The Hawaiian Islands continue to be at the top of many travelers’ wish list for a vacation and each island offers totally unique and different reasons to visit. We’ve visited each one a few times and written travel articles on all. Exactly ten years ago we wrote a feature on Oahu, the most populous island, which provides a very inimitable diversity not found on the other islands.
It’s often referred to as “The Gathering Place,” and Waikiki is truly all of the islands’ most vibrant gathering place. The major reason we chose Waikiki this trip: due to recent health issues we needed to stay/walk on level surfaces to reach our fitness goals of walking 5 miles a day. Sadly, no strenuous walks uphill or a climb to Diamond Head’s peak again, but we sure encourage visitors to include that hike. We even decided on not renting a car, encouraging us to walk everywhere except to and from the nearby airport with Uber.
Getting to Oahu from the Bay Area
Most direct flights are daily, and minimal research or travel agents can often locate amazingly modest rates. Alaska/Hawaiian (recently merged) and Southwest all fly direct from San Jose to Honolulu. Alaska/Hawaiian, Delta, American and United fly direct from San Francisco.
What to See and Do on Oahu
Naturally, on all the islands, there are many similar things to see and do, such as a multitude of water activities, air and boat adventures to name a few. Even though we recommend you look into all these options, we want to concentrate on those activities that are really unique to Waikiki.
So, let’s start with what’s new in contrast to our 2015 visit. First and foremost for entertainment, an incredible Cirque D’ Soleil show, “Auana,” has opened for a lengthy run, and it’s as good as any Cirque we’ve seen in Montreal or Las Vegas. As Cirque’s first resident show in Hawai‘i, it provides a vibrant fusion of acrobatics, live music, and artistry, deeply inspired by the islands’ rich cultural traditions. This breathtaking production takes audiences on an immersive journey through Hawai‘i’s mo‘olelo (stories), blending hula, daring feats, and captivating storytelling. Adding true Polynesian and Hawaiian cultural aspects to this Cirque certainly resonates with the locals and us, too, as a major upgrade to a typical Hawaiian show.
Into jazz? The famous Blue Note clubs around the world have a location here in Waikiki at the Outrigger Beach Hotel.
Another personal favorite thing to do in Waikiki is attending a free weekly concert by the incredible Royal Hawaiian Band at Waikiki’s Kapi`olani Park Bandstand or numerous other locations.
This unique band has been playing concerts continuously since 1836 and is America’s oldest concert band and the only full-time municipal band in the U.S. The concerts we‘ve attended over the years were all excellent, and we heard they perform over 300 concerts a year, most often free. For the current concert schedule: www.rhb-music.com
Animal lovers will enjoy a walk through Honolulu Zoo, the only accredited zoo in Hawaii and recently ranked, surprisingly, in 2024 as the fourth best zoo in the U.S. by U.S. Today Readers’ Choice awards. Not sure we agree with such a high ranking, but animal lovers should consider a visit. www.honoluluzoo.org.
A tip if you like fireworks: no matter where you’re staying, head over to the Hilton Hawaiian Village beach area every Friday night after sunset for an awesome show.
Where to Shop in Waikiki
Along high energy Waikiki are two great world class shopping centers with everything from great dining choices, glamorous clothing and jewelry stores to T-shirt shops. For many years Royal Hawaiian Center has been Waikiki’s preeminent shopping and dining complex. www.royalhawaiiancenter.com.
Ten years ago, we wrote: “You might want to avoid the disappointing yet historic International Market Place, which has become just too tired to warrant a visit.”
Wow, what a change today! We were blown away on this visit by the dramatic upgrade after a major renovation of the International Market Place. It’s now our favorite center to shop and dine.
Where to Stay and Dine in Waikiki on Oahu
Here’s three of our favorite Waikiki hotels after numerous Oahu vacations over many years.
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach has long been one of our top picks, with two of our favorite Oahu restaurants on site: Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill. A nice fitness center and their penthouse spa are welcome features. www.outriggerwaikikihotel.com.
Embassy Suites Waikiki, on the newer Beach Walk area, is one of the crown jewels of this popular chain, featuring all the great amenities you expect, like roomy closed-off bedrooms, complimentary full breakfasts, evening manager’s reception and refrigerator/microwave in each suite. One major plus- if you like the exotic tropical cocktails like Mai Tais, they’re included in this location’s nightly reception. www.embassysuiteswaikiki.com.
Roy’s, one of famous chef Roy Yamaguchi’s finest restaurants (a sister dining spot to Roy’s at Pebble Beach), is located in the Embassy Suites building.
The Ilikai Hotel and Suites, although an older property, was the first condo hotel we stayed in years ago, and a nostalgic connection remains. Instead of booking a condo directly with the hotel, we chose to try VRBO for the first time. The condo location overlooking the marina, ocean and Ala Moana Beach Park was ideal, but the VRBO experience was less than perfect, yet possibly good enough to consider trying it again. www.ilikaihotel.com/suites/ or www.vrbo.com .
Empire Steak House at the Top of the Ilikai offers astonishing views and one of the most expensive menus in Waikiki, but their Happy Hour was a first-rate bargain.
Menehune Grille on Ilikai’s beautiful garden-themed first floor has wonderful outdoor and indoor (to avoid bothersome pigeons) dining at very reasonable prices. menehunegrille.com
Planning a meeting or conference? Hilton Hawaiian Village, based on previous conventions we’ve attended at this mega property, is a no-brainer choice. www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com.
Love historic crème de la crème lodging properties? The Royal Hawaiian, affectionately known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, should be earmarked for a future special occasion stay. Even if you don’t stay at the Royal, be sure to stop by for a quick look at this classic beauty and have a drink in their legendary beachfront bar. www.royal-hawaiian.com.
Queens Waikiki Lu’au is the newest lu’au on Oahu — conveniently located at the International Market Place — is under the watchful eye of Queen Kapiʻolani’s statue and getting rave reviews! Learn the Hula, eat delicious Hawaiian food, and enjoy an authentic Polynesian Show that includes the traditional dances from across the Pacific as well as the famed Fire Knife Dance! For full info: www.queenshawaiiluau.com.
Three other favorite restaurants are all located in the amazingly revitalized International Market Place. They include famous Chef-owned Michael Mina’s StripSteak and Roy Yamaguchi’s Eating House, but maybe our favorite is Moani, the only upscale dining in the Market Place that features Hawaiian/Polynesian foods owned and operated by Hawaiians in the complex.
All three restaurants also offer first-rate happy hours.
For tons more info on hotels, dining, events, and everything Waikiki & Oahu: www.visit-oahu.com
Safe travels, everyone!
