Oahu

Solo traveled here and spent a week exploring Waikiki and Kailua.

what to know

best hikes

Let me start by saying, I liked the beaches... but I LOVED the hikes. I tried to go on a hike a day and did various levels. I'll go from easy to difficult in this list.

Pali Twin Falls

Lanikai Pillboxes

Kokohead

Mount Olomana

best beaches

Lanikai beach is my favorite. It's long with soft sand, perfect for a nice stroll. There is no parking nearby, so you'll have to walk a bit to get there, but it means it will be way less crowded than other beaches. It's quite shallow and calm and you have a great view of two islands.

Waikiki is the main tourist beach, I wouldn't come here just to hang out, but I was able to rent a surfboard here for pretty cheap and surf a few waves with the locals. Here's the best surfboard rental biz! Moniz Family Surf

Kailua Beach is a good family beach, not as crowded, easy to find parking, and with local businesses close by.

what to eat

  • Leonard's Bakery

    This place is famous for its Portuguese Malasadas and started in 1953. You might end up eating the whole box!

  • Nalu Health Bar and Cafe

    I came for the coffee and stayed for the smoothies. This place is perfect for a fresh and healthy lunch. It's next to some cute shopping as well.

  • Kono's

    The best breakfast burritos filled with slow roasted Kailua pork! You can also get lunches and handspun milkshakes.

  • Kailua Farmers Markets

    Kailua has two great farmers markets with great and relatively inexpensive made food.

    The Farm Lovers market is a little smaller but I got some great poke on rice here and homemade guava jam.

    The Kailua Farmer's market has more options and is in the town center. I got some amazing Kailua pork and Lilikoi popsicles.

  • Island Snow

    This is the best place for Hawaiian Shave Ice. They have a selection of all natural flavors, ice cream on the bottom, and extra topping like the mochi, azuki beans, and a snow cap topping. They also have a surf shop attatched!

  • Bits and Bites Cafe

    I'm obsessed with scones. And this cafe had the most amaaaazing selection of flavors as well as some cakes. I got Coconut, Bacon and cheddar, Ube, Lilikoi Cream Cheese, Lilikoi and Guava.

souvenirs