Oahu Insider Tips

Oahu | Looking for a one-stop shop for a range of outdoor activities and feature filming locations ... look no further than Kualoa Ranch. Offering relaxing, secluded beaches, scenic catamaran voyages, nature hikes, ATVs, horseback riding and ziplining expeditions in the scenes of your favorite movies including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor and more, there is something for adventure seekers and film buffs alike. Click here for an article about this enticing location.

Oahu | Experience a Dolphin Quest Encounter at The Kahala Hotel & Resort to learn about the resident Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins in a personal and up-close encounter. Trainers offer daily educational programs with options to swim with, touch and feed the dolphins or go for a more in depth experience and become a Trainer for the Day. Plus, stay in a Dolphin Lanai guestroom which overlooks the dolphins private lagoon and watch them frolic day and night. ~ Gary Hunn, Destination Marketing Manager

Oahu | I love to go anywhere sunny that I can relax and enjoy some good food! My favorite place to go is Oahu, Hawaii, because you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Waikiki or go outside of the city to get some relaxation. My aunt and I discovered Ted's Bakery on the North Shore. It's a really laid back, relaxed place and they have an amazing shrimp plate. And an absolute must is the chocolate haupia cream pie! ~ Andriana Ramos, Destination Specialist

Oahu | Travelers visiting Oahu in August are encouraged to join the fun at Duke's OceanFest, Oahu's premier ocean sports festival. Held each summer in Waikiki to honor Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku, festivities range from surfing competitions and paddleboard racing to beach volleyball and surf polo tournaments. The festival also raises funds for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation's college scholarships and athletic grants program. The week's festivities culminate with the Duke's Statue lei draping ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of his birthday.

Oahu | Hawaiians consume more spam per capita than any other U.S. state so it is only fitting it hosts the largest festival in the world dedicated to this canned delight. The Waikiki Spam Jam typically takes place in April. Overtaking a large portion of Kalakaua Avenue for a wealth of food booths featuring inventive Spam-enhanced culinary creations, Spam-themed retail booths and three entertainment stages, thousands of locals and visitors alike enjoy this annual festival singing the praises of this canned, salty treat.

Oahu | The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival takes place in Oahu, typically in November. This festival is where you experience the natural abundance of Oahu, featuring world renowned culinary masters, winemakers and mixologists. Highlights include beachside dinners, fireworks, and popular Urban Luau with celebrity chefs from the hottest restaurants from coast to coast.

Oahu | Having just returned from a FAM, I recommend a visit to The Nutridge Estate on Oahu. The Nutridge House is a rustic but lovely historic home located on the first macadamia plantation in Hawaii and is available for public events. The state-owned property, located above a steep slope in the Puu Uala'kaa State Wayside park in the Round Top Preserve, has incredible views of Honolulu and Waikiki and is a perfect place for a wedding or any celebratory event. Cool mountain breezes, birds and trees surround the grounds, providing for a serene location for lunch after exploring the grounds. ~ Krystyna Sanson, Business Development Manager

Oahu | Vans Triple Crown of Surfing takes place in Oahu from mid November to late December. The three-part series lasts 39 days and begins at Haleiwa Alii Beach, the North Shore's gateway to the famous 7 Mile Miracle. The second stop is the Vans World Cup, that takes place at the deep-water big wave venue of Sunset Beach, and the final event, the Billabong Pipe Masters, is hosted at Pipeline, where both the Vans Triple Crown and World Surf League Championship Tour simultaneously crowned the World Champion, VTCS series winner and event winner.

Oahu | I loved doing the Sunrise Chant at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort. Hiu Wai takes place each Friday morning with traditional Hawaiian chants as guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the healing waters of Waikiki. The ceremony is complementary at the property and it was a really great way to experience some authentic Hawaiian culture while in Oahu. ~ Jessica Neuner, Destination Specialist

Oahu | Stop by Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - the original food truck to enjoy three flavors of fresh local shrimp: garlic, lemon/butter, or hot and spicy. You can even sign your name on the truck. And now, there are multiple shrimp truck options across Oahu.

If you are arriving in Oahu I would recommend using our private transfers. You will enjoy your vacation the minute you step outside the gate area. Our partners will greet you at the gate and escort you to baggage claim and then on to your private transfer. This is definitely the way to go to start your vacation off right. ~ Cindy Flores, Lead Agent, Destination Specialist

Oahu | Treat Mom to a special celebration with Mahalo Mama Month at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa with special offers including the Mahalo Mama package at Laniwai Spa, a decadent Breakfast in Bed, Ohana Hula classes, Mother's Day Gifts from the Heart created by Dad and keiki at the Pau Hana room, a complimentary 8x10 photo and savings on snorkeling at Rainbow Reef. What a wonderful way to show Mom just how much she means to you!

Oahu | Rainbow's Drive-In has a great plate lunch, located just past the zoo and has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fiere. They offer large portion sizes and weekday specials, I highly recommend the Shoyu Chicken or traditional Loco Moco. ~ Chenoa Hopkins, Marketing Project Manager

Oahu | Consider a visit to Oahu in May to experience the Parade of Farms focusing on the Oahu agricultural and farming communities. During this time, you will be able to visit farms and talk to the farmers, participate in behind-the-scenes tours and engage in a dinner created by the freshest products from the farmer's market. With more than 60 varieties of mangos, Oahu celebrates with fruit at two summer events. The Mango Jam Honolulu, hosted in July, is a family-friendly event mixing live entertainment with food and craft booths, a beer garden and farmer's market. Also in July is the Mangoes at the Moana event at the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa featuring cooking demonstrations, recipe contests and a mango cocktail throwdown

In celebration of its first anniversary the International Market Place hosted a special dedication ceremony and the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind Don Ho statue on his date of birth, August 13. The bronze sculpture commemorates Ho's tremendous contributions to Hawaiian music and history. Ho launched his career when he was invited to perform at Duke Kahanamoku's, and became one of Waikiki's most recognizable icons with globally recognized songs, Tiny Bubbles and I'll Remember You.

Oahu | Be sure to relish tantalizing ice cream and pastries at popular eateries, such as Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream, Leonard's Bakery and Liliha Bakery.