view the Hālona Blow Hole and watch the bodysurfers and kite-fliers at Sandy Beach.

At Makapu’u Wayside, park and make the easy hour-long, two-mile trek up and down the old lighthouse road; the views will stay with you long after you return home.

Afterward, refresh yourself with Keneke’s shave ice and a long swim at one of the Waimānalo beach parks before heading home via the Pali Highway.
Spa-Hopping (Ko Olina to Waikīkī)

Every variety and description of spa is available on O’ahu from European-style hydrotherapy to Balinese flower soaking tubs and beauty-oriented treatments. (see Spas and Fitness Centers)
Spam

Yes, it’s true. One of the most maligned foods in history is one of Hawai’i’s most popular and beloved. Canned Spiced Ham (SPAM) was originally known as a military staple since it’s easy to keep for long periods of time. It is, perhaps, the large military presence in Hawai’i that first accounted for its curious popularity in the islands.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral

The Gothic-vaulted building, with its 25-bell carillon and stained-glass West Window, took nearly 100 years to build.
Standing Bass

As in jazz ensembles, the standing bass has found its way into a lot of contemporary Hawaiian music.