Evan and I love traveling together, and Oahu has to be one of our most visited locales. Oahu is Hawaii’s most populous island, and indeed, is a pretty perfect representation of paradise. Oahu is home to the state capital of Honolulu, the famous Waikiki beach, and Pearl Harbor.
With insanely beautiful beaches, incredible hiking, out of this world food, and some gorgeous hotels and AirBnB’s, you certainly can’t go wrong on this gorgeous island. I finally made this Oahu Travel Guide to share my favorite restaurants, hotels, hikes, beaches, and tips for an incredible stay on Oahu, Hawaii.
Where to stay in Oahu
I love to stay off the beaten path and avoid downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. During my tropical vacations, I prefer to steer clear of anything too crowded, bustling, or noisy. I especially enjoy long hikes, keep my feet in the sand, and discover beaches in the middle of nowhere. That means I definitely don’t want the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. But if it’s your thing, you do you, boo boo!
We’ve stayed in a few different areas of this beautiful island. Here’s a breakdown of each:
The North Shore
The North Shore of Oahu is known for legendary surf (Bonzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach have long been home to big wave surfing), incredible hiking, and down to earth vibes. First and foremost, I love the food on this side of the island. With an abundance of health-food spots, farm to table eats, and some epic food truck options, you really can’t go wrong on the culinary front. The main “downtown” area is known as Haleiwa and has a lovely country-style feel.
Where to Stay on the North Shore
Turtle Bay Resort is an absolutely gorgeous resort, the only one of its kind on the North Shore. Certainly off the beaten path, this luxury spot avoids the madness of the crowds in Waikiki. Newly remodeled, this resort is truly amazing, adding modern luxury, incredible views, and more pool space for the perfect relaxing vacation.
Although certainly a bit of a splurge, this resort does feel worth every penny. The food, service, amenities, and experience all live up to the hype. Plus, it is close to Kahuku which is a great local area for delicious organic food grown right on the island. Basically, this is my dream hotel and I could stay here forever.
Ko Olina
Ko Olina encompasses 642 acres with sweeping ocean and mountain views and a string of jewel-like lagoons connected by more than a mile and a half of seaside pathways. It’s on the west side of the island about 45 minutes north of Waikiki. The resort area borders the north with the pristine nature preserve of Lanikuhonua and to the south by four lovely beach coves. This space is certainly geared towards resort-life. Yet the developers did a nice job of keeping the hotels spacious and the lagoons expansive so you generally don’t feel too crowded.
Where to Stay in Ko Olina
Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina is the ultimate luxury experience. The adult pool is accordingly the epitome of upscale resort relaxation. Equally incredible, the food options are plentiful. Despite a big price tag, we have enjoyed every meal we’ve indulged in at the Four Seasons. Additionally, our friends that have stayed here raved about the experience.
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is a great balance of relaxed luxury and family friendly, especially if you’re traveling with family or kids. We love doing lagoon walks every day, and enjoy how many great restaurants are within 1 mile of walking. After staying in a few different spots, I’d conclude that this has more of a family resort feel. We have the joy of staying here with my husband’s family who are members.
Where to Eat in Oahu
You can bet your cute behinds that we are always eating good wherever we go! Finally, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of my favorite restaurants on the island.
The best food in Haleiwa
Sunrise Shack
Before you scoff at the idea of a shack in the middle on a field having the best coffee in town, check this out. A quintessential north shore coffee and smoothie spot, Sunrise Shack features ingredients grown on the farm attached to their original location.
The atmosphere is perfection – in the middle of a plumeria field, across the street from one of the most famous surf breaks in the world, really feels like a shack but make the best coffee and smoothies They have multiple locations throughout Oahu.
Beet Box Cafe
Beet Box Cafe is another healthy option for breakfast and lunch. Indeed, this vegetarian cafe is one of our go-to spots for getting our veggies on. Save room for their vegan and gluten free daily baked goods!
Favorite orders: healthy plate of food, any of the burritos, green smoothie bowl, breakfast sandwich
Farm to Barn
Nestled in an open farm, Farm to Barn is a farm to table restaurant that serves up hearty fare that’s heavy on the locally sourced ingredients. I love the big portions and ample options for every dietary preference. After this meal, everyone leaves with a happy belly.
What to order: breakfast burrito, harvest bowl, nourish bowl
Waialua Bakery & Juice Bar
This may arguably be my favorite lunch spot in all of Hawaii. It is a family owned, cash only bakery that serves up some fo the most incredible sandwiches and salads you’ll have. Surprisingly, it is also very affordable!
Our favorite orders: Pesto chicken sandwich, roasted veggie salad, veggie burger salad, gluten free monster cookie
Kaimana Shave Ice
Whenever we are in Hawaii, we have to indulge in some classic island shave ice. However, organic shave ice is decidedly hard to come by. Most are chock full of high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. This spot is organic, homemade, and insanely tasty.
My favorite flavors are mango, guava, and pineapple. Evan loves to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on his shave ice.
My favorite eats in Kahuku
Kahuku is is a small island town found on Oahu’s northeastern coast (right along the northern tip). Nestled between Laie and Turtle Bay, there are gorgeous beaches, spots for hiking and fishing, art galleries, and shrimp trucks.
Raised by the waves
During our stay at Turtle Bay, we hit up Raised By The Waves nearly every day. This woman-owned, vegan spot has incredible smoothies, salads, bowls, and sandwiches. Every item will have you feeling even more like an island goddess than you already do!
My favorite items: Ragamuffin smoothie, Aloha Bowl, Avocado Toast
Seven Brothers
Seven Brothers is a family owned and run burger joint that serves up some seriously delicious grub. Before you write off this place for being too simple, they also serve vegan burgers, ahi, shrimp, and salads. There is truly something for everyone. With Multiple locations throughout Oahu, you must try this delicious spot!
Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp
Shrimp trucks are a North Shore specialty, and definitely worth a visit during your visit. There are dozens of great options all over the North Shore. A little secret: you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Featuring simple plate lunch style fare, you’ll get a healthy serving of shrimp, a scoop of white rice, and a slice of pineapple. After a long hike, it really can’t be beat as your meal of choice. Although there is zero ambiance, the food is hearty and delicious.
Tasty options include spicy garlic shrimp, lemon pepper shrimp
The Country Eatery & Juicery
Another delicious option is The Country Eatery. Enjoy a variety of house made and delicious options from this Kahuku Mill staple. Sample organic cold pressed juices, blended beverages, parfaits, and treats. Or, order up a wrap, salads, simple breakfast sandwiches and burrito options. Their coffee is delicious too!
My favorite food in Ko Olina and Kapolei
Island Vintage Coffee
This coffee spot has surprisingly good food and very solid coffee. They have multiple locations all over Oahu, you have more than enough opportunity to try this spot during your stay.
Delicious options include the breakfast plate, iced latte, and poke bowl
Longhi’s
While many resort restaurants aren’t worth the price tag, I’d argue that Longhi’s is worth a visit. Definitely a splurge option, but I’ve never been disappointed with the meals here.
Great orders: egg white omelette, any fish special, seared ahi, Mac nut island style fish
Roy’s is arguably one of the most famous Hawaiian restaurant chains. Started by Roy Yamaguchi, this island fresh concept has delicious food with correspondingly divine ambiance. There are multiple locations across the Hawaiian islands and even in the continental United States. I have been consistently impressed with the quality of the servers and staff as well. We really can never go wrong here.
House favorites: Butter fish, seared ahi, ribs
Sakura Sushi
Before you write this place off for the odd location in a shopping center, give Sakura Sushi a shot. Enjoy divine sashimi and creative rolls at a reasonable price. This is surprisingly great option if you’re tired of dropping serious dime at resort restaurants.
Typical orders: Bluefin and salmon sashimi, sakura 3 in 1 roll, ninja roll
Workout ideas while on Oahu
I am definitely someone who loves to stay active on vacation. And there is surely no easier place to enjoy some gorgeous views than Oahu.
Hiking in Oahu
- Pink pillbox hike
- Waimano falls trail
- Manana ridge trail
- Pupukea-Paumalu trail
- Kammieland trail
- Kokohead
Other exercise options
Walking or running trails – Ko Olina lagoon trail, north shore bike trail
Swim in the ocean while you’re in Hawaii. Though, you should be warned that when the swell is pumping, or the riptides are strong you should be careful if you’re not comfortable in the water.
CorePower Yoga serves up consistently great classes in a hot atmosphere that always puts me in a good headspace. Classes are pricey at around $30 per visit, so I’d suggest using ClassPass. Using ClassPass allows you to flow for about half the price. There are multiple locations across Oahu.
Last tips for this Oahu Travel Guide
- Respect the land, the people, and be kind.
- Tip well, shop local, support small local restaurants
- Be patient – we’re on Island time here so nothing is a rush
- Always pick up your trash
- Use reef safe sunscreen
- Only park where it’s legally allowed
- Remember you are visiting a beautiful native land to millions, not your personal waterpark
- Don’t instagram pictures at locations where there are signs asking you not to. We’ve been to multiple beaches and hikes that ask visitors to kindly keep the locations off social media, so respect the local wishes
If you want to check out more of my travel guides, click the links below!
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