The most major travel guide to Oahu you’ll (probably) ever need. Written by a once local who’s always hopping back to this perfect little island to play tourist…
…Aka me! So let’s get right into it.
MAJOR SEES + DOS:
Lanikai Beach. Word got out on this perfect little beach but if you go early enough and claim your spot, you’ll have a day filled with crystal blue water and white sand beneath your toes.
Makapu’u Tidepools. Just a hop, skip and a jump down the side of a cliff (totally casual) for a day of incredible snorkeling and swimming. But seriously, it’s kind of like, real dangerous so be careful!
Waikiki. My guilty pleasure. Sure the beaches are packed, but the shopping is great (Hi, Chanel, Dior, Miu Miu!), the drinks at my favorite hotel (The Royal Hawaiian) are served in pineapples, and you can end your day on a Booze Cruise at sunset. Kind of sounds like paradise, no?
Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Head up this mini hike just before sunrise for a moment that will make you want to stay forever. (Disclosure: Minimal Major will not issue refunds for any cancelled flights!).
Waimea Bay. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches on the North Shore (Sunset, Pipeline, Pupukea are all musts) but Waimea’s got a giant rock you can jump off of! Tip: wear a one piece if you can so you don’t lose your suit once you hit the water!
Diamond Head Hike. Prettiest. Views. Ever.
MAJOR EATS:
Safeway + Foodland Poke. Either grocery story (gasp!) is always my first stop when I step off the plane. The poke gives Sugarfish a run for it’s money. A bold statement, but so true. My personal fav is the Safeway on Kapahulu. Pop into the Korean BBQ shop next store to get a scoop of brown rice for the perfect side to the best poke you’ll ever have.
Diamond Head Cove Health Bar. My breakfast ritual since high school. They have the best OG acai bowl but lately I can’t get over the pitaya bowl. The only way to start a morning on Oahu!
Pupukea Grill. Head up to the North Shore and stop at this super cute food truck on the side of the road in Pupukea. Get yourself a smoothie, some more poke + head to the beach across the street!
Haleiwa Bowls. Gimme all the smoothies + acai bowls! Before you head back to town, stop by Haleiwa bowls and pick up one of the freshest fruit smoothies imaginable. Enjoy it on their back patio for some classic, North Shore vibes.
Island Vintage Coffee. With several locations around the island, you’ll have no excuse to not stop by and grab an Aloha latte. It’s made with coconut milk + some hints of macadamia. Because, treat yo’self!
Diamond Head Grill. Ahi on ahi on ahi on ahi.
Ono Seafood. More poke. Can you blame me? You won’t after you try it.
Jewel or Juice. Li Hing Mui + Pineapple smoothie. Like I said above, gimme all the smoothies!
MAJOR SHOPS:
Ala Moana Mall. It’s a beaut.
Mikinola. My fav little shopping gem on the island. Stone Cold Fox. Flynn Skye. Need I say more?
Fighting Eel. Pieces that will give you so many island feels.
San Lorenzo Bikinis. I hope you like ’em itty bitty!
Have you visited Oahu before? Any other Hawaiian islands? What were your favorite spots? Comment below + share!
