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.

Wai’alae Beach County Park

More popular for picnicking than swimming, this Kāhala beach is hemmed in by coral but offers access to coveted windsurfing areas and fishing holes. Watch out for – and keep small children away from – the deep, sometimes fast-flowing channel cut by Wai’alae Stream as it enters the sea.
Wai’anae Chop Suey

More Chinese cuisine in typical island style – from egg flower soup, and lemon chicken to sweet & sour spare ribs, and deep-fried whole fish.
Wai’anae Mountain Range

Composed of the remnants of the Wai’anae volcano, said to have grown quiescent 2.5 million years ago, this range is the higher of the two on O’ahu, reaching above 4,000 ft. The mountains here have a distinct wet (east) and dry side (west).
Walking Tours

Regular walking tours of downtown, Chinatown, the Capitol District, Waikīkī, and the University campus are offered by various non-profit groups (see Honolulu Walking Tours). A free map, the Honolulu Historic Trail , offers a self-guided tour.
Wave Waikīkī

Honolulu’s longest-running hardcore rock haven.
Weaving

Traditionally, women are the weavers in Hawai’i, and many of the old everyday objects they created from lau hala (leaves of the pandanus tree) and the minutely thin makaloa (sedge grass) are considered works of art today. Lau hala mats, hats, and handbags are easily found in craft shops, but makaloa is now something of a rarity.
Western Contact

The landing of British explorer Captain James Cook at Kealakekua Bay on the island of Hawai’i in 1778 is generally acknowledged to be the first time Hawaiians had contact with westerners. There is evidence that Spanish ships sailed into island waters in the 16th century, but there are no records of any contact being made with the islanders.
Wili

Plant materials are attached to a natural backing by winding fiber around them. Wili lei have no knots until the very end.
World Beat

As a miscellany of musical styles from around the world has made its way to the islands, so it is increasingly influencing musicians. Jawaiian describes a blend of reggae and Hawaiian music, and island rappers are now putting their own slant on hip-hop music.
Yokohama Bay

So-called because of its popularity with Japanese pole fishermen, this is the last sandy shore on the northwestern coast of O’ahu. It’s also part of a large but undeveloped park complex that stretches around the end of the island to Ka’ena. Though known as a popular surfing site, it is also a place where you can enjoy the beach in relative isolation.

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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