Things To Do

Here are a few of our favorite beaches, bites, hikes, and things to do. Check them out by area of Oahu! Feel free to text or email me if you have any questions. - Sam

Arrival Tips*

When you arrive, we recommend heading to Walmart in Ala Moana for reef-walkers (they will most likely be necessary for many of the beach spots) and snorkel gear if you’re interested. While you're in the area, I highly suggest visiting Don Quijote, a Japanese market with a food court, both inside and outside.

Food

Hawaii Kai Area

  1. Moena's: Ideal for brunch with a Hawaiian twist.

  2. Kim's: Famous for KBBQ plate lunches.

  3. Kokonuts: Delicious shaved ice.

  4. Leonard’s Malasadas: A must-try for Portuguese doughnuts.

  5. 7/11’s(Multiple Locations): Get the sushi, dim sum, and snacks and candies. Sam & Jess’s Common Picks: Spicy Ahi Inari, Spicy Ahi Roll, Pork Hash(dim sum), Char Siu Manapua(dim sum), Spam Musubi, Li Hing Mui.

Kahala Area

  1. FOODLAND/FOODLAND MARKETPLACE: Best poke and a variety of prepared local foods. (Sam & Jess's favorite)

  2. Pearls KBBQ: Known for their Meat Jun, a unique Hawaiian dish. (Jess's must)

  3. Zippy’s(Multiple Locations): A local staple, try the popular Zip pack.

  4. Leahi (Aina Haina & Hawaii Kai): Raw vegan options.

  5. Pipeline Bakery: For malasadas and cookies, a sweet treat haven.

  6. La Tour: Offers vegan options and good pastries.

  7. Chubbies Burgers: Renowned for smash burgers.

  8. Carousel Candyland: Located in Kahala mall, Li hing Candy.

Waikiki Area

  1. Don Quijote Japanese Market: Really good premade bentos. Lots of snacks and Japanese/Hawaii candies. (Sam's must)

  2. Maguro Brothers: Excellent sushi and poke.

  3. Gyu-Kaku: Japanese Yakiniku, great for grilling.

  4. Millions: Korean Yakiniku located in Kakaako.

  5. Island Vintage Brewing: Famous for açaí bowls and shaved ice.

  6. Honolulu Coffee Company: Multiple locations for your caffeine fix.

  7. Hau Tree: Local fusion cuisine.

  8. Highway Inn: Located 10 minutes from Waikiki, serves Hawaiian food.

  9. Han No Daidokoro: Japanese restaurant, close to Waikiki.

  10. Katsu Midori: Specializes in sushi.

Downtown/Chinatown

  1. Pig and the Lady: A popular Vietnamese restaurant.

  2. Maguro Brothers: Sushi and poke.

Kailua/Lanikai Area

  1. Cinnamon’s Restaurant: A favorite for brunch with Hawaiian influences.

  2. Kono’s: Offers brunch, sandwiches, and Hawaiian dishes.

North Shore Area

  1. Foodland: Known for poke and a variety of prepared local foods. (Sam & Jess's favorite)

  2. Giovanni’s or Macky's: Famous for shrimp plates.

  3. Kono’s: A great spot for brunch, sandwiches, and Hawaiian dishes.

  4. Coffee Gallery: Perfect for coffee and tea lovers.

  5. Sunrise Shack: Renowned for açaí bowls.

  6. Ted's Bakery: Known for pies and sandwiches.

  7. Matsumoto: Famous for shaved ice.

  8. Uncle Bo's: A good dinner spot in Haleiwa town.

*For Hawaii snacks and treats(li hing mui candies) most drugstore/grocery stores will carry a variety.

Beaches

Hawaii Kai Area

  1. Bellows Beach: Good for swimming (Easy).

  2. Sherwood Beach: Good for swimming (Easy).

  3. Sandy Beach: Sightseeing spot, swimming not recommended (Hard).

  4. Makapuu Beach: Caution advised, swimming not recommended (Medium).

  5. Halona Beach Cove (Infinity Bay): Be cautious of tides and currents, no lifeguards (Medium).

Waikiki Area

  1. Waikiki Beach: Easy swimming, touristy (Easy).

  2. Ala Moana + Magic Island: Easy swimming (Easy).

  3. Kaimana’s: Easy swimming (Easy).

Kailua/Lanikai Area

  1. Lanikai Beach: Easy swimming, but parking can be a challenge (Easy).

  2. Kailua Beach Park: Easy swimming (Easy).

North Shore Area

  1. Sharks Cove: Great for snorkeling, but be cautious of sharp reefs (Medium).

  2. Waimea Beach: Safe tides in summer, check with lifeguards (Easy).

  3. Three Tables: Medium difficulty for swimming.

*Please be safe a lot of beaches you swim at your own risk. Be mindful of tides, currents, reef and wild life.

Hikes

Hawaii Kai Area

  1. Koko Crater: Challenging hike (Hard).

  2. Makapuu Lighthouse: Medium to hard difficulty (Medium to Hard).

Waikiki Area

  1. Diamond Head: Easy volcano hike (Easy).

Kailua/Lanikai Area

  1. Pillbox (Kailua ocean view): Medium to hard difficulty (Medium to Hard).

North Shore Area

  1. Waimea Falls: Easy walk through native gardens to a swim-able waterfall (Easy, Sam's must).

  2. Ehukai Pillbox: Scenic hike with beautiful ocean views (Medium).

Additional Hikes

  1. Kuliouou: More challenging hike (Harder).

  2. Manoa Falls: Easy rainforest hike (Easy).

Activities

  1. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden: Easy exploration.

  2. Polynesian Cultural Center: Cultural experience.

  3. ʻLolani Palace: Visit the official residence of Hawaiʻi’s monarchy.

  4. Pearl Harbor: Historical site.

  5. Bishop Museum: Explore Hawaiian history and culture.

  6. Lookouts: Pali Lookout (Eastside Area) for breathtaking views.