Samantha & Kanila
Oahu Recommendations
Leonard's Bakery
Malasada’s! They have all different flavors and fillings this little bakery right outside of Waikiki gets quite busy. It is rare if you don’t see a line outside.
Musubi Café Iyasume
A must try for a quick snack, perfect for hikes or at the beach. One of our favorites.
Foodland Poke
We love the ahi and spicy ahi poke, be sure to also try the tako and edamame too! And don’t expect any rice with this we don’t do that here we buy it by the tub and eat it straight. Best part, you can get it at any Foodland, the local Hawaii grocery store food chain (similar to Stop & Shop or Publix).
Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering
Sam's favorite place for chicken! Another great spot to stop and grab some takeout. They have great poke and mochiko chicken.
Cinnamon's at the 'Ilikai
One of our favorite breakfast/brunch spots. The original is in Kailua but there is a second location in Waikiki where most of the group will be staying.
Itchy Butt
Kanila's Fav! A small hole in the wall that only serves Korean fried chicken. They only do take-out but there is a park right next door if you wanted to have a picnic.
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Some of the best Hawaiian food on the island, a must try.
Kono's Northshore - Haleiwa
American BBQ meets Hawaii, the original location is on the north shore but they have a few spots around the island now including in Waikiki.
Kai Coffee Hawaii
Sam's fav! The kai latte is to die for. A must try for our coffee lovers, easy walk for anyone staying in Waikiki. Sam loves to get the iced (obviously) kai latte with oat milk and sit behind the Duke Statue in the sand each morning while Kanila goes for a surf.
Rainbow Drive-In
Great place for a quick lunch right outside of Waikiki.
Sweet E's Café
A great breakfast spot right outside of Waikiki. A place where you can get away from the tourist scene and have a great meal.
The Sunrise Shack - Sunset Beach
Sam’s favorite spot to stop on the north shore, grab a smoothie or an acai bowl.
Zippy’s
This is our first stop after we get off the plane. A Hawaiian classic it is a chain of diners with a mix of great food, we suggest a zippack or surfpack.
Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant
One of the Chang family's favorite dim sum restaurants, we would go every Sunday after church.
Waiola Shave Ice
A top tier shave ice spot on Oahu perfect for the summer heat, way better than your average snow cone.
L&L
A quick service Hawaiian BBQ chain. Don’t hesitate to stop at one for a quick lunch as you are exploring the island.
Ted's Bakery
Right across from Sunset Beach you can find our favorite spot to get Hawaiian style shrimp, don’t waste your time in line at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.
Manichi Ramen Kona St
Don’t be fooled to think a hot bowl of soup is only for a cold day. Our favorite ramen spot is right outside of Ala Moana Shopping Center and perfect to end your day.
Duke's Waikiki
One of the best ocean front restaurants. Go for lunch or dinner. Looking over Waikiki to watch the surfers and some live music.
Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts
Sam's fav! A quick fun spot to try some awesome macadamia nuts in all different flavors. You can even crack open your own macadamia nuts and browse some of the local art and jewelry in the gift shops.
FRUIT!
Fresh fruit in Hawaii is much better than what you will get in most areas on the mainland. Eat lots of it while you can!
Farmers markets
There are a handful of farmers markets around the island that you can stop by and support the locals including Saturday mornings at Kapiolani Community College.
Ala Moana Center
This is the world’s largest open-air mall. Great to walk around on a hot day and check out the shops.
Swap Meet
These happen Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at Aloha Stadium. This is the world’s largest open-air market where you can find local arts and crafts, souvenirs, food and more. Please check online for more information as Aloha Stadium is under construction.
Museums
There is so much history in Hawaii. Check out some of these museums and more: Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, US Army Museum, Hawaii State Art Museum, Hawaii Plantation Village, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
There are a handful of attractions at Pearl Harbor including the USS Arizona memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Dole Plantation
Explore the pineapple fields and maze. Get some fresh pineapple and don’t forget to try the Dole Whip soft serve.
Hula Shows
There are plenty tours and shows around the island but there is one for free at the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki.
Shark Diving
If you are brave enough you can even do it without a cage! Tours go out of Haleiwa on the north shore. Check Groupon for some deals.
Polynesian Cultural Center
One of the best luaus to do if you are looking for one. You will get to experience plenty of Polynesian culture and history.
Catamaran Tour
Enjoy a catamaran leaving from Waikiki to see turtles, dolphins, and more. They have a number of tours and locations to leave from.
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
An awesome spot to look out over the island. Be ready for the wind!
Tantalus Drive
A beautiful drive up to a park to watch the sunset over the city.
Kualoa Ranch
This is where our wedding venue is but you will only see a small portion of this beautiful spot. This is a working ranch and one of the main areas they film shows and movies on the island. You can do a number of tours including, horseback, ATV, and bus. Check out movie sites from Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, King Kong, Godzilla, Jumanji and more!
Learn to surf
Waikiki is one of the best places to learn to surf. There are plenty of options right on the beach. If you don’t need a lesson check out Koa Board Sports for a rental.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
There are plenty of snorkel and scuba tours that leave from Waikiki. Explore the reefs and sea life that surround Oahu.
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue / Banyan Trees
Located in the heart of Waikiki this statue commemorates Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer and well known to popularize the sport of surfing. Have a picnic under the banyan tree and watch the surfers in this iconic spot.
Halona Blowhole Lookout
On the southeast side of the island you can drive the cliffs overlooking the ocean and stop at the blowhole and even see the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai on a clear day.
Botanical Gardens
Check out the tropical plants and animals in these botanical gardens: Koko Crater, Waimea, Lili’uokalani, Ho’omaluhia
Waimea Bay Beach
Go jump off the rock! A beautiful beach on the north shore with a 30ft high rock to jump off!
Lanikai Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu, also one of the hardest to access. Developers took over this area and lined the beach with houses. It is in a small neighborhood making parking very difficult, be sure to double check for signs.
Waimanalo Beach
A relaxing beach with beautiful water if you can find parking in the lots.
Sunset Beach
If you are looking for a beach sunset this is the place to be. Float in the water and take in the best Hawaii has to offer.
ʻEhukai/Pipeline Beach
The number one surfing destination in the world. Professional surfers and photographers flock to this beach to make a name for themselves. But don’t worry, waves only come around on the north shore in the winter, you can expect a calm day in the summer.
Hanauma Bay
One of the main snorkel areas on the island however you do have to pay to get onto this beach.
Hiking Trails
Download the All Trails app and check the skill level and conditions of hikes before going, be sure to lookout for trail closures due to damage or weather.
Diamond Head Crater Hike
Easy to moderate and very busy.
Koko Head Crater Hike
A leg burner, straight up and straight down an old railroad track that would transport supplies up and down the mountain. Go early in the day or later in the evening when it is not as hot.
Manoa Falls Trail
Short and easyish, an out and back trail leading you to a beautiful waterfall.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
An easy and paved trail with beautiful views.
Waimea Valley Trail
A trail with beautiful wildlife and tropical plants, do not go if there has been heavy rain.
Kaʻena Point Trail
This is the area they filmed "Lost" there are a handful of trails to explore.
Maunawili Falls Trail
One of our favorites but not the easiest hike. There are steep and muddy sections with beautiful views that end at a swimming hole with a waterfall.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
There are a handful of Pillbox hikes aroudn the island. The most popular one has a trailhead that is located in the Lanikai neighborhood, parking is difficult and there are steep sections, but the view is worth it.