"Island of O'ahu" Honolulu by Redlats

Honolulu Travel Guide: 2,390 reviews and 4,494 photos

Waikiki over New Year's

Our family visited O'ahu over New Years this past year. Below, please find our recommendations. Hawaii is a great place to visit when coming from Canada. Every day is warm, but not too hot and there are no bugs. Prices are high - we could not afford Hawaii every year.
I think the first time you go to Hawaii, do the thing that most people do -- visit O'ahu (the Gathering place). O'ahu contains Honolulu (Waikiki is a suburb of Honolulu). Waikiki is almost 100% tourists - lots of hotels, restaurants, attractions, beaches, shopping, etc. A visit to the state of Hawaii would be incomplete if you didn't at least visit O'ahu.
Tourists we met kept telling us that the other islands were more serene, less touristy than O'ahu. Next time we visit, we will visit O'ahu and another island.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Unbelievable weather, lots to do!
Cons:Lots of humanity in Honolulu

Last visit to Honolulu: Jan 2001
Intro Updated Feb 4, 2003
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Reviews (17)

Fower display in the Pink Palace - Honolulu

Hotel lobbies Off The Beaten Path (1)

Would you believe, go visit the lobby and grounds of the grand old hotels of Waikiki - the Pink Palace (the Royal... more travel advice

Waikiki from top of Diamond Head - Honolulu

Climb Diamond Head Things to Do (8)

Diamond Head is an old (really old) volcano that you can climb. There is a pretty good view from the top (see picture).... more travel advice

U.S.S. Missouri and Arizona Memorial - Honolulu

Pearl Harbour Things to Do (8)

We spent a day at Pearl Harbour - you have to start early in the day to see everything. There are really three different... more travel advice

Get out of Waikiki! Things to Do (8)

Tour the island. O'ahu is divided by a ridge of mountains running down the middle of the island east and west-ish. It... more travel advice

Comments (58)

jumpingnorman Feb 11, 2009 at 7:10 AM Report Abuse

I still haven't visited Hawaii! Everybody else assumes I have (just stopped over some times) because it is so near Philippines, we skip it. But I should vacation someday there -- I like the "waterfalls-get out of oahu" tip, Norman :)
virtualling Jul 29, 2008 at 5:09 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the tip!
deutza Aug 18, 2006 at 2:57 PM Report Abuse

Is it Samoa or Somalia? Big mistake !!!!!
VeronicaG Dec 8, 2005 at 7:13 PM Report Abuse

Nice photo from the top of Diamondhead...what a view! Pearl Harbor was described very well, also. Thanks for the tour.
keida84 Jul 21, 2005 at 7:40 AM Report Abuse

Nice perspective on Honolulu. I hope you will try the other islands next visit, Kauai is my favorite! I am heading to Oahu 7/25/05. The Ala Moana food court is a good tip, we will check it out. Snorkeling is a top priority!! Cheers, Kat
ElaineCatherine Mar 23, 2005 at 1:39 PM Report Abuse

OOoooohh Hawaii! It looks soo lovely.. I wanna go! Great tips too.. they really made alot of sense!
Dumpymotel Nov 15, 2004 at 7:15 AM Report Abuse

Did you know that Hawaii used to be a Volcano ?
starship Sep 28, 2004 at 9:51 AM Report Abuse

You covered alot of territory in this page--liked your honest comments. Good photos--nice work!
janslick Apr 28, 2004 at 8:36 AM Report Abuse

but can you see the Pacific and the palm trees and Diamond Head from Manitoba, Red???
Royal63 Apr 18, 2004 at 9:05 PM Report Abuse

I had to laugh about your free breakfasts. Remember, you get what you pay for. Next time you want to go to Hawaii, I'll help you with air & hotel reservations.