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.

Canoe Building

As in all Hawaiian cultural practices, there is much ritual surrounding the building of a canoe, another of the men’s arts. Traditionally, canoes are made of koa and always from one log, carefully selected by the boat builder. The craft is still very much alive today.
Capitol District

Chinatown, the modern State Capitol, and an old mansion that was once the home of Queen Lili’uokalani are just some of the attractions of this historic district in Honolulu.
Cha-Cha-Cha Salsaria

This light-hearted south of the border eatery offers inexpensive Mexican standards and fiery, fresh salsas – lots of them.
Chai’s Island Bistro

Exceptionally well prepared Asian fusion food, music by some of the islands’ best-known entertainers, classy interior décor, and courtyard dining characterize this orchid-bedecked spot.
Chai’s Island Bistro

Some of Hawaii’s favorite entertainers including the Brothers Cazimero and Jerry Santos present the best contemporary Hawaiian music in a varied nightly schedule of performances.
Chai’s Island Bistro

A beautiful, high-ceilinged, flower-bedecked place, complete with fountain courtyard. The Asian fusion cuisine is well-presented.
Champa Thai

Award-winning Thai spot, with a dozen types of curry and an expansive vegetarian menu.
Chef Mavro

This award-winning French-with-an-island-touch restaurant expresses the character of owner George Mavrothassitis – precise, passionate and absolutely individual. Exceptional wines by the glass are matched to each dish, and the service is impeccable.
Chef Mavro

Small, award-winning restaurant offering “France-Hawai’i cuisine.” Much focuses on the freshest local seafood.
Cherry Blossom Festival

This long-running springtime festival perpetuates the rich heritage of Japanese culture through activities like the Heritage Fair and the Hawai’i International Taiko (Drum) Festival. The celebration culminates with the Festival Ball where a Cherry Blossom Queen and her Court are chosen.

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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