Honolulu, Oahu
Your Ultimate Guide to Hawaii
As a former resident of paradise, I know all of the best spots to go to while you're on the island. If you're looking for delicious food, great hikes or beautiful beaches, I promise I will lead you in the right direction. A trip to Hawaii doesn't have to break your bank. Make sure to rent a car before you get there. Taxi and Uber rides can get expensive and the bus can be difficult to navigate. Avoid tourist traps. There is so much to see and so many places to explore on Oahu that are free and more beautiful than Waikiki beach. Check out these spots on your next trip to Oahu & I promise you won't be disappointed.
Best Breakfast: Bogart's (Best Acai bowl) & Cafe Kaila
Best Shave Ice: Waiola Shave Ice
Best Ice cream: Bubbies
Best Happy Hour: Shokudo (4-6pm and 10pm-12am) Doraku (4-6pm)
Best Dinner: Nobu Waikiki, Hot Pot Heaven, Doraku, Shorebirds Restaurant
Best place to stay: Sheraton Waikiki or Turtle Bay Resort North Shore
Best spa: Khakara at the Sheraton
Best Hikes: Kokohead District Park, Diamond Head, Pillboxes, Manoa Falls, Makapu'u Tidepools
Top five beaches: Lanikai Beach, Sunset Beach, Makapuu, Bellows Beach, Allen Davis
Places to shop: Ala Moana Shopping Centre, Homecoming Honolulu, We Are Iconic, Guava Shop North Shore, Owens & CO Downtown
Day One: Town
If you planning to stay in town, meaning in Honolulu, I recommend starting your morning with the Manoa Falls hike then checking out Cafe Kaila for breakfast. You aren't supposed to jump in the water at Manoa Falls, but it's impossible to resist. Head over to Ala Moana to do a little shopping and finish up with dinner at Shokudo.
Day Two: Hawaii Kai
Start your morning with a hike up the infamous Koko Head stairs then head out to the Makapu'u Tide pools. After your hike and some chill time in the tide pools you can either check out Allen Davis or Makapu'u beach. On your way back to the hotel, stop at the Marina for some ice cream at Bubbies and maybe even a burger from Teddy's.
Day Three: Waimanalo
Head to Bellows beach and just take it all in. It was recently voted the best beach in Hawaii and it's true. Keep driving and you'll hit Serg's Mexican girl. Grab a couple tacos and head back to town. Take the Pali back into town then stop at Waiola shave ice for the best shave ice you've ever had in your life. Order the rainbow shave ice with ice cream. Thank me later.
Day Four: Downtown & Chinatown
Head downtown to check out Hawaii's own Chinatown and some pretty cool shops. Downtown has some of Honolulu's best shopping and food. Downtown has a very old school feel much different than what you find throughout the rest of the island. Make sure to check out Homecoming Honolulu & Owen's & Co. The pizza at J.J Dolan's is bomb, ask anyone.
Day Five: North Shore
Head out to the North Shore but first make sure to stop in the historic town of Haleiwa where you'll find some great food and shopping. Check out Guava Shop, the perfect trendy local shop, with the cutest swimwear and clothing. Keep heading down Kamehameha and you'll find turtles on the shore, cliffs to jump off at Waimea, and Sunset beach. Have dinner at Ola at Turtle bay then watch the sunset.
Day Six: Kailua & Lanikai
Take the Pali to Kailua. If you're sitting in the passenger seat, make sure you aren't looking at your phone and instead out the window at the most beautiful views of Kailua. Hike Pillboxes and when you're done grab a bite at Primo Pizza (Margherita!) or head to Lanikai Juice for an acai bowl. Pick up some beers and head over to Lanikai beach to relax and fry. You'll get enough sun there for your entire trip.
Day Seven: Waikiki
Alright, I get it. You're tired now. Take a break from exploring the island and start the morning with a hike up Diamond head, which is fairly easy. Once you've conquered your hike head over to Bogart's for breakfast. If you want your food right away, look over the menu online and call it in. Their nickname is "Slowgarts" lol. Book an a well deserved appointment for at Khakara Spa at the Sheraton then hit either Buho's and Doraku for dinner.