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.

Diamond Head Trail

Extremely steep in places, dusty and dark in others, this two-mile hike ends in a series of viewing platforms. The landscape spread before you, from Koko Head in the east to the curve of the Leeward Coast on the west, is worth the energy expended. (see Diamond Head Crater.)

Hikers on the Diamond Head Trail
Dillingham Airfield

This tiny airport is a center for gliding, skydiving, and scenic flights (see Adventures).
Dole Plantation

The gardens and production facilities of this popular attraction introduce 900,000 visitors a year to O’ahu’s modern-day diversified agriculture industry. The pineapple is familiar, but also growing here are coffee, tropical fruit, corn, lei flowers, and exotic bromeliads. The Pineapple Garden maze, officially recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest maze, offers an unusual diversion.
Don Ho Show

You HAVE to see this show. It’s an amazing period piece, with World War II vets in attitudes of worship, Ho burbling along in his whiskey-deep voice, and young performers brought up for a starry-eyed first chance.
Doubletree Alana Waikīkī Hotel

This small boutique hotel has a great reputation for hospitality. Its fitness and business centers are open round the clock, and Philippe Padovani’s bistro/ wine bar downstairs (see Padovani’s Restaurant) makes a stay all the more rewarding.
Duke’s Waikīkī

Named after surf legend Duke Kahanamoku and outfitted with his memorabilia, this lively bar frequented by a mixed-age crowd offers food and live music.
Eastern Garden

A specialist in Asian seafood dishes, including deep-fried oysters and clams in egg custard. Great dim sum selection too.
Eggs ’n’ Things

THE place for breakfast in Waikīkī. Expect a wait for fresh fish, crêpes, pancakes, and waffles, but it’s worth it.
Facials

Designed to clean and rehydrate the face; choices depend on skin type and individual needs.
Falsetto Voice

Most easily described as male vocalists singing above their regular range, there is arguably no sweeter sound than the Hawaiian falsetto.

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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
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