Travel - 17 Jan 2023

3 days in Waikiki

When traveling to Oahu, you have to spend at least three days in Waikiki to get the full South Shore experience. We have put together a list of where to stay, eat, surf, and what to do, to make your “town” experience unforgettable.

Day 1:

Stay: Kaimana Beach Hotel

Set close to the base of Diamond Head, the newly remodeled Kaimana Beach Hotel is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki but close enough to enjoy when you want to (literally walking distance to Waikiki Beach) and it has the most Instagrammable lobby overlooking the beach.

Breakfast: Just take the elevator down to the lobby and the Hau Tree restaurant. This is the perfect spot to fuel up for a day of surfing and cruising around Waikiki.

Book a surf lesson with World Longboard Surfing Champion and surfboard shaper, Kai Sallas (who also has a super cute shop at the Kaimana Beach Hotel). If you already know how to surf, cruise up to Waikiki and rent a surfboard from Faith Surf School run by the legendary Moniz family.

After your surf, grab some lunch at Dukes Waikiki. Great food and drinks right on the beach (also great people watching) and-it’s only about a 15 min walk from your hotel and super close to Faith Surf School.

Walk your food off by stopping by the Billabong store which is across the street from Dukes, then check out the other shops along Kalakaua Ave and the Waikiki strip, including Dylan’s Candy Bar full of everything to make your “sweet dreams” come true.

Grab dinner at Buho Mexican Cantina, a modern rooftop restaurant & open-air bar featuring locally sourced Mexican eats & cocktails.

Finish off your evening with Lahaina Shave Ice dessert featuring thai tea, cappuccino, matcha and ube syrups. Yum!

Day 2:

Breakfast: Start off your day with an Avo toast and a lavender latte at ARVO and check out the cool shops and beautiful murals at Kaka’ako , including the coolest little plant shop, Paiko. If you are there on a Saturday be sure to check out the Farmers Market from 8-12 pm.

Next, head to the Honolulu Museum of Art to check out the “Awakening” exhibit from renowned British artist Rebecca Louise Law, where she transforms two galleries into an immersive experience celebrating Hawaiʻi’s deep connection to pua (flowers).
Exhibit runs through Sept 2023.

Next stop: Chinatown

Grab lunch at Pizza Mamo where they make Brooklyn and Detroit style pizza using only the finest ingredients utilizing Old World techniques in Honolulu's historic Chinatown.

Walk off your food by exploring the cool shops and art galleries in Chinatown like Single Double-full of all kinds of fun vintage products... Make sure to go to Kim Trading at Maunakea Marketplace, it’s a great shop for all kinds of beads and Chinese tchotchkes.

Get Dinner at the hip ramen restaurant, Lucky Belly in Chinatown. If you happen to be in there on a Friday night, they have an amazing First Friday Art Walk which is super fun!

Day 3:

Start of your day off with some caffeine at Sunset Provisions, the super cute coffee/surf shop at Kaimana Beach Hotel.

Take a morning hike up Diamond Head to soak in the incredible South Shore views. Reservations required.

Grab some delicious malasadas for breakfast (a fried dough pastry similar to a doughnut) at the iconic Leonard's Bakery as a reward for the hike or for healthier fair-Da Cove Health Bar has some amazing acai bowls.

Check out all the cute shops in Kaimuki.

Grab lunch from Ono Seafood on Kapahulu Ave (literally some of the best poke in town) and bring it back to the hotel to enjoy on the beach for a lazy afternoon sunbathing.

Spend your last evening in town by having dinner at Mud Hen Water in Kaimuki. Hawaiian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and a fun atmosphere.