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Tucked away on the bottom floor of an office building in homey Kaimukī, this always-busy bistro pleases locals and visitors with smart variations on beloved local themes – sashimi katsu -style, chocolate-filled won tons, steak in Hawaiian salt.

Though located on a military installation that includes an army reserve camp, an area where Marines practice amphibious landings, this sprawling beach and campsite with ample parking is a public facility on weekends and holidays. Many consider it the best of the Waimānalo beaches; bodyboarding, boogieboarding, and surfing are prime. Camping here is by permit only.

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

Honolulu’s first upscale kitchen supply store stocks gorgeous bamboo cutting boards and other high-quality gifts for foodies.

Keyhole-shaped Hanauma Bay is one of the most spectacular sights in the islands, and highly recommended for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a good idea to go early in the day because the bay is so well used that access and parking can be difficult. Call ahead on 396 4229 to check for periodic closures.

These side-by-side open malls offer grocery shopping, dive shops, boat charter firms, and restaurants, as well as banking and dry cleaning services.

This sophisticated lunch and dinner restaurant ranks high among critics and diners for its world flavors, ocean view, and gracious service.

Stop by this compact neighborhood spot to discover Jack’s giant Special Biscuits, breakfast until 2pm, and freshly made local plates.

This secretive mile and a half of golden sand, hidden by the ritzy homes of suburban Kāhala, offers wading, snorkeling, reef-fishing, and sunbathing. To get here from Waikīkī, take Diamond Head Road until it becomes Kāhala Avenue. In the 4,400 to 4,800 blocks of Kāhala Avenue, watch out for seven narrow paths, marked by blue beach access signs (you’ll need to park on the street). The bigger stretch of Wai’alae Beach Park (with restrooms and picnic tables) is just beyond Kapakahi Stream bridge.

Operated by a Bible-thumping power-lifter, this is part fast food joint (great shave ice and unusual plate lunches) and part youth center, where the graffiti is scripture.