Oahu

Hawaii welcomes cultural diversity, and each neighborhood and area in the state offers that. Check out what these 10 areas have to offer:

Ala Moana

The district of Ala Moana offers world-class shopping, entertainment, and gorgeous scenic sights. Although small in size, Ala Moana is home to the largest open-air shopping center in the world! It also is replete with beautiful beaches, a wide variety of outdoor sports opportunities such as jogging and biking trails, and incredible restaurants for unique culinary adventures.

Diamond Head

The Diamond Head community is a luxury area brimming with condominiums and beachfront residences. The area is known as “Hawaii’s Gold Coast,” which provides unobstructed, scenic, oceanfront views of the Pacific. The Diamond Head State Monument has a hiking trail leading up to the iconic crater. Additionally, Diamond Head is home to the sprawling green grasses of Kapiolani Park and the Waikiki Shell Arena, where local artists and nationally known musicians perform.

Hawaii Kai

Hawaii Kai, on Oahu’s south shore, is the largest of several residential communities at the southeastern end of the island. The town was the brainchild of billionaire industrialist Henry J. Kaiser, who developed an area of Kai flatland and a shallow fishpond into an affluent suburb. Hawaii Kai is just 12 miles from downtown Honolulu which makes the spectacular Villa Leticia close enough to the action but far enough for rest and relaxation.

Kailua

On the eastern shore of Oahu, beneath the stunning Ko’olau mountain range, lies the quiet, relaxed beach community of Kailua known for its beaches and outdoor lifestyle. Dog-friendly Kailua Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming, kayaking, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Lanikai beach features a mile of pristine, white sand and clear, turquoise water. Only about a half-hour drive from Honolulu, Kailua is the ideal spot to set down vacation roots, especially when that means staying at the breathtaking beachfront Villa Ariadne.

Kapahulu

The length of Kapahulu extends toward Waikiki, and the avenue is lined with a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and service providers. Kapahulu has direct access to Honolulu Zoo, Ala Wai Public Golf Course, and the sprawling open spaces at Crane Park. Kapahulu has many iconic eateries that have been local favorites for decades, like Rainbow Drive-Inn, and Leonard’s Bakery.

Lanikai

Lankai is a beachfront neighborhood. This scenic area is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and picnics. The ideal spot to spend a luxury vacation is in the Paul Mitchell Estate, situated on a sparkling white sand beach with a dynamite view of the Mokulua Islands. The cluster of businesses in the middle of Lanikai includes restaurants in every variety and price range and small boutiques, only a 30-minute drive from Honolulu.

Manoa

Manoa Valley is a lush, fertile area with tree-lined streets and spacious yards which thrive in the valley. Manoa Marketplace is a cluster of small boutique shops and a variety of restaurants. Next door to the shopping complex is Manoa Valley Theatre, where you can take in year-round performances. If you are a hiking enthusiast, head to Manoa Falls. Malama O Manoa oversees the preservation and celebrates the cultural diversity and heritage of Manoa Valley.

North Shore

If the perfect wave exists, it would be found on Oahu’s North Shore. This legendary surf mecca is known for its towering, glassy winter waves drawing the best surfers in the world. Stretching for more than seven miles, North Shore beaches host the world’s premier surfing competitions during peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. From May to September, the waves subside, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for surfing and swimming.

Waikiki

Travelers who want to head to Oahu’s most iconic tourist destination make a beeline to Waikiki. The area grew from a small community of surfers and artists in the 1960s to a neighborhood of urban high rises in addition to gorgeous beaches such as Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach, Grays Beach, Fort DeRussy Beach, and Kahanamoku Beach. Waikiki also includes local attractions Kapiolani Park, Kahanamoku Lagoon, Kuhio Beach Park, and Ala Wai Harbor. You can be close to all these sun-drenched beaches by staying at the enchanting Banyan House, one of LVH’s luxury rentals in Waikiki. With eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the villa can easily accommodate 16 guests.

Waimanalo

Waimanalo is a small, rural community sandwiched between the Koolau mountain range and Waimanalo Bay on the eastern side of Oahu. You will find gorgeous white sand beaches, great snorkeling, several noteworthy eateries, and a handful of family-owned farms that grow leafy “‘Nalo greens” destined for farmers’ markets and dinner plates. Experience island life at a relaxed pace in Waimanalo by renting ultra-grand Villa Tiarabelle for a praiseworthy vacation stay right on the ocean.

Azure

Azure is the finest of fine dining experiences. Expert servers and sommeliers provide intuitive recommendations for the perfect wine to accompany the delicate offerings of the ocean. On the shore of Waikiki Beach, this world-class establishment has the perfect ambiance. In the bejeweled space, you will find pristine table settings and intimate candlelight, a homage to private and upscale dining.

The Beach House

The Beach House philosophy goes like this: “Take some good old-fashioned Hawaiian hospitality, blend it with a Pacific Rim food experience and add an outstanding view to deliver an experience that delights all the senses.” A favorite entrée is the seafood linguini with fresh fish, Kaua’i shrimp, local grape tomatoes, roasted garlic, sundried tomato white wine butter, and a fresh basil chiffonade.

Istanbul Hawaii

Get a taste of Turkish and Ottoman cuisine in Istanbul, Hawaii. Chef Ahu Hettema says the idea was to create the restaurant like a modern Turkish house. The bountiful Turkish and Ottoman cuisine represents the seven diverse regions of Turkey, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The restaurant’s recipes have been in Chef Hettema’s family for generations. Try the Iskender Doner, Turkish spiced shaved lamb on Turkish saffron pilaf, Ho farm tomato reduction, Coban Salata, and tzatziki. Save room for the 40-layer homemade Baklava made with rare Hawaiian honey.

La Mer

Known for its impeccable service and haute cuisine, La Mer is synonymous with fine dining at its very best. Dinner starts with a flute of Champagne and some form of amuse bouche, two complimentary amenities that set the tone for a memorable and romantic repast. The menu offers an indulgent array of flavors, from seared duck foie gras and poached lobster with squid ink gnocchi to roasted lamb and duck breast.

La Vie

With a passion for food, beverage, and hospitality, La Vie pairs innovative, artfully plated, modern French cuisine with sincere and attentive service. Views of the Pacific Ocean set the scene for an open-air restaurant sitting high on the eighth floor of The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Waikiki Beach. The truffled squab with sprouted lentils, maitake mushroom in sauce perigueux comes highly recommended.

Merriman’s Honolulu

This Merriman’s location has long been touted as the best restaurant on the Big Island of Hawaii. Honolulu Magazine has said so for 15 years in a row. The menu choices are very similar at the Kapalua location, and they get fresh fish daily from local anglers. The venue is intimate and relaxed, just like Hawaii should be.

Pai Honolulu

PAI Honolulu offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience. Located in the Harbor Court atrium, across from the iconic Aloha Tower, the restaurant is open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. You can enjoy a selection of plates to share, individual entrées, four-course prix fixe, or Hawaii-inspired chef’s seasonal tasting menus.

Roy’s Waikiki

Roy’s in Waikiki has been the anchor restaurant for Chef/Owner Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian fusion empire since 1988. It’s located a block from the beach near Fort DeRussey. Quite the entrepreneur, Chef Roy Yamaguchi, has 31 locations throughout the world that include: four on Oahu, an eatery on Kauai, Roy’s Waikoloa on the Big Island, and Roy’s Ka’anapali on Maui. A wise entrée choice is the purely melt-in-the-mouth tender Misoyaki Butterfish.

53 By the Sea

First-time visitors will be in awe of the dramatic, chateau-like building with its grand staircase. The lower dining room has a neutral, minimalist décor with floor-to-ceiling windows taking full advantage of ocean views. Upstairs, five private dining areas are named after each of the main Hawaiian Islands. No expense was spared to turn this building into what has become Oahu’s latest destination restaurant. Contemporary American cuisine features fresh local seafood and a 32-ounce Tomahawk ribeye.

The Hawaiian people put a great value on the arts, and as such there are many fine venues to check out. You might want to consider these four places that pay homage to the skills:

Hawaii State Art Museum

The place to find intriguing artifacts is the Hawaii State Art Museum (HISAM). The exhibits never fail to evolve and rotate, making visits a unique experience. The sculpture garden is a refreshing and relaxing oasis filled with lush greenery. You can relax and soak in what you’ve just seen at the artisanal cafe located within the museum and peek into the gift shop filled with contemporary artworks and other items from local artists.

Honolulu Museum of Art

Art, history, culture, and education converge at the center of Honolulu at the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA). The museum has a fascinating history itself. It opened in 1922 thanks in part to Anna Rice Cooke, the daughter of missionaries. Today, the museum has more than 50,000 permanent pieces with significant holdings in Asian art, American and European painting and decorative arts, 19th- and 20th-century art, extensive works on paper, Asian textiles, and traditional pieces from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.

Iolani Palace

The ʻIolani Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii beginning with Kamehameha III under the Kamehameha Dynasty and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani under the Kalākaua Dynasty, founded by her brother, King David Kalākaua. During a White Glove Tour, you will be part of a private and intimate tour led by the Iolani Palace historian. You will hear stories of the monarchs and learn of their distinguished place in Hawaii’s history as well as their impact on the world. The White Glove tour concludes in the Palace attic, where you will slip on a keepsake pair of white gloves for the unique chance to view items in the palace collection, not on display to the general public.

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design is housed in the former home of Doris Duke near Diamond Head just outside Honolulu. It is now owned and operated as a public museum of the arts and cultures of the Islamic world by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Shangri La was inspired by Duke’s extensive travels throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, and reflects artistic and architectural collections and designs from these regions.

The nightlife scene in Oahu is pretty eclectic, from small local bars to classy lounges and dance clubs. Have a look at these five venues for some fun after the sun goes down:

House Without a Key

House Without a Key at the Halekulani, where a lovely hula dancer sways to the riffs of Hawaiian steel-pedal guitar with the sunset and ocean glowing behind, provides a romantic, evocative, nostalgic scene. House Without a Key is known to make the best mai tais in the world. Enjoy the after-dinner hours, with light jazz by local artists in the Lewers Lounge until 2 a.m.

Mai Tai’s

Those looking for authentic Hawaiian ambiance head to charming Mai Tai’s. It offers a terrific panorama of Diamond Head, and relaxed clientele all contribute to an ideal experience; the fantastic tropical drinks, mostly the lush Mai tai’s, ensure your mood remains upbeat. A host of other beverages can also be found, along with food offerings and local entertainment in the evenings. Weekend nights often feature live bands.

O Bar

The O Bar is ‘Alohilani Resort’s lobby bar/lounge featuring craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, brown spirits, focused wines, and a farm-to-table menu featuring Makaweli Ranch beef; from the island of Kauai, and Waikiki.’ With a 280,000 gallon, three-story saltwater Oceanarium, watching the aquarium sea life is a grandiose way to enjoy a signature beverage or two!

Rumfire

Hugely popular thanks to great music and incredible views of Waikiki beach, this hotel nightclub is a sure bet any night of the year. Terrific cocktails and vintage rums add to the appeal, as does the daily happy hour, which often features DJ mixes and live bands. The atmosphere is upscale and friendly, and people often come with a group of friends for the most fun.

Zanzibar

This glittering club, adorned with Egyptian accents and jewel-tone colors, spared no expense with decor and technology. As a result, it pulls in an upscale crowd, who come to be immersed in light, color, and energy. Music runs the gamut from hip-hop and trance to house, techno, and top 40, so all tastes will undoubtedly be met. The club also offers comedy shows, salsa dance lessons, and other special events. Located in the heart of Waikiki, it’s nestled amidst all the action and crowds of the city.

Oahu has a full roster of events at all times of the year. However, these eight are particularly worth attending:

Aloha Festivals

Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as “Aloha Week,” a cultural celebration of Hawaii’s music, dance, and history intended to perpetuate the islands’ unique traditions. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture. The event now encompasses some 300 events on six islands.

Hawaii Food and Wine Festival

More than 100 internationally renowned master chefs, culinary personalities, winemakers, and mixologists gather for the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (HFWF). Over the past nine years, HFWF has expanded from a three-day festival with 30 chefs in Waikiki to more than 20 events with more than 10,000 attendees and 120 chefs spanning three Islands. Since its 2011 launch, HFWF has donated more than $3 million to community organizations supporting sustainability, culinary programs, and agriculture.

The Honolulu Festival

The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation, and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. Each year, thousands of new and returning spectators looking for an experience unique to Hawaii check out this festival. Performers from various countries and regions such as Japan, Australia, Tahiti, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Hawaii, and mainland United States entertain guests over the three-day event. The festival culminates with a spectacular parade.

Honolulu Marathon

The Honolulu Marathon is the fourth largest in the U.S. The 26.2-mile course is one of the most beautiful in the world, with no time limit and no limit on the number of participants. So vacationers who are avid runners can leave their Oahu luxury villa rentals for a while to join the sea of runners for some major exercise in paradise.

The King Kamehameha Floral Parade

In celebration of the founder and first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, this popular parade features floats decorated with Hawaiian flowers and greenery, marching bands and other parade units, and the celebration’s Moi (King) and Queen escorted by elegant pau riders on horseback. Dressed in 19th century riding gowns with colorful lei for riders and horses alike, these women represent princesses from Hawaii’s eight main islands.

The Lei Day Celebration

In the state of Hawaii, May Day is Lei Day. Each year, May 1 marks Hawaii’s nationally-recognized Lei Day, an annual tribute to a culturally iconic symbol. Celebrated by locals dressed in aloha attire, the custom honors the state’s natural production of tropical flowers in the crafting and wearing of the lei. Locals are always most excited about the Lei Day exhibit. Long lines form to see the prize-winning lei of the year.

Pow!Wow! Hawaii

Pow!Wow! Hawaii takes place during Valentine’s Day week in the Kaka’ako district of Honolulu and brings more than 100 international and local artists together to create murals and other forms of art. Hosted by top local talent and well attended by global artists, vibrant street murals and live music are the highlights of the two-week festival.

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

This king of all surfing competitions brings the world’s best wave riders to Oahu’s North Shore. On the right day, the swells of the North Shore winter are monstrous and captivating. These high-stakes waves truly separate the cream of the crop riders from the amateurs. With a total purse of more than $1 million, the Vans Triple Crown is set up as three separate surfing events held at various venues along the North Shore’s famed seven-mile miracle stretch: the Hawaiian Pro, Vans World Cup of Surfing, and Billabong Pipe Masters.

Oahu is teeming with things to do and explore. Here are six of them:

Hiking to Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head Trail is one of the most rewarding Oahu hikes, offering amazing 360-degree views at the zenith. Hiking Diamond Head might first appear to be a challenging all day-climb, but the trail can look deceiving since it really only takes seasoned hikers about 40 to 60 minutes to reach the 760-foot summit. The hike itself is 1.5 miles round trip with panoramic views once at the top.

Kualoa Ranch

Located on the windward side of Oahu, Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve and cattle ranch. The ranch’s northern half is Ka’a’awa Valley, a popular TV, and movie location where Jurassic Park, Lost, and Hawaii Five-0 were filmed. The southern half of the ranch is home to Hakipu’u Valley, the 800-year-old Moli’i fishpond, and the serene Secret Island beach. You can explore the ranch by ATV or horseback or zipline across their Treetop Canopy, surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Kualoa.

Pearl Harbor Visit

A visit to Pearl Harbor would not be complete without stopping at the Pearl Harbor Memorial built where the USS Arizona sank. In addition, there are many popular on-site tours from which to choose. You can also visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The mission of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is to steward America’s first aviation battlefield of World War II by sharing artifacts, personal stories, the impact and response to the Dec. 7, 1941 attack, and the Pacific region battles that followed. Hangars 37 and 79 allow you to see planes and artifacts from WWII, along with the Korean and Vietnam wars. There are also outdoor educational exhibits.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. Wander through 42 acres of tropical splendor and enjoy the adventure of traditional hands-on activities. Then, dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most spectacular evening show and authentic Polynesian dinner in the islands at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Private Surfing Lessons at Waikiki or North Shore

Learn how to paddle and pop up a longboard, first on the sand and then in the Pacific. Already know the basics? No problem, you’ll receive tailored instructions based on your skill level. Surfing lessons are great for kids and teens too! No need to haul a longboard since these outfits will provide them. If surfing is something you would love to try, leave the planning to us!