Oahu, the Gathering Place, is the Hawaiian island that offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer bustling beachfront streets, world class shopping, countryside seclusion, or all of the above, Oahu has it. If you’ve never been to Hawai'i, this is a great place to start. Explore secret spots and hidden gems below.
Boutique hotels in Honolulu are smaller, more intimate, and design-led properties that focus on personalized service, stylish, non-standardized aesthetics, and unique local culture. Guests enjoy these features, but do so mostly in the early mornings, late evenings, and at night, preferring to leave the comforts for adventurous jaunts around the island. In contrast, chain hotels and resorts are larger amenity-rich …
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It’s necessary to separate vintage from antique on this annually updated list of the top antique shops on Oahu. Visitors searching for vintage stores are generally looking for retro clothing and accessories. There are no shortage of those. Antique shops, on the other hand, are harder to come by on the island of approximately 597 square miles. These retailers are …
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In Hawaiian culture, wayfinding refers to the practice of navigating the seas. Wayfinders rely upon their knowledge of celestial bodies, wind patterns, and the ocean’s behavior to guide their vessels from one island to the next. As someone seeking the best boutique hotel in Waikiki Beach by using our authentic guide to the Hawaiian Islands, one may say that you’re doing …
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Oahu’s North Shore surf competitions get most of the attention from the media. Many visitors plan their vacations around a winter season schedule that includes the Pipe Pro (or whatever the WSL decides to call it in any given year) along with the VANS Pipe Masters, Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, and the Eddie Aikau contest. However, …
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To begin with, there’s nothing wrong with being a proud tourist. Unlike some other tropical destinations around the world, the Hawaiian islands are safe for all visitors (with a few small caveats) so feel free to let your sightseer flag fly. However, there are a number of travelers who prefer to blend in when vacationing among us. How to not …
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The fragrance of wax and neoprene. Gremmies darting in and out to grab copies of FREE SURF. The raspy timbre of old salty dogs going on about how it was better yesterday. Rows of shiny new EPS creations, haloed by vintage logs in the rafters. Stickers doled out with purchases of independently branded t-shirts for shoppers who are on their …
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Kaimana Beach Hotel is the most overlooked accommodation in the Waikiki area due to its location at the far end of Kalakaua Avenue near the base of Diamond Head crater. Nevertheless, it has caught the eyes and ears of numerous visitors of late, especially those who are looking for a different experience than what they are accustomed to from staying …
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There is certainly no shortage of places to eat around Waikiki Beach in Honolulu Oahu. However, you’ve escaped the mainland for a tropical paradise for a good reason and plan to spend as much time outdoors as possible, which includes the time you devote to food and drink. For this reason you’re on the hunt for the best outdoor places …
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Whether staying at the North Shore’s Turtle Bay Resort (is it worth it?) or visiting the property for the day (here’s how) curiosity eventually strikes as you ask yourself “what’s after Turtle Bay Resort?”. There are two different ways to approach the answer to this question. The easy route is to assume that you’re referring to what you’ll find when …
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Malasadas may be of Portuguese origin, but the pastry became a go-to delicacy in Hawaii soon after they were introduced in 1878 by laborers from Madeira and the Azores. That’s the extent of the history lesson today. After all, you already know what they are given that you’re searching for the best malasadas in Waikiki. It wasn’t that long ago …
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Visitors most often inquire about safety when it comes to Waianae and Makaha on the west side of the island. It’s a justified question. However, given the legends and lore surrounding the northernmost region, a number of prospective tourists are asking “is the North Shore of Oahu safe?“. Yes, it is. That being said, there are some things you need …
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The North Shore’s Waialua has the iconic Sugar Mill and its surrounding shaper studios. Haleiwa Town has lots of shopping and dining. Pupukea has Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach. But what about the North Shore’s most eastern community? What’s there to do aside from spending the day at Turtle Bay Resort? Whether planning a day trip or you’re shacked-up in …
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There is no shortage of hotels and resorts on the most visited island of the Hawaiian archipelago. However, despite having a minimum of 71 properties and 27,318 units available per annum there isn’t much to differentiate them from one another when it comes to your particular tastes. Instead, you’re online and searching “unique places to stay Oahu” because you desire an …
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Obscured from view from Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku on the North Shore of Oahu, is what may be the purest definition of a hidden gem. Malaekahana is a beautiful crescent moon shaped beach that is camouflaged by slight hills, brush, and trees. The sand is a powdery beige and the water is the color you expect from an isolated island …
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You’re on a whirlwind cruise through the Hawaiian Islands and the ship is scheduled to dock at Pier 2 or Pier 11 on Oahu for 36-hours or so. You’ve got time to explore, but you don’t want to venture too far from the comforts of your floating hotel. You can obviously type “what’s near honolulu cruise ship terminal” and watch …
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Two of the best known resorts on Oahu are on polar opposite sides of the island. It’s their respective renown that constantly pits them against one another, even though they couldn’t be further apart. This leaves visitors from around the world confused about which they should choose for their next vacation. Thankfully, you’ve come to the one homegrown resource that …
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Kualoa Ranch on the windward side of Oahu has a total of 17 tours. Some are great, while others can be done without paying a penny. The most popular among them is unquestionably the 2.5 hour Jurassic Adventure Tour. Also known as “Jurassic Valley”, the private nature reserve has served as the primary film location for the Jurassic Park franchise …
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There’s no place like the North Shore of Oahu. The seven mile miracle wraps up everything that our guide to authentic Hawaii experiences is all about. We have created guides for how to spend a day on the North Shore with or without a car and have dedicated the same for visiting surfers. But what makes the North Shore so …
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As your guide to authentic Hawaii, we have made it our mission to support local artisans. However, not all of their wares are found in Oahu’s best galleries. Some are functional works of art that connect people to activities on the island, including those that immerse us in the ocean. Given that you’re online and searching “body surfing hand planes …
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Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki Beach? Overcrowded. Waialae Ave in Kaimuki? Overrated. These are two prime examples of Honolulu strips that the Hawai’i Tourism Authority wants to send you to. But there is one unassuming road around the bend of Waikiki that you must spend an afternoon exploring – Kapahulu Avenue. What’s on Kapahula that makes it Honolulu’s most underrated thoroughfare? …
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There’s a reason Oahu is one of the most popular places on the planet for proposals, betrothals, weddings, anniversaries, and vow renewals. The island is about as romantic as it gets. However, when people perform an online search for the most romantic places on Oahu they are inundated with Top 5 lists of restaurants, resorts, and pre-arranged tours. Forget all …
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The digital world we live in allows us to pack up and work from pretty much anywhere in the world. For the most part that’s a good thing, but it also means we can’t escape our responsibilities when on vacation. The days of setting “out of office” email alerts no longer fly, no matter where you’re flying to. That said, …
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You’re coming to Oahu with a plan to get married. You’ve already chosen the right hotel, but when it comes to the nuptials, you have something else in mind. You’re forgoing the hassle and expense of getting married within the gates of a 5-star resort. Instead, you’re opting for the simple perfection of a beach wedding. Doing so is also …
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We’re not one to pull punches when it comes to recommending, and not recommending, accommodations on Oahu. We also realize that hotel and resort comparisons can be a contentious topic. Even more so when assessing kid friendly options. Theoretically any large resort with waterslides, three-wheeled aqua-cycles, pedal boats, and onsite children’s wear is tailor-made for parents with tots in tow. …
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