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.

Vue Hawaii

A careful selection of gifts with island themes, many of them hand-made in Hawai’i by local artisans.
W Honolulu-Diamond Head

This small luxury hotel at the foot of Diamond Head has light, airy rooms with Balinese furnishings. The location is superb – close enough to Waikīkī to enjoy it when you want to and far enough away when you don’t. It’s home to the Diamond Head Grill with its hip, place-to-seeand-be-seen bar.
Wahiawā Botanical Gardens

Opened to the public in 1957, the rain forest garden nestles in a ravine on a high plateau. The focus is on tropical plants that prosper in a cooler environment.
Wahiawā Botanical Gardens

Founded by commercial planters as an experimental garden, this 25-acre arboretum encompasses a tropical rain forest and upland gardens.
Wahiawā Town

Primarily a military town, dusty Wahiawā, high on the central plain, is an unglamorous but useful stop-off for supplies when journeying through the hinterland.
Waikele Premium Outlets

This vast outlet mall includes factory-direct shops for Sak’s Fifth Avenue and Coach, as well as Banana Republic, and discount stores like Lowe’s and Sports Authority.
Waikīkī

Possibly the most famous beach in the world, Waikīkī has had a facelift, with the installation of lush, grassy berms to block street noise, and an eye-catching waterfall feature. The beach remains prime people-watching territory, as well as being a gentle and safe place for swimming and learning to surf.

Waikīkī
Waikīkī Beach

This unassuming strip of white sand covered with half-clothed bodies, surfboard racks, and gawking tourists is what the beach is all about. You might think only visitors use it, but you’ll see surfers, daily exercisers, canoe clubs, and other locals enjoying Hawai’i’s best-known beach, too. Dawn and dusk are ideal times to visit.
Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort

Across from Kūhiō Beach, the hotel’s Ali’iolani Tower offers very large guestrooms; many Paokalani Tower rooms have great views of Diamond Head. The hotel has six restaurants, two pools, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and plenty of on-site shopping.
Waikīkī Beachcomber

A great location, across the street from Waikīkī Beach, and a short walk from the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and International Marketplace. The hotel’s big draw is the legendary Don Ho (see Don Ho Show), whose show is housed here.

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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