Honolulu is a big little city of more than 909,863 year-round inhabitants on the island of Oahu. Often called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu really does gather the visitor numbers each year. Oahu hosted 5.6 million visitors in 2016. With so many options of where to eat, sleep and explore in Honolulu; where do you begin? No need to worry – we have your solutions for every step of your Honolulu getaway.
Honolulu includes Waikiki, the hub of the visitor industry. With the majority of the hotel rooms on the island being located in Waikiki, new hotel concepts and brands are constantly replacing the old. Waikiki is a mix of price points for accommodations, but as always, the very best are directly on the ocean. Familiar shops along the main drag of Kalakaua Avenue are long gone, and parts of the avenue now resembles Rodeo Drive with worldwide upscale brands dotting the street to the delight of luxury shoppers. Although the face of Waikiki continues to evolve, the most famous “beach at Waikiki” stays much the same, as does the view of iconic Mount Leahi and Diamond Head, encircled by waving palms out across the languid sea.
On the West side of the island, the Ko Olina Resort has grown up from a dry, keawe-covered scrubland to now be a manicured resort attracting those looking for an “away from the crowds” experience. From plush hotels, first-class golfing, an upscale Disney experience, cultural enrichment programs, and Hawaiian ocean sports, you will find it here.
There are two other island destinations to consider. Kahala Hotel & Resort is a few miles from Waikiki (at Diamond Head and the wealthy enclave of Kahala), and delivers first-class relaxation. And for those who love the relaxed vibe of the North Shore with its surf culture and country feel, Turtle Bay Resort is the place kamaaina (local born) go for family time and staycations in the hotel, condos and villas.
Our dining options include Waikiki, but also Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, Kaimuki, Kapahulu and Waipahu because these are the areas where the locals also go – and you should too. When visiting Downtown and Chinatown, make a day of it so that you can also visit the royal home of the beloved monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom, ’Iolani Palace. Go on a docent tour of the palace, and then walk a few blocks into Chinatown. You will love the markets, lei stands and little shops.
Begin your trip with a visit to the Bishop Museum to connect with the culture and history of Hawaii. They offer an affordable trolley from Waikiki (fee) that you can book online. The museum’s incredible Hawaiian and Polynesian collections are enhanced by rotating exhibits, a science center with a working volcano, and a planetarium. The gift shop is one of the best in the islands for Hawaiiana, books, gifts and artwork. If you start your Oahu visit here, you will better understand the Hawaiian people and culture; as well as, the chiefs, monarchs and geology. Learning about the native culture will enhance everything you do on your Honolulu getaway.
LuxeGetaways knows Oahu. Here we offer a selection of our favorite hotels, restaurants, cultural tours and other options for you to plan your ultimate getaway. Some restaurants excel at several things, so be sure to consult their websites for particulars and reservations. It is highly recommended that you try the local fish. But no matter where you eat, sleep or explore, Honolulu has you covered.
Hawaii Tourism
http://luxegetaways.info/go-hawaii
Where to Stay
> Waikiki Oceanfront
Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki
www.halekulani.com
(800) 367-2343
The Royal Hawaiian Resort Waikiki
2259 Kalakaua Avenue
www.royal-hawaiian.com
(808) 923-7311
Ali’i Tower at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
2005 Kalia Road
www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/rooms-and-suites/alii-tower
(808) 949-4321
The Moana Surfrider Hotel
2365 Kalakaua Ave.
www.moana-surfrider.com
(808) 921-4600
> Value Waikiki
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
2169 Kalia Road
www.outriggerreef-onthebeach.com
(808) 923-3111
> Walk To Beach…
Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
412 Lewers Street
www.surfjack.com
(808) 923-8882
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
349 Seaside Avenue
www.hyattcentricwaikikibeach.com
(808) 237-1234
> Kahala
Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue
www.kahalaresort.com
(808) 739-8888
> Ko Olina
Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani Street
www.fourseasons.com/oahu
(808) 679-0079
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
92-1185 Aliinui Drive, Ko Olina
www.disneyaulani.com
(866) 443-4763
> North Shore
Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku
www.turtlebayresort.com
(808) 293-6000
What to Explore
> Museums
Hawaiian (and Polynesian)
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice Street
www.bishopmuseum.org
(808) 847-3511
Note: “Holo Moana Generations of Voyaging” exhibit November 4 – June 24
We suggest that you have lunch at the Bishop Museum Cafe by Highway Inn.
Plantation Life
Hawaii’s Plantation Village
94-695 Waipahu Street
www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org
(808) 677-0110
Art
Honolulu Museum of Art
Asian/ Pacific Art Collections and Doris Duke’s Shangri La Estate
900 S. Beretania Street
www.honolulumuseum.org
(808) 532-8700
Note: It has a great cafe for lunch – including picnic for 2 option with BYOB wine.
Spalding House is also here and single admission gets you into both museums.
Free
Hawaii State Art Museum
250 South Hotel Street | Second Floor
www.sfca.hawaii.gov
(808) 586-0300
Hawaiian Storytelling and Cultural Walks
Hokupa’a, A Guided Cultural Experience
www.hokupaa.com
(808) 782-7040
> Spas
Waikiki
The Ritz-Carlton Spa
383 Kalaimoku Street
www.ritzcarlton.com
(808) 729-9783
Oceanfront in Waikiki
Moana Lani Spa, A Heavenly Spa by Westin
2365 Kalakaua Avenue
www.moanalanispa.com
(808) 237-2535
Ko Olina
Laniwai, A Disney Spa at Aulani
92-1185 Aliinui Drive, Ko Olina
www.disneyaulani.com
(808) 674-6300
> Live Music
Blue Note Hawaii
2335 Kalakaua Ave
www.bluenotehawaii.com
(808) 777-4890
> Nightlife & Dance Clubs
The Republik
1349 Kapiolani Boulevard
www.jointherepublik.com
(808) 941-7469
SKY Waikiki
2270 Kalakaua Avenue,19th Floor
www.skywaikiki.com
(808) 979-7590
ADDICTION Nightclub
At The MODERN HONOLULU
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard
www.themodernhonolulu.com
(808) 450-3379
Where To Eat
> Breakfast Buffet
Duke’s at Outrigger Beach Resort
2335 Kalakaua Avenue
www.dukeswaikiki.com
(808) 922-2268
> Large Breakfast
Eggs n Things
343 Saratoga Road
www.eggsnthings.com
(808) 923-3447
> Farm to Table- Casual
Kaimuki Superette
3458 Waialae Avenue
www.kaimukisuperette.com
(808) 734-7800
> Upscale
Veranda at the Beachhouse, Moana Surfrider Hotel
2365 Kalakaua Avenue
www.moana-surfrider.com
(808) 921-4600
> Lavish Sundays
Hoku’s at Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue
www.kahalaresort.com
(808) 739-8888
Orchids at the Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki
www.halekulani.com
(800) 367-2343
> Garden View Sunday Brunch
Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens Kaneohe
46-336 Haiku Road, Kaneohe
www.haleiwajoes.com
(808) 247-6671
Local Food/ Hawaiian Food
Highway Inn
94-226 Leoku Street, Waipahu
(808) 677-4345
680 Ala Moana Boulevard
(808) 954-4955
Bishop Museum Cafe
(808) 954-4961
www.myhighwayinn.com
> Plate Lunch- Local Grinds
Tanioka’s
94-903 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu
www.taniokas.com
(808) 671-3779
Poke Stop
Next to Rainbow Drive-In, Kapahulu
3111 Castle Street
(808) 744-0465
Waipahu Town Center
94-050 Farrington Hwy
(808) 676-8100
www.poke-stop.com
> Ramen in Waikiki
Noodles, Small Plates, Sake Bar & Wine
Momosan Waikiki at Alohilani Resort
2490 Kalakaua Avenue
http://momosanwaikiki.com/
(808) 922-1233
Note: Opens Spring 2018
Agu Ramen in Waikiki
2146 Kalakaua Avenue
www.aguramen.com
(808) 797-2933
> Tea
Victorian Tea
Veranda at the Beachhouse, Moana Surfrider Hotel
2365 Kalakaua Avenue
www.moana-surfrider.com
(808) 921-4600
Dim Sum & Tea
Yauatcha
2330 Kalakaua Avenue, International Market Place
www.yauatcha.com
(808) 739-9318
Afternoon Tea
The Veranda at the Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue
www.kahalaresort.com
(808) 739-8888
Chinatown
> Lunch & Dinner
Lucky Belly (Upscale Ramen)
50 N. Hotel Street
www.luckybelly.com
(808) 531-1888
Little Village Noodle House (Chinese)
1113 Smith Street
www.littlevillagehawaii.com
(808) 545-3008
The Pig & The Lady ( Global Vietnamese)
83 N. King Street
www.thepigandthelady.com
(808) 585-8255
Senia (Local Ingredients with an Asian Twist)
75 N. King Street
www.restaurantsenia.com
(808) 200-5412
O’Kims Korean Kitchen
1164 Smith Street
www.okimshawaii.com
(808) 537-3787
Kaimuki
> Dinner
12th Ave Grill
1120 12th Avenue
www.12thavegrill.com
(808) 732-9469
Dinner and Weekend Brunch
Mud Hen Water
3452 Waialae Avenue
www.mudhenwater.com
(808) 737-6000
Dinner In Waikiki and Nearby
Upscale Pan-Asian
Morimoto Asia Waikiki at Alohilani Resort
2490 Kalakaua Avenue
http://morimotoasiawaikiki.com/
(808) 922-1233
Tasting Menu
MW Restaurant
1538 Kapiolani Boulevard #107
www.mwrestaurant.com
(808) 955-6505
Upscale Chef’s Tasting or Small Plates
Chef Mavro
1969 S. King Street
www.chefmavro.com
(808) 944-4714
Lunch With An Ocean View
> Upscale
Orchids at the Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki
www.halekulani.com
(800) 367-2343
> Casual Open Air
Tropic’s at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
2005 Kalia Road
www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/dining/tropics-bar-and-grill
(808) 949-4321
Roy’s Beach House
Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku
www.roysbeachhouse.com
(808) 293-7697
Hula Grill Waikiki
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
2335 Kalakaua Avenue
www.hulagrillwaikiki.com
(808) 923-4852
> Lunch with A Garden View – Open Air
Honolulu Museum of Art Cafe
900 S. Beretania Street
www.honolulumuseum.org
(808) 532-8734
Honolulu Museum of Art – Spalding House Cafe
2411 Makiki Heights
www.honolulumuseum.org/12001-spalding_house_cafe
(808) 526-1322
Note: Purchase their picnic for two, BYOB wine to enjoy on manicured lawn.
> Bites With Wine or A Local Brew
Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar
OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger
150 Kaiulani Avenue
www.facebook.com/appetitowaikiki
(808) 922-1150
Maui Onion Burger
The STREET Social House, International Market Place
2330 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki
www.thestreetsocialhouse.com
(808) 377-4402
Gourmet Hawaiian Coffee and Ice Cream
Lapperts Hawaii, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
2005 Kalia Road
www.lappertshawaii.com
(808) 943-0256
Inexpensive Local-Style Family Dine-in or Fast Food
Zippys Restaurants and Napoleon’s Bakery
Kahala
4134 Waialae Avenue
(808) 733-3730
www.zippys.com
Note: Multiple locations
Like Like Drive Inn & Restaurant
745 Keeaumoku Street
(808) 941-2515
www.likelikedriveinn.com
> Healthy
Da Cove Health Bar & Cafe
3045 Monsarrat Avenue, Kapahulu
(808) 732-8744
915431 Kapolei Parkway
(808) 670-2570
www.dacove.com
> Seafood
Waikiki
Duke’s at Outrigger Waikiki Resort
2335 Kalakaua Avenue
www.dukeswaikiki.com
(808) 922-2268
Bali Steak & Seafood
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
2005 Kalia Road
www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
(808) 949-4321
Most Ocean-Friendly Sourcing
Mahina & Sun’s
Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
412 Lewers Street
www.mahinaandsuns.com
(808) 924-5810
> Near Waikiki
Alan Wong’s
1857 S. King Street
www.alanwongs.com
(808) 949-2526
> Kaimuki
The Edge By Tamura’s
3605 Waialae Avenue
www.theedgebytamuras.com
(808) 732-3340
> Ko Olina
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
Ko Olina Resort
92-1048 Olani Street
www.monkeypodkitchen.com
(808) 380-4086
‘AMA’AMA
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Ko Olina
92-1185 Aliinui Drive, Ko Olina
www.disneyaulani.com
(866) 443-4763
Oceanfront Sunset Cocktail with Hula Dancer
House Without A Key
Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki
www.halekulani.com
(800) 367-2343
> Nightly Hawaiian Music and Pupus
Kani Ka Pila Grille
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
2169 Kalia Road
www.outrigger.com/events/music/kani-ka-pila-grille
(808) 924-4990
Note: Locals in audience will come up and dance hula.
> Happy Hour
Chart House Waikiki
1765 Ala Moana Blvd.
www.charthousewaikiki.com
941-6669
> Romantic Dinner – On the Ocean
La Mer
Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki
www.halekulani.com
(808) 923-2311
Michel’s at the Colony Surf
2895 Kalakaua Avenue
www.michelshawaii.com
(808) 923-6552
Pa’akai
Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku
www.turtlebayresort.com
(808) 293-6000
> Steak
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Waikiki Beach Walk, 226 Lewers Street
www.ruthschris.com
(808) 440-7910
Hy’s Steak House
2440 Kuhio Avenue
www.hyswaikiki.com
(808) 922-5555
BLT Steak
223 Saratoga Road
www.bltrestaurants.com
(808) 683-7777
> View of The Marina
Chart House Waikiki
1765 Ala Moana Boulevard
www.charthousewaikiki.com
(808) 941-6669
> Best Mai Tais
House Without a Key
Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki
www.halekulani.com
(808) 923-2311
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
Ko Olina Resort
92-1048 Olani Street
www.monkeypodkitchen.com
(808) 380-4086
Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Resort
2259 Kalakaua Avenue
www.royal-hawaiian.com
(808) 923-7311
Tropic’s Bar & Grill
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
2005 Kalia Road
www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
(808) 949-4321
Events
November 2-12 Hawaii International Film Festival
November 2-5 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival – various locations Waikiki & Ko Olina
November 12 – December 20 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
December 2 – January 1 Honolulu City Lights
December 3 Xterra Trail Run World Championship
December 7 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
December 10 Honolulu Marathon
December 13 Robert Cazimero and Friends at the Blue Note
January 1 Hatsumode 2018 at Kotohira Jinsha-Hawaii Dazai Tenmangu
January 8-14 Sony Open At Waialae Country Club
February 10-11 Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival
March 3 90th Annual Lei Day Court Selection
March 2018 Prince Kuhio Festival – various dates around his birthday (March 26)
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