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.

Zippy’s Restaurants

A widespread chain of two dozen O’ahu-style diners, serving simple, hearty food.
‘Ili’ili

Smooth stones – two are held in each hand and played by hula dancers in a style similar to Spanish castanets.
‘Ukulele

A gift from the Portuguese that’s now integral to modern Hawaiian music. “Jumping flea” was how Hawaiians first described the sound.
‘Uli’uli

Gourd shakers that are filled with seeds and usually topped with feathers.
’Aiea Loop Trail

A family-friendly hike in and out of the gullies in ’Aiea Valley will familiarize you with vegetation such as ’uluhe fern and ’ōhi’a lehua . (Don’t pick the scarlet sprays of lehua flowers, custom says, or it will rain.)
’Ehukai

’Ehukai (“sea spray” in Hawaiian) is safe for swimming during spring and summer, but during the fall and winter the board surfers take over and it becomes the unofficial viewing stand for observing the action at the world-famous Banzai Pipeline just to the left of the beach park.
’Ewa Hotel

Tucked between Kalākaua and Kūhiō avenues, the attractions here are an earlier check-in time than most – 2pm (it’s 3pm elsewhere) – the kitchen facilities, which in many of the rooms are particularly good, and the low rates. It’s as close to Kapi’olani Park as you can get.
’Ilima Hotel

Many consider this condominium hotel the best value in Waikīkī. All the studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites are spacious, with kitchens. HBO, the Disney Channel, even local calls are all included in the low prices – unheard of at the big resorts. There’s even a pool, exercise room, and sauna.
’Iolani Palace

The palace was built for King Kalā-kaua and Queen Kapi’olani in the 19th century and was later the seat of government. It is now restored and open to the public.
’Ohana East

’Ohana means family in Hawaiian and this is a good choice for family vacations. Standard hotel rooms and studios with kitchenettes are available here. The Nintendo games in each room will keep the kids busy when you’re not off sightseeing. It’s a short walk to the beach.

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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