2024 Oahu Guide: Experience Oahu Like A Local
So you’re taking a trip to O’ahu! It’s exciting and a little overwhelming—there’s so much to do, see, learn and eat… where do we start??
I’m mar—I am a couples & elopement/wedding photographer here on O’ahu and I have lived and breathed O’ahu since I was born! I can’t wait to share a little of this island’s magic with you today ✨
let’s go~
Intro to O’ahu
What should I know before I come?
Oʻahu: An Introduction
Oʻahu is known as the gathering place, and it was always the main island of commerce because of the large, protected bay (Honolulu) that allowed ships to safely dock and rest while on whaling trips.
To this day, Honolulu is a resting place for people crossing the sea, popular with coastal populations on both sides of the pacific—from Japan to California and all around the world! Oʻahu (and all of Hawaiʻi) has a lot of ethnic and cultural diversity.
What I love about Oʻahu is that the diversity shows in the food, drinks and activities that are available around the island—we have incredible food across every spectrum (well, okay, except Mexican for some reason lol)— from pho to sushi to curry to burgers to wild fusions, you can’t really beat the food and drink scene on O’ahu in my opinion! There is a lot to do and see, even if you just stay near downtown Honolulu. You don’t have to go very far to find something fun, delicious or interesting.
The weather on Oʻahu is fairly temperate, but as all the islands do, we have microclimates across the island. if you don’t like the weather on one side of the island, just wait or drive 10 minutes! in the winter/spring we have lows of 65F and highs of 85F. during the summer/fall, lows of 70F and highs of 95F. it rains and shines all year round, but you’re most likely to catch heavy rainfall from December to March, and most likely to shrivel up from heat around July to October.
Yes, there will be traffic and a lot of people. But it is also magical, and unlike any other ‘destination’. There is sacred beauty in the air, if only you can open your heart to see it.
Before you arrive:
The biggest thing I can stress is, please take the time to learn about Hawaiʻi’s history before or while you are here.
I don’t think it’s possible to really appreciate the beauty and the experience without first understanding some part of the hurt and brokenness that paves the streets.
watch this video on the history of Hawaiʻi
here are resources for further reading
@ehoopilimai, @ainamomona, @melemaikalanimakalapuaa are always sharing educational and important material regarding Hawai’i.
other than that very important cultural understanding, there are some other things that are helpful to know:
BYO-reusable things! — sustainability is super important to us on the island. single-use plastics are banned, so if possible bring your own water bottles, utensils, totes, coffee vessels + straws to lessen your eco-footprint while here (here are a few places to find eco-friendly products on island)
TRAVEL mindfully —
try to carpool within your group as much as possible
be aware that traffic can be gnarly from 7a-9a and 3p-6p. if your day is flexible, avoiding sitting in traffic is good for the mind + planet too :)
HIKE respectfully —
“pack it in, pack it out”
don’t go too far off-trail — it’s tempting to find something new, but soil erosion happens when we go where we shouldn’t.
illegal trails are usually marked so for a reason (dangerous, culturally inappropriate, or recovering fauna), please choose your hikes with care
be aware of the seeds and plant diseases you could be tracking from trail to trail — simply wipe your boots off before you leave or enter a new park/trail.
TRAVERSE the ocean with awareness —be aware of your sunscreen when you go into the ocean (resources on reef safe sunscreen) or better still, if you burn easily, use long sleeve/extra coverage swimwear to avoid using sunscreen altogether.
when you’re in the ocean, never step on the reef! it is not only a danger to you should you get cut (there is a lot of bacteria not meant for human contact) but a danger to the vital flora and animals living there.
don’t turn your back to the ocean—you never know if a surprise wave will hit you from behind, even when it looks calm.
REMEMBER your trip —
Don’t forget to celebrate your trip with a memorable photoshoot ;) Exploring the islands with a local photographer (hi! 👋) to both point you towards unique gems or insights that may not be listed here and to capture the mems is priceless! can’t wait to meet you & create something unique with you!
All right, it’s time for a tour! let’s start at the beginning: South shore. Stepping off the plane and going towards Waikīkī, you will immediately hit one of my favourite parts of the island…
SOUTH SHORE
Kalihi to Ala Moana
COFFEE
TRY Coffee
TRY Coffeeis one of my favourite places on the island for coffee; TK is always bringing in fresh coffee from all over the world, and there is always something weird and interesting to TRY. I recommend letting your barista choose a pourover of their choice and have a seat and chat to whoever is sitting around you!
As a bonus, TRY is inside of BoxJelly which is an excellent co-working space. Stick around and ~workcation~ for only a $25 daypass.
Pōʻai by Pono Potions
this new shop features locally made syrups and gifts—made for the artist by an artist, it feels homey and chic at once. stop by for a cuppa and for something beautiful and unique to bring home with you.
9Bar HNL
9Bar is a great place whether you are looking for coffee or just something sweet. they make nearly everything in-house, and you can tell. they are passionate about creating new things, and I will always stop by here if I’m in the area.
Get an iced latte, a nitro float, a small drip, and all of the scuffins and cookies. (specifically, the cranberry macnut, banana chocolate chip, or bacon cheddar chive)
ARVO
a cute, aussie-inspired cafe with a beautiful aesthetic. sought out for the highly “instagrammable” vibe, it’s also just a relaxing spot to grab a cuppa or a matcha chia pudding and read.
food
The Daley
this is one of my favourites because the daley is so dang simple! I’m one of those people who take forever to look over the menu and order… but not here :) the burgers are amazing, fries are superb, and why not grab a beer while you’re here!
Earl's Sandwiches
earl’s sandwiches pack a punch and are so creative. The staff here is always so friendly and it’s likely you may meet the owner, too. try the spicy fried chicken sandwich or the club!
Doner Shack
doner shack has delish mediterranean food where the star is good old-fashioned meat. giant portions and delicious flavours all the way through.
Side Street Inn
one of those local staples, side street inn has enoorrrmous portions meant to share, so come with a crowd or prepare to take it home. I love the garlic chicken and I heard you can’t miss the pork chop.
Menya La Nood
menya la nood is truly authentic. they make their own broths and use kakuni (pork belly) in all of their bowls. it’s rare to get something so close to the true japanese style ramen, so go try it!
cocktails
Obake
there are lots of cocktail spots downtown, but this isn’t one to miss! it’s a simple interior inspired by the 90s culture of rap and graffiti. the food and drink are Japanese inspired, with hand rolls and cocktails featuring interesting ingredients you don’t commonly come across like ume and shiso.
EP Bar
EP Bar features music exclusively from records (hence the name!); this cocktail lounge is small, dark, relatively quiet, and has a lot of Japanese inspired cocktails as well as the classics.
Skull & Crown
this tiki bar is one of the best downtown! inspired by 50s tiki bars, the decor is pitch perfect with mermaids, skulls and nets hanging from the ceiling. the food is absolutely incredible and the cocktails are on point.
Holey Grail
holey grail is a doughnut shop that specialises in taro doughnuts using only local ingredients. try the hot single with local honey and a sprinkle of sea salt, or the OG glazed with an impossibly simple and delicious vanilla glaze. their drinks on tap are also stellar for a quick coffee.
Scratch Kitchen
scratch kitchen is my second favourite brunch spot— the food is always filling and quite unique, the staff is knowledgable and excited, the vibe is so fun and warm. I always love the smashed potatoes and the chicken and waffle. if you’re there for brunch, a guava mimosa is prime!
Livestock Tavern
we are super fond of livestock, as my husband and I have spent many anniversary celebrations here. we can’t get over how beautifully run this restaurant is, service is always over the top. the food is seasonal, excellent, and always something unexpected.
The Podmore
podmore is a pupu and cocktail bar, their food and drinks are the brainchild of the chefs behind the also fantastic restaurant Senia.
Bar Leather Apron
BLA serves fantastically unique, beautifully executed show of taste, technique and showmanship. my favourite cocktails on the island, though reservations are deservedly limited.
Going downtown with couples for a session is one of my favourite ways to bring a little local flair to their photos~
shopping
Nā Mea
my favourite place to get omiyage (gifts) BY FAR. basically all of my client gifts come from here! with local designers and artists from all over the Hawaiʻi islands, there is something for everyone at any price point at Nā Mea.
MONO
MONO is a great place if you love design, home & paper goods. it’s a locally owned and beautiful shop on South King Street for the most beautiful and practical choice of souvenirs.
MORI
MORI is the very best place to buy yourself and your loved ones some memorable items that come straight from the hands of local creators! from pins to stickers to hats to prints to shirts—you are sure to find something you would love to take home here.
The Village Bottle Shop
the village bottle shop is a place where they really know their beer. pick up some sours or stouts to end the night with later, or stop by for a quick taste of what’s on tap that week! (I always ask for something with a little bit of barnyard funk)
Paiko Botanical
paiko is the very best boutique plant shop on the island. though flying live plants back home may be difficult (check here for more information), you can still browse and buy some other cute things such as cards, books, jewelry, pots, and art prints from local artists. they even have workshops and a great selection of cut local flowers to enjoy in your time here.
Bonuses
go to Insomnia for the best lemongrass chicken, Highway Inn for a taste of Hawaiian style food, Salvage Republic or Sig on Smith’s for modern Hawaiian streetwear, Hound + Quail for vintage finds, Roberta Oaks for your own (not cheesy) aloha shirt, Art at Mark’s Garage or Aupuni Space for modern art from local artists.
Nightlife Bonuses:
Manifest for chill drinks on a rustic, brick background and DJs. Encore Saloon for tacos and mezcal-based cocktails. Tchin Tchin! for wine and cocktails in a very classy dark space. Bevy for a chic, local cocktail meetup. Beerlab for a no-nonsense, all-about-the-beer tasting room. Hana Koa for a modern beer room.
experiences
Farmer's Market
farmer’s markets are huge here, and there is usually not just good food but also locally made goodies of all kinds!
one of my favourite farmer’s markets takes place in ward on saturday mornings. it gets hot and crowded, so get there early and ready to eat! check here and here for more farmer’s market information.
Worldwide Walls in Kakaʻako
if you want to experience art out in the wild instead of in a museum, a walk through Kakaʻako might be just what you need. many renowned artists come through every year for worldwide walls (formerly known as pow! wow!) to create murals all across Kakaʻako. take a walk around to appreciate the beauty in a formerly industrial-only area.
Honolulu Museum of Art
the honolulu museum of art (HoMa) has an incredible collection of art, and they have such beautiful places to walk and explore too! you’ll often see photoshoots going on because of all of the unique interior design. check it out for the beautiful exhibits, local musicians, a cute cafe, and don’t miss the last room past the cafe to see local artists’ work and old Hawaiian paintings.
Bishop Museum
bishop museum is a great place to learn about both the ancient and present Hawai’i—with spaces to understand the art, science and history of Hawai’i it is one of the best places to get entertained and informed simultaneously.
SOUTH SHORE
Waikīkī to Lēʻahi
coffee
Kona Coffee Purveyors
though you usually have to brave incredibly long lines, sometimes KCP is worth it for things you can only get here—a 100% kona espresso or a bag of specialty-grade konawaena (or kaʻu if you’re lucky) to take home.
ARS Cafe
ARS (pronounced arrs) is on montserrat, a very walkable street only 20 minutes walking distance from the outskirts of waikīkī. ARS hosts a new local artist to showcase their work every month and it’s always something intriguing and beautiful. it’s a wonderful spot to sit and dream, as well.
food
Da Cove
Da Cove is the go-to spot for acai—maybe you just hiked Lēʻahi (diamond head) and you need something filling and refreshing? da cove has smoothies and acai bowls that hit the spot. my go-to is the Hawaiian bowl—that paʻiʻai (pounded taro) though!
Aliʻi Coffee Co
Aliʻi Coffee is a casual and local spot to get some lunch or a sweet drink! if you have more of a sweet tooth than a hot-black-coffee kind of taste, ali’i serves a masterful menu full of “coff-tails”, an iced concoction perfect for any sunny day.
Waiola Shave Ice
Waiola’s is the place to go for shave ice on this side! the ice is soft and small, more like a sorbet than shaved ice, and the flavours are classic. I recommend ice cream at the bottom with liliko’i and strawberry.
Rainbow Drive Inn
Rainbow’s is CLASSIC hawai’i plate lunch. what is plate lunch you might ask? well.. lunch on a plate? haha. the term is thought to have came from plantation days, where workers of all races brought food from their own culture… and somehow it all came together to form the beautiful plate lunch~which will typically come with rice, mac salad or toss salad, and different kinds of meat (spam, hot dog, chicken, beef… really anything). get the slushie float while you’re here too!
Pioneer Saloon
Pioneer Saloon combines Japanese bento and Hawai’i plate lunch especially well. which, yes, is plate lunch! pioneer focuses more on the Japanese classics, katsu chicken, mochiko chicken, garlic chicken—do yourself a favour and get the shiso wakame rice.
experiences
Kaimana's
Kaimana Beach is the beach I go to when I don’t want to travel too far! It’s easy parking, chill water, easy for picnics and meetups.
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Wa’ahila Ridge
beautiful park leading to a challenging and rewarding hike. this is one of the few places with the tall evergreens, so you’ll probably see a million families here at Christmas time! ;)
Tantalus
one of my favourite views! it’s even better because no hiking necessary. bring a picnic and settle down to watch the sunset.
The Holokai
the Holokai is a catamaran and one of the best experiences in my opinion! to see the sunset on the water, on an open boat, with a drink—this is so good.
Diamond Head Beach
Diamond Head beach is a rocky, steep walk to the beach. it’s my go-to beach for surfing and for looking out over the water! the lookout is really fun and different and puts you far above the water’s edge. be warned: there is no cell reception here—especially if you’re trying to meet someone, make sure there are clear instructions about where you’re meeting!
Diamond Head Theatre
catch a show at one of our best local theatres—they have excellent productions here that are classic and flawless. see what shows are coming up!
Mānoa Valley Theatre
my other favourite theatre, MVT is known for their avant-garde shows and the incredible use of their intimate space. the productions they choose are not often well known, but always impactful. check their season schedule here.
tantalus at sunset
SOUTH/EAST
Kaimukī - Hawaiʻi Kai
coffee
The Curb
The Curb is one of my favourites for coffee and pastries. an excellent team that serves up the best stuff around! check for any seasonal specials, otherwise anything you get here is absolutely excellent. walk down the street to visit public pet and pua hana, as well!
Bean About Town
this is an adorable little coffee shop where they roast their own south american blend and have a small deck for a leisurely sit. located in kaimukī with excellent walkability.
Island Brew
just a lovely spot in Hawai’i Kai to sit and watch the water, especially when the sun is rising.
sweets
Uncle Clay’s Pure House of Aloha
local and fresh flavours with great toppings—sorry, but matsumoto’s got nothing on uncle clay!
Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery
I’m here for the malasadas and ice cream! pipeline bakeshop & creamery is full of treats, the most popular of which is the malasadas. if you want to skip the leonard’s line, head on over to pipeline!
Via Gelato
via gelato is full of glorious tastings and local flavours—it’s our go-to spot when we have a late-night craving. you can get a cone to eat or a pint to go.
food
Koko Head Cafe
Koko Head Cafe is the only place for brunch! hands down. I am a brunch addict, and there is nothing like this super unique brunch spot. get there early, because the line can get wild. get the hash browns, the dumplings, and anything else that sounds good. french toast is a game-changer too.
Moena Cafe
this is a great spot for breakfast and brunch with a local vibe. perfect after a morning hike or before the beach!
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
it’s a local chain that we really love to go after hikes! get anything with an onion ring! all the shakes are delightful and the fries are bomb. there’s locations all over the island, but this is the one I go to after long hikes on the east side.
Boston Pizza
boston’s pizza is a staple here, with thin crusts, mouthwatering toppings, and huge portions, it’s a perfect lunch or dinner to bring to the beach or park with you.
shop
Pua Hana
Pua Hana is an adorable flower shop to brighten your day! they have some fun locally sourced items to pack for home.
The Public Pet
the Public Pet is perfect if you have a pet at home you want to spoil, this cute shop has everything from toys to treats for your cat or dog baby.
da Shop
one of the last bookstores, and this one is incredible. da Shop carries a lot of local and Asian authors, it’s really unique to visit and peruse their books and other paper goods. definitely check out the pidgin dictionary for some laughs and a fun time!
experiences
Lookouts in Hawai'i Kai
there are a handful (3-6) of lookouts along the kalaniana’ole highway, each one a gorgeous and unique view of the coastline. I highly recommend stopping and one or two on your way east!
Sandy’s
nicknamed as the breakneck beach, be careful in the water here—sandy’s is a large, beautiful beach very popular with surfers, bodyboarders, and locals. it’s also a great place to stargaze and talk after hours, as streetlights are far and few between on this side of the island.
Makapu’u Lookout
don’t miss a sunrise hike here—it’s an easy paved walk, which makes it an unbeatable morning hike to start the day off right.
Koko Head Botanical Garden
this is a place with gorgeous botanicals, as the name suggests, ones unique to the hawai’i kai side of the island. on the east side, desert fauna flourishes and there’s a large cactus garden here at koko head.
EAST SHORE
Waimānalo - Kāneʻohe
food and drinks
Waiahole Poi Factory
Waiahole Poi Factory is the real deal—it’s a must-stop for authentic hawaiian plate lunch with, of course, the best poi (pounded taro)! the queen of waiahole dessert is to die for, and everything they serve is mouthwateringly delicious, hawaiian-owned and worth the drive.
Haleiwa Joe’s
the Haleiwa Joe’s on the windward side is gorgeous. their food is yummy, but almost more importantly, their haiku gardens are just lush and perfect for a pre-dinner stroll. it’s also a wedding venue, so you may see some familiar sights!
Grace in Growlers
this is a great place to stop off for drinks at the end of the day. with beers and ciders on tap and endless boardgames to enjoy, you just might spend an entire evening out in an otherwise sleeping town.
shop
Olive & Oliver
pricy but inescapably beautiful boutiques geared towards both the feminine and masculine. I can’t help myself from spending hours in either one of these stores, contemplating what life would be like in the day when I can afford to buy their wares.
Farmer’s Market
there are multiple farmer’s markets in Kailua—
kailua (next to whole foods): thursday, 4-9p
enchanted lakes: sunday, 8a-12p
lokahi kailua market: sunday, 9a-1p
Chad Lou's
Chad Lou’s is a great stop for coffee on kailua side—they roast their own coffee and sell breakfast items as well as a coveted brand of local ice cream, sage’s creamery. with an outside deck and a tasting room, no kailua tour is complete without a stop at chad lou’s!
Moke’s
Cinnamon’s
famous for their liliko’i pancakes, cinnamon’s is one of those spots that’s been around forever. grab some food and bring it with you on your way to the beach!
Ruby Violet
this adorable coffee cart is run by two of my favs, James and Amy. they named their shop after their adorable pups, and I love trying whatever new coffee or plant-based drink they discovered recently! I always get an espresso here or one of their new plant-based coffee flavours! their menu is intentional + seasonal, so whatever they offer is delicious.
experiences
Kailua Beach
booming in popularity through the years, kailua beach is the perfect place for an all-day family outing. the park is huge and has beautiful, sparkling sand with easy swimming waters. for the full experience (and no hassle parking), rent a bike and cycle through the town!
Kayak in Kailua
a really great way to see this popular beach from a very different angle, rent a kayak and check out the gleaming waters (and maybe even visit moku nui!)
Lanikai Pillbox
a classic hike for a reason. one of the best views of the sunrise. parking in Lanikai has been increasingly hard, and for the sake of the residents of Lanikai I would highly recommend parking near Kailua beach and walking to the hike.
NORTH SHORE
Lāʻie to Mokuleʻia
food and drink
Surfer’s Coffee
a great stop on the way to north shore, surfer’s is located in wahiawa. they are run by a non-profit, often with interns from all over america running the shop. their offerings include acai bowls and pour-overs, chai and cookies. on the same street are other cute shops—a lovely vintage store and a beloved ice cream shop, black sheep creamery.
Bird’s Nest
there are some new shops popping up on the North Shore I’m excited to say!! one I am really happy about is Bird’s Nest, which opened in mid 2024. their signature drinks are well balanced in flavour and sweetness, and I really loved the cold brew. check them out! down the road there is also HiPie and Coco + Sage which I haven’t checked out yet but you should!
Storto’s
giant sub sandwiches!! need I say more? classic and perfect for a beach day, they have a new special every day of the week. (bring cash, though)
Raised By the Waves
a vegan + plant-based smoothie and food spot with a cute garden seating area, it’s so perfectly north shore.
Seven Brothers
aaaand right next to the vegan smoothie place is the monster burger place haha. our favourite burger on the island, my husband and I have been known to travel an hour just for one of these bad boys…
experiences
Mokuleia
one of the few isolated beaches on the island. there are many little entrances to this beach and each one a fantastic hideaway from the realities of tourism.
Shark’s Cove
a popular snorkelling and family location, shark’s cove is a calm cove to spend a day at the beach. right across the street there are food trucks and foodland, perfect for a lazy afternoon outdoors.
Hale’iwa Bowls
no trip to north shore is complete without an acai bowl, and there are lots of options! hale’iwa bowls is one. of my favourites, with classic flavours, a commitment to zero-plastic, and locally sourced where they can, you can always expect a line—but waiting on their deck watching the ocean beyond is not so bad at all.
Banzai Bowls
another favourite, banzai bowls boasts large servings (I like to tell the story of witnessing three boys sharing one bowl!) for acai and smoothies alike. perfect for sharing and a much needed treat on hot days.
Kaimana Shave Ice
game changer! their house-made ice cream and locally sourced flavours make my mouth water. I would recommend a flavour but I honestly couldn’t say just one ;)
Mele Mele
I love this cafe! they make their bread and baked goods every morning with really interesting combinations. If I have a sunrise session on this side, guaranteed I will be hitting Mele Mele up… usually I will just get breakfast or pastries here, but they do matcha and hojicha drinks available.
Waimea Bay
one of the most popular beaches in north shore, for good reason! the park itself is large, has multiple different unique areas to explore (from garden to cliff to mini-island), and the water is calm and far-stretching. not to mention waimea rock is one of the safest places to experience cliff-jumping! though parking can be a pain, waimea is perfectly suited to lounging all day. I like to take couples here too for all the different vibes!
