Whether your dream vacation involves white sands and turquoise waters or soaring mountains and lush greenery, you’ll find your fancy in Oahu. Home to the capital of the only island state in the United States, Oahu’s stunning geography, vibrant culture, and long history make for a fabulous visit – whether for a few days or a few weeks at a time.
Where to Stay
Romer Waikiki
Located in the lavish Oahu is the laid-back Romer Waikiki hotel, which offers 368 rooms that bring out texture, the beautiful colors of the sunrise, and the natural shapes of the local terrain with Bespoke Romer bath products and Kassatex sheets. Guests can cruise on complimentary bikes around Oahu, enjoy a day at the beach with complimentary chairs, or stay by the pool on the 3rd floor at the Waikiki Swim and Social Club.
The Wayfinder
Right off the crystal shore of Oahu is the Wayfinder Waikiki Hotel, which provides the 228 chambers with a design-centric, home-grown talent that shows guests vibrant and free-spirit energy. After lounging by the pool with a handcrafted cocktail from speakeasy Lost + Found or surfing the waves at the beach, get a delicious bite at the on-site restaurant Redfish.
ESPACIO the Jewel of Waikiki
Nestled on the shoreline of Oahu is Espacio, the Jewel of Waikiki. The nine full-floor suites individually tell a corner of the world, featuring an open-space concept with smart home technology, a private jacuzzi overlooking the serene Pacific Ocean, and a chef-inspired kitchen. Relax at a top-of-line spa or at the rooftop infinity pool, where you can enjoy a refreshment service and a bite to eat from the barbecue. A rising star in the culinary scene, enjoy fine dining at Mugen with a curated menu from one of Hawaii’s top chefs. Guests can also have in-room dining with available grocery service or elevate their experience by requesting a private chef.
Where to Eat
Merriman’s
Merriman’s, which takes its name from its chef/owner Peter Merriman, is a celebration of Hawaiian cooking and ingredients. With produce and protein sourced from across Hawaiian islands, Merriman’s menu includes creative takes on international classics (like octopus prepared in the style of escargot), as well as local favorites like an often-lauded fresh poke.
Mugen
For an out-of-this-world fine dining experience, head to Mugen, set in the stunning Espacio hotel. Tucked away in an unassuming entrance just steps from Waikiki, both the service, food, and wine program at this culinary bombshell are not to be missed. Come hungry – the six courses, refined and delicate as they are, will fully satiate even the largest appetites.
Where to Drink
Hau Tree
For a sunset cocktail on the beach, there’s no better place to go than Hau Tree. One of the (surprisingly) few truly beachside restaurants on the island, Hau Tree’s location away from the main crowds of Waikiki make it an ideal place for a view and a nightcap.
Where to Visit
Koko Head
There are plenty of beautiful hikes to be done in Oahu, but one of the most iconic comprises 1,048 steps along a wartime railway track, culminating in sweeping panoramic views of the island. Go early or late to catch the sunrise or sunset, and when you’re done, head over to nearby Sandy Beach.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Commemorating the December 7, 1941 attack, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial site includes the USS Arizona (reachable by ferry), which was famously sunk during the attack. Plan on spending several hours at the Memorial—in addition to the shipwrecks and submerged resources, you’ll also find two museums detailing the history of the naval base. Entering the museum is free, but they highly recommend creating reservations beforehand. If you have time, take a quick ferry ride to stand on the USS Arizona, a ship that famously sank during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Iolani Palace
Enter another era and learn about Hawaii’s history and royal family by visiting the ‘Iolani Palace. Located in downtown Honolulu, walk around the Palace Gardens or reserve various tours, such as the Fashion Fit for Royalty, Hawaii’s Royal Connection to Japan, the White Glove, or the Chamberlain’s Tour. As a popular choice, take the Kalākaua Legacy tour that showcases the life and legacy of the last reigning King in the 1800s, followed by his sister and successor, Queen Regent Liliʻuokalani, before the monarchy ended on January 17, 1893.
Waimea Bay
Sit back and relax on the warm sandy beaches of the North Shore at Waimea Bay. Known to be the first place surfers in the 1950s who courageously surfed giant waves, today, watch some of the world’s best surfers surf 30-foot waves in the winter season. During the summer, as the waters grow calmer, visitors can partake in many activities like bodyboarding, surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing.
