What to See

The Crouching Lion Restaurant, located in Ka'a'awa, Oahu, is a historic and iconic dining spot that has recently reopened after being closed for nearly a decade. Situated along the picturesque Kamehameha Highway, the restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. Known for its revamped look and updated menu, the Crouching Lion serves a variety of dishes that cater to both locals and visitors, making it a must-visit for those exploring the Windward Coast of Oahu​

Haleiwa Joe's Haiku is a popular restaurant located in Kaneohe, Oahu, renowned for its breathtaking views of the lush Haiku Gardens and the majestic Ko'olau Mountains. This dining establishment offers a relaxed, open-air atmosphere where guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and island-inspired dishes. Known for its friendly service and stunning natural surroundings, Haleiwa Joe's Haiku is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a memorable dining experience in a beautiful setting.

Buzz's Kailua, is a beloved local restaurant located near Kailua Beach on Oahu. Known for its casual and laid-back atmosphere, Buzz's Kailua offers a menu featuring a variety of steaks, fresh seafood, and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. The restaurant is celebrated for its friendly service, tropical cocktails, and charming tiki-themed decor, making it a popular dining spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a hearty meal in a relaxed beachside setting.

Two Irish pubs in Waikiki. Kelly O'Neil's in central Waikiki offers live bands and bar food at 339 Saratoga Road. The Irish Rose Saloon on Waikiki's outskirts has rowdier live bands and a whiskey selection. Smoking allowed at both.

A laid-back dive bar near the beach with cold beer, a tiki bar vibe, and a friendly atmosphere.

A serene Japanese-inspired lounge away from the Waikiki crowds, offering cocktails and eats.

Enjoy Parisian-style cocktails and eats at this Halekulani hotel bar. Crafted by Colin Field, it's a palate-awakening experience.

A hidden Japanese karaoke bar inside a side-street hotel offering Asian and English tunes, private rooms, and room service.

For healthy Hawaiian food with fresh ingredients, visit Heavenly Island Lifestyle. Located at the Shoreline Hotel, it caters to health-conscious diners and offers vegan options.

Indulge in home-brewed beer at Maui Brewing Company. With a diverse menu for drinks and food, live performances, and sports screening, it's perfect for friends on vacation.

Orchids offers a beautiful setting, Hawaiian cuisine, and adorable desserts. Buffets are available daily, making it a must-try experience in Honolulu. Ideal for dates and wine lovers.

Sample authentic Japanese Udon noodles at Marukame Udon. This beloved restaurant serves affordable and tasty dishes, making it a must-visit in Honolulu.

Enjoy unique cocktails and drinks at Bar Leather Apron. Despite its funky name, the drinks are the star here. It's a top-rated spot in Honolulu for a reason.

If you're looking for drinks and great food, Bar 35 is a perfect choice. It offers an extensive menu for both drinks and food. The ambiance is cozy and suitable for lounge lovers.

Dance the night away at Ginza Night Club, known for its fantastic music selection. It's the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights, with the party going until 4 AM.

Located in the Halekulani hotel, this classic bar and seafood restaurant offer spectacular sunset views, live music, and exceptional food. Ideal for a romantic date night.

Unwind at Nextdoor Lounge in Downtown Honolulu, featuring a pleasant ambiance, music, dancing area, and an extensive bar. Fridays and Saturdays are the best nights to visit.

Enjoy Hawaiian, seafood, and Asian fusion cuisine at Roy's Waikiki. While it's on the high-end side, the quality of food, live music, and drinks are worth the experience.

Sip on refreshing drinks while enjoying ocean views at the Mai Tai Bar. Their extensive drink and food menus, classic atmosphere, quick service, and hospitality make it a must-visit.

Duke's is a top nightlife spot in Honolulu, offering beachfront dining, live music, and Hawaiian vibes. Families will appreciate their kid-friendly menu.

Enjoy live music, including jazz, blues, and Hawaiian specials, at Blue Note Hawaii. Renowned artists from around the world perform here. Check their website for current artists.

Every Friday, the Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts breathtaking fireworks on Waikiki Beach. Enjoy this spectacular show for free while relaxing on the beach.

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with a traditional luau. Waikiki offers both high-end and affordable options, like the Waikiki Starlight Luau, featuring live music, hula dancing, fire knife tricks, and a beach setting.

Waikiki comes alive at night, making it a fantastic place for a beach picnic. Local food stands offer a variety of options. Enjoy a romantic date night or a family gathering with the ocean breeze and music.

Experience the Honolulu Zoo in a unique way with twilight tours on Friday and Saturday nights.

Discover Diamond Head at night with Segway of Hawaii's sunset tours. Enjoy a unique perspective of this iconic landmark as you ride. Tours are available until 6 PM.

Sunset Beach on Oahu's North Shore is renowned for its stunning sunsets, world-class surfing waves in the winter, and serene swimming conditions in the summer.

A big surf spot with strong waves, popular for bodysurfing and bodyboarding.

Home to the dangerous Banzai Pipeline surf spot, a great place to watch surfers.

Known for its visual beauty, it's great for sunbathing and dolphin watching.

A three-mile stretch with calm waters, part of a 35-acre park.

Features well-designed, man-made lagoons and family-friendly facilities.

A vast, four-mile beach on the east coast, perfect for bodyboarding.

A serene bay with green sea turtles and gentle surf, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Famous for surfing, it's also great for swimming and offers stunning views.

The epitome of a Hawaiian beach experience, with white sand and gentle waves. Waikiki is only about 18 miles (less than 30 minutes drive) from Paradise Bay Resort.

A protected snorkeling spot in a volcanic cone, offering a unique underwater experience.

Isolated yet accessible, it's known for water sports and fine white sand.

Haleiwa Town is located on the North Shore. It’s a small town with a lot of boutique shops, food, and galleries.

Kailua Town is a nice little town with a few local boutiques and eateries. Best way to get around this town is by renting a bike and exploring around. After some retail therapy, head over to Kailua or Lanikai beach for some beach therapy!

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is Hawaii’s most prominent mall open-air flea market with over 400 vendors!

Ala Moana Center, the island's largest open-air shopping center, is bustling and frequented by tourists due to its proximity to Waikiki.

Waikele Premium Outlet only outlet shopping center in Hawaii. If you’re not familiar with outlets, it offers the best deals on brands! This is a great place for Black Friday – but, like just about every other place on this list, it can become very packed!

Scale this iconic Oahu landmark, enjoy a 760 ft summit, and savor unparalleled sunrise views.

Don't miss Oahu's North Shore. Famous for big wave beaches, Haleiwa town, and scenic countryside drives.

Immerse yourself in seven South Pacific villages. Enjoy shows, canoeing, and a grand luau.

Over a million visitors flock to this evolving city each year.

Stroll to a pleasant 15ft waterfall in Waimea Valley. Surrounded by botanical gardens, it offers a swim-friendly pool.

Explore a marine sanctuary with 300+ fish species. Daily visitor limit ensures a unique experience.

With 1.8 million annual visitors, explore the Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin, USS Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Helena's Hawaiian Food in Kalihi serves traditional Hawaiian dishes, including kalua pig and luau squid. Menu D offers a variety of flavors. Don't miss the Fried Butterfish Collar.

Liliha Bakery, famous for its coco puffs and butter rolls, offers a taste of Hawaii.

Visit Romy's Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp for buttery garlic shrimp, seafood delights, and secret shoyu sauce. Taste the signature dish with soft rice.

Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha (HOPA) serves delicious shaved ice bowls with fruity syrup, ice cream, and fresh fruit toppings. Try local snacks like li hing mui seeds.

Hula Grill Waikiki offers ocean views and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, focusing on regional and global cuisine.

Seaside Grill provides beachside dining with ocean views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and desserts.

Goma Tei Ramen is a local favorite for ramen with house-made soup broth and roasted sesame seeds. They also offer rice from Hokkaido, Japan.

Sky Waikiki is a premier rooftop bistro, lounge, and nightclub with breathtaking views, signature cocktails, live music, and award-winning cuisine.

Chef Chai at Pacifica Tower is known for innovative Hawaiian cuisine, fusing fresh local ingredients with exotic flavors. Voted Best New Restaurant in 2013.

Experience thrilling scuba diving at several fantastic dive sites on Oahu, where you can encounter sharks, turtles, and marine life (Island Divers Hawaii). The island's warm, clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it ideal for both novice and experienced divers.

Snorkeling in Oahu's crystal blue waters offers the chance to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral reefs. Popular spots like Hanauma Bay, Shark's Cove, and Lanikai Beach are rich with marine life, including tropical fish and occasional dolphins. Whether experienced or new to snorkeling, Oahu's underwater world provides a memorable and enchanting experience.

Indulge in world-class shopping steps away from the hotel on Kalakaua Avenue. Explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Visit the International Marketplace, featuring over 130 carts, shops, and artisan stands in the heart of Waikiki.