Here as elsewhere, our hearts have turned to the holidays. Thanksgiving in Hawaii is much as it was growing up in... More
We're a bit spoiled where fireworks are concerned. Growing up, watching them was an annual event. Now it's weekly, thanks to... More
The world’s most famous beach is actually seven beaches in all, ranging from Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the ewa side (away... More
Every day is family day with Hawaii Nautical, a local family-owned business. This snorkel sail operator in West Oahu has a... More
Blue Water brings the North Shore shrimp truck experience to town. Large portions of juicy, garlicky, grilled shrimp, calamari, chicken and... More
The Irish pub genre of bar is executed flawlessly at this downtown favorite. There’s live Irish music every weekend, a wall... More
Stop to marvel at periodic bursts of foamy ocean spray from the Halona Blowhole, between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach. Formed... More
Popular with celebrities and professional athletes like surfing champion Sunny Garcia, cryotherapy cools your entire body, eliminating inflammation and pain in... More
Located at the base of the beautiful Koolau Mountains, this nondenominational temple is a replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Uji,... More
Oahu’s best snorkeling is about 30 minutes from Waikiki. This marine life preserve is an excellent place for beginners and children... More
An upbeat vibe complements this beer-centric eatery’s astonishing selection of brews, and there’s much to like on the extensive menu. It... More
Opened in 1904, this is the second-oldest aquarium in the U.S. It features exhibits that showcase Pacific marine life and hosts... More
On the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, across from Kapiolani Park and next to the Natatorium, Kaimana is among the very... More
Invigorating, peaceful and downright life-changing, stand-up paddle is the fastest-growing sport in the world. Learning is easy, but it helps to... More
Tucked away in delightful Kailua is a tiny restaurant whose respect for top-quality food and its origins warrant a drive to... More
If a dog creeps into your mind, head to Hank’s. These are the best hot dogs in Hawaii, rated among the... More
This is the largest protected bay in Hawaii and provides an abundance of ocean activities as well as postcard-worthy surroundings. Although... More
Skydiving in Hawaii is a bucket-list item, for sure, and you can check it off with the best. With over 42... More
A natural deep-water lagoon, Pearl Harbor is headquarters of the US Pacific Fleet and has been a US Navy post since... More
Ocean-minded and conservation-driven, this small collection of marine animals really illustrates what life is like underwater in Hawaii. Children may hold... More
Sitting beneath the nigh legendary banyan tree at the Moana Surfrider and listening to a steel guitar embellish a favorite Hawaiian... More
Hunkered down in the middle of Chinatown, Bar 35 draws an eclectic crowd, from hipsters to downtown professional types to anyone out... More
H.T. Hayashi’s dream of a giant indoor aquarium remains alive and well at this unique hotel restaurant. The nightly buffet and... More
In easternmost Oahu, right around the bend from Makapu‘u Point, this marine life park features activities and exhibits that are entertaining,... More
This walking trail through Waikiki presents the history of the area and its cultural significance to ancient Hawaii. Markers shaped like... More
Although this is one of the busiest beaches on the leeward side, it’s rarely crowded. It’s great for swimming during the... More
One of the most sacred sites on the island, Kualoa remains a land of undeveloped splendor, often used by Hollywood moviemakers... More
Locally owned Makani Kai and its sister company, Magnum, are generally regarded as No. 1 in Hawaii’s helicopter industry. They... More
Down at the Aston Waikiki Beach, this massive lanai overlooking the ocean gets lit up with torches and smiles every evening.... More
A local favorite for years upon years, Chart House remains one of Waikiki’s signature restaurants. A large selection of shellfish including... More
Hold on to your hats, skirts and small accessories at this super-windy and super-popular scenic overlook on Pali Highway, which connects... More
Great for families, the the world’s premier Polynesian encounter is an authentic day-long adventure featuring experiences like canoe races, Samoan cooking,... More
Bounce, bounce, bounce: That’s what you do at iTrampoline, where kids of all ages have a whole lot of fun. Oahu’s... More
Top-quality service is the calling card of Massimo Sport Hawaii, a small company with superb references. Among its intimate Oahu tours... More
Looking for delicious Chinese food in Waikiki? At Seafood Village you’ll find more than 30 items at dim sum alone, and... More
Waikiki’s only beachfront show is located on the lawn at the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel. An elegant, pricey affair, the evening... More
Yelp and TripAdvisor consistently praise this small, family-owned company, which has provided fun and adventure in Kailua for over 30 years.... More
Cute as can be with a setting to die for, this is a fun place well worth the walk from Waikiki... More
Haleiwa Beach Park is located in the small North Shore town of the same name. The shallow, rocky ocean bottom deters... More
Oahu’s newest stage production tells the stories of marvelous adventures through the songs and dances of Hawaii and the South Pacific.... More
Oceanside at the renowned Halekulani, Orchids is a special treat in every possible way. The casual yet upscale venue celebrates the... More
Explore the hidden Waianae coast aboard the Hololeakai, a 53-ft teak-finished, full-service catamaran. The cat ensures a smooth ride, and the... More
For kids young and old, a dive in a real submarine is an unforgettable experience. Atlantis Submarine's marvelous family adventure is... More
Local artists bring a blend of rock, reggae, island and R&B to nightly gigs at Sheraton Waikiki's Rumfire. Listen to both... More
Punchbowl Crater has long been a somber place. In ancient times it was known as Puowaina, which means "Consecrated Hill" or... More
On the west side of Oahu, Ko Olina Beach Park is located within the Ko Olina Resort and comprises a series... More
Hawaii’s first visual arts museum opened in 1927 and has become the state’s premier arts institution and a leader in visual... More
Through the years, the Morgan family has remained steadfast in its efforts to retain the wild, open character of this marvelous... More
Yard House serves upwards of 100 seasonal, craft and international draft beers in the heart of Waikiki. Combine that with a... More
Sailing off the Waikiki coast is a thrill on its own. Adding snorkeling with guaranteed turtle sightings is the recipe for... More
The venerable Polynesian Cultural Center, now more than 50 years young, draws rave reviews for both its Ali‘i Luau and its... More
We love classic neighborhood restaurants, and this one anchors a popular street corner in Kaimuki. We go for the dim sum,... More
Look no further for fresh Oahu seafood: This is THE place. Owned by Fresh Island Fish, the state's largest seafood supplier,... More
Tucked away in Moiliili, this corner restaurant is welcoming and lovely. Through the years, excellent service has been paired nicely with... More
Walking out of Nohea Gallery with a smile on your face is pretty much guaranteed. We've done it umpteen times! This welcoming... More
This tiny place run by a wonderful couple reflects Hawaii’s marvelous mix of cultures. Choose from Vietnamese food like pho and... More
Take a dive in the comfort of an air-conditioned, Coast Guard-approved submarine. The dive site contains established artificial reef systems —... More
Local favorite P.F. Chang’s features popular Chinese dishes and a range of inviting desserts in an upbeat bistro environment. Fresh local... More
Serving local-style American cuisine since 1953, this is a Honolulu landmark and favorite late-night diner. The menu offers hot and cold... More
“Kani ka pila” means “let’s make music,” and that’s exactly what this poolside restaurant at the Outrigger Reef delivers. An impressive... More
Ensconced in the prestigious Halekulani, La Mer features elegant French cuisine incorporating locally-sourced ingredients and tropical flavors. The three- and four... More
The beautiful, peaceful setting at Pearl Harbor makes it hard to imagine the scene during Japan’s surprise attack on Dec. 7,... More
This Honolulu Harbor beacon has been welcoming cruise ships since they first began arriving here. Today it is dwarfed by Honolulu... More
Locally owned Makani Kai and its sister company, Magnum, are generally regarded as No. 1 in Hawaii’s helicopter industry. They... More
We all wear aloha shirts. It’s a uniform, almost, a badge of Hawaiian-ness that sets us apart. Our closets are lined... More
Waialua is a residential community to the west of Haleiwa. The sleepy North Shore town once revolved around a sugar plantation... More
The top three courses on our windward side are Koolau Golf Club, Royal Hawaiian Golf Club and Olomana Golf Club, listed... More
Running a dive shop isn’t easy. When you find one that’s been in business for more than 30 years, you can... More
d.k. battles it out annually with very few other places for the title of ‘Best Steakhouse in Honolulu.’ Customers rave about... More
Quite possibly Oahu’s best family beach, especially in the morning. Powder-soft white sand, calm azure water, and the Mokulua (Twin) Islands... More
Hipsters, let us hear a “hallelujah!” Skaters, sing its praise. Echo Park, CA meets Honolulu, HI at a fun Chinatown shop... More
The mellow Chart House has been a local favorite for years. Seafood dishes abound, but steaks are exceptional as well. You... More
Although the island’s best steaks are reason enough to visit Wolfgang’s, the seafood is superb, too. Other menu items like lobster... More
In the tradition of a true backyard, family-style luau, Germaine’s serves up a bounty of food and hosts a marvelous Polynesian... More
Celebrate all things pineapple at Dole Plantation, located right in the middle of an original pineapple plantation! The Pineapple Express takes... More
It’s been more than 50 years since Chuck Rolles came up with his winning steak/seafood/salad bar formula — and it still... More
This diner-style eatery combines American and local dishes in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. A keiki menu caters to kids, and a... More
Bike Hawaii’s name tells only part of its story. Sure, they’re the longtime local expert in biking — mountain biking, exhilarating... More
This elegant beachside bar at the iconic Royal Hawaiian showcases live Hawaiian entertainment by top island musicians like Eric Lee and... More
The newest way to tour Waikiki and beyond is on an electric Trikke. The ride is exhilarating yet safe, and it’s... More
Overlooking Pearl Harbor with views of the Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri and Waianae Mountains, Pearl Country Club is a classic. It... More
Directly across from Iolani Palace, this statue honors the great warrior, diplomat and leader who united all of Hawaii’s islands into... More
Oahu’s west side offers some of the island’s very best family experiences. Cruising alongside leaping dolphins off a vast, mountainous coastline... More
This super-popular Kahala restaurant is a cute, fun and comfortable place with wonderful people and equally wonderful Greek fare. Ask about... More
Known for super-fresh ingredients and perfect technique with sushi and sashimi, Yanagi Sushi is a favorite among locals and visiting celebrities.... More
Everybody should go to Waikiki Beach and wade into the water, gazing seaward, Diamond Head to your left and miles of... More
Chef Lee Anne Wong has fashioned a delightfully choice breakfast/lunch menu that only gets better with imaginative daily specials. One daring... More
When a local person says “koa,” the first place other local people think about is Martin & MacArthur. Yes, Martin &... More
Colorful entertainment and an island feast under the stars await you at Waikiki’s premier outdoor luau at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Experience... More
Lucky Belly specializes in ramen, but they put a sophisticated spin on the Asian noodle soup that surprises and comforts at... More
The last battleship ever made, the Mighty Mo also is the most formidable. Larger than the ill-fated Titanic, its nine 16-inch... More
Honolulu Cookie Company offers premium shortbread cookies in a signature pineapple shape. The selection is marvelous, and each cookie is baked... More
This cozy Japanese restaurant specializing in fresh, homemade udon is a local favorite known for generous portions and quick service. Choose... More
With a name that blends two of Hawaii’s most famous words and cherished values – mahalo and aloha – a burger... More
Few modern-day figures have been as wholly beloved and revered as Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. The “Ambassador of Aloha” was a hero... More
This top-ranked spa offers a full range of massage services, silky sheets, all-natural oils and a healing ambience glowing with Himalayan... More
Perennially among Oahu’s top family attractions, this expansive water park is great for kids of all ages. Rides range from the... More
East Oahu golf is limited to one course, but that's enough. The Hawaii Kai Championship Course is where many of us... More
The culmination of a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center is the Ali‘i Luau, followed by the marvelous evening show, Ha:... More
Liliha Bakery opened in 1950 and remains a Honolulu mainstay. The bakery is famous for coco puffs (they sell 4800 -... More
Known locally as Sandy's, this beach is home to an incredibly powerful shore break, a favorite spot for seasoned boogie-boarders and... More