This story was originally published on Dec. 15, 2018 and updated on Aug. 6, 2025. Oʻahu’s iconic North Shore is dotted with vibrant beach towns, each with their own historic sites and unique personalities. From famous surf breaks and picturesque beaches to top-notch food trucks and hole-in-the-wall bakeries, these local neighborhoods are all worth […]
The Pan-Pacific Festival is set to once again bring exciting cultural performances to Honolulu and Waikīkī, from June 13 to 15. This year’s festival is the second following a five-year hiatus. “We are thrilled to continue the tradition of bringing together cultures from around the Pan-Pacific to celebrate our global community,” says Yusuke Komoriya, president
Known as the Gathering Place, Oʻahu boasts enough gorgeous beaches, picturesque hiking trails, award-winning restaurants and world-class museums to please everyone in your ʻohana. But with all of its thrilling activities, it’s difficult to narrow down what to do in a single weekend. Here’s what it takes to create an exciting weekend on Oʻahu with
Rising before dawn to witness the sun gradually rise above the Pacific Ocean and illuminate the Islands is a magnificent experience any time of year in Hawaiʻi. But it’s also a beautiful way to welcome the new year. On Jan. 1, locals and visitors are invited to join the annual First Day Hike to
Oʻahu’s North Shore attracts professional surfers from around the world, lured by the massive swells that arrive every winter. But it’s also become a top destination for nonsurfers, with top-notch restaurants, trendy cafés and chic boutiques, all of which can be a bit pricey. However, you don’t have to spend a cent to have a
The early morning sun streaks through monkeypod trees as my wife, Kaila, and I walk the aisles of the Kapi‘olani Community College Farmers Market, run by the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau. Here, dozens of local farms and businesses sell their produce and products every week. And, it turns out, it’s also the perfect starting point for
I don’t often stop in Wahiawā. I’ve driven through it hundreds of times—growing up on the North Shore, I’d pass by the town on my way to, well, anywhere. Now that I live in Honolulu, I zip through Wahiawā on my way to surf in the country, but rarely do I stop. But the area
Located about 34 miles west of Waikīkī is Kapolei, deemed Oʻahu’s second city about 50 years ago. The idea was to build up this mostly residential area to shorten the commutes for those who live in Central and West Oʻahu. There are government offices here and, over the years, shopping centers, restaurants and other attractions
Many first timers to Hawaiʻi set their sights on Oʻahu, thanks to its visitor-friendly activities and locales known around the world. The island is home to the state’s capital city, Honolulu, and sites including Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head (the Hawaiian place name is Lēʻahi), Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. While travelers should certainly include
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular visitor attractions on Oʻahu—and for good reason. The protected marine bay in East Honolulu is easily the premier snorkeling spot on the island, with its pristine waters teeming with a diverse array of marine life. Prior to COVID-19, the bay received nearly 3,000 visitors a day. Today,
About a few miles outside of Waikīkī is the charming town of Kaimukī. One of the oldest communities on Oʻahu, Kaimukī (pronounced ky-moo-kee) was once the site of King Kalākaua’s ostrich farm. The first road paved here was Waiʻalae Avenue—still the main thoroughfare—in 1925. It’s now a bustling little town with some of Oʻahu’s best
Most visitors to Oʻahu end up staying in Waikīkī—and for good reason. The beachside neighborhood offers a wide variety of accommodations—from high-end oceanfront resorts to cozy boutique hotels to cheap hostels—and tons of things to do. But if you’re looking to ditch the crowds—and you should!—get in a car (or hop on the city bus)
