Aloha! If traveling to Oahu I recommend getting off the beaten path. Please don't confine yourself to Waikiki as there are so many other sites to explore. November is Oahu's rainy season, so most of my time spent was exploring other parts of the island and eating. Lots and lots of eating.
Transportation:
I highly recommend renting a car. It's easy to get around and gives you more options to go exploring. The only down fall with the car rental is that most hotels charge $35-40 a day parking fee. Otherwise, if renting a car is not your thing you can take the Robert's Hawaii Shuttle or Waikiki Shuttle from the airport to Waikiki for roughly $13 one way and if booking a round trip in advance you can get a lower rate. Once you're in Waikiki there are plenty of buses to take you up and down the strip.
Accommodation:
If staying in Waikiki there are so many options and depends on how much you want to spend. I recommend staying at Hotel Queen Kapiolani. It's newly renovated and they have a rooftop terrace over looking Diamond Head. It's located on Kuhio Street, which is a block off the main drag.
Additional Hotel recommendations:
ABC Store:
This store will be your safe haven. There's literally one on every corner. If you've forgotten something they will most likely have it. From beach supplies, snacks and souvenirs, it's your one stop shop.
Might I have a Mai Tai?
I've had my fair share of Mai Tais while visiting Oahu. Here are my recommendations:
Hotel Queen Kapiolani - Come for happy hour between 2p - 4p (This one is my fave)
Mai Tai Bar - This place is famous for their take on the Vic's 44 Mai Tai. However, I went with the White Wash.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani - Their ALI'I Mai Tai is guaranteed to get you lit
Food:
Rainbow Drive-in: Loco Moco
Marukame Udon: My favorite is the Nikutama Udon and ask for extra onions
Tamashiro Market: best poke bowls
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Poi Factory: Food is similar to Helena's and is on the way to North Shore
Alicia's Market
Soak n Smoke: Located on the North Shore at Waialua Farmers Market, which is open on Saturday. Best local poke bowls. They're so meaty and only $8.00
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Shrimp Shack: Yellow food truck known for their peel-n-eat shrimp and was featured on the Food Network
Leonard's: Known for their famous malasadas (stuffed donuts)
Kona Coffee Purveyors - The sesame pastry is a must have
Maguro Spot - Come for the poke
Mitsuwa Market Place - Ramen Taiga was delish
Paia Fish Market Waikiki - Try their charbroiled Mahi Mahi
Restaurant 604: Good dining spot for after exploring Pearl Harbor and they're known for their famous Bloody Mary
Waiola Shave Ice: The flavors are endless. I came up with my own concoction, which included: coconut, guava and lilikoi and it was pretty tasty.
Things to do/See:
Haunama Bay: Best for snorkeling ($7.50 entrance fee) Arrive in the early morning to beat the tour buses
Hike Diamond Head
Day trip to Disney's Aulani
Relax on a beach: Lanikai, Kailua, Waikiki, & Sunset Beach are just to name a few
Chinaman's Hat AKA Mokoli'i
Macadamia Nut Farm
Explore North Shore: My favorite town to check out, Haleiwa
Pearl Harbor
Flea Market at Aloha Stadium: Open: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with an entrance fee of $1.00 and has between 300-400 stalls of endless shopping.
Surf lessons
China Town
Hike to a Waterfall: I hiked to Waimea Waterfall and this is one of the easier hikes. It has a paved road and offers a shuttle service to the top for the elderly.
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