Lonely Planet
5 of the Best Lūʻau in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
With cultural activities, food and a performance, a lūʻau is an essential Hawaiian experience. Plan your feast with our guide to the the best on Oʻahu.
OutsideAug 28
Jack Johnson Is 51. Surfing Keeps Him Fit, but Farming Gave Him Something He Didn’t Expect.
Mellow rock star Jack Johnson shares how, beyond surfing and making music, farming on O‘ahu’s North Shore has given a new outdoor dimension to his life.
2 things in this story
- Kōkua Learning FarmSightEight-acre property on O‘ahu producing fruit, vegetables, and honey.
- Āina Farm StandMarketSells produce harvested at Kōkua and area farms.
Lonely PlanetAug 23
8 things to do in Hawaiʻi and the best way to do them
Experience the best of Hawaiʻi with this guide to the top things to do on the islands.
23 things in this story
- ʻIolani PalaceSightContinue Native Hawaiian education.
- Kaʻiwa Ridge TrailTrailOverlooks the Pacific Ocean, Lanikai Beach, and Mokulua Islands.
- Lanikai BeachSightPerfect place to cool off after a hike.
- PipelineSightA pipeline is a system of pipes for long-distance transportation of a liquid or gas, typically to a market area for…
- Da Hui Backdoor ShootoutFestivalA local favorite surfing competition with Pidgin-speaking commentators.
- Tidal TheoryPlaceOffers leather lei-making workshops.
- Hook and HidePlaceLocation for leather lei-making workshops.
- Kō Hana RumRestaurantOffers tasting of sugarcane-based rums and distillery tours.
- Wahiawā Botanical GardenSightA place for a stroll.
- ʻEhukai Beach ParkSight
- Ted’s BakeryRestaurant
- Waikīkī BeachSight
- Baby BeachSight
- Shige’s Saimin StandRestaurant
- Elsewhere
- Nāpali CoastSightKauaʻi, United States17-mile cliff face with deep crevices and dozens of waterfalls.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkNature reserveHawaiʻi, United StatesHome to the very active Kīlauea volcano, with steam vents and lava tube.
- Volcano WineryRestaurantHawaiʻi, United StatesOffers wine tasting.
- Little Fish CoffeeRestaurantKauaʻi, United StatesLocated on the South Shore.
- Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave IceIce cream shopHawaiʻi, United StatesMastered shave ice with house-made syrups and smooth ice.
- Hanapepe bon danceFestivalHanapēpē, United StatesFeatures taiko drumming, Japanese music, and traditional folk dances.
- Kauaʻi Soto Zen TempleSightHanapēpē, United StatesHosts the Hanapepe bon dance.
- Taro Ko ChipsMarketHanapēpē, United StatesFactory for delicious taro chips.
- Hanalei Dolphin Fish MarketRestaurantHanalei, United States
Lonely PlanetJul 28
Which Hawaiian Island is best for you?
Our guide showcases the pleasures of Hawai‘is’s six major islands.
25 things in this story
- HonoluluNeighborhoodstate of Hawaii, located in the Pacific Ocean.
- ʻIolani PalaceSightOnce home to Hawaiian royalty, later site of kingdom's overthrow.
- Pearl HarborSightSite of the 1941 bombing, prompting US entry into WWII.
- USS Arizona MemorialSightThe USS Arizona Memorial, at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors…
- Hanauma Bay State ParkSightProtected bay with safe snorkeling and abundant marine life.
- Lanikai PillboxTrailShort, steep hike for amazing views of Kailua and islands.
- Waik ī k īNeighborhood
- USS Missouri MemorialSight
- Waiahole Poi FactoryRestaurant
- Helena’s Hawaiian FoodRestaurant
- Triple Crown of SurfingFestival
- Eddie Aikau Big Wave InvitationalFestival
- Elsewhere
- Nāpali CoastSightKauaʻi, United StatesDeep, lush ridges and cascading waterfalls accessible by foot.
- Punaluʻu Black Sand BeachSightHawaii Island, United StatesBeach with sand from pulverized lava rock where turtles lounge.
- ʻAkaka FallsSightHawaii Island, United StatesOne of the most eye-catching natural features on the Big Island.
- KilaueaSightHawaii Island, United StatesKīlauea is an active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkSightHawaii Island, United StatesFilled with steam vents, lava tubes, and occasional lava streams.
- Mauna KeaSightHawaii Island, United StatesTallest mountain in the world measured from seafloor to peak.
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical ParkSightHawaii Island, United StatesLearn about ancient Hawaiians' way of life through ruins.
- Kalalau TrailTrailKauaʻi, United States22-mile round-trip trail through Nāpali Coast's emerald landscapes.
- HanapēpēNeighborhoodKauaʻi, United StatesHistoric town bursting with cafes, shops, landmarks, and festivals.
- Talk Story BookstorePlaceKauaʻi, United StatesShop in historic Hanapēpē.
- Mauna LoaSightHawaii Island, United States
- Manta Ray Dives of HawaiiPlaceHawaii Island, United States
- Kona Snorkel TripsPlaceHawaii Island, United States