Oahu

Many travelers are now bypassing Oahu, the most developed and touristed of the Hawaiian islands, and opting instead to visit the other islands, such as Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. But it is possible to have a rewarding experience in Oahu. As long as you are aware of all that the island offers and learn to appreciate it as the locals would, you will have a wonderful time on Oahu.

Tourist Experiences

Waikiki embodies every cliche of a tourist trap - lots of hotels, tourist restaurants, cheap souvenir shops and a disproportionate tourist-to-local ratio. Make a point of choosing an accommodation outside of this area. This is not an easy task, as nearly all of Oahu's accommodations are located in Waikiki. Even if you give in and end up booking a hotel here, stay away from the area as much as possible, because there are many rich experiences to be had away from the center of the tourist activity. That being said, Waikiki is the place enjoy the white-sand beaches and pristine blue waters for which Hawaii is so famous. Just prepare to battle with loads of tourists for a spot on the beach. In addition, surf enthusiasts should not miss the statue of Duke Kahanamoku.

Along with Waikiki Beach, a walk up Diamond Head, the highest point on Oahu, is on most visitors' must-do list. The hike can be a workout, but the panoramic views of the island make it well worth the effort. A walk along the waterfront in Honolulu also makes for a wonderful experience. Shop for Hawaiian souvenirs at the Aloha Marketplace, where one can browse shops found only in the islands. In addition, you can take a free ride up the Aloha Tower for a 360-degree view of the harbor and Honolulu. To unwind, head to the nearby Ala Moana Beach Park, where the locals go to relax.

Culture

It's easy to forget that there is quite a lot of culture to experience in the islands. Hawaii is home to a melting pot of cultures, with well over half of the population being of Asian or native Hawaiian descent. Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the oldest and most vibrant in North America. A far cry from the beach, you can have a dim sum lunch, peruse the quarter's grocery shops offering Asian produce and foodstuffs or pick up some Hawaiian or Asian souvenirs in the compact and lively neighborhood.

Take part in a Hawaiian cultural activity by attending a free lei-making class rather than shelling out upwards of $10 from a vendor. Inquire about classes offered throughout the island, including at the Hyatt in Waikiki. You will gain not only a free fresh lei but also an appreciation for the work that goes into the creation of these beautiful neck adornments.

Art lovers will enjoy the Hawaii State Museum, which showcases the work of Hawaiian artists. Head to the university's internationally-renowned East-West Center, which features changing exhibits on Asian cultures. There is no admission charge for either institution.

North Shore

No trip to Oahu is complete without a journey to the North Shore, the stomping grounds of Hawaii's surfers. Although it is often frequented by day trippers, it experiences nowhere near the tourist activity of Waikiki and provides a tranquil respite from the busy life of the tourist center. Hale'iwa, the most fashionable town on the North Shore, is the place to shop for quality souveniers and enjoy a fine meal. All of the action is conveniently located along the Kamehameha Highway. Further up the road, Waimea offers relatively deserted and relaxing beaches, a contrast to the overcrowded sands of Waikiki, as well as lush greenery in the Waimea Valley, much like the jungles of Southeast Asia.

Dining and Nightlife

Eating out in Oahu can be expensive, but there are many dining options that are fairly cheap and not overcrowded with tourists. Many Asian and Hawaiian eateries are scattered around Honolulu and Manoa, reflecting the state's diverse ethnic makeup. Of note are the Maunakea Marketplace, a local foodcourt in Chinatown with venders offering a variety of Asian cuisines and the areas around the Ala Moana Shopping Center and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, both of which have a good mix of options to fit all budgets.

For a traditional Hawaiian meal, Ono Hawaiian Food provides down-home cuisine at reasonable prices. When it's time for Hawaii's signature frozen treat, shave ice, Waiola Shave Ice, with two locations in Honolulu, and Matsumoto's and Aoki's in the North Shore town of Hale'iwa, are touted as the best.

It goes without saying that there are plenty of bars and clubs in Waikiki, but they're inevitably filled with tourists. Once again, it pays to head over to Honolulu and Manoa, where the crowd will be more local. Restaurant Row, a dining and entertainment complex on Ala Moana Boulevard, is where much of the local action is.

The View from Diamond Head

Chinatown

Matsumoto's

Traditional Hawaiian Meal

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