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.

Turtle Bay Condominiums

Self-contained one- and two-bedroom units all have full kitchens, making them perfect for families. They’re on the golf courses within the Turtle Bay Resort, near famous surfing beaches and major North Shore attractions.
Turtle Bay Condos

Good for families or small groups, this service handles vacation rentals of condominiums on the grounds of the Turtle Bay Resort Golf Course and beach cottages on the North Shore.
U.S. Army Museum

It’s been called “Waikīkī’s best-kept secret” – a well-designed free museum celebrating the U.S. Army’s many-faceted history in the Pacific. It covers Hawai’i’s “Go for Broke” 100th Infantry Battalion, Waikīkī as a Vietnam War R & R center, and more.
UH Sports

Locals go hog-wild over the amateur volleyball, football, and other games at the University of Hawai’i.
Ulupō Heiau State Monument

Some still arrange leaf-wrapped gift bundles on the massive rock platform, once a site of prayer, sacrifice, ceremony, and divination. Likely built during the time of Kamehameha I, the heiau continued in use until the ancient religion was officially abandoned. If Kailua-bound on Highway 61, turn left into Ulu’oa Street at the Windward YMCA, park in the Y lot or along the street and follow the signs.
Under a Hula Moon

Delightful, Hawaiian-themed furnishings for kitchen and bedroom – particularly a child’s room, with toys and sweet little tea sets.
University of Hawai’i

Two self-guided walking tours focus on the plant life and art work on the campus.
Urasenke Teahouse

Teaching Cha-do, the Way of Tea, a ceremony meant to both relax and focus the mind, is the mission of this center endowed by the Urasenke Organization in Kyoto. Tea ceremonies are held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am; wear comfortable clothes but not shorts.
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

Professional surfers from all over the world gather on the North Shore in Dec/Jan.
Vine-Ripened Tomatoes

Much juicier and tastier than their mainland cousins. Growers on all the islands now nurture this important ingredient.

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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