Restaurants:
Top 8 in Honolulu
USA Today
1 – Bogart’s Café – Diamond Head
Bogart’s is one of those hole-in-the-wall places that is a tried and true reliable joint for locals in search of that perfect breakfast. Whether taken to eat on the go or eaten at one of their small sidewalk or indoor tables, Bogart’s is a not to miss place for anyone vising Honolulu. The tiny cafe has an extensive hand-written menu on the wall, and although it’s quite varied and long, everything is really good. The coffees are also great, and they have every type of espresso you could want. A real hit is the breakfast bagel sandwich, can’t go wrong with that.
2 – Alan Wong’s
A beautiful, pale room, accented with gleaming wood and sprinkled with flowers and artwork, welcomes guests to this exceptional place. The overall all culinary theme is Pacific Fusion, and it’s known as the best in Hawaii. The exhibition kitchen makes the most of fresh, regional ingredients, crafting such delicacies as kiawe wood-grilled mahimahi, ginger-crusted onaga, and roast duck prepared three ways. You’ll also find grilled beef and lamb chops, along with “da bag,” a foil packet of seafood, kalua pork, and vegetables that’s dramatically deflated tableside. If you make it to dessert, don’t miss the sorbets or crème brûlées, infused with tropical fruits.
3 – Roy’s – Hawaii Kai
Under the masterful tutelage of chef Roy Yamaguchi, who skillfully fuses European and Asian cuisines, this establishment has earned a reputation for lively ambiance, attentive service, and incredible food. A devotion to impeccably fresh ingredients and a penchant for artistic presentation characterizes the menu, whose temptations include steamed Hawaiian onaga, tri-peppercorn-crusted ahi, and ginger-steamed Chinese chicken. There’s also steak, lamb, pasta, pork, and duck. Nightly specials make an appearance too, and the signature chocolate souffle – is absolutely sinful. Roy’s can be found throughout the islands, so if you’re island hopping you can enjoy it again and again. Dress up or go casual but nice.
4 – 3660 On The Rise – Kaimuki
Lauded for its spectacular island cuisine, this perennial favorite attracts a regular contingent of high-profile folks. They come to soak in the chic, comfortable atmosphere and partake of incredible, creative fare. Starters include foie gras-stuffed scallops and ahi katsu, while main courses range from seafood with saffron-scented linguine to macadamia-crusted rack of lamb, pan-seared NY steak, and tempura catfish. A nightly vegetarian entree is available, and some dishes come in two sizes, depending on your appetite. In addition, the 3660 Medley combines portions of three entrees for sampling, and desserts are practically requisite, rife with cream, chocolate, and fresh fruit.
5 – Chef Mavro – Mo’ili’ili
Some of the island’s most accomplished cuisine is served at this small, intimate restaurant in Honolulu. Under the masterful command of Chef Mavro, French technique pairs with Hawaiian ingredients to create culinary magic. Dishes include Maitake Mushroom Indochine sautéed with green papaya, mushroom broth, sumida watercress galangal and kaffir lime and Keahole Lobster Paella with roasted red bell peppers, green olives, fried cilantro, lobster, chorizo, and saffron puff rice. Prix fixe menus with three, four, and six courses are terrific values and can be coupled with wine selections as well. Give yourself over to this expensive, incomparable experience. Reservations are a must.
6 – Haleiwa Joe’s – North Shore
Take in the North Shore’s relaxed lifestyle at this fantastic eatery. Kick back on the lanai, take in the incredible island scenery, and revel in the moment. While you do, make sure to sample terrific seafood and steak entrees. Prime rib is always popular, and coconut shrimp maintain a faithful following as well. You’ll also find grilled fish, fresh soups and salads, and tempting desserts. In the bar, a wonderful selection of appetizers makes for great nibbling. This is a great place for lunch before exploring the North Shore, or dinner after. Dinner reservations are a must and dress up a bit or go in with sandy feet.
7 – Michel’s – Waikiki
Fabulous French cuisine tempts diners at this elegant ocean side restaurant, making for potent sensory stimulation. While you revel in beautiful views and romantic sunsets, feast from a menu of mouthwatering dishes, such as lobster bisque, tender salmon filet, or satisfying beef tenderloin. Salads make the most of Oahu’s fresh produce – all things, in short, are good. Service is excellent as well, adding to the appeal of a delightful meal at the base of Diamond Head. This is the most traditional French food to be found in Honolulu. Dinner reservations are a must, and the dress code requires resort wear.
8 – Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill – North Shore
Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill sits right on the golf course at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. Like a bar and grill would be, it’s laid back and casual, yet somewhat upscale and classy. There’s a putting green out front where the kids can hang out (in full view) if they get restless, and views of the golf course and the mountain range offer gorgeous sights. Unlike the other restaurants at Turtle Bay, this one isn’t right in the resort. The full bar can serve up anything you’d like, but their famous for mai tais and Lei Lei’s lemonades. The menu has a broad spectrum of great food – burgers, pastas, salads, local fish specials with sides of mashed potatoes, ribs, and the list goes on.
Attractions:
Top 10 in Honolulu
U.S. News
1 – Waikiki Beach
Nineteenth-century Hawaiian royalty used to come to the Honolulu neighborhood of Waikiki to relax and surf, just as scores of tourists do today. That’s because this area’s famous beach (which is a string of several beaches dotting the island’s southwest coastline) is the go-to spot for its soft, honey-colored sand and the high waves that lap the shores during the winter months. But you don’t have to be a surfer to appreciate Waikiki Beach; just lie back on a beach towel, relax and gaze up at the majestic Diamond Head State Monument in the distance.
When you need a break from the beach itself, there are scores of shops and restaurants lining the adjacent Kalakaua Avenue. The street is home to some of the world’s most exclusive designer boutiques, including Cartier, Coach, Hermès and Louis Vuitton. Many of the best Oahu hotels also overlook Waikiki Beach.
2 – World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
Located northwest of downtown Honolulu in the Central Oahu region of the island, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is the final resting place of 1,177 sailors killed during the Pearl Harbor attack. The sunken battleship is still visible from the memorial floating above it.
You can expect a long wait time and plenty of people at this attraction, but visitors almost unanimously agree that the experience is more than worth it. For fewer headaches when visiting, travelers recommend arriving before 9 a.m. if you plan on getting a walk-in ticket (only 1,300 are distributed per day on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 7 a.m.). You can also reserve one up to two months in advance on the monument’s ticket portal.
3 – Lanikai Beach
Travel about 15 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu to the Windward Coast and you’ll discover two of the island’s most popular beaches – Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach. Of the two, Lanikai is more tranquil, offering relatively calm waters and a mile of white sands. This family-friendly beach is also within view of the Mokulua Islands, a haven for kayaking and surfing.
4 – Surfing
It’s no secret: Oahu is home to some of the world’s best surfing spots. Every winter (when surfing conditions are at their best), professional surfers from across the globe flock to Oahu’s North Shore to shred some gnarly waves in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Basically, the Super Bowl of surfing, the Triple Crown takes place in November and December when massive swells roll in from the stormy northern Pacific Ocean.
But you don’t have to be a pro to hang 10 in Oahu. There are plenty of surfing schools that will take you from a grom (local slang for a surfing newbie) to a Big Kahuna in the course of a day. Best of all: No one will laugh if you wipe out (and you will).
5 – Diving & Snorkeling
The Hawaiian Islands boast 1,200 miles of coral reef, so it’s hardly surprising that two of Oahu’s most popular activities are snorkeling and scuba diving. Dive into the island’s surrounding turquoise water and you’ll likely find an array of colorful fish and bigger marine creatures like dolphins and sea turtles.
6 – Kailua Beach Park
If you like to kite surf or windsurf (or watch others participate in the sports), head to Kailua on the Windward Coast and find a perch at Kailua Beach Park. This 3-mile stretch of white, shaded sand and warm, turquoise-hued water appeals to both families and adrenaline junkies thanks to its gentle waves and ample facilities, including picnic tables, restrooms and free parking.
Kailua Beach Park sits within walking distance of Lanikai Beach and a few shops, eateries and bed-and-breakfasts.
7 – Diamond Head State Monument
Hawaiians call it Le’ahi, geologists call it a tuff cone (consolidated volcanic ash), 19th-century British sailors called it Diamond Head. Whatever you call it, this unique crater was created 300,000 years ago during a single volcanic eruption that spewed ash into the air. That ash settled over thousands of years, and today, Diamond Head State Monument’s ridgeline is one of the most recognizable features of Oahu’s skyline, not to mention home to one of the island’s most scenic hiking trails.
Though the 760-foot hike up this tuff cone is somewhat taxing if you’re out of shape, travelers say you’ll be rewarded with a surreal view of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean once you reach the summit. But keep in mind that this natural wonder is one of Honolulu’s most popular attractions, so consider arriving early to avoid the crowds and beat the heat. Also, remember to bring plenty of water, since no water fountains are available on the trail.
8 – Koko Crater Trail
Stretched across nearly 2 miles of Koko Crater in the Windward Coast region of Oahu, this hiking trail features more than 1,000 steps made from abandoned railroad ties. At the trail’s summit, visitors will find panoramic vistas of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Diamond Head State Monument.
Recent hikers cautioned that the Koko Crater Trail is steep and difficult to traverse, so travelers who are not in the best of shape may want to hike elsewhere. Many also stressed the importance of coming prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and hiking shoes. What’s more, some suggested visiting on a dry day since some parts of the trail are slippery, especially when they’re wet. Others recommended arriving early to avoid crowds and peak temperatures. Those who don’t mind the challenges that come with hiking this trail will be rewarded with “spectacular” views at the top, according to reviewers.
9 – Battleship Missouri Memorial
Launched in 1944, the USS Missouri (or “Mighty Mo”) is best known for hosting a meeting between Allied and Axis representatives that led to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. After the war, the ship served in the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm before docking in Pearl Harbor and opening as a memorial. It holds the distinction of being the world’s last active service battleship.
According to recent visitors, the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s war artifacts and exhibits complement the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument‘s displays. Many past travelers also praised the attraction’s knowledgeable tour guides. However, some wished bags could be taken on board and suggested leaving personal items behind to avoid paying a $5 per bag storage fee.
10 – Paradise Cove Luau
