Oah'u has a lot to offer that it may seem overwhelming. I am born and raised in O'ahu and have done most of what the island has available. This is a list of things that I like to do with my family when I visit home.
Food
Highway Inn
A plate lunch with kalua pork, fried rice, pork lau lau, haupia, sweet potato and lomi salmon.Hannah MItchell
Highway Inn offers an exquisite variety of authentic Hawaiian food in a restaurant setting. My favorite thing to have here is lomi salmon (a tomato and salmon mix), pork lau lau (pork wrapped in tea leaves), and kalua pork (pulled pork). It is located in Kaka'ako near Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood
A combination plate lunch with rice, macaroni salad, bbq chicken, and ribs.Hannah Mitchell
A pineapple smoothie served inside of a pineapple, topped with sliced pineapple, an edible flower, and un umbrella. Hannah MItchell
Blue water is local fusion food with some pizazz in a casual dinning setting. They have a menu filled with local favorites like bbq chicken. Unlike most bbq chicken, it is soaked in guava juice to give it a sweet taste. They also have fresh pineapple smoothies and coconut water that is picture perfect. Blue Water has multiple locations including in Ala Moana or Waikiki's Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Aoki's Shave Ice
Eating shave ice on a hot day is a great way to cool down.Hannah Mitchell
Haleiwa, a beach town on the north side of the island, is the perfect place to enjoy shave ice. It is refreshing in the Honolulu heat and only $3. You can mix and match tropical flavors, add ice cream and mochi balls. Adding vanilla ice cream is what most locals do.
Beaches
Hanauma Bay
The view from the top of Hanauma Bay.Hannah Mitchell
The view from the beach into the mountains.Hannah Mitchell
This beach is perfect for tourists that are unfamiliar with Hawaiian currents. It has a hidden rock wall that keeps out waves and keeps in beautiful fish. At Hanauma Bay for $6.50, beach goers can safely snorkel along side tropical fish. The beach is also located on a scenic route. This was my boyfriend's favorite part of the trip.
Cockroach Cove
The view of Cockroach cove from the entry point.Hannah MItchell
Cockroach cove has a lot of places to take nice photographs.Hannah MItchell
Near Hanauma Bay is a free beach that stills offers safety and beauty. There are slightly more waves here but it is still safe for children. There are also rocks that beachgoers can jump off into the water.
Activities
Polynesian Cultural Center
Polynesian Cultural Center looks like a movie set with its picture perfect scenery,Hannah Mitchell
Crew Members pose with guests for photos free of charge.Hannah Mitchell
Before leaving, we were able to paddle on a canoe.Hannah Mitchell
Polynesian Cultural Center is like an interactive museum. You will learn a lot about the culture and history of the different islands. You also can do activities like canoe paddling, fishing, weaving, and dancing. Tickets are $65 for adults but this place will have something to entertain you from open to close. There are also natives of the islands that work as tour guides here to help to keep it authentic.
Manoa Falls
The waterfall at Manoa Falls is breath taking for many hikers.Hannah MItchell
Manoa Falls is a mesmerizing hike to a waterfall. What I like about this hike is that it is family-friendly and manageable for those that do not consider themselves to be in shape or have hiking experience. Unlike many other hikes, Manoa Falls is located on the south side of the island and is close to Waikiki. Other hikes that are worth mentioning for those that enjoy more of a challenge is Koko Head (a long stairway with an incredible view), Maunawili (similar to Manoa Falls, it has a waterfall, but it is longer of a hike), and Pillboxes (a manageable hike with a view of the East Side).
Each of these activities are what I consider must-sees for the entire family. It will also give tourists something to do outside of the popularized Waikiki. Whether you have your trip booked or Oah'u is on the list, enjoy your travels!
