The biggest reason everyone gathers at this beachfront restaurant is the music and the patio sunsets. The sound is "Contemporary Hawaiian" and appeals to a youngish demographic. Groups that often play here are Kapena, Makana and Lilikoi Sisters...

If you have a desire to learn about the natural treasures of the sea, then this establishment in Waikiki is the place to visit. There are fascinating exhibits on how coral and pearls transform into beautiful jewelry and works of art. Other exhibits...

Ono means "delicious" in the Hawaiian language. This restaurant serves authentic, ono Hawaiian food, from jerky-like pipikalua to laulau (ti-leaf wrapped steamed packets filled chunks of pork). Most dishes come as complete combination plates,...

If the idea of a calm, elegant dinner cruise bores you, this might be the kind of marine excursion that you like. The sleek, 44-foot craft is the fastest in all the islands, thanks to its custom-designed mast. It cuts through the waves at speeds of...

Two tasteful nightly belly dancing performances draw everyone from former Middle Eastern residents to honeymooning couples to, Honolulu's only Egyptian restaurant. The attractive sand-colored dining room features intricate brass lamps, hieroglyphics...

Due to a large Chinese population, the food in Chinatown restaurants is both authentic and delicious. This Chinatown restaurant is one of the best Dim Sum places in the islands. You can feast on all manner of seafood and meat dishes at reasonable...

This 200-acre stretch of Koko Crater was set aside in 1958, with a long-term (as yet only partially realized) plan of turning it into a botanical garden. Eventually, it will be a landscape where endangered plants suitable to this desert-like region...

Take two guys who quit their day jobs and dig into their mother's recipe book and you get Sugoi, a "Best Plate Lunch" winner, 3 years running. Established in 2000 on a whim and a dream, this place continues to draw locals and tourists alike largely...

This is the smallest of the five Honolulu Botanical Gardens. Located just north of Foster Botanical Garden, the 7.5-acre garden makes a lovely spot to sit and reflect, surrounded by the serenity of natural Hawaiian flora. Queen Liliuokulani, the...

This hybrid bar and grill is somewhere between a Irish Pub and a laid-back island-style café. Set in the middle of downtown Honolulu, it is a favorite hang-out for the business and media communities and one of the only places in the Hawaiian...

Nico's serves tasty French food in the traditional Hawaiian way. Quick service and good prices is one of its best features. Opening early in the morning, for those hungry for a sea breakfast, Nico's remains open until well after 6 when everyone heads...

This is one of several Wyland galleries located throughout the island chain. On display are the enchanting whale paintings by the gallery's namesake, along with works by other underwater and nature artists. John Pitre, Scott Hansen and Al Hougue are...

Good cheap Vietnamese keeps people coming back for more at this eatery. Although primarily noted for its seafood, this place prepares many inventive Vietnamese dishes you won't find elsewhere. The poached Hong Kong-style Kahuku shrimp is delectable....

Built in 1882 by Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua, this stately old three-story building is a real treat to tour. After the overthrow of the King's sister Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, the structure served as the territorial and state capitol until...

Southern-style barbecue and crab is the theme of this establishment. Whether you choose the BBQ chicken, baby back ribs or the "Mess O' Crabs," you'll walk away satisfied by a meal at this eatery. Enjoy a generous portion of old-fashioned meat loaf,...

German-born baker Rolf Winkler brought this bakery/cafe concept to Honolulu. His establishment offers a large selection of pastries including French croissants, European bread and flaky crusted fruit pies. The sandwich offerings are exceptionally...

Oahu's balmy weather makes it the perfect place for an evening stroll;or better yet, a romantic carriage ride. This company offers carriage rides through Waikiki nightly, from 6:30p-11p. Each ride is approximately 20 minutes and passengers may choose...

Hosted by a few of Honolulu's best chefs, this restaurant opens only after these chefs' own kitchens shut for the day. Because Side Street Inn is located on the busy industrial side of town, it's a bit on the pricey side but well worth it. Contrary...

For the ultimate thrill, try this popular adventure sport. Sail above the seas on a small parachute that's being towed by a speedboat. People who have gone say there's nothing like it. This company is Hawaii's oldest parasail operator, and one of...

If you like blazingly spicy Thai cooking, this is the place for you. Although the name suggests that the food is from the tourist island of Phuket, the food is actually prepared the way it is in the Eastern province of Issan. The dining area is...

Andy's Sandwiches and Smoothies is a mom and pop restaurant in Manoa valley that serves up fresh, healthy fare. It's a favorite lunch venue for vegetarians, old-time Manoa residents, and university students and professors. Owners Andy and Norma...

Hula dancers greet each sunset sailor as passengers depart on the largest of the local cruise ships, The Star of Honolulu. Visitors cruise off Oahu's leeward shore as the sun sinks below the horizon and the twinkling lights of Honolulu and Waikiki...

Survey after survey finds this place's burgers to be the island's best. The Honolulu Advertiser says so, as does the respected Zagat Survey. The char-broiled burgers are the centerpiece, but the selection of sandwiches is also terrific and the...

Children are encouraged to learn about a diverse range of subjects at this busy, colorful facility. It offers a number of fanciful interactive displays and learning toys. Every subject from physiology to sociology is explored. Tour the 'Global...

Located near the Ala Moana Center, this is a delightful Italian bistro with home style cooking and atmosphere. The cozy and comfortable dining area, smiling waiters and singing chef impart a feeling of being in Italy. Especially worth trying are the...

The hours of this late-night Waikiki cafe are unusual: 11p to 2p the next afternoon. Breakfast and lunch are the only meals served. As the name suggests, omelets are the mainstay here. Located on the north end of Waikiki, this is a favorite hangout...

Make your holiday a time to relax and rejuvenate—head to Mandara Spa in the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. Touted as the largest spa in Waikiki, it combines Hawaiian, Asian, Western, European and Polynesian techniques to ease off those...

Hosted by a few of Honolulu's best chefs, this restaurant opens only after these chefs' own kitchens shut for the day. Because Side Street Inn is located on the busy industrial side of town, it's a bit on the pricey side but well worth it. Contrary...

Enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of the O'ahu coastline on this tour company's luxury ships, the Starlet I & II and the Star of Honolulu. The Diamond Head Odyssey Cruise is appropriate for families. The half-day cruise takes passengers to the...

Once a small, rustic, one-story building dwarfed by large warehouses in an industrial neighborhood, Big Kahuna Pizzas was hidden in the middle of a concrete jungle. A lane-widening project led to the demolition of their original home in the summer of...

Good cheap Vietnamese keeps people coming back for more at this eatery. Although primarily noted for its seafood, this place prepares many inventive Vietnamese dishes you won't find elsewhere. The poached Hong Kong-style Kahuku shrimp is delectable....

Usually associated only with seaside fun, Hawaii also has lots to offer in terms of art and aesthetics. A part of the Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the HiSAM urges you to explore works of talent created within this gorgeous...

The most elegant restaurant in the colorful Chinatown district, this place features a creative mix of traditional Asian and avant garden European cuisine. On the vast, pricey and impressive menu, diners will find everything from potstickers to pizza...

For a brief hiatus from city life, duck into this garden. It is the oldest of the five Honolulu Botanical Gardens. The mission of the organization is "to plan, develop, curate, maintain and study documented collections of tropical plants in an...

For a novel experience, try the automated sushi service here; it is always a winner with the in-a-hurry lunch crowd. The fish is generally fresh and good quality, although the presentation is unremarkable. Sushi is shuttled down a conveyer belt to...