Everywhere you look on Oʻahu, there’s beautiful scenery, from the windswept beaches in Kailua to the majestic pali (cliffs) of the Koʻolau Mountains. These images are all over social media—and we figure you probably want to know where these spots are.

While some places—like the top of Haʻikū Stairs—are off-limits and others—like the entrance of Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe—aren’t allowed anymore, Oʻahu has a ton of gorgeous backdrops for vacation photos sure to make your coworkers jealous.

Here are 13 easily accessible ones.

1. Makai Research Pier, Waimānalo

Makai Research Pier in Waimānalo.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

This working research pier off Kalanianaʻole Highway in Waimānalo on Oʻahu’s windward side is a popular stop for photographers. This view (above) is what everyone wants to capture—but the beach itself is stunning, especially with Mānana and Kāohikaipu islets offshore.

2. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Makapuʻu

At the top of the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The easy 2-mile (round trip) hike up to the summit of the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail offers breathtaking views from every part of the trail: the rugged and wild Kaiwi Coastline, the dramatic panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the historic red-roofed lighthouse and the sleepy town of Waimānalo. During winter months this is a great place to see migrating North Pacific humpback whales.

3. Byodo-In Temple, Kāneʻoha

Byodo-In Temple in Kāneʻohe.
Photo: David Croxford

It’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo at the Byodo-In Temple, located at the base of the lush Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu windward side. This temple is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. (It’s a United Nations World Heritage Site.) The grounds are gorgeously landscaped and home to wild peacocks, Japanese koi (carp) and swan.

4. Kualoa Regional Park, Kualoa

Sunrise at Kualoa Regional Park.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

This sprawling beach park on the island’s eastern coastline boasts calm waters and great views of the Koʻolau Mountains and Mokoliʻi (aka Chinaman’s Hat), a 12.5-acre offshore islet.

5. Murals of wings, The Honolulu Zoo and Oʻahu’s North Shore

Wings at The Honolulu Zoo and on the North Shore.
Photos: Catherine Toth Fox

Wings are a thing! There’s a pair of butterfly wing murals at The Honolulu Zoo in Waikīkī (left) and angel wings outside Anahulu’s Shave Ice (66-620 Kamehameha Highway) in Haleʻiwa on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The latter is part of the Global Angel Wings Project that started in Los Angeles in 2012 to remind people we are all angels on Earth. This is the only one of these interactive art displays in Hawaiʻi.

6. Lanikai Beach, Kailua

Lanikai Beach, Kailua.
Photo: Getty Images/Wirestock

It’s hard to find a more picturesque beach on Oʻahu than Lanikai Beach in Kailua. With the Nā Mokulua islands offshore and clear aquamarine waters, this beach is easily one of the most photographed on the island.

7. Sunflower field, Waimānalo

Sunflowers in Waimānalo.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Right now, through mid-November, Waimānalo Country Farms opens its sunflower fields for visits—and it’s spectacular. The family-run farm is nestled against the Koʻolau Mountains with views of the ocean, and the sunflowers are shockingly beautiful against the green mountains. It also sells farm-fresh food, including corn on the cob, freshly squeezed lemonade and even sunflower heads, grilled and slathered with butter and garlic. You can even book private picnics in the fields.

8. Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Waikīkī

Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikīkī.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku on Kalākaua Avenue is a must-stop in Waikīkī. Often draped or holding lei, this status honors Hawaiʻi’s first Olympian and the father of modern surfing. Kahanamoku grew up swimming and surfing in Waikīkī. He later went on to win Olympic gold in the 100-meter freestyle and silver in the relay in 1912. He also won two gold medals in 1920 and won a silver medal at age 34 in the 1924 Olympics.

9. Hanauma Bay, East Honolulu

Hanauma Bay in East Honolulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

As you make your way down the road to Hanauma Bay, the protected marine sanctuary in East Honolulu, stop and snap a photo. The vantage from here is everything.

10. Royal Hawaiian, Waikīkī

The Royal Hawaiian in Waikīkī.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

There are so many gorgeous hotels on Oʻahu, from the historic Moana Surfrider to the retro-cool décor of the revamped Kaimana Beach Hotel, both in Waikīkī. But nothing compares to The Pink Palace of the Pacific. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort is one of the most iconic hotels in Hawaiʻi. Its distinctive architecture and rosy color have made this a popular—and beautiful—backdrop for vacation photos.

11. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, Kāneʻohe

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

You see it all over Instagram: the tree-lined road from the entrance of Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden toward the Koʻolau Mountains. Pulling over to snap photos isn’t allowed, but there are so many other spots in this 400-acre city-run garden to photograph. Take the trek to the top of Kilonani Mauka for a nearly 360-degree view of the mountains and Kāneʻohe Bay. Or head to the overlook of Loko Waimaluhia, for a view of the garden’s 32-acre lake built in 1982.

12. Leonard’s Bakery, Kapahulu

Leonard’s Bakery, Kapahulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Hawaiʻi boasts some of the most Instagrammable vacation foods—the kind of food pics that make you want to lick your screen. Malasadas are hot—figuratively and literally—and the most iconic shot is at Leonard’s Bakery. This family-run bakery opened in 1953 and started serving these Portuguese doughnuts. Today, it’s a must-try when visiting the Islands—and a must-photograph outside the landmark bakery on Kapahulu Avenue.

13. Liljestrand House, Tantalus

The Liljestrand House, Tantalus.
Photos: Catherine Toth Fox

There are few Hawai‘i architects whose work is as recognizable as that of Vladimir Ossipoff, with his distinctly mid-century modern aesthetic. One of the most outstanding examples of his work—and one that you can tour—is the Liljestrand House on the slopes of Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa (Mount Tantalus) in Honolulu. The 6,700-square-foot, two-story home is perched above Honolulu, with views of the city and ocean beyond. You can book private tours of the residence; the best is to get a group of 10 friends to book the private sunset tour ($800 for 2 hours), where you can bring your own bottles of wine and pūpū (appetizers) and enjoy the sunset.

Brought to life by the newly opened hotel Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador, the Waikīkī Swim & Social Club is the perfect space for kamaʻāina (locals) and visitors to lounge in Waikīkī.

The idea of a swim and social club seems like something out of yesteryear, however the concept remains undeniably hip even in to 2023. And the Waikīkī Swim & Social Club captures the retro-modern aesthetic of a vintage-chic swim club perfectly with its vibrantly striped cabanas, old-school lounge chairs and almost psychedelic umbrellas, which features Romer’s exclusive marbling brand print. There are even colorful bean bags for guests to lounge on if staying poolside isn’t their thing.

Pool attendants will cater to your needs at the Waikīkī Swim & Social Club, an experience you likely won’t get at even some of the bigger luxury resorts in the Islands. Services include an hourly face misting, sunglasses cleanings, cold towel cooldowns, sunset viewing preparations and more. Yes, it may seem a little bougie from some, but that’s kind of half the fun of being at a swim club—to feel pampered by the pool.

Photo: Courtesy of Romer Waikīkī

If you’re looking to get your heart rate up—or maybe you just want your aura read—Waikīkī Swim & Social Club will also be offering weekly activity programming poolside. With activities ranging from fitness pop-up classes with Body Balance Studios to poolside readings with the hotel’s in-house astrologer, guests and club members can also enjoy live music performed by local musicians on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Of course, what’s a swim club without a smattering of food and drink options? Located at the Waikīkī Swim & Social Club, TableOne serves club members a variety of fresh bites, from favorites such as a homemade burrata from Italian deli Boccocino to tomatoes from Ho Farms Hawaiʻi and fresh bread from the iconic local bakery, The Patisserie. Nothing too heavy to weigh you down while you swim around, but just enough to satisfy any cravings you may have.

Photo: Courtesy of Romer Waikīkī

On the drink menu, you can enjoy a variety of mixed drinks and alcoholic beverages from the poolside bar. From local beers produced by Waikīkī Brewing Co., Kō Hana Distillers, Island Distillers and more, six specialty cocktails are also featured on the menu and sport local spirits and flavors that pay homage to Waikīkī’s vintage pool culture.

So how do you get access in to the Waikīkī Swim & Social Club? Locals who aren’t staying at Romer Waikīkī can experience the club by purchasing the Neighborhood Pass, which includes access to the club with a minimum $50 F&B spend and a kamaʻāina parking rate. Guests of Romer Waikīkī can book a day pass to the swim club or rent a cabana or day bed. (Daybed and cabana rentals include a welcome drink, cold face towels, one bottle of water per person and a Yeti cooler upon request.)

For more information on how to get a day pass or Neighborhood Pass to the Waikīkī Swim & Social Club, visit romerhotels.com or call (808) 941-7777.

Many first timers to Hawaiʻi set their sights on Oʻahu, thanks to its visitor-friendly activities and locales known around the world. The island is home to the state’s capital city, Honolulu, and sites including Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head (the Hawaiian place name is Lēʻahi), Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. While travelers should certainly include these places on their travel itineraries, there’s so much more to see (see tip 4). As you plan your first trip to Oʻahu, here’s a checklist of what you need to know. Even frequent travelers to the island may find a helpful tip or two.  

1. Oʻahu isn’t the same as Honolulu, nor is it “the Big Island”

Honolulu and Waikīkī are some of the most well-known places on the island, but their names are often mistaken as synonyms for Oʻahu. But Honolulu is just a city on Oʻahu. And Waikīkī is a neighborhood within that city. Thanks largely to those two places—the state’s lively capital city and its bustling visitor hub—Oʻahu draws throngs of residents and visitors, hence its nickname, the Gathering Place.  

Another frequent mix-up, Oʻahu is not known as the Big Island. Oʻahu is the most populated of the Hawaiian Islands, totaling about 1 million residents—over two-thirds of the state’s population. However, it’s ranked third in size by land mass. Hawaiʻi Island, the southeasternmost island in the archipelago, is the largest in land mass, earning the nickname Big Island.  

2. Be a respectful traveler 

Consider participating in cultural programs now offered at many hotels, or volunteer with a local nonprofit organization to preserve and learn more about Oʻahu’s unique environments.
Photo Credit: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Heather Goodman

The Hawaiian Islands are a top travel destination, with Oʻahu being the most visited of them all. However, it’s not just a travel hot spot. Oʻahu is home to diverse communities and delicate ecosystems. During your visit, it’s imperative to be mindful of the culture, history and environment here. Consider participating in cultural programs now offered at many hotels, or volunteer with a local nonprofit organization to preserve and learn more about Oʻahu’s unique environments.  

3. If you’re traveling by plane … 

You’ll land at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, the largest airport in the state. From there, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Waikīkī and about 30 minutes to Ko Olina.  

4. You’ll probably want to rent a car to explore areas outside of Waikīkī 

Consider renting a car—at least for a day—to venture to picturesque beaches in Kailua and Waimānalo.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

With luxury oceanfront resorts, trendy boutique hotels and affordable hostels, most visitors to Oʻahu stay in Waikīkī. While there are plenty of things to see, fun activities and exquisite restaurants, travelers should explore the unique neighborhoods outside of Waikīkī too. So consider renting a car—at least for a day—to explore charming towns like Kaimukī and Mānoa, or to venture to picturesque beaches in Kailua and Waimānalo. Travelers can also hop on the city bus, a cheap and convenient way to tour the island.   

5. Research and book reservations in advance 

It’s well-advised to start booking reservations as soon as possible, whether it’s for restaurants and lūʻau or tours and outdoor experiences. It’ll require research and planning, but you’ll be thankful to have spots secured. You’ll find some popular restaurants on Oʻahu only have openings that are weeks away. Snorkel cruises and whale–watching tours have limited numbers of spots, and they also fill up fast.  

While planning your trip to Oʻahu, you’ll want to research hikes and outdoor attractions. If you’re interested in hiking to the summit of Lēʻahi or snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, you need to plan ahead. Out-of-state visitors to Diamond Head State Monument need to make reservations and pay a small fee. The fee system, started in May 2022, is part of an effort to mitigate hiker congestion and protect the island’s natural resources. Reservations are also required to visit Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and out-of-state visitors are charged a fee.  

6. Pack comfortable hiking and walking shoes

From the paved Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail and beautiful but muddy Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa Trail to the uphill climb on the Koko Crater Railway Trail, the island offers dozens of hiking options for all skill levels.
Photo credit: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Heather Goodman

The island’s verdant forests and coastal wetlands are a world away from Waikīkī’s busy streets. Across the island, hikers can embark on a variety of trails that reward them with up-close looks at native ecosystems and marvelous views. From the paved Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail and beautiful but muddy Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa Trail to the uphill climb on the Koko Crater Railway Trail, the island offers dozens of hiking options for all skill levels.  

READ MORE: Oʻahu Hikes for Every Type of Hiker 

7. Prepare for traffic

Being on an island, you might think that everything is located nearby, but that’s not always the case. Haleʻiwa on Oʻahu’s North Shore is about a 50-minute drive from Waikīkī. While planning your itinerary, keep in mind that Oʻahu experiences heavy rush hour traffic, which can add an extra 30 minutes of driving time. 

8. Everything is expensive in Hawaiʻi 

Hotel fees, tour groups, dining out, souvenirs—traveling can be expensive, especially in Hawaiʻi. If you rent a car, know that a gallon of gas in Hawaiʻi is more than a dollar above the national average. Before you visit Oʻahu, it’s important to be aware of the high prices here. However, there are ways to travel on a budget. You can try some of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic foods like malasadas and musubi for only a few dollars.   

Travelers will also want to have a little cash on hand. When driving along Kamehameha Highway on the island’s eastern coast, you’ll discover quaint farm stands, and on the North Shore you’ll find some of the island’s famous shrimp trucks, but some only accept cash.   

9. Experience a Friday night tradition in Waikīkī 

After a two-year hiatus, Waikīkī’s spectacular Friday night free fireworks show is back. Presented by Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort, the fireworks show has been lighting up Waikīkī’s night sky nearly every week since 1988. It was paused in March 2020 due to the Covid pandemic and relaunched in June 2022. So make it a point to sit on the sand at Waikīkī Beach and watch the dazzling display. 

10. Monstrous waves hit the North Shore in winter and calm waters grace it in the summer 

Between May and September, the waves turn to ripples on Oʻahu’s North Shore. But with calmer ocean conditions, summer is an ideal time to learn to surf or to explore the colorful coral reefs in the area.
Photo: Getty Images

The massive swells that pound Oʻahu’s North Shore lure the world’s top surfers and eager spectators—but only in the winter months. From November to February, waves can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Watching the colossal breaking walls of water is a thrill, even more so when some of the bravest athletes in the world are riding them. Lucky travelers might even catch surf contests like the Triple Crown of Surfing and the Billabong Pipeline Masters.   

However, don’t expect monstrous waves at Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay in the summer. Between May and September, the waves turn to ripples. But there’s still plenty of reasons to visit: With calmer ocean conditions, summer is an ideal time to learn to surf or to explore the colorful coral reefs in the area.   

11. Don’t buy sunscreen until you arrive

Hawaiʻi is the first state in the U.S. to pass a statewide ban on the sale of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are known to harm coral reefs and the fish that rely on them. However, the ban doesn’t prevent travelers from bringing in sunscreen with these ingredients. To be sure your sunscreen is reef-safe, wait to purchase a bottle until you arrive on Oʻahu. Doing so will help protect the health of the Islands’ coral reefs.   

12. Don’t skip on the nightlife

The Lei Stand.
Photo: Courtesy of The Lei Stand

Unlike the other Hawaiian Islands, Oʻahu is home to one of the most vibrant, thriving nightlife scenes in the state—especially in districts such as Waikīkī and Downtown Honolulu. With new bars, speakeasies and gastropubs opening up all the time, The Lei Stand in Chinatown is a recent example of a new exciting place to get drinks, even return visitors should take a night or two to explore Oʻahu after the sun goes down.

13. Explore the west coast

The class patio at Kahumana Organic Farms.
Photo: Kevin Allen

While the North Shore of Oʻahu is easily the island’s visitor mecca, the west coast of Oʻahu also has great places for visitors to explore on their trip to Hawaiʻi. From getting breakfast at the Ka Makana Aliʻi shopping mall in Kapolei to taking wellness classes at Kahumana Organic Farms in Waiʻanae, there’s a lot to see on the road less taken. And if you don’t mind the drive, making it all the way to Keawaula Beach, also known as Yokohama Bay, is well worth the effort.

Sometimes, you don’t have to be the biggest hotel on the block to be the best—and the winners of the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards “Best Boutique Hotels on Oʻahu” category prove just that. These accommodations top-in-class at mixing humble, small-scale abodes with touches of luxury and finesse, and visitors love staying at these unique properties time and time again. From the regal Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel to the every-hip Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, here’s what won in 2023.

1. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort

 

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Only block away from Waikīkī Beach, The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort swept many of our Oʻahu accomodation categories and was voted as the Best Boutique Hotel on Oʻahu in 2023. From classic, comfortable hotel rooms to a rooftop pool, The Imperial is the perfect place to call your home away from home while you’re on your Hawaiʻi vacation. And whether you’re partaking in free ʻukulele lesson every Tuesday, or working on those hula hands at the Thursday hula lessons, you’ll never run out of things to do at this boutique Waikīkī resort.

205 Lewers St, Honolulu, (800) 347-2582, imperialofwaikiki.com.

2. Halekūlani

The Halekūlani courtyard.
Photo: Courtesy of Halekūlani

An oasis of peace and calm in the energetic streets of Waikīkī, the Halekūlani is perfect for those looking for a little quiet while still wanting to be in Waikīkī. The hotel puts an emphasis on tranquility in just about every aspect of its top-of-the-line accommodations. From a gentle infinity pool looking out over the Pacific Ocean to its comfortable rooms and expansive suites, the Halekūlani has no shortage of places to lounge. Pair its relaxing atmosphere with an exceptional dinner and hula performances at House with a Key, as well as a fantastic Sunday brunch service, and you can see why the hotel placed at the top of the list.

2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, (808) 923-2311, halekulani.com.

3. The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

 

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An ode to all that will forever remain cool, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club effortlessly mixes old-school retro charm with modern amenities and accommodations. From the Instagram famous pool—which reads “Wish You Were Here!” at the bottom—to the excellent in-house restaurant Mahina & Sun’s, there are a lot of reasons why The Surfjack took third on our list this year. Better yet, live entertainment is a common occurrence at The Surfjack, so you can vibe out all night long poolside without ever having to leave the hotel.

412 Lewers St, Honolulu, (808) 923-8882, surfjack.com.

4. The Kāhala Hotel and Resort

The Kāhala Beach Suite.
Photo: The Kāhala Resort

The term “boutique” can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people, and the folks at The Kāhala Resort and Hotel have defined it as “excellence.” From the concierge service to the front desk staff and hotel management personnel, everyone working at The Kāhala Resort and Hotel goes above and beyond in making the stay one that you’ll remember for a lifetime. The hotel itself is luxurious in its own right, with a grand lobby, beachfront dining options and stunning rooms and suites.

5000 Kāhala Ave, Honolulu, (808) 739-8888, kahalaresort.com. 

5. Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel

A Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel guest room.
Photo: Courtesy of Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel

If you visited the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel before 2018, then you may be surprised to see the major renovations done to the property. Almost no corner went untouched in the project, and the hotel has never looked better. A stylish lobby complemented by artwork done by talented local artist Nick Kuchar, new and improved rooms with exceptional views of Diamond Head as well as Waikīkī Beach. A postcard-perfect pool deck fitted with a happening poolside bar. The hotel may not be large, but it makes quite the impression.

150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, (808) 922-1941, queenkapiolani.com.

Standing in a circle of native Hawaiian crops, I extend my hand as Ramsey Brown pours a handful of small, dried brown flowers into my palm. “This is our ʻilima,” he says. “A single ʻilima lei is made with 500 to 1,000 of these flowers.” I clasp the seeds just as a tropical breeze sweeps through. It’s a warm summer day in Kahuku, and our tour of Kuilima Farm, across from Turtle Bay Resort, is underway.

We’re on a scavenger hunt to find the native plants that grow in the piko, or center, of Kuilima Farm’s circular garden, inspired by the ʻilima flower’s five petals. The farm, owned by Turtle Bay Resort and managed by Pono Pacific, is pioneering regenerative tourism and farm-to-resort operations in Hawaiʻi. 

Brown, my tour guide, leads me to a bed of crawling plants adorned with tiny yellow blossoms. He gestures, urging me to make a wish or offer a prayer as I scatter my handful of seed pods. This thriving bed, rooted at the piko of the farm and propagated by past tour guests, is a living connection to the farm’s heritage.

Some of the veggies grown at Kuilima Farm.
Photo: Haley Greene

Visitors can book a guided walking tour to learn about the traditional Hawaiian ahupuaʻa land division system and farming practices. During the tour, they can explore the native plant garden, embark on a scavenger hunt, and participate in planting ʻilima, kalo, or tī leaf. “You want to be respectful of the land when you go to a place like Hawaiʻi,” says Caroline Wright of Turtle Bay Resort. “The tour gives guests an opportunity to learn about it and how to give back.”

As we move through the crops, we reach a field of leafy greens destined for Alaia, the resort’s signature restaurant. I spot a row of red boar kale and collard greens just behind it. “Most of these are going to make it into Alaia’s fall dishes, along with the squashes we’re growing,” Brown says. Currently, Kuilima Farm produces 2,000 pounds of produce weekly. Altogether, chefs at the five restaurants on the resort rely on 800 pounds of that harvest each week, infusing their menus with farm-fresh salad greens, vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The remaining produce is sold to wholesalers and retailers. Kuilima Farm also partners with Turtle Bay Resort’s Nalu Spa, providing ingredients like māmaki tea, rosemary, and lavender for spa treatments.

Lilikoʻi (passion fruit) from Kuilima Farms.
Photo: Haley Greene

Moving on, we arrive at a bed of herbs and crouch down to pluck some chives. A mild hint of onion registers as I sink my teeth into a fresh tubular chive. Brown then offers me a flat garlic chive, which delivers a burst of flavor with each bite. Our next stop is the basil patch, featuring a unique bush of small, bright green leaves. I lean in for a taste, the spiciness taking me by surprise. “It’s similar to Thai basil,” Brown explains. He then spots a papaya ripening on the tree and directs me to grab it, twist it, and yank it down. I can hardly wait to taste that papaya later. Kuilima Farm, as I’m finding out, is a gold mine of flavors ready to be explored.

Passing rows of avocado, ʻulu (breadfruit), jabong (pomelo), and corn, we venture into the solar-powered hydroponic garden, where eight varieties of lettuce grow 25% faster and use 90% less water than conventionally grown lettuce. The farm produces more than 1,200 pounds of it per month.

Brown leads me through the bright rows of green and red lettuce at various stages of growth, highlighting the differences in varieties. “We have butter lettuce, oak leaf lettuce, and incise lettuce,” he says. “Every week, we can harvest over 350 pounds of lettuce. The chef at Turtle Bay will take the head and put it right on the plate for you with some dressing and toppings on it—and that’s your Salonova.”

Kuililma Farms.
Photo: Haley Greene

As our tour through Kuilima Farm winds down, our final stop brings us face to face with the sweetest surprise: liliko‘i (passion fruit). Brown slices into a fruit, revealing its seeds, and hands me a half to eat. I slurp the juicy pulp, a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, convinced that I’ve just tasted the best liliko‘i in my life.

We make our way to the farm stand, a bustling hub of local handmade goods and farm-fresh produce. Visitors purchase freshly cut fruits and apple bananas straight from the farm, or cap off the tour with a sweet treat from Kula Shave Ice North Shore next door. It’s clear that Kuilima Farm goes beyond food production. It’s a place that fosters connections—with the land, the community, and the diverse flavors that define Hawaiʻi’s agricultural legacy.

For more information about Kuilima Farm or to book a tour, visit kuilimafarm.com.

Last month Foster Botanical Garden, the oldest of five city-run gardens on Oʻahu, reopened after it had been closed for improvements to pathways and bathrooms.

Not much has changed at the 14-acre botanical garden, which can trace its roots back to 1853. That year Queen Kalama, the wife of King Kamehameha III, leased a 4.6-acre parcel of her land mauka of present-day Downtown Honolulu to Dr. William Hillebrand, a German physician and botanist.

Today, this garden—a quick walk from Downtown and 4 miles from Waikīkī—is home to an impressive array of palms, tropical plants and some of the trees in the city’s Exceptional Trees program. (This garden boasts 21 of these trees.)

Map of Foster Botanical Garden

There are dozens of must-see plants, trees, shrubs and flowers here, from the baobabs native to tropical Africa to the hala, or screwpine, tree of which its leaves are woven into mats, fans, baskets and hats. Here are eight plants and trees you should make sure you see the next time you visit.

1. Bo Tree (Ficus religiosa)

Bo tree.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Revered as the tree under which Buddha was enlightened, this tree is one of the highlights of the garden—and located right at the entrance. A Buddhist monk gave this tree to Mary Foster in 1913; it started as a cutting of the famous Sri Lankan tree dating back to 288 B.C. It’s a member of the fig family and has heart-shaped leaves.

2. Kapok (Ceiba pentandra)

Kapok tree.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

This deciduous tree, native to tropical America, was planted by Hillebrand in the 1850s. This is one of the oldest and more impressive trees of the city’s Exceptional Trees. Its leaves are food for spider monkey (which don’t live in Hawaiʻi) and its seed pods release cottony floss that was once used for stuffing pillows and life preservers.

3. Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis)

Cannonball Tree.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

This is a fun tree to find, especially for kids. As the name suggests, the main feature of this tree are its fruits; foul-smelling and heavy, these woody spheres resemble cannon balls and grow directly from its trunk. This tree is one of the largest in the U.S., planted here in 1931.

4. Quipo (Cavanillesia platanifolia)

Related to the popular hibiscus and native to Central America, this deciduous tree has papery winged seedpods, often used in wreaths and flower arrangements. This particular quipo is the largest of its kind in the U.S.—it’s about 200 feet tall—planted here in 1933.

5. Queensland kauri (Agathis robusta)

This giant, broad-leaved conifer tree hails from the rainforests of Australia and Papua New Guinea and can grow upwards of 150 feet. Its resin is used in varnishes, linoleum, road markings and printing ink. These trees were introduced in Hawaiʻi in the 1850s, and this one was planted here in 1920.

5. Loulu Palm (Pritchardia species)

Loulu palm.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The loulu palm are the only palm trees native to Hawaiʻi. There are 24 species of loulu found throughout the Hawaiian Islands; nine are endangered because of habitat loss, rats, weeds and feral animals. These “fan palms” have broad, round leaves that are deeply pleated and have narrowly pointed leaf tips.

6. Traveler’s Tree (Ravenala madagascariensis)

Traveler’s tree.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox 

This Madagascan plant appears to be palm-like, but it’s actually a member of the bird-of-paradise family. Its large, banana-like leaves have long, pale petioles (leaf stalks) that are arranged in a way that resembles a fan, and its white flowers bloom at night. It gets its name because the water it accumulates in its leaf bases has been used in emergencies for drinking.

7. Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)

The ʻulu, or breadfruit, tree is one of the most important trees in the Pacific. The fruit tastes and cooks similar to a sweet potato, and its lightweight wood was used to make surfboards, drums and canoe hulls. Its leaf shape is often used in the design of Hawaiian quilts.

8. Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)

Corpse flower.
Photo: David Croxford

Located in the garden’s conservatory, along with some rare varieties of tropical foliage plants, is the corpse flower. It’s an endangered species native to the rainforest of Sumatra, Indonesia. It can take between seven and 10 years for a corpse flower to bloom for the first time, and this rare event—it only lasts a few days—lures visitors to botanical gardens around the U.S., including here. It gets its name from the flower’s rancid smell.

50 N. Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu, (808) 768-7135, @honolulubotanicalgardens. To learn more about the city’s five botanical gardens—and to check out their events and classes—visit here.

I’m about to begin my journey through the massive Pineapple Garden Maze at the Dole Plantation on Oʻahu’s North Shore. But first, I breathe in the fresh air and pump myself up. The plan is to rush through the maze as fast as I can; I might not leave with a record time, but for now, that’s the idea.

The maze is the size of 2 ½ football fields; lined with over 14,000 plants and shrubs, notably heliconia, panax, agapanthus and hibiscus, it opened in April 1998. “It was really an idea that stemmed from the vice president of Dole at the time. He had gone to the Peace Maze in Ireland … and said we should do one out here in Hawaiʻi,” says Michael Moon, the director of operations at Dole Plantation, who has been with the company for almost 17 years.

“People tell me that in the ’90s, the hedges were shorter, waist-level, and you could see other people walking, over the shrubs,” says Moon. That doesn’t happen anymore: Now the walls are 7 feet high.

I note that there are eight stations in the maze to discover. There’s a box for each station on my ticket, and to fill out the ticket, you stencil in the images found at each one. Typically, it takes 45 minutes to an hour to get through the maze. The quickest maze walkers, however, clock in at around 7 minutes. I had been here when I was younger and remember getting lost in the left and right dance of the place.

The Dole Plantation pineapple finish.
Photo: Courtesy of Dole Plantation

Back in the present, I peer down at the map drawn on my ticket and head out for the first station, which is represented by the island of Lānaʻi. “The stations are named after the Hawaiian Islands. We try to teach visitors what each island’s history is and provide facts about each island,” says Moon. “We really try to promote Hawaiian history and culture within the maze.”

I follow the walls of scenic plants and find more stations. As I do, I take in the perfect weather and blue sky. It’s a charming day on the North Shore. A  breeze wafts through the maze, and I see a little boy try to go under the shrubs rather than around them, and I laugh at the sight. Making my way to the center of the maze, I arrive at a collection of Duranta and El Dorado shrubs. It’s hard to tell from ground-level, but the shrubs here are in the outline of a pineapple when viewed from above.

It may have taken me longer than 7 minutes to complete the maze—no I won’t be taking home any records this time—however I enjoyed every step of the journey. 

The Pineapple Garden Maze is $9.25 for adults, $7.25 for children 4 to 12, $8.25 for kama‘āina/military. Kids under 4 are free. 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawā, doleplantation.com.

Is there a more perfect meal than brunch?

It combines the sweet offerings of breakfast—think crispy-edged pancakes and stuffed French toast—with the savory bites of lunch. And everything is topped with an egg!

Oʻahu has no shortage of breakfast and brunch spots, from staples like Zippy’s Restaurants (where you can order breakfast all day in the restaurant) to new spots like the upscale Podmore in Chinatown, one of the only places on the island that serves a classic English breakfast. In fact, we wrote about 13 brunch spots—some have closed, though—that we love on Oʻahu.

Here are eight more brunch spots to check out the next time you’re on Oʻahu.

1. Heavenly Island Lifestyle, Waikīkī

New brunch dishes at Heavenly Island Lifestyle in Waikīkī.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Tucked away on Seaside Avenue in Waikīkī, Heavenly Island Lifestyle prides itself on using local ingredients—organic whenever possible. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, with local twists on brunch classics, like kālua pig eggs Benedict and French toast made with Big Island honey.

What to Order: Heavenly’s signature dish—and its most popular—is the loco moco with organic beans and veggies. Yes, veggies! The beef is sourced locally, too. Another must-try is the new Coco Bowl, an açaí bowl with pineapple, papaya, corn flakes (for crunch) and coconut granola, all topped with a honey-coconut whip and shredded coconut lime. It’s a fun twist on an açaí bowl.

2. Hau Tree, Waikīkī

Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel revamped its brunch menu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The Hau Tree restaurant at the recently refreshed Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikīkī has long been a favorite among residents and visitors. Its location—right on Kaimana Beach with perfect sunset views—is unmatched. Chef John Taube IV has revamped the menu at this oceanfront restaurant, adding dishes like hamachi (amberjack or yellowtail) lomi lomi with cured lemongrass and local tomatoes, and squid ink campanelle with black truffle fonduta. Hau Tree’s brunch menu combines the restaurant’s old signatures—eggs Benedicts and lemon ricotta pancakes—with new items, including shakshuka with sourdough toast, a sesame-crusted fish sandwich, a local ʻahi niçoise Brunch is super popular and reservations are strongly recommended.

What to Order: New to the menu is a delicious (and healthy!) frittata with bits of Portuguese sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, cheddar and a salsa verde. The avocado toast is always a sure bet, with tomato jam, tomato relish and a soft-boiled egg. Also new is the ube cinnamon roll, a gorgeous—and huge—gooey cinnamon roll topped with bright purple ube cream cheese frosting and candied mac nuts.

3. Waiʻoli Kitchen & Bake Shop, Mānoa

Fresh scones are made daily at Waiʻoli Kitchen & Bake Shop in Mānoa.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

This Mānoa restaurant has a mission: to provide real-life vocational training for recovering substance abusers. Though the menu is small—when compared to other brunch spots—the dishes are delicious. The pastry offerings—fresh breads, scones and pies—are must-trys. Note: The restaurant adds a 3% training surcharge to every order, which helps offset some of the costs associated with vocational training. It’s also closed on Sundays and Mondays.

What to Order: If you want something hearty, try the short rib loco moco, which comes with hapa (white and brown) rice and two eggs. The açaí bowls is served in a fun coconut shell with fresh, seasonal fruits. And the banana-macadamia nut pancakes are topped with toasted mac nuts, shredded coconut and a housemade coconut syrup.

2950 Mānoa Road, Mānoa, (808) 744-1619, waiolikitchen.com

4. Smith & Kings, Downtown Honolulu

Chicken and waffles from Smith & Kings in Downtown Honolulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Smith & Kings, a gastropub in Downtown Honolulu, offers a weekend brunch with everything you could ever want: lobster deviled eggs, pork belly Benedicts, a brunch burger. There’s even poutine fries! (That’s hand-cut fries topped with cheddar cheese, brown gravy and bacon.)

What to Order: If you love mac ’n’ cheese, you’ll dig the one here, made with a five-cheese béchamel sauce. (There’s also a version with lobster and another with bits of fried chicken.) We’re addicted to the buttermilk chicken and Belgian waffles combo, with whipped butter and maple syrup. Splurge for the mimosas, too.

Smith & Kings, 69 N King St., Honolulu, thesmithandkings.com, @smithandkings

5. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, Waikīkī

The Waikīkī location of Monkeypod Kitchen is the only one that serves breakfast.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

There’s only one Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman that serves breakfast—and it just opened in Waikīkī. Located right on the beach at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, this restaurant also serves lunch and dinner—and its happy hour is great, too. But the breakfast menu is new and exciting, with a blend of classics and unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

What to Order: Try the Monkeypod mai tai flapjacks, topped with Kula rum butter syrup and the same honey-lilikoʻi foam that’s on the restaurant’s signature mai tai. Or the Hawaiian chilaquiles, with shredded kālua pork, housemade ancho chile salsa, jalapeño, white cheddar, avocado and more on tortilla chips. My favorite dish, though, was the The Cure, a hearty ramen dish with kālua pork, bok choy, mushrooms, poached egg, red onion, carrots and bean sprouts in a red chili chicken broth.

Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, 2169 Kālia Road, Waikīkī, (808) 900-4226, monkeypodkitchen.com

6. Liliha Bakery, Various

Kimchi fried rice from Liliha Bakery.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

You can’t go wrong with breakfast at Liliha Bakery—and now it boasts five locations on Oʻahu, including one at the International Market Place in Waikīkī and another at Ala Moana Center. (The latest opened at the Pearl Highlands Center in Pearl City.) The menu is full of comfort-food staples like country-style omelets, loco mocos and fried rice.

What to Order: The hot cakes are one of the bakery’s best-sellers, and you can a chocolate chip version or one topped with berries and nuts. The Waffard—yes, weird name, we know—combines a waffle with custard, blueberries, strawberries, mixed nuts and whipped cream. Hungry? Order the smoked pork belly loco moco with strips of pork belly smoked in-house, eggs and gravy over fried rice.

7. Empty Elle Bagels, Kailua

The Lemon, with Big Island lemon butter and Maui Black Kula raspberry jam.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Two years ago Empty Elle Bagels opened in Kailua, bringing Montreal-style bagels to the island. (From what I understand, Montreal bagels, which tend to be denser and sweeter than New York ones, are boiled in water that has been sweetened with honey.) The menu here features a range of toppings, from the classic cream cheese with a dollop of Big Island lilikoʻi (passion fruit) jam to Oʻahu-grown beets and goat cheese. It even has a Dog Bagel with grain-free peanut butte, honey and organic, free-range eggs—for your dog!

What to Order: The Lemon features lemon butter from Hawaiʻi Island and black raspberry jam from Kula on Maui. If you like spicy, try the Spicy, with freshly made hummus and slices of spicy pickles on a toasted Everything bagel. For a hearty breakfast, get the Eggel, an egg bagel sandwich with cream cheese, two eggs, diced bacon and sharp cheddar cheese.

143 Hekili St. (inside Grace in Growlers), Kailua, Oʻahu, emptyellebagels.com, @emptyellebagels

8. Scratch Kitchen, Hawaiʻi Kai

 

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Scratch Kitchen has long been known for its brunch, but it recently opened a second location in Hawaiʻi Kai—on the way to Hanauma Bay!—with a slew of dishes that we haven’t seen on any other brunch menu. Like the teppan gandule rice with roasted cherry tomatoes, or the creole shrimp ’n’ sausage grits with white hominy and red-eye gravy.

What to Order: Popular dishes include the milk ’n’ cereal pancakes topped with fresh fruit and the spicy southern-fried chicken and waffles with jalapeños and pickled onions. It also serves a brûlée’d French toast with shredded coconut and maple syrup and a fried pork chop pasta with a garlic-lemon sauce. The chilaquiles—shredded chicken, chipotle tomato salsa, sunny eggs, queso, crema, cilantro, avocado—hits the spot.

You’ll want to come hungry to the Hale ‘Aina Gala on Sept. 9, put on by our sister-publication HONOLULU Magazine.

A feast for the eyes and stomach, the event celebrates the Hale ‘Aina Awards’ 40th year, and no expense has been spared to make sure this year’s gala is a truly memorable one for awardees and guests. Eight exclusive dishes will be presented to attendees, who can experience the one-of-a-kind menu at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, where the event will be hosted. These entrees and appetizers will be put together by Hale ʻAina Award-wining restaurants, so you know you’re in for a treat.

Rigatoni alla gricia by Arancino.
Photo: Courtesy of Arancino at the Kahala

So what can you expect with a general admissions ticket ($150)?

Aside from entry into the event—where you can sip wine under the night sky, chat with foodies and award-winners and just enjoy the Hawai’i State Art Museum at night—general admission attendees will also get to experience a unique culinary treat, put on by 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar, Arancino at the Kahala, Kapa Hale and other award winners.

Dishes include a rigatoni alla gricia from the locally famous Italian bistro Arancino at the Kahala, which combines rigatoni, guanciale, toasted black pepper, parmigiano reggiano and imported pecorino romano cheese for a truly stupendous pasta plate. Kapa Hale, known for its mission to push local produce and Hawaiʻi-specific ingredients, has concocted a Southeast Asian curry dish that utlizes ʻulu (breadfruit) and rice noodles. Local dim sum eatery Tim Ho Wan will be supplying a bounty of fresh siu mai—often pronounced as shumai—, steamed pork and shrimp wrapped in a bite-sized dumpling delivery parcel.

The Electric Cheshire cocktail.
Photo: Courtesy of HONOLULU

If you’re a foodie visiting Hawaiʻi, then you’ll love this culinary showcase. While the menu was built around the event, it is truly indicative of Hawaiʻi’s local fare and cuisine. Not only that, but the plates and dishes are coming from restaurants and eateries many would consider as the best of the best in their specific fields. Come hungry, and leave happy.

Get your ticket to the Hale ‘Aina Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank Priority Destinations® World Elite Mastercard here. 

Everything tastes better in Hawai‘i, right? We found five treats that are even better served in unique vessels, from fruit shells to Spam cans.

Soft Serve in a Pineapple

 

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Banán is known for Instagram-worthy bowls of its plant-based soft serve made from local bananas. But the Waikīkī shop upped its game with the Pineapple Yacht, a half-pineapple crammed with banana soft serve and topped with chunks of fresh papaya and pineapple, slices of strawberries, puffed quinoa, crunchy granola, shaved coconut and honey. Guilt-free and pretty, too! banan.com

Açaí in a Coconut

Açaí in a coconut bowl.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Chill out on O‘ahu’s North Shore with the most photogenic açaí bowl on the island. Hale‘iwa Bowls boasts colorful frozen treats with blended açaí berries topped with local bananas, coconut flakes and raw local honey. For a few extra bucks, get it served in a hollowed-out coconut shell that you can take home. haleiwabowls.com

Soju in a Watermelon

Soju in a watermelon.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Find innovative bar dishes with a Korean spin at DB Grill, a hip eatery in Kapolei, about 25 miles west of Waikīkī. We’re talking bulgogi tacos, duck fat fried rice and Korean-style chicken sandwiches. And, of course, there’s soju, a smooth, rice-based spirit made on the Korean Peninsula. While the bar serves creative cocktails made with soju, its showstopper is the watermelon soju served in—you guessed it—a watermelon. dbgrillhi.com

Shave Ice in a Waffle Bowl

Shave ice in a waffle cone.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The edible bowl from Matsumoto Shave Ice in Hale‘iwa is definitely something we didn’t see coming. Several years ago the iconic shop started serving the Ichiban Special, a huge helping of shave ice topped with sweetened condensed milk, azuki beans (red beans cooked in sugar), balls of mochi (Japanese rice cakes) and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And it’s all served in an edible waffle bowl made in Japan, originally to hold soba noodles. matsumotoshaveice.com

Cocktail in a Spam Can

 

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When Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina opened an open-air, oceanfront fish-focused restaurant at the Four Seasons O‘ahu at Ko ‘Olina, we expected elevated dishes that showcased local ingredients—but not a cocktail in a can of Spam. The popular If Can, Can cocktail features your choice of spirit mixed with orange Curaçao, lime, pineapple and orgeat poured over crushed ice and into an empty—and never used, don’t worry—classic Spam tin. minasfishhouse.com