I always thought Hawaii was a little overrated but this last trip totally changed my mind. I think its cause of the amazing weather in February (not feeling sticky 24/7 and less crowds) that I found Oahu much more enjoyable. Anyways, read on for our list of to-do’s that can help you as a guide when you’re visiting Waikiki and the South Shore. If you’re planning to visit North Shore as well, see list here.
1. Rent a Jeep
When you arrive at the car center and the representative behind counter says “So I have you guys in a hyundai compact four door, but we have some deals going on right now so would you guys like to upgrade to something a little more fun? *raises left eyebrow” – just say yes. Don’t think about it, don’t try and calculate how much extra its going to cost, and don’t start thinking about how you should be saving money. Just say yes and get the jeep. With the perfect beautifullll weather that we got during our trip in February, you’ll enjoy nothing more than having the warm sun hug you like a blanket as you drive all over the island (especially if you’ve been living in SF, the glorious sun is such a treat).
2. Ono Seafood
Everybody knows about Ono so just make sure you order a bowl to eat right then, another bowl to enjoy on the beach, and then another bowl for your plane ride home. We did all three and didn’t regret it. This was our first pit stop right after landing as it was on our way towards our hotel in Waikiki.
3. Leonard's Bakery
Located right down the street from Ono Seafood, you might as well knock out this Hawaiian staple at the same time. Don’t forget to grab an iced Kono coffee to go with your order. With lots of flavors to choose from, our favorite is the original with plain sugar. Sometimes less is more.
4. Waikiki Beach (Halekoa Beach Shack)
You could find a place anywhere on Waikiki, but since we wanted to casually drink while laying on the beach and didn’t want to commit to eating at a restaurant, Halekoa checked all the boxes. They serve drinks and food and the beach shack is basically located right by the water so you could just order your drinks and walk back to your beach towel in 30 seconds. Not sure if you’re actually allowed to bring your drinks on the beach, but we definitely enjoyed the afternoon in this spot doing so.
5. Waikiki Beach Sunset
Ahh…sunset. It’s hard to beat a Hawaiian sunset. You’ll get a good view anywhere along Waikiki so just make sure to observe one of the sunsets while you’re here. When we were here in February, every sunset had that pretty pink tint. Also, Friday nights there are fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel which was right next to the Illikai Hotel where we stayed a few nights.
6. Beachhouse at the Moana
The Moana is a beautiful historical hotel building that holds a large banyan tree. Dinner is served on their veranda amongst the Victorian architecture and the live music adds to the romantic atmosphere. We had the hoisin braised short ribs and the steamed kanpachi (which ended up being our favorite). It’s a meal on the pricier side, but if you’re considering a romantic dinner, this definitely counts.
7. Cuckoo Coconuts Bar
This place is so fun. You feel like you’re in a proper tiki bar plus their pina colada served in a fresh pineapple tastes like a blended slush of heaven. It’s a great place for any pre-drinking or if you want to hang out here all night long. We only wish we had come a few more times!
8. Katsumidori
I died when I found out this was opened in Hawaii. Katsumidori has a restaurant in Tokyo that I loveee. The menu is pretty much the same as the one in Tokyo and I’d recommend the same dish in the Waikiki location: Deluxe Tuna and Nigiri and Roll platter. Their Golden Sushi is worth a bite too (and so pretty with that edible gold!)
9. Alicia's Market
All you hear about is poke bowls but Alicia’s brings another level with its poke and meat bowls. My favorite is the roast pork (mmm crunchy skin) with masagi wasabe ahi to bring some extra meatiness (their potato salad is good too). We left Waikiki in the morning and stopped at Alicia’s Market to grab our orders to go and drove to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens (about 15 minutes drive) to enjoy.
10. Ho'omauhia Botanical Garden
It’s free, it’s pretty, and you can circle the whole park in about 30 minutes. So roll down your windows and unhook your roofs, theres lots of picture worthy spots.
11. Buzz's Original Steak House for Mai Tai
Oahu does not have enough beach shacks right on the beach so it felt like jackpot finding Buzz’s, located right across from Kailua Beach. We came here three times during our stay, mostly for the Mai Tai drinks. We love how each time we ordered the drinks, the waiters asks “Have you been here before? Our Mai Tais are strong and come with 3 shots of rum each.” Excellent. When you’re done, wander across the street to Kailua Beach and take a nap.
12. Lanikai Beach
Our favorite beach, but also everyone else’s so walk further along towards the end of the beach (away from Kailua Beach) to find a more secluded spot. The water is calm and glistening – you’ll want to spend all day here so pack the essentials (booze, poke, blanket). Our preferred essentials we grabbed along the way from Waikiki included poke and bubbly from The Hibachi and the Haleiwa (kailua pork) Breakfast Bomber from Konos. If not, the closest market we found right before entering the area was Kalapwai Market (we drove back here after running out of booze). The beach is less than 5 minute drive further from Buzz’s so you could definitely stop by here after lunch at Buzz’. Just note that the beach is tucked away in a residential neighborhood so parking can be a little difficult but its so worth it.
13. Makapu'u Tide Pools
About 25 minutes from Lanikai Beach, drive along the coast till you hit the Makapu’u Tide Pools. These cool ocean pools were formed from black lava and are filled with all sorts of sea critters. There was a local family here catching all sorts, include brittle starfish and shrimp.
14. Kona Brewing Company
After the tide pools, continue driving south and stop by for dinner at the Kona Brewing Company. Enjoy your pint and pizza amongst the tiki torches and live music. After a day in the sun, the carby-ness from the Hawaii Kai Kai pizza (with pork and pineapple) is the perfect treat to top off your night.
15. Hau Tree Lanai
Not going to lie, when we first pulled up to the Hau Tree Lanai at the Kaimana Beach Hotel for lunch, I was a little surprised cause the hotel seemed a little old. However, don’t let the facade fool you. The food here is delicious, especially their fresh catch of the day w/pasta and the banyan tree is beautiful. The table next to us also had this club sandwich that looked amazing. I can see why this place is one of the top rated places to watch the sunset.
16. Diamond Head
After all the eating and drinking, you’ll probably be yearning for some exercise. We didn’t want to do anything crazy or too intense again like Koko Head, so Diamond Head was a perfect choice. Sweeping views, soft breeze, and manageable paths and stairs make this a picturesque hike. Plus, there is a big pineapple stand in the parking lot to reward yourself with after the hike.
17. Helena's Hawaiian Food
What is there not to love about Helena’s. This is my must-visit when I’m in Oahu every time. It’s all about the short ribs, short ribs, short ribs, and mac salad so make sure you order enough.
18. Alan Wong's Honolulu
If I’d gain weight for every minute I thought of Alan Wongs since coming here 6 years ago, I would probably be an extra 50 pounds heavier. Legit thought this was one of the best tasting menu meals I ever had the first time I came here and since then I have dreamt about these dishes: 1) “Soup and sandwich” – chilled tomato soup w/ a grilled foie gras, mozzarella, & kailua pork sandwich and 2) Coconut sorbet (and I don’t even like coconut!). They are a little picky with their tasting menu rules (everyone at the table must participate in the same tasting menu – currently offering 2 types) and it seemed like a big deal when we asked if we could order their “Soup and Sandwich” dish a la cart but they did let us in the end. We were too full to have a full tasting menu but their other dishes dishes (dumplings, ginger crusted snapper, scallop risotto) were still good. However, I would recommend coming on a empty stomach for their tasting menu.
19. Stay the Royal Hawaiian hotel
This hotel is so unique compared to the other hotels in Waikiki. With its pink exterior and art deco wall papered rooms, this hotel is made for instagram. Read all about our stay here.
