The setting is beautiful, right on the Pacific and backed by dramatic cliffs (pali) and the extinct volcanoes of Punchbowl (a military cemetery) and Diamond Head; but then beauty is not so rare a commodity on Hawaii, and you can see this sort of scenery in plenty of other places without a city slapped down in the middle of it. What attracts most visitors to stay in Honolulu, and especially Waikiki, is the sheer hedonism of shopping, eating and generally hanging out in the sun. Hawaii’s broad ethnic mix, and Honolulu’s status as a major world crossroads, make it a cosmopolitan place where something is always happening (and everything is for sale). It’s also the centre of an exemplary public transportation system, facilitating exploration of the whole island.

Recreational Areas (Beaches)

The beaches along Oahu's South Shore are the island's most popular by far, because they're close to where the majority of people live. Within walking distance of Waikiki are Sans Souci, Ala Moana and Diamond Head. And, farther east, the entire coastline is dotted with beaches that offer activities and facilities that are as varied as those who use them.

Getting further out of the city on Oahu doesn't always mean you'll escape the crowds, especially when you're headed to East Oahu beaches. Sunseekers flock to such East Oahu spots as Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach and Makapuu, especially on weekends. If you don't like crowds, early morning is always best, in particular at Hanauma Bay.

• Ala Moana and Magic Island:
• Waikiki:
• Sans Souci:
• Diamond Head Beach Parks:
• Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park:
• Kahala Beach Park:

Southeastshore Beaches 

• Kawaikui: A haven for sailboarders and picnickers, Kawaikui also serves as a nice rest stop for those driving to Hanauma Bay, the Halona Blow Hole and Sea Life Park. You'll see it on the right just after you pass Aina Haina.
• Maunalua Bay Beach Park: The launching site for a plethora of ocean-bound adventures, Maunalua Bay Beach Park is home to numerous activities companies who offer jetskiing, parasailing, scuba diving, powerboat rides, and other activities.
• Hanauma Bay: Hawaii's snorkeling mecca, Hanauma Bay, is a must for all Oahu visitors, whether or not they plan to swim. First-timers are astounded by the gaping beauty that is the bay itself. As for the underwater offerings, well, it's like being in a petting zoo for snorkelers. The fish here are protected by law, and thus have no reason to fear humans. Therefore, it's very easy to make lots of new finned friends!
• Sandy Beach: A far better place to grab a tan than swim, Sandy Beach is a bodysurfing and bodyboarding haven for experts only. Located at the end of a breathtaking coastal drive and just past the Halona Blow Hole, Sandy Beach's beautiful white-sand beach belies the danger that waits at the ocean's edge. Heaving masses of water meet unexpectedly with the shallow bottom and the thunderous waves that result can be a sight to behold. Trust us, just sitting on the beach watching the bodysurfing daredevils tackle these beasts is thrill enough.
• Makapuu: A few miles beyond Sandy Beach, the atmosphere becomes decidedly rural. Rounding a hairpin turn, a sweeping view of Oahu's Eastside unfolds before you. At the bottom of a sheer sea cliff lies Makapuu Beach Park. Strong currents and powerful waves make this another spot best left to the bodysurfing and bodyboarding experts. However, the surroundings themselves make this well worth a stop, especially before or after a visit to Sea Life Park, which is directly across the street.
• Waimanalo: After watching all that bodysurfing and bodyboarding, you may be itching to try it yourself. If so, Waimanalo Beach Park is a great place to get your feet wet -- literally! The park also boasts picnic areas and restrooms as well as lots of open space.
• Bellows: A military base, Bellows is only open on weekends but the soft sand, gentle surf, scenic vistas and cool breezes make this a favorite of Oahu residents.

Hiking Trails

• Diamond Head State Park Hiking Trail is a relatively easy .7-mile trail beginning inside Mount Leahi (Diamond Head) and leading to its upper ridge summit. It’s a 1½-hour round-trip. Allow time at the top to enjoy the views. There are two long staircases and a 300-foot tunnel leading to 360° panoramic views of O`ahu’s interior mountains, suburban areas, Waikiki Beach, downtown Honolulu and coastal areas. There are old World War II bunkers and gun emplacements at the summit. Access the trail by entering Diamond Head Crater from Monsarrat Avenue. First part of the trail is steep, with several switchbacks and then a gradual rise to the steps. Good hiking shoes recommended. 

• Manoa Cliffs Trail is one of several tropical jungle trails in the area and is 3.4 miles long. This moderate trail follows the contours of the Manoa Valley and goes around Tantalus Crater to Pauoa Valley. The trailhead is off Round Top Drive in Manoa Valley above the University of Hawai`i. Take McCully Street to Wilder Avenue and turn left, then take a right onto Makiki Street. Proceed on Makiki until it becomes Round Top Drive. The area gets frequent rain showers and the trail is often muddy and slippery.

• Manoa Falls Trail lies just behind Waikiki in the Manoa Valley above the University of Hawai`i. This moderate .8-mile trail passes through the lush tropical vegetation of Manoa Valley and crosses the stream, finally leading to the base of small but picturesque Manoa Falls. Access the trail by taking Manoa Road all the way to the entrance of Lyon Arboretum. At the sharp left bend in the road, proceed straight on the dirt road and park. 

• Kanealole Trail is .7 mile long. From Nehoa and Makiki Streets proceed toward the mountains and turn left on Makiki Heights Drive. Go .5 mile to sharp left bend in road. There, proceed through iron gate past Makiki Forest Recreation Area sign and park on right. Trail begins behind parking lot and proceeds up Makiki Valley. The trail intersects Makiki Valley Trail; go left to Nahuina Trail/Tantalus Drive or take two rights back to parking lot.

• Makiki Valley Trail is 1.1 miles long and is accessed about halfway up Tantalus Drive. Look for trailhead sign on right. Park in small corner lot. Trail goes into Makiki Valley for 1.1 miles to Round Top Drive, intersecting several other trails along the way.

• Moleka Trail is .7 mile and is accessed at 4005 Round Top Drive. Park in small lot on left. On upper side of road is Manoa Cliffs trailhead. This route follows contours of upper east edge of Makiki Valley, traversing a bamboo grove with panoramic views of Honolulu.

• Nu`uanu Trail is 1½ miles long and is accessed on Tantalus Drive, past the Nahuina trailhead sign. Look for Manoa Cliff trailhead sign on left. Proceed on foot to just below first switchback where a connector trail meets Pauoa Flats Trail. Nu`uanu Trail intersection is on left, just after the Pauoa Flats Trail.

• Kolowalu Trail is one mile long and is accessed on East Manoa Road above the University of Hawai`i in Manoa Valley. Proceed on East Manoa Road to Woodlawn Drive. Turn left and go .75 mile to sharp right. Proceed to Alani Lane to limited parking area. Walk past cable gate to Forestry and Wildlife picnic shelter. Trail climbs a very steep finger ridge to Wa`ahila Ridge.

Getting around

In Waikiki, Aloha Funway (tel 808/942-9696) offers bicycle rental at seven locations, charging $20 for 24 hours. Among companies running city and island bus tours for around $55 for a full day, as well as off-island packages, are Polynesian Adventure Tours (tel 808/833-3000) and Roberts (tel 808/539-9400). Honolulu TimeWalks (tel 808/943-0371) runs a changing program of themed walking tours of the city.

Arrival & Departure

Information

The only post office that takes general delivery (poste restante) mail is at the airport (3600 Aolele St, Honolulu, HI 96820), but there is a post office in Waikiki at 330 Saratoga Rd.

For more information on Southeast Oahu, go to:

• Hanauma Bay
• HNL Airport
• Honolulu City
• Highlights of Oahu
• Pearl Harbor
• Waikiki