A curated Oahu list (2024 edition)

FOOD

1. Waffle and Berry açaí bowl on a porch in Waikiki: unlimited serve-yourself toppings
2. MANDATORY: Leonard’s malasadas, both cinnamon and sugar options
3. Masa and Joyce: recommended for authentic Hawaiian food (RIP Onos)
4. Helena’s: Will’s favorite Hawaiian food but it's hard to get in
5. Matsumoto’s Shave Ice in Haleiwa: get with adzuki beans at least once
6. Orchids Restaurant in Waikiki: for a swanky splurge dinner
7. L&L BBQ: classic almost-Hawaiian fast-food like chicken katsu musubi and kailua pork with cabbage 
8. Try haupia, purple sweet potatoes and poi at some point
9. Ululani’s shave ice: pickled mango syrup and free Li Hing Mui powder (dried, salted plums: sour and tangy)
10. The Pig and The Lady: great cocktails and pho; the bathroom is a shrine to the movie Big Trouble in Little China
11. There’s a little Chinese place near N Beretania and Nuuanu that’s really good
12. Famous pie spot in Aiea: http://annamillersrestaurant.com
13. If you can get in, the NOAA facility cafeteria on Ford Island
14. Hank's Haute Dogs
15. Nico’s at Pier 3

Also recommended to us:

Laverne’s food truck for Hawaiian food

HIKES AND ADVENTURES

1. Makapuu Point hike—easy hike with whale watching
2. Kulio’o Ridge hike: Jess’ mom’s top rec, 5 miles with amazing views of both sides of the island and some shade (but tough/deceptively slippery), neighborhood street parking
3. Pillbox hikes: go for sunrise if at all possible
4. Hike the bird sanctuary on the northwest corner of the island. It's great and can be accessed from the North Shore and the leeward side (Will prefers the leeward side).
5. Kayak out to the Mokes (Mokulua islands)
6. Lanikai Beach: the best sand, Jess’ mom’s favorite
7. Take a towel up to the Nu'uana Pali lookout for the views and enjoyment

Also recommended to us: Lulumaki Falls hike and Manoa Falls hike