Celebration of life sunset from Waikiki Beach
A first trip with a dear friend to O‘ahu came under bittersweet circumstances, as we traveled to Honolulu to attend a celebration of life for a friend and beloved member of the community there. The gathering, held against the backdrop of a beautiful Hawaiian sunset, was a moving tribute and an opportunity to connect with some wonderful people who made the visit especially memorable. In the days surrounding it, we had the chance to experience a little of what makes this island so special, from the beaches of Waikiki and Kailua to the powerful Pearl Harbor Memorial and the underrated Honolulu Museum of Art. We stayed on Waikiki Beach, using it as our home base for exploring, but quickly realized how much more there is to discover beyond Honolulu. I left with new friendships and beautiful memories, and we both have every intention of returning to see more of O‘ahu.
Where to eat
Get coffee a Kai Coffee, with one location right on Waikiki Beach. A bag of coffee beans also makes for a great souvenir.
Then stop for malasadas at the famous Leonard’s. If the line intimidates you, know that it moves fast and has staff members helping you with parking. These Portuguese ‘donuts’ are delicious and worth it to get piping hot.
Have lunch at Queensbreak in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. The piña coladas, margaritas, and mai tais are strong and the fish tacos were outstanding - plus you get a sunset view of the beach from your spot in the restaurant.
Take a walk for an afternoon snack and pick up an island favorite, shave ice, at the place most highly recommended to us by several locals, Waiola Shave Ice.
While the beachfront restaurant House Without a Key in the Halekulani Hotel is known for it’s sunset dinner with live entertainment, lunch here was just about as good - great views of Diamond Head and the beach, outstanding service, and delicious, healthy food.
After shopping in the Ala Moana mall, Fumi’s was a filling pitstop. They’re known for their shrimp with garlic sauce, but the coconut shrimp below offered great comfort food without leaving the shopping center.
Another great spot for lunch is Yoshitsune in the Park Shore Waikiki Hotel. Traditional Japanese is the specialty here and bento boxes (one with terriyaki chicken, the other with miso cod) were both spectacular, as was the green tea ice cream.
Dinner at Barefoot Beach Cafe features healthy ingredients (like fresh pineapples pictured below) and gorgeous sunset views.
Have a spectacular meal at Arden in the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head hotel.
Or have dinner at Roy’s with Hawaiin fusion cuisine from chef Roy Yamaguchi. The early ‘twilight’ dinner is a great deal, where you can try their famous Misoyaki Butterfish as part of a three course dine-in meal.
Grab a drink at Hau Tree in the Kaimana Beach Hotel in a quieter section of the beach.
Things to do
Head to the stunning beaches of Kailua and Lanikai, about 30 minutes from downtown Honolulu. Hop in a rental car, grab refreshments on the way from the Kalapawai Market, enjoy the beach, and have drinks and snacks on the way home at Buzz’s Original Steakhouse (fresh poke pictured below.)
Hike Diamond Head (reservations required), the well-known site you can see from most Waikiki hotels, which offers sweeping island views from the top of the volcanic crater’s rim.
Go to the Honolulu Museum of Art, the most surprisingly fulfilling place we visited as tourists on this trip.
Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a contemplative place with the rich history of World War II and an opportunity to see the sunken USS Arizona and the memorial to those who died on the ship.
Visit the Iolani Palace, walk the grounds and enjoy the charming museum store.
Places to stay
There are plenty of great hotels in Honolulu and Waikiki, though our preference is for a beachfront or ocean view location. Using a Bonvoy points redemption, the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa offered the best value, with an upgrade to an ocean front balcony room and access to a variety of amenities, including beach chairs, yoga and cultural classes, and daily continental breakfast. The hotel’s tower closest to the beach has stunning views, an onsite rooftop Luau, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
Next time
We had to save some of our plans for next time:
The Ahaaina Luau at the Royal Hawaiin
Visit to the Byodo-in Temple
Dinner at Mina’s Fish House in the Four Seasons Resort (in the Ko Olina area) and the Stripsteak restaurant in Waikiki by the same chef Michael Mina
Breakfast at Over Easy and lunch takeout from Kono’s Northshore on the way to the Kailua beaches
Drive up to Turtle Bay, for a horseback trail ride from the Ritz Carlton there
Tasting menu at the counter at Miro Kaimuki
Friday night fireworks at the Hilton
Beautiful tribute to Jamie J. Offenbach