Lifestyle
Gray's Guides
Oahu

Oahu

Also known as "the gathering place", Oahu is Hawaii's most populous island. From world-class resorts and restaurants, to some of the best beaches in the world — Oahu is a fusion of East and West cultures offering something for everyone.

Stay

From family-run inns to world-renowned luxury resorts, find a welcoming home away from home.

The Royal Hawaiian

Originally built in 1927, this pink Waikiki resort is a celebrated island gem.

Moana Surfrider

A famed Waikiki retreat blending Victorian elegance and contemporary comfort.

Kahala Hotel and Resort

Situated next to the Wai'alae Country Club, this iconic Honolulu property has hosted every U.S. president since Lyndon B. Johnson.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Ultimate luxury on the island of Oahu — this resort sits on the wild and rugged western coast of Oahu and offers extraordinary amenities.

Turtle Bay Resort

A fashionable 1,300 acre hideaway on Oahu's North Shore featuring 5 miles of untouched coastline and twelve miles of trails.

Eat

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Hula Grill Waikiki

A quintessential Waikiki eatery offering regional cuisine. Great for brunch.

Merriman's Honolulu

The iconic restaurant's Honolulu location doesn't disappoint. Enjoy farm-to-table fare, creative cocktails, and more.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Izakaya-style dining offering inventive and colorful sushi dishes.

Doraku

Situated in the center of Waikiki, Doraku features delicious Japanese food, craft cocktails, sake and more.

Hau Tree

Visit Hau Tree at Kaimana Beach Hotel for brunch or a casual dinner with unobstructed ocean views.

Hoku's

Found beachside at the Kahala Hotel, Hoku's offers sophisticated Pacific Rim fare — perfect for an upscale dinner experience.

Monkeypod Ko Olina

Sip mai tais and enjoy delightful culinary creations at this popular restaurant by Chef Peter Merriman.

Koko Head Cafe

A go-to brunch spot by star chef Lee Anne Wong offering innovative twists on typical breakfast dishes.

Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha

Enjoy all-natural Hawaiian shave ice at this Honolulu institution. A must-try when visiting Oahu.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

Boasting three locations on the island of Oahu, it's hard to beat Giovanni's delicious shrimp plates. Don't let the long lines deter you — the wait is worth it.

Kalapawai Cafe & Deli

Offering four locations, this relaxed cafe is the perfect place to grab anything from morning coffee to deli sandwiches. They also offer an award winning full service dinner.

Drink

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Mai Tai Bar

Take in stunning views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach while sipping umbrella cocktails at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel's breezy beachfront bar.

Duke's Waikiki

There are six unique Duke's Restaurants in Hawaii and California. The Waikiki location, with its tiki-inspired atmosphere, food, and cocktails — is not to be missed.

SKY Waikiki

Featuring a wrap-around rooftop deck on the 19th story building in the heart of Waikiki, SKY is an ideal location to sip cocktails while watching beautiful Hawaiian sunsets.

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar

Situated next to the stunning infinity pool at 'Alohilani Resort, Swell is a wonderful place to enjoy a nightcap.

What to do

Immerse yourself in local activities — including world-class golf courses, beaches, spas, parks, and more.

Kualoa Ranch

Tour this stunning 4,000-acre private nature reserve and cattle ranch where Jurassic Park and several other films were filmed. Located just 35-40 minutes north of Honolulu.

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Calm and shallow, this nature preserve is perfect for families with small kids to snorkel while enjoying the beautiful waters.

Hike Manoa Falls

Generally considered an easy route, this 1.70 mile trail offers breathtaking views of lush Hawaiian tropical rainforest, and of course — a beautiful waterfall.

Hike Koko Crater Railway Trail for Sunrise

Although it's a challenging route, the steep, no-shade climb up abandoned railroad ties to the top of Koko Head Crater offers incredible panoramic views that are perfect for watching the sunrise.

Lanikai Beach

Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lanikai's aqua blue waters offer tranquil swimming and easy kayaking to the nearby Mokulua islands.

Culture

Discover local art museums, theaters, landmarks, festivals, and more.

Iolani Palace

Once the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Iolani Palace is well worth a visit — especially for those interested in architecture and history.

Bishop Museum

Immerse yourself in Hawaii's heritage and rich culture at this museum of Natural and Cultural History.

Honolulu Museum of Art

The largest of its kind in the state of Hawaii, HoMA was founded in 1922 and today boasts a collection of 50,000+ works of art.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Located on the northern shore of Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers its visitors the opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands.

Explore Oahu Photography

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Waikiki Beach

The Hawaii Porcelain Tray

Lanikai Beach Stroll, Oahu

Surfing Waikiki

Oahu Waves

Kailua Bay Swirl, Oahu

Palm Shadows Vertical, Oahu

Waikiki Beach Palm Trees

Lanikai Beach Outriggers, Oahu

Four Seasons Ko Olina, Oahu

Waikiki Triptych

Waikiki Surfers Triptych

Adult Swim at Four Seasons Ko Olina, Oahu

Palm Shadows, Oahu

Waikiki Beach Blue Umbrellas

Waikiki Paddle Boarders

Waikiki Surfers

Waikiki Surfers Vertical

The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki

Rainbow Sailboats, Oahu

Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Four Seasons Ko Olina Lagoon, Oahu

Four Seasons Ko Olina Beach Umbrellas, Oahu

Wa'alae Country Club Vertical, Oahu

Waikiki Beach Sunbathers

The Outrigger, Waikiki

Four Seasons Ko Olina Pool, Oahu

Four Seasons Ko Olina Pool Vertical, Oahu

Wa'alae Country Club, Oahu

The Driving Range, Ko Olina Golf Club, Oahu

Honolulu Country Club, Oahu

Ko Olina Golf Club, Oahu

Waikiki Horizontal

Honolulu Country Club Vertical, Oahu

Waimanalo Kayakers, Oahu

Ko Olina Golf Club Vertical, Oahu

The Surfers, Waikiki

Two Paddle Boarders, Waikiki

Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Waikiki Beach Vertical

Waikiki Beach Palm Trees Vertical

Waikiki Blue Umbrellas

Waikiki Beach Diagonal

The Sailboat, Waikiki