Things To Do
Waikiki Beach
2453 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Kuhio Beach Park)
The classic O’ahu beach and the best place to learn to surf. Ask Majd for more advice!
Magic Island
Near the Equus Hotel — a lagoon with calm, protected waters, making it a safe swimming spot for little kids.
Hanauma Bay
A protected marine reserve with calm, clear water — one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
Electric Beach
92-301 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
A local favorite with a chance to swim with dolphins. Currents can be strong here, so it's best for confident swimmers.
North Shore
Famous surf breaks, food trucks, and the charming town of Hale’iwa — about an hour's drive.
Diamond Head
A short, paved 1.6-mile round trip to the summit of an iconic crater, with stairs near the top and sweeping views of Waikiki. Family-friendly for reasonably active adults and kids — go early to beat the heat and crowds.
Manoa Falls
An easy, mostly flat 1.7-mile round trip through a lush rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall — great for families and kids. Can get muddy, so wear good shoes and bring bug spray. These two are both family-friendly — O’ahu has plenty of more challenging trails too, so do your own research if you’re after something tougher.
GoJump Hawaii
68-760 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791
Tandem skydiving over O’ahu’s North Shore, with stunning views of the coastline on the way down.
Waimanalo Beach
One of the most beautiful drives on the island, with wide, uncrowded sand and turquoise water — a great way to get away from the tourist crowds for an afternoon.
Chinatown & Downtown Honolulu
Galleries, local eateries, and historic architecture, just minutes from the venue.
Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1900, one of the oldest orchestras west of the Rockies. Check their schedule for a concert at the Hawai’i Theatre during your stay.
Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814
A beautiful art museum with an extensive collection spanning Hawaiian, Asian, and Western art, set around peaceful open-air courtyards.
’Iolani Palace
364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
The only official royal residence in the United States, once home to Hawai’i’s monarchs. Now a museum you can tour to learn the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744
A lush, free botanical garden set against the Ko’olau mountains — a peaceful spot for a walk with sweeping mountain views.
O’Kims
1028 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817
Really amazing Korean fusion food. Please say hi to Hyun for us! She was Ama’s boss but like a mom to her.
Nanzan Giro Giro
560 Pensacola St, Unit 107, Honolulu, HI 96814
Reservations only, Kaiseki-Style. It’s all planned for you — just sit down, relax, and enjoy! Say hi to Matsumoto-San for us!
Menya le Nood
560 Pensacola St, Ste 105, Honolulu, HI 96814
Majd believes this is the best ramen spot. Let him know whether you agree or whether you have poor taste.
Dave’s Ice Cream
1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Great local ice cream near the hotel block. They have the best matcha ice cream Majd and Amabel have ever had.
Kyung’s Seafood
1269 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814
Majd’s favorite spot! Get the Kalbi!
Chibaken Hawaii
A nice place for sushi near the Equus. Majd and Ama had one of their first dates here.
Sushi You
1296 S Beretania St, Ste 103, Honolulu, HI 96814
A cozy, family-run sushi spot with just a handful of seats at the bar. Known for high-quality sushi and sashimi at a great value — BYOB and reservations recommended.
Sushi Izakaya Gaku
1329 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814
An L-shaped sushi bar serving fresh fish (some imported straight from Japan) and izakaya-style small plates. Widely considered among the best sushi in Honolulu — reservations highly recommended.
Mama Kim’s
1481 S King St, Ste 108, Honolulu, HI 96814
Honolulu’s favorite poke shop, run by Rosa “Mama” Kim. Fresh fish delivered daily and bowls made to order, plus house-made kimchi passed down from her own recipe.
Ono Seafood
747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
A no-frills, family-run poke shop since 1995. The ahi and tako are never frozen, keeping that fresh, ocean flavor — a local classic.