AttractionsWaikiki Beach
The two-mile crescent of golden sand that defines Oahu, steps from BTS 1904. Swimming, longboard surf breaks, beach volleyball, and sunset hula on Kuhio Beach most nights.
69 recommendations
AttractionsThe two-mile crescent of golden sand that defines Oahu, steps from BTS 1904. Swimming, longboard surf breaks, beach volleyball, and sunset hula on Kuhio Beach most nights.
AttractionsThe iconic volcanic crater. The 1.6-mile round-trip hike rewards you with a 360° view of Oahu and Waikiki beach. Book an entry time slot in advance.
ActivitiesOahu’s oldest public park: jog the perimeter, catch live music at the bandstand, or roll out a picnic blanket under the banyan trees.
Attractions42-acre zoo anchoring the Diamond Head end of Waikiki. An easy walk for families staying at BTS 1904.
DiningHand-made udon, tempura on demand, and the line moves faster than it looks. Best lunch under $15 in Waikiki.
DiningLocal breakfast institution since 1974. Pancakes towered with whipped cream and tropical fruit, plus omelets and steak-and-eggs combos. Expect a wait at peak hours. Arrive before 8am or after 10am to skip it.
DiningTokyo-born yakiniku house on Kuhio Ave: A5 Miyazaki wagyu and Oregon Washu beef grilled at your table. The splurge dinner of the strip — book ahead.
DiningGrilled-cheese specialists a block off Kalakaua. Order the namesake Aloha melt with the tomato basil soup for dipping — fast, cheap, and exactly right after a beach day.
DiningHonolulu’s most sought-after tonkatsu, five minutes up Kapahulu Ave. Panko-crisp cutlets, unlimited cabbage and rice, and demand to match — reserve ahead. Closed Tuesdays.
DiningRich, creamy tonkotsu worth the 10-minute drive to King Street. Split lunch and dinner hours, so check times before heading over — the dinner bowl caps a Waikiki evening right.
DiningNeapolitan pies from a blistering-hot oven on Ala Moana Blvd, an easy stop between Waikiki and Ward Village. Small shop, limited hours — check the schedule before you go.
BarsOcean-view tiki bar with strong mai tais and live music most nights. Hit it at sunset for the best seats.
CoffeeLocal chain famous for 100% Kona pour-overs and açaí bowls. The Royal Hawaiian Center location has the quickest service.
ShoppingThree blocks of shopping along Kalakaua Ave, from local makers to luxury brands. Free hula and lei-making classes most weekdays.
ShoppingKakaako street festival with food and retail vendors, local makers, cultural activities, and live entertainment. Dates vary, so check the current schedule before the easy 15-min drive from Waikiki.
DiningLast Friday of every month in Kakaako. Honolulu food truck rally with 40+ food trucks and street vendors, live music, and family-friendly entertainment, about a 15-min drive from Waikiki.
ActivitiesThe calm reef right across from BTS 1904: grab rental fins, wade in, and you’ll see sea turtles most mornings before 10am.
EssentialsClosest Costco to Waikiki, ~15 min drive. Gas station on-site is usually the cheapest around.
EssentialsTwo-story Target inside Ala Moana Center. ~5 min from BTS 1904 for groceries, toiletries, and beach essentials.
Essentials24-hour Supercenter ~10 min from Waikiki. Grocery section, pharmacy, and everyday basics.
EssentialsPremium groceries and prepared foods. ~10 min drive, great for picnic-ready meals before a Diamond Head hike.
EssentialsHawaii-based grocery with local produce, poke bar, and a strong prepared-food section. ~5 min from Waikiki.
ShoppingThe largest open-air shopping center in the US: 350+ stores including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and countless dining options.
ShoppingDiscount apparel and home goods. ~10 min from Waikiki, pairs well with a TJ Maxx run.
ShoppingDesigner brands at discount prices. Next door to Ross for one-stop shopping.
Activities16-screen IMAX complex at Ward Centre. Reclining seats and reserved seating ~10 min from Waikiki.
CoffeeYour daily Starbucks fix, two minutes from BTS 1904. Mobile order to skip the morning line.
DiningOahu’s most famous malasadas: hot, fresh Portuguese donuts since 1952. ~5 min up Kapahulu from BTS 1904.
AttractionsWalkable from BTS 1904: monk seal habitat, reef tanks, and a great rainy-day option for families.
Activities1.6-mile out-and-back rainforest trail to a 150-ft waterfall. ~15 min drive. Can be muddy, bring grippy shoes.
EssentialsClosest full-service gas station to Waikiki on the way to the H1 entrance. ~5 min from BTS 1904.
EssentialsMini-mart gas stop at the Waikiki edge. Handy for a quick fill-up before heading out to Diamond Head or the North Shore.
AttractionsUSS Arizona + USS Missouri. Book free tickets in advance via recreation.gov, spots go fast. ~25 min drive.
AttractionsThe only royal palace on US soil. Guided and self-led tours tell Hawaii’s monarchy story. ~12 min drive.
AttractionsHawaii’s largest museum: Polynesian artifacts, planetarium, and a volcano exhibit with a lava demo.
AttractionsIconic bronze of surfing’s legend at Kuhio Beach. Freshly-draped leis most days, the classic Waikiki photo.
AttractionsLegendary snorkeling crater. Reservations required: release at 7am HST, seven days ahead. ~20 min drive.
AttractionsCalm lagoon, sunset views, and picnic lawns. Best Waikiki alternative when the main beach is packed.
DiningOceanfront institution at the Outrigger. Hula pie, fresh fish, live music, and the best sunset seats in Waikiki.
DiningPioneer of Hawaiian-fusion by Roy Yamaguchi. Misoyaki butterfish + molten chocolate soufflé are non-negotiable.
DiningJames Beard-recognized hole-in-the-wall since 1946. Pipi kaula short ribs, kalua pig, and poi done right.
DiningSince 1961. Plate lunch capital: loco moco, mixed plate, BBQ mix. Cash is faster, but cards work.
DiningSpam musubi + onigiri done like an art form. Grab a beach picnic for under $15. Multiple Waikiki locations.
DiningAll-day breakfast with farm-to-table flair. Try the loco moco and acai bowls. Expect a wait on weekends.
DiningAustralian breakfast classic transplanted to Oahu. Ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter, order it.
ActivitiesPalm-lined pedestrian promenade stitching the main hotels, shops, and restaurants. Ideal sunset stroll.
ActivitiesDepart straight off Waikiki Beach for a 1.5-hour sail. BYOB allowed on the 2-hour trip.
ActivitiesGroup and private lessons on the gentle Canoes break. Beginners stand up first wave nearly every time.
ActivitiesPunishing 1,048-step railway climb to a killer view. Start before 8am, zero shade. ~20 min drive.
ActivitiesBehind-the-scenes tours and Oahu reef walks for kids. Worth booking ahead, especially in summer.
CoffeeMoana Surfrider location features in-house roasting demos. Pour-overs with 100% Kona and Ka‘u beans.
CoffeeSingle-origin Kona + SF-famous kouign-amann pastries under one roof. Worth the line.
CoffeeHawaiian-owned roaster with cold brew flights. The Hyatt Regency kiosk has the fastest service.
CoffeeNeighborhood gem a short drive away. Great third-wave espresso + brunch plates.
BarsClaimed birthplace of the Mai Tai. Ocean-facing patio, live Hawaiian music, and a dress code that invites sunset cocktails.
BarsHalekulani’s open-air lounge: live hula and steel guitar at sunset under a century-old kiawe tree.
BarsFire pits, oceanfront seating, and one of the deepest rum lists in Hawaii.
BarsSecond-floor lanai overlooking Duke’s and the surf. Strong mai tais, live music nightly.
BarsLate-night cocktail bar with a rotating chef’s menu. The charcoal-grilled skewers pair perfectly with the mezcal flights.
BarsLast of the old-school Hawaiian tiki bars. Harbor views and a karaoke piano bar that goes late.
ShoppingOpen-air three-level mall centered on a heritage banyan. Saks, Free People, plus an impressive food hall.
ShoppingNewer mixed-use district with Whole Foods, dining, and a 16-screen IMAX. Most locals shop here before the tourist center.
ShoppingOutlet prices on Coach, Kate Spade, Nike, and Polo. ~30 min drive, worth it for a rainy afternoon.
Essentials24-hour full grocery a few minutes up Kapahulu. Pharmacy, bakery, and deli on-site.
Essentials24-hour Japanese-style megastore. Bento, sushi, beach gear, and every Hawaiian snack imaginable.
EssentialsHawaii’s ubiquitous drugstore: sunscreen, aloha wear, locally made snacks, and Rx.
EssentialsLocal Hawaiian chain. Best prices on mainstream groceries and a strong local-product section.
EssentialsConvenience stores on practically every corner. Sunscreen, sand toys, mac-nut chocolates, ready-to-eat meals.
EssentialsShip souvenirs home, print boarding passes, or rent WiFi. Open seven days.
Our Properties
Hand-curated stays in Honolulu (Waikiki Beach) and Daytona Beach. Book direct with the family who hosts you.
New properties, member-only rates, and travel tips. No spam. Just updates from Rakuen Sol.
Your privacy is respected. Unsubscribe at any time.